Scrib

Yes I've done a search and read up... Seems like there are an awful lot of opinions. So I thought I'd bring them all into one thread.

Considering spending some money on a new washer/dryer. Already buying HE detergent from Costco, so we're all set... Want to know what the best bang for the buck is currently. Not looking to spend more than $2000 for the pair and would prefer to stay around $1600-$1800.

Been looking at Whirlpool, GE, Bosch and LG. They all seem to have the same features. Would prefer a 4.0 cu. ft. capacity for the washer and 7.0 for the dryer. Colors don't matter and I'm considering even stacking them as our laundry room is tight. Dryer needs to be gas.

Lowes, Best Buy and Home Depot carry all the brands. And I can certainly go local... And even www.abt.com.

Thoughts?

Dan

Take a look at Fisher & Paykel.

Fibonacci

Have you checked out the Cabrio line? We went with this model after looking at plenty...you can't stack it, but you can't beat the capacity. Sure there are more stylish models out there, but this one is very practical which is why we chose it.

http://www.whirlpool.com/catalog/pro...=115&prod=1078

svtmike

I've got the Cabrios. Good machines, very high capacity. Took hours off of my weekly laundry chores. Also use the HE detergent (it's not just for front loaders).

Don't need to worry about the seal on the front door of the washer with these.

ZhenyaF

iTrader: (6)

I suggest to go with the whirlpool duet. They are great quality and repairs are cheaper than with the other machines (since the parts are cheaper). Ive had the washer and dryer for 3 years now, and nothing has broken on it. If something does break, it would be the door lock and/or control board. As long as you use HE soap, the pump and the boot (door seal) wont break.
Also, stay away from Duet Sport - they're manufactured in Mexico and quality is nowhere close to Duet.

http://www.whirlpool.com/catalog/pro...t=115&prod=652

dallison

terrible reliability

dallison

we have the ge adora front load. The one thing we do not like about it is the front load part. when you are loading, it is tough to keep all the clothes in until you close the door.
we have had problems with clothes getting stuck in the gasket for the door. We also had a problem with the gasket tearing and getting water on the floor.

our next set will be the cabrio top load, they are something like 4.5 cuft, where most front loads are under4.0



i have seen the cabrios for less than 1500 for the pair when on sale

leftride

iTrader: (1)

Quick Picks

Washers:
For fine performance and efficiency:
• LG WM0642H[W] , $900
• Frigidaire Gallery GLTF2940F[S] , $650, CR Best Buy
Both washing machines cleaned clothes very well. The LG holds more clothes and was gentler on them, but the Frigidaire is faster, taking 30 minutes less than the LG to wash a load on similar cycles. The Frigidaire can be stacked with the tested dryer models LEQ2152E[S] and Affinity AEQ6000E[S].

Dryers:
For top drying at moderate prices:
• GE Profile DPSE810EG[WT] , $500, CR Best Buy
• GE DBVH512EF[WW] , $650, CR Best Buy
Both cost hundreds less than other high-scoring models and have moisture sensors, which shut off the machine when the laundry is dry, saving energy and preserving clothes. The DBVH512EF[WW] has push buttons and rotary dials; the Profile DPSE810EG[WT], only dials. Both dryers let you adjust or mute the volume of their end-of-cycle signals--helpful if close to bedrooms--though the DPSE810EG[WT] is the noisier of the two dryers.

Sarlacc

LG is good, Whirlpool is good.

When bought the Kenmore Elite HE5s in Nov for the condo (whirlpool makes them) and they have been amazing. Its so nice to not only have a good w/d but to have my own again. They are front load and they stack (we have them stacked)

I think after the sears sale, rebates, etc we got them for around 1800-ish range.

They are full size, front load, can handle a TON of clothes at once, they claim 25 full size towels...they arent too far off.

They are the low flow, only uses 15 gal of water even for large loads...so you have to make sure to get detergent with HE on the front, and every major has one, even the newer organic brands, so thats not an issue.

We love ours. And our friends drool when we give them tour and open the w/d closet up

leftride

iTrader: (1)

I purchased a kenmore washer and dryer a year ago and they have been great. The washer is an HE top loading washer, it was a little cheaper than the front loaders and had a much larger capacity.

Sarlacc

Oh and dont get any of that crap with the steam feature, waste of money.

