Needed New Washing Machine

Question

My husband said I needed to start looking for a new clothes washing machine. There are so many pretty, cool looking washing mashines on the market. What I'd like to know, what features do you like? Do you like front loader or calypso style agitators? What about stackable washer/dryer units? What brand works best? We're the type who buy something and keep it as long as possible, so I'm looking for one to work well and to last. I do appreciate any suggestions!

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

Since Maytag came out with Neptune front loader/stackable I have loved owning front loaders for many reasons~less water and electric, space saver for stacking, clothes do not get tore up in the washer, you can pack a king size comforter in a full size front loader and it will come out clean! and front loaders never overflow (never had this happen to me but I know people that have had this catastrophe). I actually have 2 laundry areas~one upstairs and one downstairs~front loader on top floor and 10 yr old heavy duty stacked top loader which when it dies I will go back to a full size front loader. They wring out clothes and takes less time to dry. I cannot rave enough about owning a front loader. I would get one with all the features especially 1/2 load feature so you can do small loads (front loaders are made to pack it in!) As far as the best one~I think Samsung have a lot of excellent features but Whirlpool owns Maytag and makes many other brands so get friendly with the appliance guy at each store and ask them what has problems etc. I know Christmas time the sales have been fabulous on these machines so you may want to wait until Black Friday for any good deals (Sears has the best deals usually). Personally I am leaning toward a Samsung because they offer less vibration or Sears depending upon price. My 2.2 Whirlpool has 30 minute load cycle which is great for the 'good' clothes that do not get soiled and a heavy duty cycle for towels and rugs. Oh and washing rag rugs in a front loader is great because they do not come apart like in regular agitators. I am not convinced Steam is worth the extra cost but then again sometimes you just need to refresh blankets. Oh and washing pillows is great in a front loader too. Just so many advantages I could rave all day. LOL

Wilma williams · Answer

I like my front loader washer and dryer but I have one problem with the washer. Mine has a rubber band that I cannot seem to keep clear of mildew despite cleaning with numerous cleaners. I use the cleaner once a month, wipe it down after use and leave the door open it always smells like mold and mildew.

Shari · Answer

I have a Whirlpool Duet front load washer/dryer and really like them. The primary thing I wanted was a washer and dryer that was large enough to wash our king-size bed linens. In getting a model large enough to do that, my washer and dryer came with the 'steam' feature. I've used the steam feature on the dryer a lot because I often don't get back to the dryer to hang clothes right away and a short tumble with steam will take out the wrinkles. Until recently, I never used the steam feature on the washer. However, we own a horse farm and I decided to try the steam setting when washing my husband's stinky, filthy barn clothes. Wow! What a difference! The steam definitely helps remove dirt and odors. That may be a feature you may, or may not need but in my case, I'm sorry I waited so long to try it! Everybody you ask will have a different opinion about 'the best' models and brands. However, I experienced what I would describe as a 'consumer nightmare' a few years ago over a Samsung washer/dryer I bought (Two thumbs down for Samsung!) so I have A LOT to say about buying appliances, brands and one particular national retailer to avoid like the plague. Since you are getting ready to make a very expensive purchase that you will likely have to live with for many years, I hope you will take the time to read my comments in the following link ( and follow the links within the comments ) for more info. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/appliances/q-buying-a-front-load-washer-amp-dryer-w-steam-1622957 Good luck. Buying appliances that last and finding retailers who stand behind their products is a lot harder than it used to be.

Shari · Answer

Oh, meant to mention, in response Renee's comment that front loaders 'never overflow,' uh, yes they do. My Whirlpool Duet washer somehow got a pretty significant tear in the rubber gasket around the door and I had water spilling out everywhere. Repairman said he'd never seen a tear as large and I have absolutely no clue how it happened. :(

Wilma williams · Answer

Shari What problems did you have with Samsung. My washer is by Samsung and I have had it for four years. The only problem I have had with mine is, as mentioned above, the rubber gasket around the door is very hard to keep clean from mildew. Did you have that problem and if you did what did you use to clean it? I have tried about everything.

Denise S. · Answer

I looked a while too before I decided I wasn't a 'front loading' type of lady. Mainly you can't add clothes once it begins. Also they are too low and need a stand.. then they are too high to fold clothes on! I do have a counter to fold my stuff, but its always full of other projects! I picked a whirlpool top loading Cabrio. It doesn't have the center spindle which I was confused over.. but now I love it. It is sweet and trouble free uses less water which is so great. I also got a $85.00 unexpected rebate from our water company for that feature.
 I read neg reviews before on people complaining on twisted clothes.. but you load the clothes around the sides so the center is visible and it works swell.. the clothes are always really clean. I love this washer! It was also on sale at Lowes!

