Need a new washing machine.

[thecoolnessrune]

Hello all, recently our washing machine has gone to pot and fixing it would be too close to just buying a new one. We are looking for a vertical washing machine that is simple. We don't need any fancy features, just a simple washer that's not a lemon. Any recommendations?

 

[keird]

Kenmore Elite Oasis was rated as the top model on ConsumerReports.com. What's your price range, 'cause that one is $1,000.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

I'm not really sure how much my parents are willing to spend, but I do know not that much Not to mention they would disagree due to the mass amounts of unnecessary features. All they really want is a simple dial with wash, rinse, extra rinse, and spin out

 

[Anubis]

we got a fridgidair

it uses 27 less gallons a wash then our old one :Q

 

[Mermaidman]

We bought the Whirlpool Duet Sports W/D on Black Friday from HHGregg. The washer was 3.7 cubic ft, so it's on the smaller end. The pair cost around $1100 before taxes and delivery. Also bought the matching pedestals off Craigslist. Very happy so far. I installed the washer myself, but would probably pay for the deluxe delivery/installation next time because it was VERY heavy!

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: Anubis
we got a fridgidair

it uses 27 less gallons a wash then our old one :Q

I believe ours is about 6-7 years old, so I know there had to be at least *some* improvement even on the base simple one's we're after.

 

[Mermaidman]

The front loading HE washers conserve the most water and electricity. Some useful info here:
Consumer Reports

 

[RossMAN]

Budget?

Do you have a CostCo or Sam's Club near you?

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: thecoolnessrune

Originally posted by: Anubis
we got a fridgidair

it uses 27 less gallons a wash then our old one :Q

I believe ours is about 6-7 years old, so I know there had to be at least *some* improvement even on the base simple one's we're after.

ours was a 12 year old toploader


the new one is a HE one front load

 

[RossMAN]

Speaking of front loaders.

What's the current most reliable model? Last I heard avoid the Maytag Neptune and get the Whirlpool Duet is that still true?

 

[Nitemare]

loved it so far...

http://products.howstuffworks....oader-gwl15-review.htm

 

[IGBT]

..top load is more cost effective. No door seals or complex drive mech. to fail.

 

[Thegonagle]

What's a "vertical" washing machine? You mean top loading? I'd go for a front loader myself, since they use less water (which also enables you to use less detergent).

Of course, if purchase price is a primary concern, you're pretty much limited to a "vertical," in which case Whirlpool and Kenmore (Kenmore washers are outsourced from Whirlpool) are probably the best price/reliability combo in my mind.

As a DIY'er I particularly like Kenmore appliances because parts are available over the counter at any Sears store. (That's less of a concern if you're not mechanically inclined enough to repair your own appliances though.)

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: thecoolnessrune
Hello all, recently our washing machine has gone to pot and fixing it would be too close to just buying a new one. We are looking for a vertical washing machine that is simple. We don't need any fancy features, just a simple washer that's not a lemon. Any recommendations?

it used to be any top loader were about the same.

nowadays, because of new EPA "green" regulations, washing machines must use less water. thus clothes come out more dirty on top loaders than those 10yrs ago.

front loaders are where it's at, if you have the $$$.

else spend $400 on an el cheapo top loader. all low and mid $ top loaders are about the same. the mids just have more bells whistles. the top end top loaders acts just the same as a front loader. but for that price, might as well buy a front loader.

 

[amdskip]

I bought a Kenmore, wait for a 15 or 20% off sale. Ask and they'll tell you when there is one coming up. Mine was in the $450 range I believe.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Alright, thank you all so much for your posts. I still don't know anything about budget. Unfortunately my grandmother (the people we live with) got a call from the doctor.. She wants to see her about her mammogram.. This worries me

But yeah, I'll get back to ya'll. In the meantime, what would the recommendation be on a good basic Front loader? The problem I have and I don't know about is the fact that I already know my grandfather is very uncomfortable with unloading the dryer, I don't think he'd want a washer that is the same way. We can't stay here forever. We have to transfer to another university next fall and they'll be alone.. (If my grandmother is still with us by that time, bless her soul)

Anyways, thank you all for the suggestions and more on front loaders would be loved. I'm doing as much research on my own as I can but right now I'm biting my nails about my grandmother. But the laundry must still be washed regardless..

She was diagnosed about 2 months ago with dermatomyositis, a rare skin and muscle condition that is very similar to muscular dystrophy. She can't stand up on her own any more and she's having trouble swallowing. Now her doctor is wanting to talk to her about her mammogram.. I'm so worried..

I'm sorry, I got way off base, it felt good just to say it though.. you know? Anyways, continued suggestions are very appreciated.

