Front load washer/dryer combo

[Gunslinger08]

After having issues with our washer this week, we're considering getting a new washer (and possibly dryer). We want to get a front load model to save money on water/gas and save wear on our clothes. Which model do you have/recommend? Our laundry room is on the second floor, so not leaking or jumping around is a priority.

 

[mshan]

If you don't have to buy immediately, may want to see what status of that possible appliance cash for clunkers program is?

I use LG Tromm and am very happy with them.

 

[aircooled]

Frigidaire

 

[Mojoed]

In before the *don't buy a front load washer because they leak bla bla*.

My latest set is a cheapo GE set bought at Home Depot. It was around $900 for the set, I've had it for about 4 years and zero issues.

My repairman buddy told me 90% of the reason why these leak is due to door alignment issues. (small children swinging on the door, slamming the door, etc causing the seal to become misaligned.) Also, keep the door OPEN between loads so it dries out properly, so you can prevent moldy smells.

I've had front-load machines for 25 years and have had ZERO issues. My mother has had them for even longer, again, with zero issues. Just don't slam or hang on the door and you'll be fine.

 

[CRXican]

samsung

 

[aircooled]

Originally posted by: CRXican
samsung

I'm pretty sure I said Frigidaire.

 

[Imdmn04]

Samsung is the top dog now ( I think LG was last year), but they are also the most expensive brand.

 

[MotF Bane]

LG.

 

[Mojoed]

I honestly don't think brand matters anymore. Sure I wanted to buy the $2000 combo LG/Samsung set with all the bells and whistles but I realized I don't need 45 cycles.

My cheapo GE set has worked GREAT, doesn't jump around or vibrate and is extremely quiet. I'm glad I saved the $1000+ by not going with the high-end.

 

[sao123]

I have always preferred maytag appliances... that said I also have an armana dishwasher.

my only question about front loading washers is: if it breaks in mid cycle, how do you drain it to open it?

 

[codeyf]

Moving this week, ordered an LG set for ~$1200 and will have it in a week. Did a lot of shopping around and comparing. From what I under stand Sammys are most popular right now, with LG just a hair behind. Everything else kind of lumps together after that. Sammys and LG are the only ones that use direct drive on their washers though, or so the last sales person told us.

As "cool" as it would've been to get some colored high-end set, the ones we got have a few options we'll probably never use as it is. And they're just a step above the base model LG offers. So really it was a waste of $$ to consider some $1500 washer.

I did manage to place my order while Sears had a 20% off all appliances + free delivery after rebate. So that saved some money (got a fridge too).

 

[CallMeJoe]

I got the cheap 3.5 cu. ft. Amana front loader during the Sears 20% off sale. I haven't had it long enough to comment on durability, but I already know I will never buy another top-loader.

 

[waffleironhead]

Originally posted by: aircooled
Frigidaire

+1

 

[silverpig]

What about Bosch?

 

[Gunslinger08]

These Samsung units look pretty good, but I wonder if I could save some money with LG. Looks like Lowes doesn't carry LG. I have a 10% off coupon and they're offering free delivery, so I'd like to buy them there.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn...49-WF209ANW&lpage=none

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn...49-DV209AEW&lpage=none

 

[notposting]

Originally posted by: waffleironhead

Originally posted by: aircooled
Frigidaire

+1

+2

we have a front load laundry center, love it

 

[TwiceOver]

I do not recommend the Kenmore HE3 series. Unfortunately I own them so I'll run 'em into the ground and get something better.

 

[Gunslinger08]

Well, looks like Home Depot is offering 10% off appliances and free delivery now too. I also have a $100 gift card to HD.

Any recommendations on specific models? I don't need anything crazy like steam or a bunch of specialty cycles. I just want capacity, efficiency, and reliability for the best price.

 

[spacejamz]

Got my Samsung set at Black friday last year...$899 for the set, but I got the extended warranty...it does take a while for the wash cycle to complete, but they definitely do dry faster...

Text


make sure your power cords, washer hoses and dryer vent tubes are long enough so they can be positioned properly so that doors open away from each other...

Before I got the front loader set, my washer washer was on the right and dryer on the left (which was the way the power outlets were setup). Because of the door configuration, the washer needed to be on the left and the dryer on the right...I just had enough slack to do this without having to get longer washer hoses...

 

[Billb2]

Placement of the set (washer/dryer) to get correct door swing direction on front loaders is much more important than on top loaders. I know, my landlord put them in backwards.

 

[ebaycj]

Originally posted by: joshsquall
After having issues with our washer this week, ...

What brand / model was your old washer, and what was the problem with it?

 

[Gunslinger08]

Originally posted by: Billb2
Placement of the set (washer/dryer) to get correct door swing direction on front loaders is much more important than on top loaders. I know, my landlord put them in backwards.

Our washer is on the left, dryer on right. I think that's the standard. I'm surprised the doors aren't reversible, like refrigerators.

 

[Gunslinger08]

Originally posted by: ebaycj

Originally posted by: joshsquall
After having issues with our washer this week, ...

What brand / model was your old washer, and what was the problem with it?

I couldn't tell you off the top of my head. It's a hand-me-down from my deceased grandmother. It's about 10 years old.

It's always off balance, regardless of what we do. Bounces around even without any clothes in it. It also started leaking. Then earlier this week it blew the drain hose apart at the seam between the connector and the hose. Dumped a full load of water and soap on the floor. Too much for the pan/drain to take, so it overflowed and dripped through the ceiling below. Replaced the hose, but I really don't have any confidence in this washer anymore.

 

[ebaycj]

Originally posted by: joshsquall

Originally posted by: ebaycj

Originally posted by: joshsquall
After having issues with our washer this week, ...

What brand / model was your old washer, and what was the problem with it?

I couldn't tell you off the top of my head. It's a hand-me-down from my deceased grandmother. It's about 10 years old.

It's always off balance, regardless of what we do. Bounces around even without any clothes in it. It also started leaking. Then earlier this week it blew the drain hose apart at the seam between the connector and the hose. Dumped a full load of water and soap on the floor. Too much for the pan/drain to take, so it overflowed and dripped through the ceiling below. Replaced the hose, but I really don't have any confidence in this washer anymore.

LOL, OK.

I was just asking, because I recently had an issue where I thought I needed a new washer. Turns out I just needed $20 in parts + 20 minutes of my own labor.

I thought I could save you some $$, but apparently not

Also, make sure whoever installs new washer uses stainless steel mesh for the water input and drain lines.