Washing machines

My head is about to explode! We've been washer shopping. Sounds easy, right?

OY VEY! I have no idea what I want! I thought a washer simply dumped water on clothes, swished them around, and then drained the water. Not so anymore.

So now, I'm super confused. Do I buy a cheapo washer just to get the job done? Or do I spend twice what we wanted to get the job done faster, with less water and energy?

And don't get me started on brands! Whirlpool? Maytag? No-name?

My washer technically works. Ashley killed it before she moved out. She thought that if it could be jammed into the washer, then the load wasn't full until one final sock could be squished in. The poor machine couldn't handle the loads and the timer broke. I've been using it despite the broken timer, but its time for a new one (get it, time for a new one?)

I've got the newer Maytag front load washer and dryer. Love the dryer, absolutely HATE the washer. Everything comes out a tangled, wrinkled mess. I shake out each piece of laundry before putting it in the dryer and sometimes they come out ok, other times certain items come out looking like they've been stuffed at the back of a drawer for 10 years!

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Originally Posted by Queen of Poop

I've got the newer Maytag front load washer and dryer. Love the dryer, absolutely HATE the washer. Everything comes out a tangled, wrinkled mess. I shake out each piece of laundry before putting it in the dryer and sometimes they come out ok, other times certain items come out looking like they've been stuffed at the back of a drawer for 10 years!

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I've often wondered about the front loades; now I know. More often than not I forget something and run downstairs to toss into the washer something that I had missed in the hamper. Can't do that w/a front loader, right?

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Originally Posted by Queen of Poop

I've got the newer Maytag front load washer and dryer. Love the dryer, absolutely HATE the washer. Everything comes out a tangled, wrinkled mess. I shake out each piece of laundry before putting it in the dryer and sometimes they come out ok, other times certain items come out looking like they've been stuffed at the back of a drawer for 10 years!

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Good to know. I thought I wanted one of these.

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Originally Posted by Medusa

I've often wondered about the front loades; now I know. More often than not I forget something and run downstairs to toss into the washer something that I had missed in the hamper. Can't do that w/a front loader, right?

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This is true, I do the same thing and I never thought about it not being possible with the front loader.

Do they make them water and energy efficient and not front loaders??

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Originally Posted by Medusa

... to toss into the washer something that I had missed in the hamper.

Can't do that w/a front loader, right?

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Sure ya can!
>>> Just be sure you're wearing your BOOTS! <<<

Tried that years ago in a coin-op laundry-mat ... I'd found one lost sock.
OH MY!

Oooooopsie!
NUTZ!
You can NOT *open*, *toss*, and *slam* that door nearly fast enough!

:p

I have a GE washer and a Whirlpool dryer, and I can't say that I'm overly fond of either. They are both middle of the line and do a decent enough job, but just don't compare to the old ones that were replaced (both Kenmore). My old washer was 16 and my old dryer was 30 something when they were replaced. These will never see that many years. I had to have service on the dryer before it was even a year old, and right now the washer needs to be serviced because I can't get any hot water to run in it anymore to do a warm wash - so I just settle for all cold. :eek: Yes - the hot water line is turned on!

IMO - they're all about the same. I guess it just depends on how many features you want on a new one as to which brand and price you want to pay for.

We highly do NOT recommend Maytag, we bought one thinking it was a good reliable brand and would last nearly forever - but it died in less than 5 years. It was just shoddily built, once we started taking it apart. And there are only two adult humans here, no kids, so it never even got the amount of laundry a normal machine would.

DO - I emphasize this - check online reviews before you buy anything.

I have maytag front loaders, you can pause and add to the load ...no problem I do it all the time.

I did have a part break after 3 years and it was 400 to fix. I have hear great things about the kenmore. I do love the handwash cycle...I think the front loaders are much gentler on your clothers since they don't have the agitators.

We got a new Maytag on the boat several trips back. I was sitting out there when the first load was put in it and I was shocked at how noisy it was and how it could be heard over the noise of the boat. I told the guys if I'd bought that one for my house, I would call and have them come back and get it. It 'clunks" loudly the whole time it is running and we always get the higher end washers, dryers, and dishwashers because they are used so much out there. I doubt this one lasts long... We already had a problem with the hot water gizmo that signals the hot water to cut on..