Shari · Answer

@Denise S. I can't speak for all brands and models of front loading washers but the Samsung washer I had and my Whirlpool Duet washer both had/have a 'Pause' button. With the pause feature, there is a period of something like 5-8 minutes after the machine starts filling where the machine can be stopped, the door unlocks and can be opened so forgotten items can be added. I use that feature a lot! Sometimes I end up using it several times in the same load! :) Interestingly though, even with the fullest load of clothes, these washers use such a small amount of water that the water level seems to stay well below the level of the door opening anyway so I'm not even sure why the door locks, except maybe as a safety feature. 
 I'm only 5' 5' so I don't find the front loading machines too low for me (I don't have the pedestals) but I can see where a tall person could possibly not like the bending. I have my washer and dryer sitting side by side and I actually like grabbing an armful of wet clothes from the washer and transferring it to the dryer in one continuous swooping side motion. No up and down, up and down motion like I used to have to do when I transferred clothes from my old top loading washer to the old standard dryer with the opening on the front. One additional little bonus...if I drop an article of clothing on the floor while taking something out of the washer and putting it in the dryer, I'm already bent over and it's easy to pick up! haha

Carolyn Frazier · Answer

Hate my new front loading washer...water stands on the interior door gasket and has to be wiped out each time. In addition, I was told to keep the door open all the time to avoid the mildew problem...what a pain!

Susan Velon · Answer

I had a Whirlpool duet washer/dryer combo. After about six years the dryer needed a new motor. Then two months ago the washer was making funny noises. We didn't think it would be a big deal to repair but were surprised to learn from the repairman that it was unfixable. He said the washer/dryers today are only made to last for about 5 years. I think the front-loaders are over-rated. If you watch the ads the trend is toward the top loaders, the ones with the glass top. I ended up buying a relatively inexpensive top-loader by GE. GE has moved their production to the USA and I liked that. It is an HE model.I figured if it was only going to last a few years I wasn't going to go all-out buying a unit with all the bells and whistles. I didn't realize that the HE models can also be top-loaders. The front-loaders have a design flaw. There is an odor build-up in the drum of the washer due to not enough water in the rinse to clean out the hose. It grows bacteria in the hose. I found the only way to eliminate that odor buildup was to use homemade detergent which is more alkaline. Do a search before you decide to buy a front-loader and realize you probably won't get a washer/dryer combo that lasts a long time. They are not being made to last long.

Susan Velon · Answer

I had a Whirlpool duet washer/dryer combo. After about six years the dryer needed a new motor. Then two months ago the washer was making funny noises. We didn't think it would be a big deal to repair but were surprised to learn from the repairman that it was unfixable. He said the washer/dryers today are only made to last for about 5 years. I think the front-loaders are over-rated. If you watch the ads the trend is toward the top loaders, the ones with the glass top. I ended up buying a relatively inexpensive top-loader by GE. GE has moved their production to the USA and I liked that. It is an HE model.I figured if it was only going to last a few years I wasn't going to go all-out buying a unit with all the bells and whistles. I didn't realize that the HE models can also be top-loaders. The front-loaders have a design flaw. There is an odor build-up in the drum of the washer due to not enough water in the rinse to clean out the hose. It grows bacteria in the hose. I found the only way to eliminate that odor buildup was to use homemade detergent which is more alkaline. Do a search before you decide to buy a front-loader and realize you probably won't get a washer/dryer combo that lasts a long time. They are not being made to last long.

Joan Gondeck · Answer

I replaced my front loading HE Duet Washer. I did quite a bit of research and decided on a Maytag Maxima. I stacked it with my Duet dryer and am very happy with the results. It does take longer to do a load of clothes but they are much cleaner and spin much dryer than the Whirlpool. I have been told these will not give me the 20+ years of service like my old top loading Maytag but time will tell. Right now I am a happy camper. I do leave my washer door slightly ajar and have never had an odor problem. I clean the washer on the hot cycle once a month with two cups of white vinegar which was recommended by a repairman. I also might add the Maytag can also be stopped for a period of time to add more clothes. Every once in awhile I forget to put clothes in and do use this feature.

Darlene Lombardi · Answer

I have LG and I love mine and have mine 9 years now:)

Needed New Washing Machine

Buying a Front Load Washer & Dryer w/ Steam

Suggested Project Book

Stop Everything! These Dresser Makeovers Look AH-mazing!

Other

More

Needed New Washing Machine

Buying a Front Load Washer & Dryer w/ Steam

Suggested Project Book