Online reviews are odd. They are a factor to consider, but you need to take them with a grain of salt too. Different review sites don't always agree, and, like in this case there isn't always an explanation for that. The key to getting the most out of them is looking for trends. What things do people praise about it over and over, and are there any problems that people seem to be having repeatedly? Anecdotal stories about people getting lemons and having different kinds of issues are much less interesting/valuable.

This is all illustrates that buying a major appliance is a crapshoot, and there is no way you can escape that. They all have their pros, cons, and mixed reviews. For a moment just forget about all the research, reviews, and reliability statistics, and just go to a showroom and check all the washers out. Which do you like the look and feel of, do any of them have unique features you would find useful (Electrolux 2nd floor guarantee, Whirlpool Fan Fresh, etc.)? You seem to be on the verge of Analysis Paralysis, and that is not a good thing. You need a washer ASAP, so just go and buy one.

BTW: The Laundry forum is the best place for this thread. Yes, it gets less traffic than Appliances, but that's because this is a very kitchen oriented website. Just because Appliances has more traffic does not mean you will get more/better answers to laundry questions there.

LHvtech,

Of course, I have gone to showrooms☺. I have also talked to a few sales people.

The problem is that I live (almost literally) in the middle of nowhere and nobody around here seems to have Electrolux in stock, it has to be special ordered.

I bought my old washer and dryer that way - just went to 3 showrooms and got them because I needed them. ☺
While they were OK, I sort of wished all this time that I had done more research.
I'd rather go to a laundromat for a week or two this time around as I cannot afford changing washers every 2-3 years.

But you are right about the Analysis paralysis.

OK, there's a reason to knock Electrolux off your list! You want a washer now and you don't want to wait. Just try to narrow things down as much as possible. Here's another question: Is a heater important to you? If yes, you will knock SQ off your list. If no, you may knock a lot of other expensive models off. If you don't know, then research them more and see whether it's something you'd want.

Research is a good thing, but only if you are looking for something specific. If you just want to know "What is the best washer?" you won't get an answer that everyone agrees on, because there is none.

When I bought my LG set a couple years ago, Consumer Reports had them rated #1 for both performance and reliability. This was supposedly the best of the best. Yet I experienced multiple failures in warranty and shortly thereafter. It was pretty frustrating, but I'm not going to recommend against them because I know that experience could have just as easily happened with the other brands (and happens with them on quite a frequent basis, according to reviews).

Speed Queen. I got the suggestion from the laundry forum a few years ago. Search the laundry forum for a review. Google it and find a dealer near you. It's worth the drive if it's a bit of distance. They are not fancy, they do the job without a fuss. They last, too. If you do need service, they are easy to repair. That's a refreshing change for an appliance.

I echo the suggestion to look at a Speed Queen. I did a ton of research a few months ago when I needed to replace my washer and I read the most positive reviews about the Speed Queen. The are made with all metal parts (I don't believe that any major brands have all metal parts) and are made in the USA. If you can't find a dealer near you, you can order one online.

I'm super happy with my machine and I'm happy to recommend it - and I sure can't say that about many appliances!

And SQ it is!

Now I have to wait (im)patiently for it to arrive. :-)

Thank you, everyone!

Did you go with the top loader or the front loader? I hope the front loader - much better washer than the top loader (though they're both excellent and better than the competition)

I'm looking forward to the day my Sears "Calypso Motion" dies, so I can get a Speed Queen.

This thing ties the clothes in knots, and I've always wondered how clean can they get twisted up like that?...

hvtech, why do you prefer the front loader? I thought the main reason SQ was good, was they still use the old school agitator style top loader...educate me for when I'm ready to get a new one, Thanks! chris

You will love your new Speed Queen. It's amazing.

My parents also have a washer that ties their clothing up in knots. They won't cry any tears when it dies. Then they can buy a Speed Queen. :)

>>Front loader, of course!

Good choice!

>>I thought the main reason SQ was good, was they still use the old school agitator style top loader...educate me for when I'm ready to get a new one, Thanks! chris

No, the main reason SQ is good is their quality. Has nothing to do with having an agitator. Whirlpool and GE have full fill agitator washers too that work well, but they just won't last as long. I prefer front loaders because they are far more efficient. You can't argue with using 15 gallons per load instead of 50!

Glad to read all this as I'm waiting for my GE to die so I can get a SQ.

Wish I did not buy my LG washer and dryer and read this post and bought the Speed Queen Washer! I had the LG Washer and Dryer now for 1.5 years and I hate that I can't see the digital screen except for the one chosen that is the only one to light up.