I have a Kenmore (Sears) at home that is 10 years old and that will be replaced with another Kenmore when it breaks.

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Originally Posted by Laura's Babies

We got a new Maytag on the boat several trips back. I was sitting out there when the first load was put in it and I was shocked at how noisy it was and how it could be heard over the noise of the boat. I told the guys if I'd bought that one for my house, I would call and have them come back and get it. It 'clunks" loudly the whole time it is running and we always get the higher end washers, dryers, and dishwashers because they are used so much out there. I doubt this one lasts long... We already had a problem with the hot water gizmo that signals the hot water to cut on..

I have a Kenmore (Sears) at home that is 10 years old and that will be replaced with another Kenmore when it breaks.

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Mine sounds like a jet taking off sometimes.

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Originally Posted by caseysmom

you can pause and add to the load ...no problem, I do it all the time.

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:confused:
:confused:

OK - now HOW do you get the door open when the water level is half way
up in the window??

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Originally Posted by Cinder & Smoke

:confused:
:confused:

OK - now HOW do you get the door open when the water level is half way
up in the window??

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There is just not much water...thats the whole "HE" idea...low water usage...I usually do it within 5 or 10 minutes but I don't think it makes any difference...you do have to hit pause and wait a few seconds until its ready for you so the water goes to the bottom of the drum...

I've had a GE front loader washer and dryer for 8 yrs now without a problem. I can open the washer after a pause to add a forgotten item with no problem.

My clothes do not come out all twisted and tangled, it comes out the same as when I had a top loader, better in fact.

What I love most about the front load washers is that they hold so much more clothes without that gyrator taking up space.

In February of this year, I bought new washer and dryer. After reading Consumer Reports, I got the LG HE (high efficiency) front load washer, and the coordinating dryer.

Oh my GOSH these are phenomenal! I love the whole set up.


BTW, check with your electric / gas company about rebates. Also check on line, the Energy Start web site for rebates.

AND the federal government is going to be offering rebates as well, similar to what they did with the cars, to get older, less efficient washers and dryers out of use. So you may be able to use that program, it comes out in October (already have specified it is NOT retroactive, so don't buy today and plan to collect next month).

The federal money will be in addition to any other rebates available at the time.

It will cover most appliances: washers and dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, furnaces, boilers, water heaters, etc.

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Originally Posted by Queen of Poop

I've got the newer Maytag front load washer and dryer. Love the dryer, absolutely HATE the washer. Everything comes out a tangled, wrinkled mess. I shake out each piece of laundry before putting it in the dryer and sometimes they come out ok, other times certain items come out looking like they've been stuffed at the back of a drawer for 10 years!

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We have an off brand top load washer in our apartment and every setting comes out in a tangled mess. I do a lot more ironing now than I did when I lived at home with my parents who have a front load washer and dryer.

So I guess it just depends... ;)

I didn't read all the replies but when it comes to appliances, I think Consumer Reports is the Bible! They have an online site. You might have to pay a small subscription fee but it is SO worth it! I checked them out to by my camera, my car, my tires etc and they've never lead me a astray! They do the research and aren't biased by advertising $$.
Claudia
PS Martha Stewart says always buy a top load. The tangle issue I guess.

Ok, after spending most of the night online over washers, I definitely decided to go top loading. Its the best for me and what I need (SPEED of washing, and I don't care one hoot about noise since the machine is in the basement)

I keep reading conflicting reports on the energy star models with sensors. People love or hate them. People seem to have a ton of problems with them, or they're the best thing since sliced bread. The common thread on the ones who hate it is they haven't read their instructioin manual.

I still have no idea which way we're going -- we need one now, not in October for the rebates! grrrrrr

I treated myself last week (how timely) to a Bosch front load washer and dryer. My top load Fridgidaire washer was only 6 yrs. old but my dryer (:eek:) was from 1986 and needed to be turned on 2x for a full dry. So I found a sale. Awesome price. but thanks to my awful back, I opted to buy the stands for each so now they're chest level and I don't have to bend over and barely move a muscle. I've been washing everything in sight. I'm in love. Quick, easy and perfect. I've had no crumpling together, except for a top quilt, but I don't care.. It's a good lesson for me to be more diligent and careful about dropping the odd sock. :p
Plus I think I can get a cluncker refund at the end of the year.

