If your washer is working fine as you say, there's no need to replace it.

You don't say exactly how old is the set, or what're the model numbers. They may not be as "old" as you think. Many Maytags from the 1980s (and earlier) are still running, they're very well-designed and robust machines. Dryers are relatively simple mechanisms. You may find that your dryer is inexpensive to repair.

The concerns you outline in regards to toploaders are related to the new HE machines. There are still non-HE toploaders on the market.

Many machines, both frontloaders and toploaders, allow soaking. Clothes only need to be saturated wet for soaking, they don't have to be floating in gallons of water.

Unless something has changed very recently, dryers are not EnergyStar-rated. In any case, EnergyStar is related to *increasing* efficiency so what makes you think EnergyStar would cause dryers to be *inefficient*?

If you are insistent on replacing your dryer, get a mid-priced unit in the Whirlpool family (Whirlpool/Kenmore/Maytag/Roper), something with moisture-sensing (NOT thermostat-sensing) auto-dry cycles. If you want to go a little more upscale, three of the newest Maytag Bravos dryers have a new high-speed blower design that supports longer venting and should be speedy for drying.

I'll make it simple. Buy Speed Queen. You can find them at the smaller independent dealers (not the box stores such as Lowe's). They are simple to operate, are not loaded with computers, and are built like tanks on a design that has been in use for many years. Plus they come with a better warranty than any other manufacturer.

Here is a link that might be useful: Speed Queen

Speed Queen dryers have thermostat auto-dry, not moisture sensing. Perhaps adequate, but wouldn't be my first choice.

I went to an independent dealer, Sears and Best Buy.

I looked at the Maytag centennial but noticed it doesn't get great reviews.

Then I looked at the Kenmore 700 series top loaders. Seems like good value.

Anybody have any opinion on Bosch front loader? Leaning towards TL but haven't ruled out FL. Bosch model WAS20160UC

I think I'm gun-shy on expensive appliances since I had so much trouble with my expensive Viking gas range. Then I read through this forum and found people were giving each other advice on how to bang their machine's door shut and such, scared me.

I have a 2+ YO bosch fl... with realistically no problems to speak of... on my second floor with no vibration problems... yet others here have had or do have the same model with problems... I think this will be true for just about any model you pick... some will have no problems and some will have problems especially on these boards as many come to them basically to make note of problems...not to compliment their items...

Find one you like that has the functionality you want... unless your flooring is a real problem just about any machine should work well...

IF all that is wrong is your dryer... why not just replace that??? unless... you want to replace your washer??? In my case my 25+ YO matags were working fine, but... a big but... they were 25+ years old and on the 2nd floor of my house... I was WORRIED that IF the washer decided to die... and leak when it did it... I would have a major problem with my bathroom flooring that it sits on, my hardwood hallway onthe other side of the sall from the washer, and then my foyer below the machine... ceiling, walls, marble floor... and then the basement playroom stairs, walls, ceiling, and carpeting... all of this could be a problem depending on IF I was around IF it let loose... and the longer I had the machine the more worried I became...

So... I finally wussed and said enough and went shopping...

I just am being pro-active as these maytags are in the 15-20 yr old range and they have survived me raising 4 kids, tons of laundry, plus their friends bringing all their laundry over so in real years of usage they are probably more like 30 years old! However, they probably don't make them like they used to.

Although I really didn't want a FL, something about the Bosch attract me. Where are they made? If Sears sells them I assume they will service them. So you have been happy with Bosch? Sears is having a 'family and friends' sale Sunday night so I think I could get a reasonable deal on them. Are they worth so much more than a TL? That is the question--however if I felt they were reliable, I'd strongly consider them. I'm just wondering now if I'm replacing these, why shouldn't I upgrade to the FL?

They are ground floor on cement slab covered with linoleum in a laundry closet. I don't think I'd have room for the risers unless I re-did the shelves above the W/D which I don't want to do. Wonder if that's a reason to get a TL

If I were you, I'd replace the dryer and wait to replace the washer when it doesn't work anymore. That's me.

As for getting a good dryer, I'd want a big one (minimum 7 cu ft capacity) with sensors to detect when clothes are dry (to prevent over-drying) and a hamper door. You don't have to buy a dryer which matches an HE washer to get those features.

Shappy ~

All I want is something that works and is reliable!! I've read through this forum and had no idea that with top-loaders
1) you can't use regular detergent
2) wash cycles can be ridiculously long
3) have computer error messages that won't let you wash
4) you can't soak clothes?

This sounds like you are talking about the washer and I have only heard these concerns regarding front load washing machines, not top loaders. Some top-loaders are "he" but I find that Charlie's Soap is very usable for both types of washers. Perhaps others will work too.

