Need Opinions PTers... please!

[Nobas Mom]

So hubby and I decided it was time to update the washer and dryer... I am in love with the look of the Whirpool Duet series, but all the reviews I've read say opposite. They say that front loaders are bad cause they use less water, therefore clothes don't seem as clean!!??!! Since this is a huge investment, I need opinions from you all as to what a good washer / dryer set would be. I don't have to have a front loader, a top loader is just fine with me... so throw out the opinions PLEASE!!

[Karen]

We have a good Kenmore washer, it's a top-loader. It replaced two Maytag washers that did not last nearly long enough - one lasted less than three years, which is just shameful. So whatever you do, I'd stay away from Maytag as well as GE - two companies that used to produce good, reliable products.

Don't get me started on GE, but with what we have gone through with our refrigerator over the past 10 menths, I will never buy a GE appliance again.

[Catty1]

In our building, there are new front-loading washers - and I love the job they do!

They do use less water without an agitator taking up space...but research the less-water idea.

Does the criticism come from companies who DON'T make front-loaders and are trying to tarnish the story?

Just for me - I would get a front-loader, for environmental reasons, and to save on some water costs also.

In fact - since I seem to be living in condo apts for the foreseeable future, I would love a stackable unit! Would that do for your needs? They are real space-savers.

Good luck in your shopping decision!

[Nobas Mom]

In our building, there are new front-loading washers - and I love the job they do!

They do use less water without an agitator taking up space...but research the less-water idea.

Does the criticism come from companies who DON'T make front-loaders and are trying to tarnish the story?

Just for me - I would get a front-loader, for environmental reasons, and to save on some water costs also.

In fact - since I seem to be living in condo apts for the foreseeable future, I would love a stackable unit! Would that do for your needs? They are real space-savers.

Good luck in your shopping decision!

The opinions are from regular consumers... so I'm not sure... I'm kind of dumb when it comes to things like this... ... I appreciate the opinions from everyone... keep em coming!

[Moesha]

I work for a lady, who has more money than she knows what to do with. She has the highend front loading machines. I'm amazed at the stains that she gets out of items. I thought she was very happy with it. A couple months ago, she asked me if I knew of a good washer and dryer because the clothes sour easily with the ones she has. She said that was a problem for someone else she knows that has them too. She called the company and they told her she must be using too much detergent. She said she has gone down to barely using any and still finds she has a problem. I don't know any other details than that. But she hasn't switched machines yet either.

[Freedom]

Time to head to the library and check the Consumer Reports!
Also check the Energy Star ratings. I think Consumer Reports includes that.

Once you decide which to buy, check with your local utilities for rebate offers. These will be based on the Energy Start rating. The washer rebate will be with the electric company. The dryer rebate will be electric or gas company, depending on which you have.

[Glacier]

I have the Whirlpool Duet--both the front load washer and the matching dryer. Worth every dime. I love them! The washer will take a much bigger load of dog blankets than our old top loader. Since there's no agitator, I can safely wash alot of things that I used to have to handwash. Clothes come out very clean, stains come out easily. They are very quiet, almost no vibration even on the heavy duty spin cycle. I do tons of laundry, especially considering there's only me here most of the time! Never had a single problem with this set. I'd highly recommend them.

You should use special detergent with them though--get the stuff marked for High Efficiency washers. A friend who does appliance repairs swears that they make a difference the lifespan of these machines.