I have no complaints with my Fisher & Paykel top loaders.

http://www.walletpop.com/insurance/w...more-dangerous

:eek:

Now What?:confused::D

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Originally Posted by Medusa

I've often wondered about the front loades; now I know. More often than not I forget something and run downstairs to toss into the washer something that I had missed in the hamper. Can't do that w/a front loader, right?

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My front loader door locks, so when you find that one sock you dropped on the way to the washer, you're out of luck, that door won't open until the wash cycle is done!

I bought an LG front loader a couple years ago. Advantages: less wear and tear on clothes; uses HE so less volume detergent; uses less water; spins the clothes drier.

BIG disadvantage: 200-250% longer wash time than the top loader.

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Originally Posted by catnapper

I keep reading conflicting reports on the energy star models with sensors. People love or hate them.

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Sorry, sensors for . . . what again? I got lost, lol.

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Originally Posted by smokey the elder

I bought an LG front loader a couple years ago. Advantages: less wear and tear on clothes; uses HE so less volume detergent; uses less water; spins the clothes drier.

BIG disadvantage: 200-250% longer wash time than the top loader.

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If I remember right from Consumer Reports, that was true of all top loaders, not just the LG brand.

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Originally Posted by Queen of Poop

My front loader door locks, so when you find that one sock you dropped on the way to the washer, you're out of luck, that door won't open until the wash cycle is done!

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My front loader locks also but all I have to do is press the on/off button to stop it and the door will open so I can toss in anything that I've forgotten.

I find I'm using at least half less soap than I did with the top loader too, Washing time depends on what cycle I put it on, for heavily soiled it goes on the longest. I don't even use that cycle for the dog laundry as I throw everything in mostly to refresh the beds after a week of use. The clothes does come out much drier so it cuts the cost on the dryer also.

I think when it comes to washer ans dryers everyone has their own preference but I never thought of looking at the Consumer's Report on line, thanks for the idea.

In my condo complex we have laundry rooms so I don't own a washer or dryer. We have the Maytag commercial grade and 4 of them are the front loader washing machines and 2 are the top loader washing machines. I prefer that front loaders because it takes forever for the top loaders to fill up with water and they also seem to take longer to wash.

The front loaders do lock so if I forget to put in something, I have to wait until the next laundry day. They get a lot of use and yes they have broken before because I've had to call the company that we're leasing them from. They do send some one out asap so they're fixed quickly. I love the dryers and they dry my clothes very well.

Since I know nothing about the relative merits of different kinds of washers, I thought I'd offer a different perspective- saving money! Have you considered buying used?

Sometimes you can find used appliance stores that sell quality items for less, with warranties. We bought our washer from such a place (the store has sadly since closed) for $100, plus a year's parts and labor. Or, you can go to places like goodwill and look. I found our dryer from a goodwill-like place (a local nonprofit thrift chain) for $35, and it works really well.

If you are trying to be "green" buying used is nearly almost always better for the environment (it is recycling, after all) because the creation and destruction of goods is the most polluting part of the process- even cars, that burn gasoline! If you are trying to save energy costs, even if you don't have a new washer you can use cold water settings and change the wash size.

If you want to buy new and don't want to spend a ton (I have no idea why washer and dryers are so expensive!) I would recommend a Sears Outlet if you have one nearby. When we bought our house we had to buy a new fridge and stove. We bought a new energy star fridge and ceramic flat-top stove (with 5 burners- one is a warmer) in the colors we needed for $900 for both with tax. The fridge has a tiny scratch on one side (it's next to a wall so you can't even see it) and the stove supposedly has a scratch (I never saw it, and you can't see the sides anyway so it doesn't matter) so we saved hundreds of dollars. Plus, since they were new they came with all the warranties, etc. I'd highly recommend visiting one if you have a store nearby!

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Originally Posted by Karen

We highly do NOT recommend Maytag, we bought one thinking it was a good reliable brand and would last nearly forever - but it died in less than 5 years. It was just shoddily built, once we started taking it apart. And there are only two adult humans here, no kids, so it never even got the amount of laundry a normal machine would.

DO - I emphasize this - check online reviews before you buy anything.

