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school me on washing machines - looking for a new one

purbeast0

purbeast0

No Lifer
i've never bought a washing machine before so total noob to them.

the current one in the house we bought is on it's last leg (it's old too). the spinning motor is acting up. about 2 months ago it was making a loud noise then stopped. i ended up "unjamming" it and it was working again, but still making some noises. today it happened again but it sounds louder now.

i really only have like 2 requirements.

1. has to be at sears cause my bro in law works there so we'll get a 20% discount.
2. has to be top loader. have no interest in a front loader.

while we are at it, we MAY get a matching dryer too.

would prefer a larger sized washing machine as well. not sure the exact size of the one we have, but on the label where it says it's a maytag, it says "oversized" and it's a decent size.
 
My very old one died awhile back, the wife bought this one because she liked it.

I'm still leery of the thing, but so far is working well.

Maytag Centennial Commercial Tech, with no agitator.

I'm sure will be more, it works and is similar to this I guess.

spin_prod_1291337212


http://www.sears.com/maytag-4.3-cu-...p-02633542000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

That looks like it.

She got it for $399 at the time.

Personally, I was in the mind of looking at a used Heavy Duty Commercial one at the time, but she wanted that.
 
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If it has to be a top loader try to get one with an agitator, i've seen ones with no agitators move back and forth a few inches, how the hell that is supposed to wash clothes is beyond me.
 
As long as you don't have to worry about conserving water I'd go the Speed Queen route too. But, I'm convinced the agitator puts holes I'm shirts faster
 
Are you sure it's the motor itself? If so, you could take a look to see what a replacement motor runs; they're fairly simple to install; most work on a washing machine is very simple - it's like they were designed with consideration for making repairs for repairmen very simple, since even opening the cabinet would intimidate many homeowners. But, depending on the price of the motor, that might be an option. At a glance on Amazon, it's somewhere between $50 and $200. Closer to $50, and I'd give the motor a shot.

Other agitation issues: agitator dogs - about $5-10, 5 minute repair. Coupling: $5-10, maybe 10 minutes to replace. Both are wear parts; I think I've replaced our coupling 3 times in the past 25 years, and the dogs once. If the coupling is gone; it's simply not going to run. But, with the dogs worn out, it wasn't washing as well, barely agitating. Replacing them made it run like brand new. Needed a putty knife to pop off the cap on the agitator, and a socket extension with the right sized socket. Essentially, it was: open the lid, take off the bleach thingy on the top of the agitator, pop the cap off, unscew one bolt - and it's a long bolt, pull out the bolt, pull out the worn pieces, drop in the new pieces, and reverse the process. 10 minutes for the first time; if you did it again, you'd spend more time figuring out what size socket than you would doing it.

If you live in some God-forsaken part of the country that's in an extensive drought, then by all means, get a newer, more water efficient washing machine. But, if water is plentiful, routine repairs of an aging washing machine can keep a washing machine running for decades; while those manufactured in the past decade or so are designed with replacement in mind.
 
a) stay away from "front loaders". Overly complex/expensive and PITA to work on or troubleshoot......not to mention not reliable.

b) fix your current washer. Washer technology is over 30+ years old and it hasn't changed. You can find TONS of info out there how to troubleshoot and fix it. Parts are pretty cheap as well. Find out exactly what's wrong and see if it's worth fixing.

c) if you decide to buy a new one, get a regular washer.....

I can take my entire washer apart in about 5-10 min.......but I've fixed it few times now (it will take you time to get to that point).

There is TONS of knowledge out there....

And by all means head over to "front loader" forums to check out what those owners have to deal with.........
 
MongGrel said:
My very old one died awhile back, the wife bought this one because she liked it.

I'm still leery of the thing, but so far is working well.

Maytag Centennial Commercial Tech, with no agitator.

I'm sure will be more, it works and is similar to this I guess.

spin_prod_1291337212


http://www.sears.com/maytag-4.3-cu-...p-02633542000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

That looks like it.

She got it for $399 at the time.

Personally, I was in the mind of looking at a used Heavy Duty Commercial one at the time, but she wanted that.
Click to expand...

We got the same/similar model and it seems to work well. Better than our GE with agitator at our old house and about the same as the Speed Queen the GE replaced. Had it for a year now without issue (crosses fingers).
 
I used to work at Whirlpool manufacturing top loaders. The same production lines that make the Whirlpool top loaders (and agitatorless models, aka Bravio/Cabrio) also make Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, Roper, etc. They also have made (still do?) Kenmore, Ikea, Admiral, and Crosley.

Same parts.

The difference is in styling, electronics, basket size, and motor (or motor transmission). If you look at a $300 and $700 washer they have the same base frame, brake assembly, etc. The $300 will have fewer dashboard options (but will have low/medium/high and cold/cold, cold/warm, warm/hot -- basically everything you need plus a couple variable cycles like normal, delicate, perm press--again, everything you really need) while the $700 model will have options you may/may not need.