Now I'm reading that the energy star requirements make the dryers less efficient. I've looked through epinions and keep seeing model after model with very low customer satisfaction.

Can someone please help me!! Just point me towards the brand/model that seems to be the most reliable. I don't need anything fancy, but it seems like if I'm getting a new washer a front loader would be much easier on the clothes.

This has to do with the dryer and they, really, are very simple machines. I got a Sears Kenmore Elite dryer (it doesn't match the Fisher-Paykel washer I have) but gets the job done. I would think that a Speed Queen or any reliable brand would do. I think that the dryers are the simple machines over washers. You might think about looking into the F-P top loading dryer as well. New technology that could save your back.

Robyn

shappy...

I have the 500 series bosch set... 2+ years now... one service call almost right away to replace the pump... probably defective and since it was so new the repair guy just said... I'm just replacing it... 2nd call totally my fault... I washed to OLD rubber backed mat rugs... (backing was cracking) and the backing totally fell apart and clogged the outflow hosing... they came and cleaned it out for me under the extended warranty with no problem and other than that they've been great machines... I would easily buy them again, have a few friends who have picked the same ones, and btw... I do not have the pedestals either...

bosch is made in North Carolina to design specs from bosch-siemens from Germany... I figured this was 'good' as fl machines are so common and have been in use for so long in Europe their designs should be pretty well debugged by now... and then made here is a plus in my mind... realistically the US machines are 'larger' versions of the European counterparts... and run off 120 volt instead of most of them being 220... although that is/has changed for the models currently being brought in to sell in the US market...

I understand being proactive on replacing... that's what I was doing too... with 25+ yo machines in my case... there certainly is an 'adjustment' period... yes the cycles take longer, but they also have mnore clothes in them and use tons less water and power... and now the dryer is always done before the washer! and detergent?? make sure it's he, and start out using about 1/2 of what the container says...

fwiw... I use Charlies powder... love it, cleans great and no soap build up under the gaskets that I can find!

also... yes I have a 'soak' cycle... as well as a hand was, quick (25 minute) wash cycle, wool cycle, spin only, and drain only... off hand I forget the other "special" settings... and get a heater if you buy a machine... well worth the 'added' cost for those towels and sheets..

Suggest you go to www.automaticwasher.org and explain what is wrong with your dryer. I'm sure someone on that site will be able to advise you whether or not it is worth fixing.

Thank you all for replying.

I've gone 180 degrees and bought the Bosch 500 Nexxt washer and dryer.

Here are my reasons:

1. I think I was looking under my budget or really just being cheap. When I lifted my "cheapness" restrictions I gravitated to Bosch. I like the look but most importantly I'm hoping the German engineering will be as good as my Miele vacuums and dishwashing. Hope is the word.

2. Our country to going in a new direction--I need to hop on the bandwagon with energy/water conservation. Two rebates ($135 and $35) sweetened the deal, but obviously the water and gas company feel the savings are worth it to offer the rebates.

3. I'm hoping for better performance than my old topload Maytag.

I took the front panel off my old dryer last night, horribly filled with dust, possibly a fire hazard (this is dust you can't get to.)

I also did something I've never done before--I bought the extended warranty. I've also never bought an appliance from Sears before. My big fear is reliability and it killed me to shell out the $$ but figured it might be worth it. Also like that they will clean it yearly. Just hope Sears doesn't go out of business.

Delivery tomorrow, wish me well.

shappy... this is the version I have... I hope you are as happy as I have been with it... I bought from lowes... extended warranty was cheaper as was overall price when I bought...

just make sure when it is delivered they use a level on the top, and sides and it does not move in any way shape or form... use the level yourself to check them before they leave...

Just got delivered. I was very impressed with Sears prompt delivery and they were very professional. They even reversed the location of the w/d because the Bosch wash door can't be reversed.

I'm running the first cycle and lifted up the door where you put detergent--the water runs through there while the machine is going? Is this normal? So if you accidentally leave the door open you would have water spraying all over? I have twenty-something males that do laundry here so I could just see that being a problem.

These machines are deeper than my old ones and I needed to move my bifold doors and do paint touch up and lay new linoleum --I was up until 1 am doing this and my muscles are sore! Luckily the installer were able to put the machines in a way that my doors still close and all my work wasn't for nothing.

water will run in over the soap while the drum turns... I believe on the hand wash cycle, the turning does not start until the water is in, but I could be wrong on that... I have left the lid partially opened and have 'spatters' of water around the opening/detergent door, but nothing major...

hope you like them!