What's with all the bells and whistles???

17 years ago

First, I'd like to thank all of you for sharing all your comments on washers and dryers. It is a HUGE help in trying to select one out of the many products out there. Second, I'm overwhelmed because you all have given so much information :)

My Norge Signature 2000 is finally coming to the end of it's life. Normal washing cylce doesn't work, but perm press still does so I'm not going to work tomorrow in dirty clothing. That also should give me a brief period of time to find the right washing for me.

The world of washers has certainly changed over the past few years. All those lights and extras - maybe I'm stuck in the past, but I need the lights and sounds and digital this and that on my computer or on my car. Are there any large (3.5 and above) washers out there that are going to last for more than 10 years? Why do I want digital electronics on a washer - I don't want to have to worry about placing a power surge protector on my washer to protect the digital circuitry like I do on my computer.

I came close to picking up a Whirlpool Cabrio 6200 for about $650 from best buy. But I decided to delay the purchase so I could ask the question here...

Does anyone make a quality top load non digital reliable trustworthy and large washing machine?

I've got my digital coffee maker - it's cool and I wake up to a fresh cup every morning. I replace my computer every 3-5 years to stay current with the industry. My car has intermitent windshield wipers. I'm not stuck in the 70's and 80's... But washing machines???

I do 3 or 4 loads a week, And do want to be able to wash comforters and other larger items once in a while. 3.2 size washing machines just won't do, and having a fuzzy cat makes me want an agitator to really dig deep into the clothing for a solid clean even though it does put a little extra wear and tear into them.

Thanks in advance, and I'll painfully nod in agreement now to those who say I may be a little behind the times :)

Featured Answer

dross

17 years ago

quality top load non digital reliable trustworthy and large washing machine

Speed Queen is still in the TL washing machine business, and their machines are very solid. I don't know if they make any that will hold your quilt. I would avoid their FLs, however. - DR

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Comments (6)

fordtech
17 years ago
Whether you want digital or not, virtually every machine has a control board of some kind whether you see it or not.
When I bought my first set of Neptunes back in 2001 I had a choice of the older push button version or the newer digital display models. I thought I was very wise in getting the simpler push button models because of the great service I got from my prior Maytag pushbutton machines and I knew digital has lower dependability and expensive repair history.
Well werent we all surprized to be slapped down with huge expenses later when the hidden machine control boards and hidden motor control boards started dropping like flies!

Unless you know the machine inside and out dont assume anything based on control buttons or outside appearance.
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Richard and Behjat Ligon
8 years ago
I'm so glad to find this forum where I can comment on washing machines, and hope someone can help me. I have bought 3 washing machines in the last 24 months and I'm going to have this last one hauled away to the dump and wash my clothes by hand.

My first washer was a high end Maytag, and after a few months, all of my white sheets, towels, and anything light, started having these yellow and rust color dots. To make a long story short, I found out that the lid was getting rusted and when the machine was agitating, rust particles were dropping in the wash and ruining everything. I talked to people where I bought the machine from , and he rudely told me that I didn't know how to measure bleach, and by using too much, I have ruined the washer, and there is nothing he can do for me. I have always used the same amount of bleach and probably have had 7 or 8 washing machines in my lifetime, and had never had any problem with any of them until they got too old and had to be replaced.

I replaced the rusted washer with a whirlpool machine with all the bells and whistle, but it barely wetted the clothes to wash or rinse. I understood that the new machines use less water and I was all for that, but barely enough water for the wash to come out clean was not acceptable to me, and I was spending too much time adding more water to rinse the soap and dirt off of my wash. I finally gave up and contacted them and they said that many people have complained about that mode, and he suggests a high end G E washer that I can mostly control everything myself. They brought the G E machine, but no matter what setting I choose, it uses the same amount of water, regardless of the size of the load, and the setting of small, medium, large or extra large. It barely wets the wash, and I have a hose attached to the faucet of the sink in my laundry room, and spend a lot of time adding water to the tub.

But that is not the biggest problem. Regardless of the size of the load, the type of things I'm washing, whether I'm washing sheets, towels, or anything else, it moves the wash to one side, and it starts making horrible noises, banging, moaning, pounding, and moving until I rearrange the wash. It does this at least 10 times per wash. Between standing next to it, adding water to the wash, rearranging the wash, I'm a slave to this washer. I might as well as do my laundry by hand. It is less stressful and I will get a work out also. The problem with that is that I only have one working shoulder.

I really need help. I'm not choosy, I want a washing machine that uses enough water to get my laundry clean, and I don't have to rearrange the load constantly. Is there such a thing? Help!!
poppy214
8 years ago
Please clarify what types of washers you've had trouble with. Am I right that the Maytag was a toploader with an old style agitator in the middle? Traditional machine or an HE low water? I'm not sure if the second and third are frontloaders or toploaders, HE or old style? If you can clarify that we can begin to talk particulars on how you do laundry, in which style machine. Most people have a clear preference and the successful methods are not the same for top loaders and frontloaders, new or old style.
georgect
8 years ago
behjatligon...get a traditional top loader by Speed Queen.
Jeannie Cochell
8 years ago
IMHO, there are many issues that should come into play when you're selecting a washer. Alkaline water? Drought area? Number of loads per week. Type of soil. Pets. Cost. Type of flooring. Amount of space. Brands available in your area. How you actually do your laundry... 'old dogs; new tricks'. If you don't want the bells and whistles (digital and sensors) I'm sure your local appliance place has something. Personally, I prefer the digital and sensors and various options. I have cats. I garden. My husband sweats orange (gross). We live in an area of perpetual drought and I'm an unabashed tree-hugger so I want something environment-friendly, including the various detergents and additives I use. Newer models use less water so I wash smaller loads than I did in the top-loader. The sensors weigh the dry load so I don't have to select load-size anymore. I like the towel cycle on both my washer and dryer because the spin really takes that water out and the dryer doesn't work as hard. I didn't buy the CR-recommended LG or Samsung brands. I'm on my 3rd set of Whirlpools in 37 years and the third set is only because we moved and I didn't want to lug a 10+ year-old set of machines to my new place.

What's with all the bells and whistles???

dross

Comments (6)

fordtech

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