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I need a new washer and dryer!

17 years ago

I'm in the market for a new washer and dryer. Mine are 26 years old and though they still work, they may not for long! I need something that will stand up to pet hair and larger loads. I was thinking of a front loader, but have been scared off by the prices and it irritates me that I have to pay extra for the pedestals. I think they should be included. I have looked at the Kenmores and the Whirlpool Duet, but now I'm considering the Cabrio. Another thing, I am visually impaired and considered the front loaders because I could see them but now I just don't know. I have friends who bought them and say they need repair after a short time. Any thoughts out there/

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Comments (4)

jcrowley99
17 years ago
I just got the Cabrio without the agitator a week ago. I really like it, it does a great job cleaning, does not cause vibrations, and is easy to load and unload. I had a front loader for a week and it caused a lot of vibration problems. I also find it easier to use the Cabrio than the front loader. It does not seem to be as picky about the amount of detergent (I have never used more than 1 1/2 Tbsp) and holds a lot more cloths than the front loader did. It still uses less water than a traditional toploader, but it was much easier to learn how to use. It is actually very similar to my old Kenmore. The controls light up a bright green color and are easy to see. The numbers for the timer are about 2/3" and very distict. I can read the number from my kitchen without my glasses, about ten feet from the washer. This could be helpful once you are used to the machine and now where the cycles are on the dail. Hope this helps you, good luck.
ebear1271
17 years ago
I have the GE Harmony, which is similar to the Cabrio. I love it!! It holds an obscene amount of clothes and is very easy to use. It uses an LCD touch screen which might make it easier to read and it also has a "favorites" feature where you can program up to 6 cycles (such as "warm", "whites" etc. All you have to do is hit the favorites button, press "use" and then press the cycle you need. I have mine memorized and could probably do it with my eyes closed.
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I agonized for months on which washer and dryer to get, and I haven't found a single one that didn't have some complaints from reviewers. I actually even ordered two different sets TWICE at different times and cancelled the orders. I had ordered the Samsung and LG top loading washers without agitator and was too overwhelmed by all the negative reviews to proceed with the orders. I had also tried them both out at friend's houses and found several issues I didn't like. For example, the tubs are very deep which made it hard for me to reach down to retrieve clothing articles. Also, the clothes barely move around. In some cases, parts of the clothes were still dry up until the spin cycle. I finally decided to go with Speed Queen's mid-price top loading model with matching dryer - - - a very basic design in white with an agitator. Sure the other brands are prettier with all the beautiful colors. But I don't entertain in my laundry room, so who cares if someone happens to go through and sees a white machine? I think we all have the same goal which is to get our clothes as clean as possible. In my humble opinion, friends, Speed Queen is the Mercedes of the washer and dryer world. With an automatic 5 year warranty and built to last 25 years, my search is at long last over!
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It depends a lot on which make/model you are talking about. I used to have (in the early 90's) a GE FilterFlo toploader that was noisier than my FLs. Particularly when filling or when the brake made a very loud "Ker-Plow!" when it stopped spinning. The other TLs were quieter but still louder than most FLs. Some of the "compact" (24") Euro machines from the late 90's, Bosch, for example, which have a brush motor, sound like a very quiet sewing machine during tumble and have a relatively loud spin compared to newer FLs, still quieter than the GE above, more on a par with other TLs. The newest FLs which have a brushless motor tend to be fairly quiet unless they are unbalanced. You probably don't want them in your TV room, but mostly you will hear the machine filling with water, and pumping out. The spin is louder than the tumbling, but not bad unless you put the machine in say, a fully tiled small bathroom.
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Hello! Here are some options that could fit: Kenmore 41912 2.4 cu. ft. Compact Front-Load Washer w/Steam Technology - Dimensions: 24"W x 25.2"D (with door closed) / Kenmore 417-81942H 4.0 cu. ft. Compact Front-Load Electric Condensing Dryer - Dimensions: 23.6"W x 25.2" (with door closed LG WM3488HW 2.3 cu. ft. Compact All-In-One Washer/Dryer Combo - Dimensions: 24"W x 25.25" (with door closed) Check out Bosch and Electrolux as well! Hope this helps!
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User
17 years ago
If you want a front loader but think the prices are too high...find a sears outlet center (scratch and dent). They have hundreds of front loaders that are half the price because of small marks on them or because the box was open. They have full warranties just like you buy them at the store. I buy all my appliances there. Go to the sears website and do a store search and check off the Sears Outlet center. Bargains galore.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sears Store Locator
msabmiles
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks for all the information. I think I will be looking at the Cabrio or the new Maytag Bravos. We don't have a Sears store nearby so I don't have easy access to look at those. My old machines are Kenmores and have never given me any trouble even after 20 some years, but I'm afraid if I bought from Sears again and needed service I'd be up a creek. That's a good idea to look for a Sears outlet store though. I never thought of it. Do they deliver or do you have to get it yourself?

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