Anyone here REALLY happy with their new Washing Machine?

[deadken]

I need to buy a new washing machine. I'm not going to be buying a new dryer at this time. This is one of those purchases that cost a fair amount of money and yet doesn't stir many emotions.

So, I ask you, did anyone buy a washing machine recently? If you did, are you really happy with it?

I don't think that I want a front loader (no reason for it, just another area for problems). I don't think that I want an Energy Efficient model (I understand that they use smaller (non-serviceable motors). I'm just looking for a reliable affordable washing machine that can stand my Wife dumping way too many dirty clothes in it.

-Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions, Ken

BTW: I live on Long Island, NY. I'm looking to spend no more then $625. I don't want 'bling', I want reliability.

EDIT: Perhaps I should have mentioned that once I mentioned that I need to buy a new washing machine at work, everyone and their brother started telling me how bad their new washing machines were. I had no idea that there were so many 'lemons' out there. Someone told me 'Unless you buy a 'Heavy Duty' model, it is a disposable unit'. In other words, 'normal' models can't be repaired at a reasonable price. The motors / transmissions are part of a integrated unit. When it is time for repair, you'd be better off replacing it.

 

[bignateyk]

I have an LG front loader I got 2 years ago that has worked out pretty great.

 

[waffleironhead]

look at the Fischer and Paykel WA42T26GW1

should be avalaible in your area from lowes. This is a solid washer with a pretty good reliability rating.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I have an LG front loader I got 2 years ago that has worked out pretty great.

Same here.

 

[Capt Caveman]

I have an LG front loader I got 2 years ago that has worked out pretty great.

Same here except mine is going on 4 years.

Based on your price range, I would definitely look at a front loader, especially if you have a wife.

 

[shortylickens]

Way back when I had one, yes. My first apartment (technically a townhouse) and I was so fucking happy to find washer and dryer hookups in the garage. I actually fapped when I saw them.

 

[EagleKeeper]

I have an LG front loader I got 2 years ago that has worked out pretty great.

We just got one this past winter. Happy with it.

Floor model at Home Depot - $750

The 2yr old Kenmore top loader gave out

 

[dullard]

A washer is basically a tub to hold water and a small motor. There isn't much to be happy or emotional about. They aren't complicated, they aren't special. All you really need is a model that gives you delicate/regular modes and hot/cold water modes. Beyond that, the features add very little value. Thus, I'll always get the cheapest one that meets my needs.

Because washers are just a simple and cheap item, they should be thought of as being disposable. A $400 model that lasts 10 years ($40 per year) is far cheaper than a "heavy duty" $800 model that lasts 15 years ($53 per year). Even if you do try to repair a heavy duty model, the cost of a service charge and the fact that it'll be broken soon again means it isn't worth fixing them. A Bic pen is repairable, but you'd have to ask why anyone would pay good money to repair such as cheap item.

As a rule of thumb, top loaders should be loaded about 2/3rds full, otherwise you will get drastically reduced washing performance. A typical 3.7 ft^3 model then really has ~2.5 ft^3 of useable space. While a typical 4.0 ft^3 capacity front loader can use pretty much all of that 4.0 ft^3 of useable space (and without the agitator, there is more space to begin with). That is why front loaders generally report that they can handle 16 to 20 lbs of clothes and many top loaders report 12 lbs max. This may be a good reason for you to look at a front loader with your wife's habit of overloading.

The real question is whether a front loader is for you. A front loader will vibrate dramatically more which is bad if noise is an issue or if it is on a top floor where it'll shake the whole building. They come with dramatic energy and water savings ($100 to $200 a year savings). But they require special detergent which may cost more. Now that the price of front loaders has come down a lot and the price of the detergent is also coming down, a cheap front loader is often the best choice. But, be sure to check reviews for door seal leaks and proper venting to prevent mold. Some front loaders were known to have those problems when they first came out while top loaders have solved those problems decades ago.

 

[Capt Caveman]

The real question is whether a front loader is for you. A front loader will vibrate dramatically more which is bad if noise is an issue or if it is on a top floor where it'll shake the whole building. They come with dramatic energy and water savings ($100 to $200 a year savings). But they require special detergent which may cost more. Now that the price of front loaders has come down a lot and the price of the detergent is also coming down, a cheap front loader is often the best choice. But, be sure to check reviews for door seal leaks and proper venting to prevent mold. Some front loaders were known to have those problems when they first came out while top loaders have solved those problems decades ago.

Incorrect. My LG front-loader is in my third floor mbr. I sleep while it's running and doesn't vibrate the house. Detergent price is the same price for me. Kirkland(Costco) only makes a HE compatible version.

I've had frontloaders for about 10 years, no issues. Mold? Just leave the frontdoor open a little bit.

Additional features - extra rinse, heavy soiled(longer wash time) are quite useless as well as is having anti-wrinkle(tumbles every minute after completion) on your dryer.

