Question about washer and dryers

[Chaotic42]

I moved into a new apartment and I finally have washer and dryer hookups. I'd like to buy a W/D setup, but I don't know anything about them. Right now I'm looking at a GE pair. The total for both with delivery is $673. They're the cheapest washers and dryers that Home Depot has.

Is there really any difference in washers and dryers? I mean, I just need my clothes to be clean. Is the Home Depot a good place to buy these from? I'd rather not buy used, just because I don't want to flood my apartment.

 

[FoBoT]

the difference is mainly how long they will last

the cheaper ones will go 3-5 years, you spend more, they'll last somewhat longer before you have to start fixing them

 

[jagec]

www.craigslist.org

There's nothing wrong with used washers+driers, provided that they're not filthy or broken.

 

[Thegonagle]

The capacity of the washer tub is the most significant difference between top loading washers. Pay a little extra for a big tub if you have to. You won't be sorry. Also, if there's a gas hook-up for the dryer, buy the gas model. They're faster and less expensive to run.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
the difference is mainly how long they will last

the cheaper ones will go 3-5 years, you spend more, they'll last somewhat longer before you have to start fixing them

Meh. In 3-5 years I hope to have a house and maybe even a family. My needs will most probably change by then, so I might need a new one anyway.

I don't think that Craig's List will have anything for rural Mississippi, but I'd really rather buy new. I have no way to get the W/D here, so delivery is nice.

My W/D hook-ups are electric, and I have to buy small appliances because I have *very* little room (30" horizontally).

 

[Mill]

You could rent them if it was for a very short period or use a laundry mat...

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Mill
You could rent them if it was for a very short period or use a laundry mat...

Well, I'm really looking for a good 3 year product. Something that will get me through this year and maybe a couple in my house. This set has good reviews, so I think I'm going to pick them up.

$700 isn't too bad.

 

[Mermaidman]

I've been surprised at the poor reliability of name-brand washers, at least according to online reviews.

FWiW: Samsung and Maytag washers being recalled.

 

[CFster]

Best thing I ever did was go to a front loader washer.

 

[Mermaidman]

Originally posted by: CFster
Best thing I ever did was go to a front loader washer.

Why? I've been thinking of getting one, but they cost a bit!

 

[michaels]

While on the subject of w&d's, does the exhaust vent have anything to do with the dryer actually drying? I have switched out 3 dryers over the past 3 weeks and they all are drying very, very slow. Or maybe could it be the outlet it's hoked up to? These dryers all worked fine, but all of a sudden a few weeks ago this started, and like I have said, I have tried 3 dryers.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
the difference is mainly how long they will last

the cheaper ones will go 3-5 years, you spend more, they'll last somewhat longer before you have to start fixing them

I had purchased a set of whirlpool wich are really cheap. think i spent $700 for the pair and gave them away at 8 years (that was 3 years ago so they are now 11 or so) and they are still going.

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: michaels
While on the subject of w&d's, does the exhaust vent have anything to do with the dryer actually drying? I have switched out 3 dryers over the past 3 weeks and they all are drying very, very slow. Or maybe could it be the outlet it's hoked up to? These dryers all worked fine, but all of a sudden a few weeks ago this started, and like I have said, I have tried 3 dryers.

lint built up in the vent?

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: waggy

Originally posted by: FoBoT
the difference is mainly how long they will last

the cheaper ones will go 3-5 years, you spend more, they'll last somewhat longer before you have to start fixing them

I had purchased a set of whirlpool wich are really cheap. think i spent $700 for the pair and gave them away at 8 years (that was 3 years ago so they are now 11 or so) and they are still going.

Yep. I bought a Whirlpool set in that price range at Sears 10 years ago and they absolutely will not die. The only reason I'd want to replace them is because they're a bit banged-up now.

 

[Bryophyte]

Originally posted by: michaels
While on the subject of w&d's, does the exhaust vent have anything to do with the dryer actually drying? I have switched out 3 dryers over the past 3 weeks and they all are drying very, very slow. Or maybe could it be the outlet it's hoked up to? These dryers all worked fine, but all of a sudden a few weeks ago this started, and like I have said, I have tried 3 dryers.

The vent is where all of the water goes, so if you've had this problem with 3 dryers, it's the vent. Could be plugged with lint or if it's a flexible hose, it could have sagged and filled with water like the p-trap on a sink (that happened to my in-laws.)

 

[dullard]

If I were you, I'd focus more on a quality drier.

For the most part, a washer is a washer. They add water and spin. That is basically it. You can spend hundreds of dollars more to get 5 different water temperatures when 2 will do (hot and cold). You can spend hundreds of dollars more to get 5 different water levels when 2 will do (small and large load). Etc. Only once you are looking at the very top line models do you get any real benefit (front loaders for example) for your extra money. If you can afford a front loader, they are damn good.

A drier on the other hand matters quite a bit. The speed of drying will be your biggest bottleneck, so you want a fast drier. The temperature of the drying will be what damages your clothes, so you want a lot of control. A reversable door so it'll work anywhere you take it is a nice plus. A shoe rack so you can dry your shoes is great. Etc.

Open up a washer and drier, they are much more simple than you think. Pretty much it is a tub and a motor with a small handful of supplimentary electronics. They should be able to last 20 years and most problems you can fix yourself. Think about how simple they are and then think if you want to pay triple the amount for something so simple.

 

[CFster]

Originally posted by: Mermaidman

Originally posted by: CFster
Best thing I ever did was go to a front loader washer.

Why? I've been thinking of getting one, but they cost a bit!

1. Uses less water, electricity
2. Quieter
3. Doesn't "walk" across the floor on the spin cycle
4. You don't have to worry about overloading it. Stuff it. If you can get the door closed, you're good.
5. Clothes come out half dry because the spin cycle is so fast.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Some mom/pop appliance places will have used/refurbished units.