We had a service call this morning for a water leak that developed recently in our clothes washing machine. A quick inspection revealed that the internal rubber hoses had undergone deterioration after 15 years of service (the external hoses we had replaced years ago with stainless steel versions). Patching the hoses was not possible because of the high pressures involved during use, and a quick calculation suggested that the $275 replacement cost for the internal components would be illogical on such an old appliance. So we need to replace the washer.
The serviceman was knowledgeable and helpful in answering a lot of our questions regarding new clothes washers. He indicated that the nationally-mandated changeover to high-efficiency washers is resulting in some consumer dissatisfaction. The new ones use only 10 gallons of water for a full load (vs. 50 gallons on our old Kenmore one), they often have no center agitator, and they do not offer pre-soak cycles. In his experience the Samsung washers are experiencing problems even after just a few years of use. Whirlpool is no longer available, having been bought by Maytag. LG machines he views as the most reliable.
I would welcome readers' comments re clothes washers (and dryers), including opinions of specific brands/models, top-loading vs front-loading, and user tips. This will be a totally unscientific survey, but over the years I have found the readership here to be diverse and uncommonly intelligent and well-informed.
Can you get Miele in the US?
ReplyDeleteFor reliability they're in a class of their own.
If you can't get them I'll say LG
We have had our LG washer and dryer for 5 years and are very satisfied. One of the complaints I read about at the time of our purchase was odor "building up" in the washer, but we have never had any problems in that regard. No maintenance issues, and it does a great job in terms of cleaning our clothes. Water/sewer rates are very high in our area, so I am happy to have that cost reduced.
ReplyDeleteThe service technician we had today said that almost every case he encounters re complaints of "moldy smell" result from the overuse of soap (which works its way outside the wash area as suds, dries, and builds up on other surfaces inside the machine, then gets moldy).
DeleteFront loaders need to be left open between loads because they seal tightly and due to leftover moisture in the tub will get that terrible mildew smell if kept shut. Running an empty load with just baking soda or vinegar will get rid of the smell.
DeleteI have a Bosch that still runs like a champ after ten years of heavy use, and we have pretty hard water, and I'm not using anything to address that.
ReplyDeleteIt does have an option for 'Pre-Wash'.
Top-Loaders are basically non-existent in Germany. A quick check on amazon.de shows 679 front loader and 2 top loader.
Samsung and 'Gorenje' brands have the lowest star ratings in reviews on amazon.
Went through virtually this exact dilemma three years ago; had a broken, old-style top-loading maytag, and an outstanding repairman who didn't feel us any lines (he said "I'm not a salesman, I'm paid for my time, so ask away...."). And when I asked him what brands he never works on, he said exactly what you heard; he almost never works on LG machines.
ReplyDeleteSo we junked the old machine, overcame our fear of change, bought a fancy front-loading LG in spite of its smaller capacity and overly-complicated electronics, and it has performed flawlessly on 10-12 big loads a week since then. the controls are intuitive, the machine is "smart" (it gauges load size, adjusts water temp internally, rebalances itself, and sings to you when it's done), and best of all cleans the clothes really well. So space-age!
I have a GE front loader washer that is still doing fine after about 9 years, and I would recommend front load style. If I were to replace, I'd definitely look at LG. In about 2000, I made the mistake of buying an expensive Maytag washer/dryer from their "fancy" Neptune line–just before they had a class-action suit against them and then got sold off to Whirlpool. The dryer burned out and the washer grew mold and didn't clean well. They ended up on the street for someone to take away.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness it's much easier to get reviews online prior to purchase, these days.
I bought a Whirlpool front load washer about 8 years ago. It still runs, but I had to replace the mechanism that latches the door once ($130) and the actual plastic latch tab twice ($15, but the second time I bought a spare). I'm not happy with it, but I'm not looking forward to replacing it.
ReplyDeleteWe have had our LG Front loader for 10 years (in July). The only issue we had was after 9 years of perfect service. My husband googled the issue, ordered the part from Amazon (<$40), and had it replaced and the washer working again quickly.