 

[CPA]

I had an LG HE Front Loader for 7 years. However just replaced it with an LG HE Top Loader. This new one is amazing AND holds more clothes than the front loader due to not having an agitator.

As for the front loader, I would advise anyone with one over 5 years to check the tub gasket/seal. This is the gasket that attaches the tub to the front panel. It will wear over time and crack allowing water to seep down into the bottom of the tub and rust things up. Also, the LG front loader uses two pumps, one of which broke after 7 years. I also had a leak develop which I couldn't find, even after replacing the gasket. The new top loader doesn't use a gasket.

 

[ballmode]

I got a Whirlpool something, it's one of those new high efficient ones. Makes some odd noises, but its way better than our 18 year old it replaced.

I guess it could be better, but I really don't know what is worth the money over the average ones, except ones that last longer?

 

[Vette73]

I have an LG front loader I got 2 years ago that has worked out pretty great.

Yep get a good sized front loader and be happy.

I would not get one with the steam and other newwer options. But find one that is 4ft or larger and get that.
I have a 4.2Cu Ft LG with just the basic options.

Oh and no vibrations from it either. Just level it and that was all.

 

[edro]

I have a new top loader HE model with a glass lid.
It doesn't have a center agitator, so you can stuff a ton of clothes into it.

It takes like 50min. to do a load and the clothes come out really wrinkly.
Also, it has a lid lock feature, so once it starts, you can't toss anything else in.

Overall, I like it though. I didn't want to worry about the rotten smell associated with front loaders and the regular cleaning required.

Our dryer is from the same series, but we got the one with the 20min. steam cycle (cheapest one with steam function). It's great for refreshing clothes that are already worn once, like dress shirts.

 

[vi edit]

We've had a Samsung front load HE for two years now. My wife has been mostly happy with it. It's cavernous...seriously swallows twice the clothes that her old top load washer did. And the "anti-vibration" technology is not a lie. These things spin at insanely high speeds and you can actually hear it adjust and balance out the drum. If you have a large load of clothes in there it'll shake the floor a bit but at least you don't have the "chug chug THUD chug chug THUD" of a normal washer when you had a heavy or awkward item being washed.

Only major complaints are the following. It does take 2x as long to wash. Instead of a 30 minute wash it's more like an hour. But this is made up with an extended and more productive spin cycle that gets a lot more water out. Some sheets damn near feel dry coming out of there. So you make up some time on the drying side.

Another issue is that you have to account for the doors on installation...the washer has to be on the left and the dryer on the right otherwise you are fighting the doors. Which is another issue...if you have a shallow laundry space you'll be cursing as you walk around the doors. So make sure your hookups are in the right location for the machines you are buying.

And on the topic of the doors, you have to leave the washer door open after use or it'll get musty smelling. A very common complaint of many front load washers.

 

[SP33Demon]

Got the cheap $450 4.3cu.ft. Maytag from Lowe's, high efficiency top loader w/out the agitator. I think the same one (lid lock) as edro although his may be more expensive (glass lid?). Haven't had any problems so far, just make sure you use hE detergent or your clothes won't get clean like they're supposed to.

 

[Brovane]

When I purchased or present home in 2/03 I purchased Whirlpool Duet Washer and Dryer. They have been running since, never had to call a repairman for the unit. The last couple of years the wife has been making or own laundry soap and havent' seen any issue with this either.

 

[Booty]

We just got a new set from LG this weekend, so while I obviously can't speak towards reliability, functionally they're great. They have some anti-allergy cycles (using steam) that will hopefully help out my wife... we'll see.

Anyway, it's a front-load washer and so far no issues with excessive vibration. The manual really stresses properly leveling the washer and even talks about reinforcing your floor. I was a little concerned because our house is older not much as plumb, square, or level... but I took my time leveling the washer and sat in the room for the first two loads and only really felt vibrations during the super-high spin cycles - definitely didn't shake the whole house or anything. As was mentioned you don't have to worry about the washer smelling if you leave the door open and wipe it down.

 

[jonks]

Your wife or gf will prefer one with a strong spin cycle. She'll know what I'm talkin about.

 

[deadken]

Thank you for your suggestions / opinions. The morning I bought a Fisher & Paykel washing machine WA42T26GW1 . I bought it at Lowes today. It was listed @ $550 less %10 (sale ended today) so it cost a whopping $495. Since Lowes offers free delivery and removal, it saved me another $50 - $70. Top that off with a 4-year extended warranty (it starts after the manufacturers ends) for $100. Throw in $20 for hoses (they won't hook it up when they deliver it unless you get new hoses) and I was out the door for $670 after Tax.

I stopped by Sears on the way to Lowes and ended up running into a Fisher & Paykel district representative while I was there. We talked about the models and features of their washers. Of course, the washer was $600 at Sears, plus $70 for delivery. The salesman checked and found that he could match the Lowes price (and beat it by %10 of the difference (another $10)), but the delivery charge was $70 and couldn't be adjusted. Then there was the $250 5 year extended warranty (which started right away, so it overlapped the manufacturers). For the money, I decided to buy it at Lowes.

