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Please recommend Your Washing Machine!!!

dani13

dani13

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 12, 2004
Messages
6,183
Hi all! :wavey:

My old clunker of a washing machine died last night, and we need a new one like yesterday! Please help me choose a new machine. I've been trying to do some research, but the info is overwhelming, and I dont have a ton of time. Right now I have a top loader, but its old and it came with the house and I would LOVE to replace it with a front loader. Is there much size difference between a top loader and a front loader? I dont know if space is an issue, havent measured it yet. I think a front loader will fit though, especially if that old hunk of a machine did. Also, my dryer is working fine, should I just wait to replace that and just get the washer for now? Are there any cons to buying them separately?
So, can you please recommend your machine if you're happy with it? Extra points if you can provide me with a link!!!:) There are so many models out there of the same machine, my head is spinning!!! Thank you so much!! :))
 
I bought a Sears Kenmore front loader in 1999 and have LOVED it!!!

The only service call was to remove coins from the pump (my fault for not checking pockets) and Sears service was VERY professional, competent, clean and affordable.
 
I love front loader machines! However, I can't recommend my set, which is the Whirlpool Duet. The dryer needed a repair right after warranty, and the control panel has been twitchy ever since. There was also a problem with the washer at one time too. Both were within 2 years of purchase. But they do clean clothes gently, with less water and detergent, and drying time is significantly less. I can wash and dry a load in about an hour total, maybe slightly more depending on the load.

For my next set I'm looking at LG for sure, and possibly Samsung. We don't have the platforms for ours, as we have a worktop on top of them which I find handy for folding. But that means a lot of stooping down for loading/unloading. So instead I have a dedicated laundry stool I sit on, for changing out loads. Do your homework and definitely measure well.
 
My parents bought this "smart" washing machine. It was on HG TV or something like that. It all computerized and you can put in exactly what kind of clothes you have and a bunch of other stuff. I don't reember the name tho! I will check for you next time I go over
 
Is there a reason why you'd want to replace a top loader with a front loader?
 
Front loaders use less water.
They are more gentle on your clothes since they just lift the clothes out of the water and drop them back into the water.
Top loaders pull the fabric and your clothes won't last as long.

I think front loaders spin the clothes more dry so you pay less for the energy to dry them.
 
Hi Julie- Yes, what Kenny said. If I have the space ( the washer and dryer are currently in a closet with bi-fold doors) I would like a front loader. Im just nervous when we go to measure the space we are going to do it wrong and then when they come to deliver it it wont fit!!! That would be our luck!!!:(
 
Ha I am no help, I bought my washer in I think 1994-1995 it is a Maytag and I have never had to have it serviced ever!!! and believe me it has been through many, many loads over the years, now knock on wood for me so I dont jinx myself lol
 
There are top loaders that work like front loaders now. I have one & LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It's like a front loader on its side, if you get the picture. Mine is a Fisher & Paykel (think that's how you spell it). Gets clothes cleaner than I've ever seen & is very quiet -- sounds kind of like the Enterprise taking off when it spins. It's all computerized -- senses what's in it & adjusts itself accordingly, in how fast it agitates & spins (harder for jeans, say, gentler on shirts), as well as water level. It measures how high the load is & puts in just enough water to cover it & get it clean. You can of course set water level & temp & run it on about 8 different cycles.

No problem w/ water staying in the bottom or smells, like front loaders & all the other cons. You don't have to lean over to get clothes out -- spares the old backbone. No need for a platform, about which I keep hearing gripes. F&P washers aren't the cheapest on the market but I've never felt I spent a better bunch of bucks.

--- Laurie
 
I would not get a Whirlpool Cabrio. It's one of those with a ton of fancy-shmancy digital settings and is a real PITA. I get error messages because the water level is wrong, the load isn't balanced, the load is too small, and so on. I just want something that will wash what I put in it. :angryfire:
 
We have a LG Front Loader. It's great. We don't have a platform. The bending over to get the clothes isn't bad, I mean we had always done it with the dryer if you think about it.
 
