Washer/Dryer Recommendations?

13 years ago

I'm sure this has been asked over and over, but I haven't needed to buy a washer and dryer in so long I don't know where to start!

Washing machine is leaking and making horrible noise. May be able to repair, but it is 15 years old and I am thinking it may be time to get a more energy efficient one. Not sure if I need to get a dryer at the same time. The washer and dryer are in the basement behind closed doors. The basement is finished except for the perimeter which includes the washer/dryer and storage space. So, looks really aren't all that important!

Here's what I am looking for:

*good, reliable, low maintenance. we are not handy!

*family of 4 with two teenage girls who do generate a fair amount of laundry. All are athletes which increases smell laundry! Oldest will be leaving for college and amount of laundry will decrease over the next several years.

*do not do a lot of "oversize" items. No comforters, only comforter covers, the occasional sleeping bag.

*Thinking front loader (have top loader now) because it will give me "shelf" space (the unfinished area includes just pipes and small window, so really can't install shelves) I have small rolling cart for storage. No other storage space.

*Energy efficient. Otherwise, don't think I will use a lot of bells and whistle features -- however, I really don't know what's out there!

* Would rather have lower price vs bells and whistles

*

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Comments (4)

livebetter
13 years ago
Hi Spinart,

My Mom just went through this process. She is finally going front load after many years of top load.

I'm a laundry fanatic (why I'm here I guess) so I helped her do her research.

She's not willing to spend what I would spend on machines so that narrowed the feild. After a TON of reading she bought this pair from Lowe's here in Canada on a very good sale.

These do not have an internal heater but she didn't feel she needed anything to be washed "that" hot so she's very pleased with her selection. They won't be installed for two more weeks but you can read the various reviews - seems very positive.

She bought matching dryer (http://www.lg.com/us/appliances/dryers/LG-electric-dryer-DLE2140W.jsp).

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: LG WM2140CW Washers
herring_maven
13 years ago
spinart wrote: "Washing machine is leaking and making horrible noise. May be able to repair, but it is 15 years old and I am thinking it may be time to get a more energy efficient one. Not sure if I need to get a dryer at the same time."

There is your answer, right in your question. If you are not sure if you need to get a new dryer, then you do not need to get a new dryer. "If it ain't broke, don't replace it." Dryer technology matured some time around 1950, and there has been only one significant advance (moisture sensors to cut short baking of already dried clothing) since that time. Almost all modern dryers have moisture sensors, so the presence of one is not likely to be a decision factor.

There are greater differences among washers than there are among dryers. As in some other appliance categories, the gold standard of washers is Miele, but most Miele washers are priced above many purchasers' budget. Probably the best lower cost imitator of Miele washers in the current market is Samsung, and any Samsung model with the "diamond drum" and vibration reduction technology (VRT) provides a good starting point for your shopping, a standard against which to compare other makes and models, even if you end up deciding on something else.
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Do you do all the laundry or does each person do their own? This would be a factor in how large a unit you need. The more you can put in the less loads you will have to do. But the big thing is budget. When you ask about a Miele and then go all the way to a Kenmore you are listing quite a range. As far as the German engineering and the cost to fix take an example of cars. A BMW will cost more for comparable repairs than say a Chevy. Can you afford the difference if you buy a Miele and you do need some kind of unforseen repair? Everyone states the Miele will last longer. But will the difference in price make up for just how many years you get out of a machine? If you finance then you would also need to figure that into your cost. Personally if you want a Miele and can afford it, go for it. Those German engineers do make some awesome stuff. What I would suggest is that you need to go shopping! If you are looking for something that washes woolens ask to be shown those specific washers. After you have got your selection down to a few different models come back and ask opinions. If you are wanting to wash something large, such as a comforter, take it along and stuff it in the machines. Unless someone has, for whatever reason, bought an unusual number of washers they can really only give you an opinion on their machine. Have fun shopping.
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cynic
13 years ago
I agree you don't need a dryer until it's done and even then sometimes a simple repair can get you going again.

As for the washer, a leak can be a simple thing or a complex thing. A noise can be simple or serious. Sounds like you just want a new machine. If you're happy with the performance of the machine and I don't even know what you have - but it might be worth seeing about repair. Certainly the potential to be much cheaper than buying new. Contrary to what many will tell you, you seldom will pay for a new unit with detergent and water savings on HE models.

Since you mentioned price over bells and whistles, I really think you're best off to set your price. Then go look to see what's in that price range. Do the bells and whistles meet your needs? Then come back and ask about Brand X vs. Brand Y models. Research repair service available in your area. For instance, LG has had a lot of people find a lack of repair service in their area. This could be an important consideration. We all want our machines to go 50 years trouble-free but the odds of that happening, yes even on the oft-worshiped Miele, doesn't happen often.

You'll get people shouting BUY BINFORD 6100 - I LOOOOOOOOVE MINE!!! and you could come to find it's out of your price range... that's not much help then is it?

One thing I try to remind people: Cheap does not always mean bad. Expensive does not always mean good. Value is the key IMO. Check clearance aisles, scratch and dent areas too. You can pick up some bargains.

Capacity doesn't sound like a big issue, but is cycle time important? Front loaders will generally take quite a bit longer than traditional toploads. You might need to reschedule your laundry activities. Are you able/willing to do this? Any problems bending over, crouching down to load and unload a frontloader?

There are some low priced front loaders out there and many find them to be adequate. Some of the laundry snobs scream that you'll smell forever and the world will implode if you don't get a heater. And sometimes the heaters don't even get used! So just be careful. Look for what fits your needs and your budget. There's a dizzying array of choices out there both in front load and even HE top loaders available now in case you're interested in them.

Happy hunting!
suburbanmd
13 years ago
herring_maven, how do Samsung washers imitate Miele washers? I see more differences than similarities.

Washer/Dryer Recommendations?

Comments (4)

livebetter

herring_maven

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cynic

suburbanmd

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