Washing Machine Suggestions

jackiesic · Post by **jackiesic** » February 8, 2007 5:00 pm

My 10yo washer's spin cycle is not working so I just finished hand wringing a small load of towels to put in the dryer. I'm wondering if repairing a 10yo Whirlpool is worth it. I'm sure it will be at least $200 for the service call and the repair, maybe more.
I really want one of those energy efficient front loaders but after a dentist and an orthodontist has recommended the surgical removal of DS's 9 baby teeth (yeah, you read that right, 9 but I guess that topic is for naother post) spending the more money on a higher end machine may not be in the cards. So, if you've purchased a washer lately I'd love to hear your recommendations and your "What not to buy" list.

Thanks,

buffettbride · Post by **buffettbride** » February 8, 2007 5:16 pm

We have a 15 year old Maytag.

I'm of no help.

Knowing the kind of shopper I am, I'd buy whatever it is they install on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

My sister has a frontloader, and although I don't know what kind, she *loves* it.

Crazy Navy Flyer · Post by **Crazy Navy Flyer** » February 8, 2007 5:35 pm

It may be nothing more than a simple switch, had that problem last year. Turned out to be the switch activated by the lid being down.

kitty · Post by **kitty** » February 8, 2007 6:13 pm

I just got the Lg series...front end loaders...but they are not cheap.
The pair cost me about $2200.00
But, I love them and they are large capacity and fast!

st.somewhere · Post by **st.somewhere** » February 8, 2007 7:04 pm

Energy efficient and relatively inexpensive. It's what you call a "win, win" situation.

jackiesic · Post by **jackiesic** » February 8, 2007 7:26 pm

st.somewhere wrote:Energy efficient and relatively inexpensive. It's what you call a "win, win" situation.

Oh my hands are cracking and hurting just looking at the picture!

aeroparrot · Post by **aeroparrot** » February 8, 2007 7:30 pm

Got a Kenmore washing machine for my parents about 9 years ago and it works like a charm still. They had to replace a washing machine they had bought in 1973 (it lasted until 1998).

sunseeker · Post by **sunseeker** » February 8, 2007 7:42 pm

Don't get a front loading...I do NOT like mine...i have the whirlpool duet washer and dryer...all the settings on the machine are ran on a computer chip...I had to replace the mother board and it was $200

Post by **SMLCHNG** » February 8, 2007 9:09 pm

I'm a firm believer of Sears Kenmore. They have reasonable prices if you don't need/want all the bells and whistles.

nutmeg · Post by **nutmeg** » February 8, 2007 9:37 pm

I got sears kenmore front loader when I retired. I LOVE it. One of the few things I did buy the extended warranty on however...

had it for three years and no problems with it.

can wash my queen size comforter in it

krusin1 · Post by **krusin1** » February 9, 2007 12:24 am

The parents bought a Whirlpool just a couple of years ago after Consumer Reports recommended it.

Since then, though, they've had to replace the transmission in it twice... the repairman said that was pretty common for Whirlpools lately.

We bought a Maytag almost three years ago and it's worked like a charm. No fuss, no muss, clean clothes. It cost a little more, but sometimes you get what you pay for.

Good luck.

spoonerhizolehound · Post by **spoonerhizolehound** » February 9, 2007 1:46 am

Woman and spin cycles......add an episode of Oprah into the equation and guess who's sleeping on the couch?

Dutch Harbor PH · Post by **Dutch Harbor PH** » February 9, 2007 2:44 am

We just bought the LG front loaders from Home Depot.....as said before...not cheap....but what an amazing difference in the wash!!! We have always had Kenmore and been very happy with them but never realized how much better the wash could be. Our dog towels are actuall bright white now (after using the steam wash cycle)....

Sidew13 · Post by **Sidew13** » February 9, 2007 4:49 am

Have had a GE for almost 10 years now and wash about a load a day.

A washing machine is gonna be like a car, a lot has to do with luck.

GOOD LUCK

spartan1979 · Post by **spartan1979** » February 9, 2007 9:41 am

krusin1 wrote:
We bought a Maytag almost three years ago and it's worked like a charm. No fuss, no muss, clean clothes. It cost a little more, but sometimes you get what you pay for.

Maytag isn't what they used to be. We bought their top of the line model and it only lasted about 7 years. Piece of junk and their customer service stinks.

We'll never buy another Maytag appliance.

springparrot · Post by **springparrot** » February 9, 2007 9:47 am

What's the advantages of a front loader instead of a top loader?'
I've always had top loader, but there are soooo many front loaders now.
Many, many years ago, I heard front loaders don't get the clothes as clean, but I'm sure that isn't the case??

kitty · Post by **kitty** » February 9, 2007 10:13 am

Dutch Harbor PH wrote:We just bought the LG front loaders from Home Depot.....as said before...not cheap....but what an amazing difference in the wash!!! We have always had Kenmore and been very happy with them but never realized how much better the wash could be. Our dog towels are actuall bright white now (after using the steam wash cycle)....

I agree...although I am not as picky as my sister...and she actually comes to my house to do her sheets cause she likes my washer so much!

sonofabeach · Post by **sonofabeach** » February 9, 2007 10:24 am

We just bought a new washer and dryer last weekend.
Had Kenmore for years but the washer finally gave out.
This time we went with Maytag Legacy Series, and they were on sale.
About $700 for both washer and dryer.
We almost went for the front loaders.
They are really nice looking but who's gonna see them anyway?
The front loaders we looked at have a lot of features that we would never ever use. Plus that's another 1000+ bucks we could use on something else,like our upcoming vacation. That's just me though, whatever floats your boat, go for it!

SharkOnLand · Post by **SharkOnLand** » February 9, 2007 11:45 am

springparrot wrote:What's the advantages of a front loader instead of a top loader?'
I've always had top loader, but there are soooo many front loaders now.
Many, many years ago, I heard front loaders don't get the clothes as clean, but I'm sure that isn't the case??

Front loaders are more water and energy efficient. They also are not as hard on the clothes, as there's not a spindle in the middle, thrashing at your clothes.

nutmeg · Post by **nutmeg** » February 9, 2007 12:34 pm

springparrot wrote:What's the advantages of a front loader instead of a top loader?'
I've always had top loader, but there are soooo many front loaders now.
Many, many years ago, I heard front loaders don't get the clothes as clean, but I'm sure that isn't the case??

Molly, you can fit tons more stuff in the front loaders and they don't tear up your clothes like the agitator models do. My old machine kept tearing my sheets. This one hasn't torn anything. The are very quiet and use lots less water. I think the soap rinses out better...though I don't know if that's true or not. The Maytag front loaders had a lot of problems with water staying inside and getting icky...they had some recalls...Hopefully they have fixed that problem.. I have the Sears Kenmore...which I think is manufactured by Whirlpool. I took over the laundry after I retired and I'm in love with the new washer

Of course if it ever breaks...the disappointment will be nasty...