We purchased this Kenmore Washing Machine from Sears during their Memorial Day sale (along with the matching dryer and we got the pedestals for free). We LOVE it. The capacity is awesome. The Sears guys did the installation with no problems. Love that the doors are reversible b/c our laundry hookups were on opposite sides of the laundry room than where they normally go. (Our washer is on the right, dryer on the left...we think the previous owner was left-handed.) I'd definitely recommend the machine!
 
diamondrnglover|1354819851|3324557 said:
Ha I am no help, I bought my washer in I think 1994-1995 it is a Maytag and I have never had to have it serviced ever!!! and believe me it has been through many, many loads over the years, now knock on wood for me so I dont jinx myself lol
Click to expand...
our Maytag top loader is 25 yrs old and still going strong... :appl: these new digital setting washers are PITB. i love our big knob dial washer.
 
I have an LG front loader.
Love it.
And here in NYC, just having a washer is a huge luxury.
 
That's true, VL. In my 1st apartment after I graduated from college too many yrs ago to tell you, there was a washer in the basement, crawling with water bugs. Gah! One year living there & I had nightmares for 10 years.

--- Laurie
 
Another LG owner here. We have this one: http://www.lg.com/us/washers/lg-WM3360HVCA-steam-washer along with the matching dryer. Have owned them for 2 years with no issues, and they do a great job of cleaning/drying. And we DO use the steam functions. A lot. I wash my scrubs on the sanitary (steam) cycle. And we both hate ironing, so we frequently find ourselves using the steam function on the dryer to "iron" our clothes.

The front loaders are deeper than the old traditional machines - we have ours in a space that sounds similar to the one you have - we had to move the track for the doors out as far as it would go to accommodate them. And take into account that if you have folding doors they need to fold far enough out of the way for your machine doors to open. As to whether or not you get the matching dryer, it just depends on what is important to you. If you want a matching set, buy them together. If you don't care whether or not you can match the washer down the road when your dryer dies, then keep your dryer for now.
 
JewelFreak|1354820261|3324562 said:
There are top loaders that work like front loaders now. I have one & LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It's like a front loader on its side, if you get the picture. Mine is a Fisher & Paykel (think that's how you spell it). Gets clothes cleaner than I've ever seen & is very quiet -- sounds kind of like the Enterprise taking off when it spins. It's all computerized -- senses what's in it & adjusts itself accordingly, in how fast it agitates & spins (harder for jeans, say, gentler on shirts), as well as water level. It measures how high the load is & puts in just enough water to cover it & get it clean. You can of course set water level & temp & run it on about 8 different cycles.

No problem w/ water staying in the bottom or smells, like front loaders & all the other cons. You don't have to lean over to get clothes out -- spares the old backbone. No need for a platform, about which I keep hearing gripes. F&P washers aren't the cheapest on the market but I've never felt I spent a better bunch of bucks.

--- Laurie
Click to expand...

This is what I would do if I was in the market for a washer. I have a fancy samsung steam front loader and it is good but very high maintenance. Front loaders are very prone to mold build up and you have to take the clothes out as soon as the cycle is complete, wipe out the gasket, and leave the door open all the time. Plus I occasionally will have to run loads with vinegar or clorox. Very high maintenance! It has gotten better since we switched to powdered detergent. I would love to be able to switch mine out for a HE top loader but my set is pretty new.
 
I've heard about the mold "smelling" issue with front loaders, but it's never happened with ours. I think it may have to do with the water supply in a particular area or something. I don't have to leave the door open ever. I do find though, that if *someone* leaves wet laundry in the machine for a couple of *days*, the load ends up smelling mildewed. Yuck! (my kids do this and they are adults)

As for the matching thing--do it if you can. This pair is my second set of matching W&D in 30 years! In between, one would always go before the other and we would just replace one at a time, which is an option of course. It was nice getting a matching set for once! ;))
 
The mold thing is actually mildew. It can be horrible. If every fourth load or so you add one teaspoon of tri sodium phosphate to your wash and one teaspoon bleach diluted in a pint of water, together, you will not have a problem. If you have the problem already start this regimen and it will eradicate. I get TSP at ace hardware, make sure it really is tsp and not tsp substitute.
 
Funny I am just back, literally, from best buy and I bought the LG 3470HVA washer and matching dryer with pedestals. I researched and researched and consumer reports recommended this model. Total price was 2521.47. That's a lot so it better be the best!!!!
 
