Opinions please on LG frontload washer/dryers vs Whirlpool-Maytag-Kenmore

[kef7]

I'll be purchasing a frontload washer & dryer in the next month and am wondering if anyone has a LG washer and dryer. I'm not sure but I think LG is a relatively new name in appliances so I'm curious to know what people think. (WarnersStellian and Best Buy started carrying them a few months ago)

thanks

 

[bernse]

LG actually has been making appliances for several years. They are just getting mass market in the US now, they've been sold in Canadian Big-Box stores for quite a while already (Future Shop).

They're a good product. I'd take one over a Neptune for sure, and probably over a Whirlpool HE3T or Kenmore clone although it'd be a close call.

The best "Bang for the buck" FL washer right now is the Frigidaire FL - Here Kenmore also has a clone of this washer.

You can get them "relatively" cheap and they have been out for several years now. A very proven, reliable design. A smaller capacity than the other mentioned ones and not as many "bells and whistles" but it is a bargin, especially when on sale.

BTW - While it is a "smaller capacity" than the other ones, it is larger than almost all Top Loaders. It is a very large capacity although it doesn't look that way in a store compared to the rest. Very decieving.

 

[Kelemvor]

There are some new Washers out there that are still top loading but have new insides to make them work like a front loading so they use much less water and such. Basicalyl instead of the standard style that spins around in a circle and back and forth, they have two rotating wheel things set up like the front wheels of old tractors where they are angled towards each other at the bottom and are farther apart at the top. (hope that makes sense).

Anyway, just to give you another option of a way to get the benefit of a front loader but still keep the style of a top loader.

But to answer your question, I've never heard of LG before but have had good luck with most Kenmore, Laytag, etc.

 

[Ornery]

• ::sniff:: Our clothes washer died! Replacement ideas? - Braxus 08/25/2003

 

[Vic]

LG used to be sold in North America under the brand name "GoldStar", just FYI. They're a Korean manufacturer whose been around since the 50's, but GoldStar had developed a reputation as a "value" brand. The Goldstar corporation changed their name to LG back in '95 but only just changed their branding in America this past year as an attempt to upscale their line.

 

[kef7]

Thanks for the replies.

I checked out the LG the last time I was in Best Buy. Customer service guy told me they are outselling the other frontload brands by a huge margin. I'm sure the lower price of LG plays some part in that but find it surprising that people would switch over to a relatively unknown brand (at least it seems unknown in the midwest) in such a short time (Best But started carrying LG about 3 months ago; I'm not sure how long WarnersStellian has carried them).

What do you think about extended warranties for a washer and dryer? Are they really necessary?

 

[Ornery]

My last top loading Kenmore/Whirlpool lasted a documented 20 years, with only minor work done to the timer switch. The dryer from the same pair required a new motor during that same period. Don't expect that kind of life from a cheap front loader. There are many front loaders used commercially for years, but they're a helluva lot more money than these consumer grade models. Talk to people who have actually worked on these things over the decades. They'll fill you in on the details.


What do you think about extended warranties for a washer and dryer? Are they really necessary?

These units didn't require any work till they were well over ten years old, and even then I repaired them myself. Buy a quality machine in the first place, and put your faith in that decision. I never buy extended warranties, because I'm assuming I made the right choice.

 

[rudeguy]

if you are going to buy the LG units, yes put the warranty on them. Foreign parts=big bills.

if you were to get the Neptunes I would tell you the same thing though.

I still think the Neptune is one of the best machines available today. The Whirlpool is overrated at best, but to be honest I have no experience with the LG machines.

 

[ed21x]

My family swears by Whirlpool- they've never broken down on us (~10 years and counting...)