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New Washer and Dryer?

Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 7:03 pm
by Arlo
I'm thinking about the purchase of a new washer and dryer since I have problems with mine and they are on sale due to July 4 week. I usually get the cheapest, basic, super capacity top load style I can find. My dryer seems to have a burned out heating element and the washer bearings have gotten very loud lately. Home Depot has an Admiral brand (they make Kenmore and Whirlpool) washer for $279 delivered and the dryer is about the same price. I notice a lot of people are moving to expensive front load machines but
1) they are expensive
2) I sometimes add things after the wash has begun
3) in reading reviews some people say you have to clean them or they get mildew in them
4) they have filters in them which clog if something like coins or keys are left in pockets (I do try to check but current washer does not shut down if something's left)
5)the people I do know that have them have had repairs needed.

Does anyone here have the new style washer/dryers and really love them and think they are worth the extra money? I just need basic features. Also I would love to buy an American made set but conveniently the info is not on the appliances or the websites. The last fridge I bought (GE) was made in Mexico and the washer/dryer Canada...or vice versa.

RE: New Washer and Dryer?

Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:02 pm
by Harry
Hi

Every 5 to 7 years my bride buys the biggest top loader available at Sears....and the matching dryer. This makes her happy.

When mama's happy....everyone is happy.

Harry

RE: New Washer and Dryer?

Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:27 pm
by bell30655
I bought a set of the new type washer/dryer for a bit of a different reason. Most of the new type front loaders are stackable. I stacked the washer and dryer then used the spot that the dryer would normally occupy for an upright freezer.

I love how quiet the washer and dryer are to operate.

RE: New Washer and Dryer?

Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:52 pm
by Arlo
Harry, those sound like the Sears washer and dryer combo I bought in 1983 for first house. I moved before they ever quit. No question then that they were built in U.S. I think I will check them out. I do want the biggest capacity due to three kids. I can't keep up with the beach towels this summer.

Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 8:58 am
by Greg
We bought a Bosch washer last fall, I will say that it is QUIET, I can just hear it running. Now, the spin cycle is another story. I finally got it calmed down to the point that I can feel it, before it would move pictures on the walls. Greg

RE: New Washer and Dryer?

Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 10:24 am
by bell30655
My washer and dryer are Frigidaire Gallery Series. *Note* Just about all of the new type of dryers have reversible doors. This comes in handy if you stack the dryer on top of the washer.

Since my laundry room ceiling is only 7' tall, I can just fit a 12" pedestal, then the washer and then the dryer. Putting the freezer in that space next to it was a huge floorspace saver for me.

Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 5:59 pm
by ReginaMT
I had the low-end GE front-load washer in my old house and I loved it. It was an old slab house and the washer and dryer were in the kitchen and that washer was quiet as could be. Used a lot less water too. It had mechanical controls and only a 3.1 cf capacity but I could still easily stuff a comforter in there. I did find that the detergent drawer did get moldy but you can remove it and clean it out, but I think the problem is that the water never completely drains out of it. I now see in the stores where Tide is selling some kind of front-load washing machine cleaner.

I didn't take it with me when I bought the single wide I'm in now because I thought the spin cycle would be a problem being in a mobile since it is supposedly noisy if not absolutely level. I ended up buying a 2 for $500 Amana washer/dryer special at the local appliance outlet and it does the job, but I still miss that little front loader.

RE: New Washer and Dryer?

Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 3:49 pm
by Johanna Bruns
I miss my front loader, too.

There are a couple of things that keep the washer from smelling moldy. Easiest is leaving the door open a bit when not in use. Another is to use a 1-pound box of baking soda with a hot water quick load about every 6 months. And *the biggie*, make sure you don't leave wet laundry in the machine overnight.

Be confident with your front loader and go for it.

Johanna

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 5:27 am
by Jim from Canada
We bought a Kenmore stacked set. It replaced a 30+ yr old Kenmore set. We like it, but Sears service isn't what it used to be.

RE: New Washer and Dryer?

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 7:23 am
by Yanita
Hi,

I just have the simple top loading washer, no bells and whistles. For me when purchasing these larger items I try to get the ones that only have the features that I will use regularly. Everything else is a waste.

Kind of like a vacuum with a headlight..."do you really vacuum in the dark?"

Yanita

RE: New Washer and Dryer?

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 11:21 am
by Johanna Bruns
When I bought my frontloader set, I was laying to rest a 25-year old Kenmore that had everything I used and nothing I didn't, so it had a couple of bells and whistles, big capacity, nothing else. Having been a home appliance technician, I didn't expect the oldie to wash huge comforters, large ruge, etc. I wanted that ability, and the first-generation LG gave it to me. This was also their bottom line machine at the time.

In the process, I found out how much cleaner my clothes came out, how gentle the washer was on my clothes (read clothes last longer & save $) and how much less water and detergent I was using to do it.

The washer had to stay with the house when I moved. I was in an apartment with a toploader for a couple of years, and now I'm back in the country at my own place. Right after getting running water is getting another frontloader. I may get impatient and build a bicycle-powered machine just to get out of the laundromat. Check out MIT's version here:

http://www.ecofriend.org/entry/eco-gadg ... materials/

PS I promise I'm not an "eco-nut", just have the space and inclination to see where my imagination can take me...

Johanna