Styling and electronics are not factors I would put any weight into for a top loader.

The big differences that should drive your purchase are basket size and motor (if you can get that info). With the basket you need to consider the size and type--do you want porcelain, stainless steel, etc. This is more of a needs based decision. If you are 1 or 2 people a smaller basket is probably great.

We bought a house in October and got all new appliances, including a washer and dryer. I intentionally went with the "older" style top loader. It was not only cheaper ($400) but it is a very simple design.

As for agitators, we have a baby and a toddler to go along with our bigger kids. Washers without agitators and front loaders do NOT get soiled diapers clean enough. A lot of reports that after a fair number of loads the cloth diapers will stink. I don't think they get enough friction and, with their extra water economy, don't flush the debris enough. Just a consideration. The flip side is they use more water and will wear out your clothes a little faster.
 
I don't care how small your family is, having a large washer/dryer combo is great. We got the biggest (at the time) front loader available and it works great. Maybe I just appreciate it more after dealing small machines at our previous apartment.
 
http://www.samsung.com/us/appliances/washers-dryers/WA45H7000AW/A2

WA45H7000AW-A2_001_Front_White_5.jpg


That's my new one. It's not the cheapest top loader, but it works great. And it actually washes a lot better and holds more than my prior 10 year old model with an agitator I finally gave up on. And the motor has a 10 year warranty on it, too.

And I got the dryer to match it, too, since my old one was pushing 18 years old. A word of warning about these new dryers, though, and it's not just Samsung doing this. They are all nearly impossible to get into easily if you are over 5 feet tall unless you get a stand for them. I managed to find a stainless steel one that was slightly dented on the side with a drawer on clearance for $50 at Home Depot and it was well worth it. Of course, you can also build a stand for it pretty easily, if you are handy like that.
http://www.samsung.com/us/appliances/washers-dryers/DV45H7000EW/A2

DV45H7000EW-A2_001_Front_White_5.jpg


And, I found out my daughter in law and her husband bought some better Samsung models in stainless and they liked it too, but her 6'8'' husband was having problems getting into the dryer, obviously, so I told them they needed to get a stand for it, too.
 
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Hit creepslist and see if you can find some old Maytag Super duty washers. Nothing is capable of stopping them. I think I could load it with bowling balls and it would still run.

Running for 22 years now without a single part replaced... you front loader guys will never be able to say that.

The dryer is the same thing, it's NG and can dry any size load in one cycle no matter the material
 
Best time to buy is on black friday. I did. Of course my 22 yo washer died less than a month before that. Bought an LG top load washer and matching dryer. I guess that is comparable to the pair of Samsungs seen above. Got $500 off the pair ($1500 list price) and additional 10% off for charging it at the big box store, using their brand charge. The sales guy actually took the 10% off first, so I received a better discount. Took 3 computers to accomplish that. 🙂 Also there was a $75 rebate (debit card) from the state wide program, sponsored by the local energy companies, because the washer is energy efficient.

The washer doesn't have an agitator. First one I've ever owned without one. They use less water. But run it on heavy clean if you think you need it, or you'll get dirty clothes after the wash. All in all, I think it is more gentle on the clothes.

Don't forget that you have to buy new hoses for the washer. I got the more expensive metal ones.
 
The most reliable top loaders are Whirlpools with agitators and only mechanical controls, and they are the easiest to repair. However due to water use and energy regulations, they do not get clothes the cleanest.
 
Looking at the mentioned Samsung washer/dryer combos. I could have got both of them for $1400 with no taxes yesterday at Home Depot but I'm closing on my house this Friday and didn't want any underwriting issues happening for going for the "no interest" route.

I'll probably just get them this coming weekend and pay the $100+ in taxes. That was with a 5 year home depot warranty. The Samsung only has 1 year manufacturer(except the direct motor-10yr).

Would you guys recommend getting at least a 3 or 5 year home depot warranty?
 
No warranty. It's not needed. Use a major credit card or apply for AMEX and it will double your warranty on the items. I have a Samsung front loader. I won't go back to a top load. They won't fit the comforters or sleeping bags and its harder to get the clothes in and out imho.
 
slag said:
No warranty. It's not needed. Use a major credit card or apply for AMEX and it will double your warranty on the items. I have a Samsung front loader. I won't go back to a top load. They won't fit the comforters or sleeping bags and its harder to get the clothes in and out imho.
Click to expand...


Just freaks me out with the digital buttons and 1 year warranty. So it would be silly to pay $100 for a 3 year warranty through home depot?
 
This is something your wife will use? Easy solution: ask her what she wants! :awe:

Being a bachelor, I usually just get the least complicated model for the best price I can find. Generally, I don't need anything fancy, just something that will wash & dry clothes, and last a long time. My last set of Whirlpools lasted over 10 years, the current set has lasted over 8 years, so far.

