Need to pick out washer and dryer this week.

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

GC wants to plumb in the dryer vent ASAP. (This is a new build.)

Location - guest bath.

Both units to be front loading, 27 inches wide, on pedestals. I rather like that graphite color but will settle for white. Energy Star efficient a must. Dryer electric, not gas.

I notice there's way too many unnecessary new features on these things since I bought a set 25 years ago.

Don't want to pay for steam cycles on either unit, nor for a second small washer within the real one.

Do want reliability. Reasonably quiet is a plus.

PS: I am one person; I will want good cleansing ability out of the washing unit as I will be farming at my new build, and that can be a grubby activity. I tend to use the cold or the cold/warm settings on my currrent washer at my current home -- got tired of jeans and other items shrinking.

I tend to hang clothing out doors (no, not in sight of the road) to dry when weather permits, and will continue to do so.

Thanks for any and all suggestions!

Featured Answer

wekick

7 years ago

There is a forum here just for laundry.

Laundry Forum

They might try to talk you out of that cold water wash though. If I were getting a front loader, I would definitely want the onboard heater.

I know you said front load but if you are going to farm, and have a large amount of soiling, I would consider the Speed Queen top loader. It is one of the last old style machines that uses a full amount of water, but that is needed to flush the dirt away. You might be able to do it with. FL but you might have to run through a couple of times. They do have an eco wash too on the machine if you can do with that for some laundry. We own about a dozen of them that we use in our business for this reason. My son is a plumber and has one too.

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Comments (9)

artemis_ma
Original Author
7 years ago
Hmmm. there's a Laundry Room Forum? AND I just learned this??? I thought I'd looked around a bit, but.. Thanks, seriously...
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enduring
7 years ago
Hi there, I posted on the Laundry forum too. Just want to post here. We farm and I get better cleaning from my Miele front loaders then I did with my old school Maytag top loader. I would have to run the Maytag top loader through twice to get the clothes clean, and that included an initial hot water soak at the beginning of the wash cycle. The second wash cycle was to use as rinses, or an additional suds wash and rinse. Depending on the severity of the load.

I now have a front loader with an on board heater. I will never go back. The water level for the wash cycle is lower, but thats ok, because the rinse cycles are deeper and I can get up to 5 rinses in my machine. I can custom select temps from no heat, up to 160f on one of my machines and up to 190f on the other. There are cycles that wash silk, wool, whites, jeans, and many more. I have washed wool coats in my washer using detergent meant for wool and silk. These were coats that were 40 years or more old and it turned out great. But don't use detergent with enzymes for wool or silks. I have washed down with success, again with a special detergent for down.

There are many options on these newer machines that are useful and simple to use. On the laundry forum, where you also posted this question, there are some good posts too. Whirlpool, Electrolux, LG have been mentioned. And of course my beloved Miele washers.
artemis_ma thanked enduring
James May
7 years ago
I personally love the steam function. It is a great way to freshen clothes that have been sitting in a closet for awhile. You can use it on dry clean only items, etc. Sure it is not something I use every day or even every month. But I am happy to have it when I want it.
artemis_ma thanked James May
Kelsey Janak
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Is "Built-in Water Heater" the same thing as on-board heater?"
artemis_ma thanked Kelsey Janak
artemis_ma
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks all for the potentials!!
cupofkindnessgw
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I posted this on the LR Forum as well...

I'm buying a Speed Queen washer and dryer this week. Replacing a fabulous 25 year old Whirlpool Gold set that we have repaired ourselves for the past ten years. Sad to see it go, but it's becoming difficult to get replacement parts for it, some are no longer made. Have been very disappointed with our KitchenAid dishwasher so we are looking beyond Whirlpool for the first time ever. We will purchase the most basic Speed Queen pair, because this set is the easiest to fix. This will probably be the last W/D we buy and we will probably pass it down to one of our children. They aren't sexy, but they are built in America and the machinery is all metal. Simple cycles. Endless positive reviews. I'm not expecting my washer and dryer to enhance the decor in my home, just want clean laundry. Our reliable appliance parts store owner told us to avoid everything Samsung and LG, and GE as well because they break down quickly and the computerized components are expensive to replace. We trust his opinion completely, he grew up in this family business and guided us through many repairs to our Whirlpool set. He knows what models need the most significant repairs, even repairmen buy parts through his shop. I am confident that we will get another 25 years from the Speed Queen pair. The warranty is the best in the industry. Looking forward to it, thanks to all on the laundry forum who have helped make this decision an easy one!

PS: Speed Queen makes front loaders. Have been doing so for commerical laundry mats for decades.
dadoes
7 years ago
CupOfKindnessGW,

I'm curious what is the model of your Whirlpool Gold. It should be a direct-drive machine and all common/major mechanical parts should be available. Some model-specific items such as the timer and auxiliary switches may not.

Need to pick out washer and dryer this week.

wekick

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artemis_ma
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Need to pick out washer and dryer this week.

wekick

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artemis_maOriginal Author

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