Sarlacc

We originally bought the Black Pearl color...and when the units came in one of them had damage

And the discontinued the black color

So, the little lady went with her 2nd choice which is the Champagne.

svtmike

Just a note -- the Maytag Bravos are to external appearances the identical machines to the Cabrios, just branded Maytag.

timmahh

Loveeeee my LG!!!

Sarlacc

Doesnt harm the fleshlight!!!

timmahh

troll.

Zippee

We have Maytags, only problem in 20+ years was one drive belt in the washer.

timmahh

On that note.. I think all [I know mine is] LGs use direct-drive systems; no belts, etc. to break..

dallison

that could also be more expensive to repair. i was going to replace a belt on a washer that we gave to our in-laws. I found out it didn't have a belt, so we trashed it, but it was about 10 years old

Scrib

Thanks all.

I'm leaning towards the whirlpool models right now...

takenaflyer

I took a few minutes and called 3 different places that repair the units and got their opinions. Who else would know what a quality machine is? Don't remember what they gave me because it's been awhile but I do remember they were all consistent. Worth a few calls -

Mokos23

my aunt always told me to get either a maytag or bosch one. are they still good?

Street Spirit

We have the Kenmore Elite Oasis HE top loader. We got an amazing deal on the pair from Sears....no tax and scratch & save off the already lowered sale price. We opted against the front end loaders because even with them raised on the stands (an extra expense), we didn't think they'd be comfortable for loading clothes in and out -- especially for Dan. The capacity is identical to front loaders, if not a tad bigger (washer). Also, after hearing a few stories of them leaking, we didn't want to chance it. The top loader is great ---- cheaper to buy, huge capacity, no centre agitator, and no bending over every time you load or unload clothes. It's still energy efficient, and does a great job.

There are really only a few manufacturers of these things... they just change out the control panel for their own, but the machine is identical. In fact, we saw two or three models offered by different brands, which were actually identical (minus the control panel), at a pretty big range in price...all for the same thing.

svtmike

SS, those look very similar (from specs, general design of the doors and control panel layout) to the Whirlpools I have and the Maytag Bravias.

leftride

iTrader: (1)

Have the same model and chose it for the exact same reasons.

Scrib

I haven't heard too many issues with the front-end loaders leaking. Also, the idea regarding water savings intrigues me a bit... We do a shitpot of wash and IMHO, spend way too much money monthly on household water.

I have a pretty good quote on a Whirlpool duet... We'll see.

Sarlacc

front loader is only going to leak if you use too much detergent or the wrong kind.

ZhenyaF

iTrader: (6)

Exactly - use HE detergent and you shouldnt have any problems with leaking.

On a side note - we just ordered a duet set for a customer and the whole sale price for the set came out to be around $1700

ZhenyaF

iTrader: (6)

On another note

Maytag has a Front loader that is 95% similar to the duet but maybe cheaper

http://maytag.com/catalog/product.js...t=18&prod=1632

Scrib

What about non-HE detergent causes these things to leak?

Sarlacc

The HE washers use less water even with large loads. only 15 gal. So the HE detergent is more dillutable and less sudsy.

If you use regular detergent it will over suds and leak out.

If you look at my pic you'll notice I have a spill tray underneath, just in case...but I would have done they with ANY kind of washer on new hard wood floors.

svtmike

When our last washer broke down (15 year old Maytag) our appliance repair guy advised us against buying a front load washer unless we wanted to see him every two to three years to repair the seal.

He's a good guy, but I'm not in that much of a hurry to see him again.

Sarlacc

Guess I'll let you know in two to three years

As you can see in the pic I didnt have any choice BUT a front loader. Though even with the choice I would have gone with my units. front loading is easier on my back and better on clothes...but yes I know the newer models have removed the agitators, which is a plus.

svtmike

Agree this is probably your best bet considering you need a stack. My first house had a stack - had a Maytag unit with a top load washer on bottom, dryer on top, but it was by no means a high capacity washer/dryer.

Sarlacc

Yeah I know what youre referring to, and they still make them. They are tiny little space savers.

cM3go

LG Steamwasher FTMFW!!! And associated dryer

Scrib

Are the pedestals worth the money??? Seems like there are two models a 10" and 15". The 10" is just to raise the unit, but the 15" has a drawer in it?

Sarlacc

They raise the unit making access MUCH easier, but yes they should also have drawers in them for a little extra bonus storage.

dallison

i would go with the 15". and yes, mrs. dallison and i always bitch about having to bend over all the time

Scrib

Those 15" pedestals are over $200 a piece. That is fucking highway robbery.