It was humorous, though, when a female friend of mine needed to do laundry, and her machine was OOC, so asked if she could use mine. She had a very puzzled look on her face, and when I asked her what was wrong, she asked where the gentle cycle was? I laughed and told her, "This is a guy's washer, it doesn't have one!" 😉
 
Have a sears outlet near you? I just picked up the Samsung DV50F9A8GVW for $599. Has a slight dent on the lower back corner that will not be visible when it is next to the washer.

Matches the washer that is in the house. The current dryer in the new place is 10 years old and looks and sounds like it is about to crap out. For the price I was proactive in replacing it.
 
DrPizza said:
Are you sure it's the motor itself? If so, you could take a look to see what a replacement motor runs; they're fairly simple to install; most work on a washing machine is very simple - it's like they were designed with consideration for making repairs for repairmen very simple, since even opening the cabinet would intimidate many homeowners. But, depending on the price of the motor, that might be an option. At a glance on Amazon, it's somewhere between $50 and $200. Closer to $50, and I'd give the motor a shot.

Other agitation issues: agitator dogs - about $5-10, 5 minute repair. Coupling: $5-10, maybe 10 minutes to replace. Both are wear parts; I think I've replaced our coupling 3 times in the past 25 years, and the dogs once. If the coupling is gone; it's simply not going to run. But, with the dogs worn out, it wasn't washing as well, barely agitating. Replacing them made it run like brand new. Needed a putty knife to pop off the cap on the agitator, and a socket extension with the right sized socket. Essentially, it was: open the lid, take off the bleach thingy on the top of the agitator, pop the cap off, unscew one bolt - and it's a long bolt, pull out the bolt, pull out the worn pieces, drop in the new pieces, and reverse the process. 10 minutes for the first time; if you did it again, you'd spend more time figuring out what size socket than you would doing it.

If you live in some God-forsaken part of the country that's in an extensive drought, then by all means, get a newer, more water efficient washing machine. But, if water is plentiful, routine repairs of an aging washing machine can keep a washing machine running for decades; while those manufactured in the past decade or so are designed with replacement in mind.
Click to expand...

Absolutely,
Our Sears stuff came with our house. The washer\dryer combo is at least 20 years old. I basically restored the dryer to like new performance, (replaced heating element, rollers, sensors etc etc etc) with chump change and a phillips head screwdriver.
EXTREMELY simple to repair. There are guides all over the place on how to troubleshoot and repair countless models. Places where you can get obscure parts\boards. (ex. http://www.repairclinic.com/)

Sure you can just say "Screw it, I want something shiny and new to look at." but at least know that you have an addition option.
 
A lot of appliances have parts prices that approach the cost of a cheaper new one. When I looked at my 10 year old washer considering a repair, it was almost completely rusted out in quite a few places, including around the bottom of the drum on the outside and the frame, various plastic parts on or around the drum were either worn out or broken, the motor was burned out, which was going to be $250 right there, there was a design problem with an electronic switch I needed to rig a fix for, and a few other parts it needed.

Now on the dryer, I could have just replaced the belt again for the 3rd time and kept using it, but it was getting a bit rusty and scratched up in spots and needed a new lint trap after 18 years of abuse. But it would also look like crap next to my new washer. And a new dryer is a lot more energy efficient, to boot.
 
SlickSnake said:
A lot of appliances have parts prices that approach the cost of a cheaper new one. When I looked at my 10 year old washer considering a repair, it was almost completely rusted out in quite a few places, including around the bottom of the drum on the outside and the frame, various plastic parts on or around the drum were either worn out or broken, the motor was burned out, which was going to be $250 right there, there was a design problem with an electronic switch I needed to rig a fix for, and a few other parts it needed.

Now on the dryer, I could have just replaced the belt again for the 3rd time and kept using it, but it was getting a bit rusty and scratched up in spots and needed a new lint trap after 18 years of abuse. But it would also look like crap next to my new washer. And a new dryer is a lot more energy efficient, to boot.
Click to expand...

Where are you keeping it where it's getting rusted out?
 
In a usually closed off utility room where the humidity level skyrockets every time I do laundry. Plus, I live near a lake, and the humidity is always a lot higher anyhow. So the parts inside the washing machine probably had a lot of condensation on them at times when used, which leads to rust and corrosion on internal metal parts that are not even properly painted or sealed. But even what looked like galvanized parts were rusted out. It was a lot worse inside it when I opened it up than I expected. From the outside it still looked almost new.
 
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so i ended up taking apart the piece that was causing the issue and it is spinning and working now. it still gets stuck occassionally but i can manually loosen it up to finish the load. i'm going to just order the part though and replace it. i found it online and it's about $70 and should solve the problem.

thanks for the replies though!
 
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