Bought Kennmore frontloaders form Sears one black Friday a few years ago when we bought our house. Total price including an extended warranty was about $1000. I've been VERY happy with them.
 
We have the Electrolux front loading washer and LOVE it! Had it for 2 or 3 years now and no problems. (we tend to run about 2 loads per day every day)

It is so quiet (except on max spin) and we've never had any trouble with it "walking" around. Using a cleaner every month or so and an empty cycle with vinegar once a week keeps it fresh and clean.
 
Mine is Samsung and it is fine but we had the water pump die and my husband was able to replace it.

We solved the mildew problem by switching to Tide powder HE detergent. I had been using liquid and we had terrible problems even though I always left the door open after doing a load. I have never again had to use vinegar or cleaners for the washer! So start out with powder and keep the washer door open, and you probably won't have the problem.

We did get the stands and I am glad I don't have to lean over so low. You do have to have the height for them, though. Be sure to measure depth and allow for the distance they have to sit from the wall,too. I am not sure mine would fit in a closet that wasn't deep.
 
diamondseeker2006|1354851745|3325111 said:
Mine is Samsung and it is fine but we had the water pump die and my husband was able to replace it.

We solved the mildew problem by switching to Tide powder HE detergent. I had been using liquid and we had terrible problems even though I always left the door open after doing a load. I have never again had to use vinegar or cleaners for the washer! So start out with powder and keep the washer door open, and you probably won't have the problem.

We did get the stands and I am glad I don't have to lean over so low. You do have to have the height for them, though. Be sure to measure depth and allow for the distance they have to sit from the wall,too. I am not sure mine would fit in a closet that wasn't deep.
Click to expand...

The stands are wonderful!
Well worth the extra $$.
 
diamondseeker2006|1354851745|3325111 said:
Mine is Samsung and it is fine but we had the water pump die and my husband was able to replace it.

We solved the mildew problem by switching to Tide powder HE detergent. I had been using liquid and we had terrible problems even though I always left the door open after doing a load. I have never again had to use vinegar or cleaners for the washer! So start out with powder and keep the washer door open, and you probably won't have the problem.

We did get the stands and I am glad I don't have to lean over so low. You do have to have the height for them, though. Be sure to measure depth and allow for the distance they have to sit from the wall,too. I am not sure mine would fit in a closet that wasn't deep.
Click to expand...

Tide powder HE is what worked for us too. We were given some Dreft HE liquid for baby clothes and I really hope it doesn't cause build up!

I think another reason I am so negative about my front loader is that we are planning to cloth diaper and they aren't ideal for it. Not a problem most people have!
 
Thanks for all the feedback guys. So, I think I really like this one
http://www.bestbuy.com:80/site/LG+-+SteamWasher+3.6+Cu.+Ft.+9-Cycle+High-Efficiency+Steam+Front-Loading+Washer+-+White/3779698.p?id=1218431568781&skuId=3779698#tabbed-customerreviews

I think its the newer version of the one you have, Danners. It gets good reviews across the board. Plus, I love the fact that it has the sanitize, steam, and allergen cycles, since I am a nurse and love to give my work clothes a great cleaning. We are going to get to Best Buy this weekend to check them out IRL, then make our decision. I cant wait!!! :))

The only thing Im thinking about is that do I really need to keep the door ajar when the washer isnt in use? That seems really annoying. Also, if I have to wipe it down after every use that's going to get old real fast. Is that really necessary to prevent the mildew smell? A few months ago I noticed that my washer was smelling like mildew. I got the Tide washing machine cleaner tablets, did vinegar, etc. It helped a little bit, but not really, and it was grossing me out. So I really dont want to deal with that again, although it seems like it will possibly happen again even if I buy a top loader. HMMMM.
 