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Couldn't disagree with you more Karen. We are on our second set of Maytags (washer and dryer) having bought our first set in 1970 and this is now 2009. I think two washers and two dryers is pretty darn good for almost 40 years (that is roughly 20 years per set). Also, we have had NO repair bills. They just worked until they got old, just like us people. :p Of course I am not saying that things are not being made more cheaply now. Unfortunately they are. :( I guess I will soon be finding that out, but I hope it is later rather than sooner. :)

The Maytag Neptune had tons of problems...

I HATE consumer reviews - the more you read - the more conflicting they get. It's almost just as reliable to pick one by going "eenie-meenie-mienee-mo" - I'll get that one ! :rolleyes:

I recently needed a new hand mixer and electric knife. Found what appeared to be good ones thru Amazon and ordered them pretty much based on reviews, and price of course. Love the mixer - hated the knife and it was a piece of junk and I returned it. Went to Walmart and picked one up there, and it is just what I was looking for in the first place.

One out of two ain't bad - I guess..........:p

We too have a Bosch front loader washer and dryer, like k9Karen. I have no complaints thus far! BUT, when the washer is on it's spin cycle, it sounds like a plane about to take off, lol!:eek:

I'm more confused now than ever! I would like to know where I can find info on the government rebate -- how much would it be worth, elligibility, etc.

Here is the most recent links I could find on the government plan:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/32490783

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125072361195644515.html

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125072361195644515.html

Here is the Energy Star rebate site:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?...rebate_locator


And check with your electric company for local deals, as well. Our electric company just ran a half page ad in today's newspaper of a rebate program they just put in place, and I thought of you! ;)

I bought HEt3 washer and dryer set a few year ago. I love them - and have only a few problems (included in the extended warranty). I do not have tangled clothing coming out of the washer. The washer has so many different cycle that you can always find the right one for the style of washing you will be doing.

I think Kenmore now makes HEt6 - has a few more bells and whistles than the HEt3.

The water level in the washer goes to the level required to do the wash at the moment. So you never have excess water being used. It wets the clothing but does not waste water at the same time. The spin cycle is amazing and the clothes come out light and ready for drying. I have an electric dryer and didn't notice a bit of difference in my electric bill once I began to use it.

Both appliances are large and hold a huge amount of dirty clothes.

I give the Hettie (commonly known as) washer and dryer, a thumbs up!

A few years age I ended up buying a front loading Kenmore washer and dryer. Before making any decisions I went and checked up on the Consumer's Reports (usually available free at your local library) and Kenmore was a CR choice.

I tend to go with CR more than individual consumer reviews simply because all the machines are put through exactly the same tests, so you are comparing apples to apples.

Good luck...

You'd think I was deebating something life-altering... I can not believe how hard choosing a washer has been! :eek:

I did finally choose a washer. Its a front loader (much to my own surprise!) My hesistation with it was the reviews. There were love-it or hate-it reviews. 1 star or 5 stars. Nothing in between. The sales lady was WONDERFUL and explained all the prods and cons and what to expect with a front loader.

Now.... what do I do with the HUGE container of regular laundry soap that I bought from Sam's Club a few weeks ago? :p

I don't use special laundry soap with my front loader. I just use way way less. If it's powder I use like a tbsp, and if it's liquid I fill it half way to the first line on the measuring cup thingy that comes with it.
My clothes appear to be clean so I'll just keep doing what I'm doing.... ;)

I also never use the special detergents they say you need with the front loaders. I buy the liquid but have used the powder to finish a box I had and have never had a problem. BUT...like Shelteez mentioned, you do have to use much less . I can do a load of heavily soiled clothes with one tbls. of liquid Tide and cold water, evererything comes out sparkling. The regular soaps are cheaper also.

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Originally Posted by catnapper

Now.... what do I do with the HUGE container of regular laundry soap that I bought from Sam's Club a few weeks ago? :p

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Do you have any fountains or water features in the neighborhood?:D:eek::rolleyes:

A well is the next best thing and that's what we have here so I never have to worry about water...nice bonus.

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Originally Posted by Asiel

A well is the next best thing and that's what we have here so I never have to worry about water...nice bonus.

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You missed Richard's point! Concussion - right? Okay - so you have an excuse I guess. :p:D