 

[Thegonagle]

They sell pedestals to raise front loaders 12 to 15 inches off the floor, but they're kind of expensive. Every manufacturer makes one that matches the contours of the appliance. Unfortunately, I don't think they're worth half the money they ask for them (those pedestals are sometimes a $200+ add on--$400+ for a pair!--for what is essentially a hollow steel box). I'd think you could build something out of 2x4's and plywood (and paint to make it look nice) for a lot less. If you're extra creative, you could even build in storage drawers, just like the ready-made ones have. (Maybe it's not the greatest idea for you guys... I'm just thinking on the fly...)

The thing I've noticed about front loaders is that while basic ones start in the $600 range, you'll really pay if you want the larger capacity models. OTOH, even a smaller front loader has as much usable capacity as a larger top loader because there's no agitator taking up room in there. Also, because a front loader works by sloshing water through the clothes, rather than sloshing the clothes through the water, you can probably stuff the machine a little tighter than a top loader and still get good results.

Yet another thought... Your usable capacity per wash load will also be limited by the size of the existing dryer if you don't replace it (assuming that you usually dry everything in the dryer).

According to the Consumer Reports reliability survey, Whirlpool, LG, and Kenmore are the winners amongst the popular brands of front loaders, with Maytag giving a surprisingly poor performance.

For top loaders, the winers are Roper, Frigidaire, GE, Whirlpool, and Kenmore, in that order. (Roper is a very low-end brand, so with few extra features that can break down, that result is not so surprising.) Amana is the big loser on the CR chart, but Maytag and the high-end Fisher & Paykel brand are barely any better.

BTW, I hope your grandmother will be OK. It sucks when the people you love get sick. (My step-mom is battling cancer right now--it's rough thinking about it.)

 

[torpid]

LG makes some decent front loaders that aren't quite as expensive as some of the competitors. YMMV

 

[Analog]

our LG replaced the pos maytag.

 

[Mermaidman]

Originally posted by: Thegonagle
They sell pedestals to raise front loaders 12 to 15 inches off the floor, but they're kind of expensive. Every manufacturer makes one that matches the contours of the appliance. Unfortunately, I don't think they're worth half the money they ask for them (those pedestals are sometimes a $200+ add on--$400+ for a pair!--for what is essentially a hollow steel box). I'd think you could build something out of 2x4's and plywood (and paint to make it look nice) for a lot less. If you're extra creative, you could even build in storage drawers, just like the ready-made ones have. (Maybe it's not the greatest idea for you guys... I'm just thinking on the fly...)

The thing I've noticed about front loaders is that while basic ones start in the $600 range, you'll really pay if you want the larger capacity models. OTOH, even a smaller front loader has as much usable capacity as a larger top loader because there's no agitator taking up room in there. Also, because a front loader works by sloshing water through the clothes, rather than sloshing the clothes through the water, you can probably stuff the machine a little tighter than a top loader and still get good results.

Very true on the above points. These front loading washers are really heavy and spin dry at very high RPMs, so any homemade stands better be strong! Look on Craigslist or eBay for used OEM ones. I found an almost-new set for less than $150 on CL. Also, if money is tight, CL is a good place to find used appliances.

To the OP: Sorry to hear about your grandma.

 

[robphelan]

we bought a bosch front loader a couple of years ago - cost about 900 or so. it was absolutely terrible.

the plastic around the control panel broke 3 times & had a TERRIBLE moldy smell even if i take the clothes out immediately after completion. we had an extended warranty through Lowe's. they were great about sending a repair man out but when it came to replacing it according to their T&C they wouldn't do it.

they said the mold didn't prevent the normal operation of the washer. i conferenced Bosch CSR and in about 15 mins of arguing, Bosch offered to replace with a newer model. so far it's been about 1 yr and the new washer has been great.

 

[IGBT]

Originally posted by: JEDI

Originally posted by: thecoolnessrune
Hello all, recently our washing machine has gone to pot and fixing it would be too close to just buying a new one. We are looking for a vertical washing machine that is simple. We don't need any fancy features, just a simple washer that's not a lemon. Any recommendations?

it used to be any top loader were about the same.

nowadays, because of new EPA "green" regulations, washing machines must use less water. thus clothes come out more dirty on top loaders than those 10yrs ago.

front loaders are where it's at, if you have the $$$.

else spend $400 on an el cheapo top loader. all low and mid $ top loaders are about the same. the mids just have more bells whistles. the top end top loaders acts just the same as a front loader. but for that price, might as well buy a front loader.

..epa also gave us the low flow toilet. And we all know how that worked out.