Dani|1354889837|3325356 said:
Thanks for all the feedback guys. So, I think I really like this one
http://www.bestbuy.com:80/site/LG+-+SteamWasher+3.6+Cu.+Ft.+9-Cycle+High-Efficiency+Steam+Front-Loading+Washer+-+White/3779698.p?id=1218431568781&skuId=3779698#tabbed-customerreviews

I think its the newer version of the one you have, Danners. It gets good reviews across the board. Plus, I love the fact that it has the sanitize, steam, and allergen cycles, since I am a nurse and love to give my work clothes a great cleaning. We are going to get to Best Buy this weekend to check them out IRL, then make our decision. I cant wait!!! :))

The only thing Im thinking about is that do I really need to keep the door ajar when the washer isnt in use? That seems really annoying. Also, if I have to wipe it down after every use that's going to get old real fast. Is that really necessary to prevent the mildew smell? A few months ago I noticed that my washer was smelling like mildew. I got the Tide washing machine cleaner tablets, did vinegar, etc. It helped a little bit, but not really, and it was grossing me out. So I really dont want to deal with that again, although it seems like it will possibly happen again even if I buy a top loader. HMMMM.
Click to expand...

I have cats that would manage to close each other in if I left it open.... and one who would likely poo in the washer if she could :nono:

Leaving the door open when not in use is best, but you will be okay if you keep it closed too. If you start out when it is new using the vinegar once per week and a cleaning tab once per month, I don't think you'll have any problems. I generally run the vinegar through on the "sanitize" setting with no spin. I'm not so great about letting it do the "tub-clean" every 100 loads (ours prompts you when you turn the knob when it has hit 100 loads) because I usually toss the laundry in and then turn it on. So far no problems since I do the other cleaning.

I don't have the time or energy to wipe it down after each use. If I'm caught up on laundry and going to have a couple of days not using it, then I'll wipe it out and get it mostly dry. Otherwise it only gets wiped if I run a load of stuff that is super furry.
 
I've done some researching about the mildew problem. I have no idea why it's not happening in our washer. Seems like every appliance brand is vulnerable. Some more ideas to prevent the problem are to only use HE detergent and only use a small amount--too much soap residue can lead to mildew, and other washer problems. Don't use liquid fabric softener (although we do), or be careful with how much you use. Do leave the door cracked open, but only a little--too far is hard on the door hinge.

We are moving next year and will be buying a new W&D set. I hope we won't face any mildew problems with the next set, but there are lots of good ideas about that issue in this thread. Prevention seems easy enough. ;))
 
Dani, you only need to leave it ajar when there is still residual water from the wash. You can close it once it dries out. At least, that's what I've been doing and I haven't had a mildew issue.

ETA: LG also have a tub clean cycle that you are supposed to run every so often that help prevents mildew.
 
Dani|1354889837|3325356 said:
Thanks for all the feedback guys. So, I think I really like this one
http://www.bestbuy.com:80/site/LG+-+SteamWasher+3.6+Cu.+Ft.+9-Cycle+High-Efficiency+Steam+Front-Loading+Washer+-+White/3779698.p?id=1218431568781&skuId=3779698#tabbed-customerreviews

I think its the newer version of the one you have, Danners. It gets good reviews across the board. Plus, I love the fact that it has the sanitize, steam, and allergen cycles, since I am a nurse and love to give my work clothes a great cleaning. We are going to get to Best Buy this weekend to check them out IRL, then make our decision. I cant wait!!! :))

The only thing Im thinking about is that do I really need to keep the door ajar when the washer isnt in use? That seems really annoying. Also, if I have to wipe it down after every use that's going to get old real fast. Is that really necessary to prevent the mildew smell? A few months ago I noticed that my washer was smelling like mildew. I got the Tide washing machine cleaner tablets, did vinegar, etc. It helped a little bit, but not really, and it was grossing me out. So I really dont want to deal with that again, although it seems like it will possibly happen again even if I buy a top loader. HMMMM.
Click to expand...

We usually just leave the door open after the last load, and once the dryer is done, I push the door so that it appears completely closed, but I don't push it far enough to latch. We have never had any mildew/odor issues, and I've probably done the Tub Clean cycle a total of 3 or 4 times in the 2 years we've had it. I wiped it down when it was new, but stopped within a few months. I do, however, have a bunch of white towels that I wash with bleach about once a month, and that probably helps kill anything that might be growing in there.

Dani, if only we could find a way to thoroughly sanitize our work shoes. ICK.
 
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