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advice on new washer/dryers?

15 years ago

We are doing new construction, and plan to put the washer/dryer in a large closet outside the master bedroom on the 2nd floor. I had decided on FL models b/c I've heard they conserve more water, are more efficient, & are gentler on clothes. Reading some of these threads, now I'm not so sure, so would love to see more comments: FL vs. TL - pros & cons.

Also, as soon as my local appliance dealer heard these were going on the 2nd floor, he said the only brand he'd recommend was the new Electrolux, as they are the only ones w/ a balance guarantee (??). He also said the contractor should reinforce the floor in the closet... The Electroluxes are expensive, so I'd want to know they are a big advantage over some of the other good brands. Comments?

Finally, while we (possibly) still have the option, should I find a place on the first floor to put them? It seemed to me it was better to have them located closer to where most of the laundry was generated, but now I'm not so sure.

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Comments (3)

cuffs054
15 years ago
I just replaced my stacked Danbys with a Kenmore 97922 "laundry center". It's a TL washer with dryer mounted over it. Went with it for size and I was tried of missing stuff in the FL when I emptied it. The unit came last Thurs, DOA. Sear was here for two hours today, still screwed up. It's going back. They are exchanging it on this Thurs. If no better I will ask of cash back and try some other idea.
sugarshack55
15 years ago
One you need to avoid is the Whirlpool Cabrio. This set is a $2000.00 joke. Dosen't clean your clothes very well, you have to vacuum out both the washer and dryer because all the hair or grass stays in the bottom of both, not to mention mess all over top of dryer when you clean lint trap. Clothes come out of dryer a wrinkled mess even if you use a lower spin speed on washer. I HATE IT!!
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First and foremost, you need to ensure whatever you buy is leveled properly. Even being slightly off (1/4") is going to cause major vibrations throughout your house. The forces we are talking about here are fairly immense, 1300rpm with 10-20lbs of clothing is a big deal. All of the units today have incredibly good systems to deal with the shock and movement of a washer running through the process and they absolutely depend on the washer being installed right. You need to check front to back and left to right, on all corners of your unit. You also need to use a straight edge to make sure the unit is perfectly aligned to itself, if it is tweaked, nothing you can to will fix it. I would check that on your unit now to see. Little changes make BIG differences! Once done, all of the major brands are going to be pretty darn quiet as far as vibration forces are concerned. The next step is to lower the noise being transferred to the air. In this case it is all down to the pumps used in the units. Truth be told, if you can close the door on the laundry room, even the loudest ones are no big deal. Mine went from shake the entire house where pictures might fall off to "wait, is it running?" with about an 1/8" change.
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housefairy
15 years ago
The Samsung washer can be put on the second floor. Since you are putting them in a closet just recheck your measurements. The Electrolux really stick out, because they have more capacity. The upside on the Electrolux is that you can change the swing of the door of the washer. Also take into consideration the doors and the drawer for putting in the detergent.

However, my neighbor has the LG's upstairs and the Whirlpools downstairs. She has had no problem with vibration and says they are noticeably quieter than the Whirlpools.

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