I had a samsung 219 that I loved, it worked great and I got it at best buy for around 650.

if you are close to Dayton this pair is in Germantown

Here is a link that might be useful: Miele pair on sale 400 $

Thanks for the recommendations. I'm looking for something new. No idea how long a used set would work.

Mike

Mike that set is round ten year old. I've 2 miele frontloaders one was bought in 1984, the other in 1999-2000. Check youtube, it is flooded of vids of miele washers even older than that one

Suppose a set like that outlastes just further 10 years, You have spent just 400 $ instead of 1k and probably without any service call

Obviously given that extremly low price check both washer and dryer work properly. Ask the seller for showing you a short towel load cycle, to have a proof of good health of bearings and shock while spinning

It's impressive if the Miele can last that long. Is it due to durability or people just willing to fix them? With a higher cost of entry, maybe people are willing to spend more?

Secondly, I will be using the washer on the second floor of my home. Having a FL now I see vibration is an issue. I've also seen posts mentioning Miele suffer from quite a bit of vibration, do any models have a remedy for this issue? Is it just improper installation? I do have some antivibration feet for my washer, but still it's a problem.

I'd like to consider getting a Miele, but cost and vibration would be an issue. Also, regarding the specific set, I'm in the TX area, that set is far from my location.

Mike

I continually see many makes of FL's for less than $1K in weekly ads -- some priced as low as $600 and $700. Most models I recall seeing at those prices are Frigidaires, LG's, and Samsungs.

I also see some of the lower-end Cabrio and Bravos models on sale in that price range.

Also -- don't know if you've seen Sears ads lately, but they consistently sell basic traditional TL's (probably without dispensers) for as low as $400 and up. I saw a w/d set for sale in yesterday's ad for about $500! Again, these are basic washers and dryers, no frills, not large capacity (though not small, either).

Sears appliance stores often sell washers (and other appliances) at lower prices than their mall stores.

You can often find bottom-dollar prices, even on more upscale models, at Sears Scratch 'n Dent Stores and Sears Outlet Stores.

Do you have stores like BrandsMart in your area? Stores like those also sell at big discount. I do think their supply is more limited than 'regular' stores, but their prices are really good.

A cousin recently bought a FL at BrandsMart, which is in her area. I can't remember now what model she bought, but it's highly-ranked, and she got a fantastic price. I had never heard of that store 'til she mentioned it to me.

I just looked it up, and found this link. You can see if there are any near you.

Here is a link that might be useful: BrandsMart -- washers

Good materials. My 26 y.o. one still has original hoses and rubber boot. Also be aware that tiny 24" machine weights somewhat 220 lbs while average 24" FL round 155 lbs. the culprits are thicker stainless parts and cast iron counterweights (competitors use concrete bricks)
That's why i trust more a 10 y.o one miele than some competitor brand new machine.

It has to be sharp level
I'd say it's better to install it in a corner to reduce vibration. Take it with a grain of salt cause we have concrete floor cores here. I just know that in wooden core floors there are wrong places to install a washer cause vibration may resonate there and shake the entire building

Check the Ariston thread and go figure :)

My home has wood core, no concrete :( The room it will go in is a small laundry room, by default it goes into a corner.

My concern is about the final spin cycle. My current FL does 900 RPM, fast at the time. Some of the newer models can do much more and I've seen the complaints on the board.

I don't see much Miele in my area, I'm sure it's available at boutique, but will be at a boutique price.

Mike

I just got a 3.5 cf Frigidaire LAFW3511/FAFW3511 which has a max spin of 1000 rpm; no problems with vibration; the stacked dryer does shake sometimes on the intermediate spin but not at the max spin. The replaced 2.4 cf Maytag MAH2400 had the same shake action with its 1200 rpm.

I think that the spins are somewhat overrated as I find that my stuff is "dryer" after the Frigidaire 1000 rpm spin. Did read some while back on pros/cons & believe that the size of the drum enters into the equation for the dryness level.

My apt is not on concrete as part of the living room (about 1/2) is "sitting" over an embankment as I am overlooking a creek; I would suggest that the equivalent is that I'm on the 2nd floor as that is how far to the ground in the back. The front of the apt is "ground level". Could be that the apt is better braced than normal so that it won't fall over.....it is hard to feel the vibration standing next to the max spin when even on bare feet for either washers.

I've had the 218 Samsungs for over a year. No problems so far. The 219 is the same washer with a diamond tub. Personally, I don't use all the different cycles. I do like the sanitize feature even though it takes a couple hours. However, it does have delay start. I really couldn't see the difference in sanitize and steam. I had a front load Neptune and this machine is quieter. I did buy the pedestals. And I love the fact that with the pedestals, you're not standing on your head in order to get clothes in/out of the appliances.

I just purchased the Bosch Vision 500 DLX from Abe's of Maine. Final purchase price is $805 delivered right now.