Overall I really liked the direct drive DC motor (BTW: 10 year warranty on the Motor). Not having a transmission or belts / pulleys to fail seemed like a good idea to me. The icing on the cake was when I spoke with the Lowes salesperson and found out that we can return it for a full refund within 30 days for any reason (at which time I will be buying a Whirlpool Cabrio washing machine for about $130 more if the wife hates this one). It gets delivered on Wednesday, so we will see how it goes.

-Thanks again for the suggestions and opinions, Ken

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Anyone here REALLY happy with their new Washing Machine?

I don't have a new washing machine. I don't know who told you I do, but I assure you I don't.

 

[FallenHero]

Thank you for your suggestions / opinions. The morning I bought a Fisher & Paykel washing machine WA42T26GW1 . I bought it at Lowes today. It was listed @ $550 less %10 (sale ended today) so it cost a whopping $495. Since Lowes offers free delivery and removal, it saved me another $50 - $70. Top that off with a 4-year extended warranty (it starts after the manufacturers ends) for $100. Throw in $20 for hoses (they won't hook it up when they deliver it unless you get new hoses) and I was out the door for $670 after Tax.

I stopped by Sears on the way to Lowes and ended up running into a Fisher & Paykel district representative while I was there. We talked about the models and features of their washers. Of course, the washer was $600 at Sears, plus $70 for delivery. The salesman checked and found that he could match the Lowes price (and beat it by %10 of the difference (another $10)), but the delivery charge was $70 and couldn't be adjusted. Then there was the $250 5 year extended warranty (which started right away, so it overlapped the manufacturers). For the money, I decided to buy it at Lowes.

Overall I really liked the direct drive DC motor (BTW: 10 year warranty on the Motor). Not having a transmission or belts / pulleys to fail seemed like a good idea to me. The icing on the cake was when I spoke with the Lowes salesperson and found out that we can return it for a full refund within 30 days for any reason (at which time I will be buying a Whirlpool Cabrio washing machine for about $130 more if the wife hates this one). It gets delivered on Wednesday, so we will see how it goes.

-Thanks again for the suggestions and opinions, Ken

What? Off-Topic actually helped someone?

WHAT HAVE WE BECOME?!?!

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

What? Off-Topic actually helped someone?

WHAT HAVE WE BECOME?!?!

I did my best to make my post as unhelpful as possible.

 

[mztykal]

I just picked up a set of Samsung front loaders. As soon as my laundry room is done they'll be delivered. Samsung front loaders are amazing from my experience though...

 

[SP33Demon]

Thank you for your suggestions / opinions. The morning I bought a Fisher & Paykel washing machine WA42T26GW1 . I bought it at Lowes today. It was listed @ $550 less %10 (sale ended today) so it cost a whopping $495. Since Lowes offers free delivery and removal, it saved me another $50 - $70. Top that off with a 4-year extended warranty (it starts after the manufacturers ends) for $100. Throw in $20 for hoses (they won't hook it up when they deliver it unless you get new hoses) and I was out the door for $670 after Tax.

I stopped by Sears on the way to Lowes and ended up running into a Fisher & Paykel district representative while I was there. We talked about the models and features of their washers. Of course, the washer was $600 at Sears, plus $70 for delivery. The salesman checked and found that he could match the Lowes price (and beat it by %10 of the difference (another $10)), but the delivery charge was $70 and couldn't be adjusted. Then there was the $250 5 year extended warranty (which started right away, so it overlapped the manufacturers). For the money, I decided to buy it at Lowes.

Overall I really liked the direct drive DC motor (BTW: 10 year warranty on the Motor). Not having a transmission or belts / pulleys to fail seemed like a good idea to me. The icing on the cake was when I spoke with the Lowes salesperson and found out that we can return it for a full refund within 30 days for any reason (at which time I will be buying a Whirlpool Cabrio washing machine for about $130 more if the wife hates this one). It gets delivered on Wednesday, so we will see how it goes.

-Thanks again for the suggestions and opinions, Ken

Looks like you got a great deal. Don't see that on Lowe's website, so assuming you found it at the store. But yeah, the Lowe's free delivery is great. I felt bad for the guys hauling out my old tank-like washer, but they got the job done. At $495, if it lasts the 10 years you're way ahead of the game for what you paid.

 

[Mermaidman]

. . . But they require special detergent which may cost more. Now that the price of front loaders has come down a lot and the price of the detergent is also coming down . . .

Good post as usual Dullard. The price of HE detergent has been the same as 'regular' detergent for a few years now (from what I've seen).

I bought a basic Whirlpool front loader (~$650) about 3 years ago and it has worked well. Picked up cheap used pedestals from Craigslist. Actually, that's my pet peeve about front loaders. The pedestals seem disproportionately expensive! I'm aware that people build their own stands, but I'm not that handy.