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Best value front-loader advice needed

16 years ago

Our Kenmore front-loader (about 5 years old) seems to have died, and we need a new machine. What is the most reliable front-loading machine that gets clothes clean and doesn't leave them stinky? We don't care how the machine looks.

Thanks!

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Comments (5)

chisue
16 years ago
My 6-year-old Frigidaire Gallery front loader is dying, but I think I know why: house-sitter overloading. Repairman says the rotor bearings are shot.

I bought this unit for $600 instead of the then-newish Maytag front loaders that were $1200 (and got bad reviews a year later). I figured I could buy TWO Frigidaires for the cost of ONE Maytag, and Maytag hasn't been the same since it was bought out.

I'm planning to buy another Frigidaire Gallery. Amazed to find they are STILL $600. (China effect? WalMart effect?) I think Kenmores are re-labled Frigidaires -- all marketed by Electrolux.
looser
16 years ago
Kenmore is not any specific brand. Most of the high-end Kenmore appliances are made by Whirlpool. The cheaper ones are made by Frigidaire I think.

Theoretically, all FLs should be reliable and able to leave the clothes not stinky. It is important to keep the door open so the inside of the washer can dry. If there is access water in the boot it is a good idea to wipe it clean with a rag or hand towel.
If you don't need any bells and whistles, the Figidaire might be a good choice. The new Maytags are also supposed to be pretty well build. It all depends on how much money you are willing to spend and what features you'd like to have.
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You know funny this topic would appear, let me tell you our story and see if this helps you. in 2007, my partner and I moved into our home and the laundry room is located in a fully finished lower level that sits on a concrete pad. We purchased the WP Duet Series and within 3 months, Lowes replaced the set because of serious vibrations. We purchased the Bosch Nexxt 500 Plus Series and was pretty happy until about a year ago the washer made hideous sounds while spinning. Now mind you, as you're reading these events, the machines are fully level, HE detergent is used and never a suds in the place, the machines are fully cared for and you'd know because the technicians would be amazed at the care we took with these machines. Fed up, and after 9 visits with the Lowes appliances repair people (the people who Lowes contracts with), they deemed the machine a lemon and bought the set back. My partner and I then went shopping and looked at the Electrolux, and they were just Frigidaire machines with some bells and whistles and then I looked at Miele. We bought the Miele set and never looked back. Yes, they are quite pricey and sure the check from Lowes didn't cover the whole cost, but once you see them in person, you will notice the craftsmanship is far beyond anything that WP, LG, Samsung, Maytag, Electrolux...anyone has out there minus maybe SQ. The machines are built like tanks, their customer service is tops (both in email and in phone call) and the machines clean our clothes like no other. So, I know the Miele set is not on your list but do yourself a favor, go look at them. I don't know what I like more honestly, the washer or the dryer...they are both GREAT machines! Just my two cents. Matt :-)
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I have a Miele 4840 and was in the showroom at Beverly Hills last week and I asked about the mildew. Told the showroom reps that I wiped out the rubber around the door to avoid mildew and they said I did not have to do that at all. Just close the door. I don't need to leave the door open to dry it out. I live in Orange County CA so our humidity here is about 50-60% on average. I had an old Maytag FL which I loved and had the mildew problem on that seal and bleached in monthly. Never had a problem or the smell that some people had. Was lucky I guess and never had a mechanical problem. Would have bought another one but they are now Whirlpool. If you haven't bought your washer yet I would pick one that the controls are set up for what you need and like. I liked the extra 4th rinse of the Maytag that could be selected as part of the wash cycle. Only one selection on the Miele-sensitive- gives you a 3rd rinse automatically. There is a Quick Rinse selection but you have to set it separately so look at that before you choose. And there is no literature that I know of that describes the number of rinses with each selection. You have to ask Miele. I found that the sales people at stores are not that versed in this brand. I have a Miele double oven, warming drawer and hood and love each one. Miele has a new hood that I like better. because of the lighting. The hoods are noisy though. good luck.
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I love my Maytag Bravos. Its capacity is listed as 5.2 cu ft, and I can easily wash a king-size comforter. If you want to be able to wash with true hot water (instead of hot water cooled down with cold water), you will need an internal water heater -- unless you buy Speed Queen. When I was researching washers, SQ didn't have a washer big enough for my family, and their washers are expensive. My washer has an internal water heater, and does everything I need it to do very well.
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Rpsinfoman, I have used many detergents over the years. In order: All free and clear liquid, Charlie's, homemade powder, powder from Sears, powdered tide w/alternative & this spring switched to tide w/alternative liquid. I have always used oxyclean when needed. I was also adding tspp per this board when I was using Charlie's. I just started adding Borax to towel loads. I thought maybe that would also help keep the machine clean. I got so tired of wiping out the gasket! Also since I believe this was one of the older models so the door is either open all the way or closed. No "cracked open" setting. Our Landry room is pretty small so that door is always in the way. That is another reason I am leaning towards a top loader. I am just glad hubby fixed it for only $40!!! he said it was really easy too.
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housekeeping
16 years ago
I would be sure to buy a machine with an on-board heater, no matter which brand you choose. This is the one, must have feature for me.

I have owned my oldest Asko for nearly 15 years, and my oldest Miele for 8. Neither was cheap, but then I have had excellent, almost perfectly trouble free, use of them and I do vastly more laundry than most people (average more than 30 loads per week). Although it isn't always possible to pay the cost of a higher-quality machine, it does often seem to be the most economical in the long run.

HTH,

Molly~
mikeske
16 years ago
The Best value front loader, A Independent appliance store and their scratch and dent department.

I got a Maytag MAH9700AWW front loader in March for $400 for the washer and $250 for a matching dryer, after rebates from Maytag and the public utility. Sure it was last years model and it was made by Samsung and we got a ground fault interrupter free (because of a recall). I did opt for the 5 year warranty for $350 for both machines.

I am cheap and always willing to save some money on a top of the line washer and dryer and paying less then a good quality top loader. I am also on a well and it is great that we got the machine as we have saved a quite a bit of water that never makes it into the septic system.
mike_73
16 years ago
I bought a frigdaire Front loader 2 years ago from Best Buy, mine was $699 and nearly top of the line. so far I am pleased with it. I got it with a 5 year warranty just incase. I really hope the machine lasts longer than years with out any trouble, thinking I will be happy if it lasts atleast 8 years. seems apliances dont don't last as long as they did a few decades ago anymore. if I were looking now I would probably be looking at the Fridgidaire Anfinity 7000 and the Whirlpool Duet sport with the heater in board.

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