I have done about 15 loads so far. Fantastic.

The only serious vibrations are felt in the last 2 minutes or so at 1200 RPM. You can lower the RPMs if you like.

Or make sure you have a more "even" load. Like two pairs of jeans instead of just one.

German Engineering. Manufacuted in the USA.

Kinda like a BMW X3/Z3.

Made in North Carolina actually.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bosch 500 DLX

I was thinking Bosch due to positive mention from a person who did a review of a Miele they had purchased.

They said the Bosch was the only other machine they'd considered, but they didn't go into the why. They decided on Miele because it was a 20 year machine.

I'd consider it if I knew the why...

Mike

Bosch is a 10 year machine.

Miele is $1800. Plus local sales tax or delivery.

Put the 1K in a 10 year CD.

In 10 years buy a new Bosch with updated features.

You come out ahead of the game.

Most CDs these days are gaining very little interest. Ten years might not be long enough to accrue enough interest on a $1K CD to buy a Miele.

Mike, the poster you mention went Miele rather than Bosch because of temperature options. Latest Bosch machines lack of some temperature settings in the actual warm - actual hot zone. Temps are dumbed down (eg their warm is actually almost tap cold) in order to save energy, so that Bosch USA can get tax credits from US government.

The previous Bosch model that family have had, was not a liar :) : cold = 85°F, warm = 105, very warm = 120, hot = 140 ..... the same "mindset" of Miele machines

Most CDs these days are gaining very little interest. Ten years might not be long enough to accrue enough interest on a $1K CD to buy a Miele.

That is not what I wrote.

$1000 plus interest can buy a new Bosch model in 2020 with money left over. So you have 20 years of machine washing for less than $1800 in current dollars.

deeageaux, you're right. I misread your post -- got Bosch and Miele mixed up.

I have to admit, I wonder where we'll be in 2020, as far as washers are concerned, if the current trend continues.

ATM I'm thinking either the Kenmore 4027 or LG 2050. Based on CR, they do a good job, my guess is they are good for 10 yr. machines.

Please correct me if this is a bad assumption.

Mike

OT: The earlier reference to the year 2020 reminded me of the late '60s song, In the Year 2525. Does anyone else remember it?

Sears is having some sales right now, plus being in Ohio you can get the $150 rebate.

My Bosch dryer died for the second time in 5 years, so no more Bosch for me. In Cincinnati I only found one place that repairs them and I've already spent over $500 on repairs for the thing.

I'm going to get an American brand so I have more repair options. Looking at a GE set for under $1500 that I hope to buy today. That's why I'm hear, to see if there are bad comments on the GEs. Though, it seems somebody has something bad to say about every brand except Meile. :)

I'm not considering GE. Chefmom_2010 provide this link [URL="http://www.allbrandservicenaperville.com/products-washer.html";]authored by a washing machine repair shop.[/URL]

I'd love to see more links like that one, it would give a better idea of which brands are more reliable or easily services.

In addition to that link CR states there's something like
9% to 15% failure rates among FL washing machines. GE ranks on the upper end of that score.

I'll say those numbers aren't real promising for any brand.

Mike

You are right - the numbers aren't very good. However, we really need to buy some brand of machine. Unless we want to do what a long-time poster here used to recommend. When folks whined about having to measure the soap carefully or leave the door open he would tell them to take their clothes, go down to the river and bang them on the rocks. No fancy cycles or HE soap required - total control and reliability. :)

Good luck with your washer. I have a 4 year old Duet Sport washer with a heater that I paid $800 dollars for. Works great - no problems.

I agree with you on this point. I didn't mean to say that one shouldn't be any of these washers, rather be aware of what to expect.

I'm also trying to determine the point of diminishing returns, in other words, which machine would provide me the best bang for the buck? Seems so far that $600.00 is the lower limit, machines costing less start to have lesser quality and fewer features.

If anyone thinks to the contrary, please share.

Regards,

Mike

Mike, I would avoid the Frigidaires. Mine was terrible for noise and vibration and the washer door never closed without a lot of effort. I was happy to make it part of the deal when I sold the house.

My new LG ($549 on sale) is too new for any kind of long term opinion, but if spins much faster and has much less vibration.

Both are/were installed over a crawlspace with wood joists.

Panamamike you should be able to get a washer for somewhere around 600-800 that is their basic model and it should still do a good job. As you go up you might get another 100 spin revolutions in the next model. (Just how much dryer will those towels be at 1300 versus 1200?) You'll definitely get more cycle selections. Figure out what you really use. What you don't see are the parts they use to manufacture the product. Too bad they don't have clear plastic washers so you can compare, say the size of the motor or how the spin assembly is built.

So far, my 218 Samsungs do what they are supposed to do, clean clothes. I paid less than $800 for the set so that was the deciding factor when I made the purchase. At the time I was also looking at the LG and Bosch. However, they all look like if you abuse them by slamming doors and jerking the drawers open, that because they are plastic, that something will break. And this seems to be true of the expensive or cheap machine. If that is an issue then maybe a Miele or Speed Queen is the way to go.

I just purchased the Bosch Vision 500 DLX from Abe's of Maine. Final purchase price is $805 delivered right now.
I have done about 15 loads so far. Fantastic.

The only serious vibrations are felt in the last 2 minutes or so at 1200 RPM. You can lower the RPMs if you like.

Or make sure you have a more 'even' load. Like two pairs of jeans instead of just one.

German Engineering. Manufacuted in the USA.

Kinda like a BMW X3/Z3.

Made in North Carolina actually.

The Vision 500 DLX is now $655 delivered. It is a no brainer at this price. Jump on it. They are an authorized dealer too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bosch Vision 500 DLX

1 - Make a list of which features you really need.

2 - Start with the lowest price models and move UP the line until you find one with those features. STOP LOOKING at that brand.

3 - Repeat with several brands and then investigate those models for reliability issues, etc.

Check the used appliance stores,. I saw a high-end washer/dryer set that was unused. It had been part of a home show set for three years and they dumped the appliances and re-did the set.

Yep......make out a list of what features you really want, and what features you'll never use and don't want to pay for. I'm a professional horticulturist and my clothing gets filthy by the end of the day, and I needed one to really clean them and my old top loader wasn't doing the trick. So, I was checking out the stores for a new FL like my kids had in England. I also wanted to be sure I could find a machine with super hot water. One where I could do at least three loads in an hour. One extremely water efficient, since we are on a spring. One where I could adjust the cycle lengths and one where I wasn't locked into any particular type of detergent. Under a thousand would be nice too. You'll never guess what I ended up with...and I've had it almost a year now and I love it.

{{gwi:139637}}

Calliope, wow that is a nice looking wringer washer! If I ever found one, Id buy it too, just to have it as they are great collectors and built like a tank!

Ya, like the poster in Maine. I am in New Hampshire and Barons is doing s $300 rebate on Bosch's now, can get the mid level Bosch for the price of the low end one. Have a Maytag that is 25 years old now and JUST started leaking!! Concerned that the Ohio poster stated that Bosch broke twice in two years though. Any other long term Bosch owners?

I'm not real excited by Bosch. I've been seeing quite a bit of negative reviews. I know these should be taken with a grain of salt, but seems like the Bosch Nexxt 500 is problematic.

In the past I've seen problematic products get heavily discounted to get rid of their inventories. I'm thinking the Nexxt 500 might fit that category.

Mike

Seeing that now, But don't have the money for a Miele! Maybe Whilpool?

gates1....this one is brand newie. It did cost a thousand, actually because they are not made in America anymore and it had to be shipped in. I was seriously looking for a FL. I have been watching comments on this forum for months before I made that drastic decision. The new machines sound like a blinking PIA, where one has to out-think a computer to get enough water, use extra rinses, cope with smells, worry about detergents, fight holes and wrinkles, noise and vibration and lemons. This machine is built like a tank, and simple enough I could work on it. It'll be running yet thirty years from now, too. I posted this tongue-in-cheek, but I am seriously happy now I didn't get a 'modern' machine. There are alternatives.

Well with septic system on a the brink and two new babies. I need a high eff. machine. Otherwsie I would just fix my 25 year old Maytag TANK (top loader).

shortlid, if your Maytag 'tank' can be repaired for a reasonable fee, I think I'd use it as long as possible -- unless you specifically need a larger capacity for washing comforters, etc.

Some people actually have two washers, using each one for different types of laundry. That is quite interesting to me.

If you want to be able to wash laundry in true hot water (minimum 140 degrees F), an HE washer will need to have an internal water heater.

I used regular washers with a septic tank for years, while rearing six children, and never had a problem. We've always had it pumped every five years, for maintenance.

I now have a Maytag Bravos HE toploading washer. The current ones have a huge capacity of 5 cu ft -- mine is 4.6 cu ft. Mine works very well. The only thing I would add is the internal water heater, which wasn't available when I bought my washer.

CR just rated FL and here is what they wrote: Kenmore 4027 was the top recommended washer for around $800. Second was the LG WM2050 at around $700.

Sears is having a sale this week with %15 off I think.....good deal.

Well went back to the dealer to look at duets, and the Bosch 300 series now has a on baord heater, and same tub as the 500 and with rebates is $449!! I have a hear time beating that. Might keep the old Maytag around just for back-up but the wife refuses to run it any longer. She has to re-spin the loads three times now to do a load.

My LG 2050 washer was delivered on Sat. I have done several loads which included; towels, sheets, colors, whites, jeans. My husband had grasss stains on his jeans and his coat. I just used the presoak cycle and all stains were removed! I love this machine and have no complaints. Wish I had bought a FL sooner.