ReplyDeleteOur old Whirlpool top loader did not last as long and had multiple issues before it started leaving brown oil stains on our clothes.
I have some 90s machine that was pre-"lets program it to fail so he will buy new machine", and it is after the horrible bulky worn out machines of 80s.
ReplyDeleteGood deal. No problem, just buy 90s stuff
As to the odor, there are these tablets you purchase and utilize once a month or so, which removes the soap scum buildup
ReplyDeleteI suggest checking out some cloth diapering online groups. Moms and dads that clean diapers in their washers tend to know what works! We inherited a nearly new Samsung top loader with our house that died within a month of our heavy use. Now have a made in USA front loader from whirlpool that I'm happy with, but haven't had it long enough to say it is great.
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for the LG machines - mine's been trouble-free for 5 years. Another advantage to the front loaders is that they spin a lot more water out of your clothes, so they spend less time in the dryer. I always leave the door open for a couple of hours after using it, and haven't had any problems with the smell (plus it doubles as an exercise wheel for the cat).
ReplyDeleteWe've had a front loading Bosch for about 10 years. No reliability issues so far. The only minor issue, which is apparently common to all front loaders (at least from that era) is it gets a musty smell if you leave the door closed. Not an problem for us since it's in the basement, but it could be for some.
ReplyDeleteIIRC, our technician said he has been in homes where the owners have successfully employed magnets to keep the doors propped open between uses in order to minimize mildew or mustiness.
Delete+1 for LG front loader.
ReplyDeleteI replaced this year my 12 years old LG with a newest model, and I'm very happy with it.
We got a new G.E. front-end loader. They are very slow in working and use so little water the clothes are NOT clean. Can't increase the amount of water in the tub. A futile device all round. We hate the damn thing. Tony.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed that such a large majority of people in the comments have front-loaders. The main advantage of a top-loader is that you can add extra clothes after the wash cycle begins, such as a sock that you missed when you were sorting the clothes. I can't imagine buying a front-loader and giving up that ability, which to my mind overwhelms all other considerations.
ReplyDeleteMy washing machine has served me well for more than a decade and a half. It's a Simpson, specifically a Delta 402 like the one in this photograph http://ejay.com.au/cacImage/2005/05/13/100_3954.jpg
As for driers, I have never owned one. Most people don't in this warm and dry part of the world.
Front loaders do not fill water to the level of the door, so you can always add clothes after it starts. At least this is true for my Bosch.
DeleteI have a Samsung front loader that is 6 years old and no problems so far. We live in the desert, in a water-wise community, and it has worked well.
ReplyDeleteOlder friends who have many well-kept rental units in our town always put LG appliances in their houses and apartments, as they prefer to keep service calls to a minimum and said they have been the best, in their opinion.
We have the maytags which are good. The size of the drum is smaller than a top loader so there is that. One thing I found out is to get a tray under it because you will need to open up the drain filter one one two times a year. Ps pop off the bottom panel to get to the repair Manual to see what all upkeep you need todo....
ReplyDeleteWe purchased a front loading LG Washer & Dryer 9 years ago. Have been extremely satisfied with them. No Issues with the Dryer at all. The Washer had a leak last fall. The rubber connector/boot/hose between the tub and the drain cracked where it flexes all the time when the washer is in motion. Part was about $30 online and there were YouTube videos to walk through the repair process itself. Fixed in about an hour.
ReplyDeleteOther comments:
Many times washer & dryers when sold new are sold as a matching set. That is they look similar, same design, same coloring, chrome trim etc. When we bought the pair the dryer had a TON of extra settings we knew we would not be using, so we asked about other less featured LG models. There was a model that was a step down that had about half the features But it also did not have the very fancy chrome trim around the door edge so it looked really different. Sales person was all freaked out and tried to get us back to the fancier one so they would match. No doing, bought the "mismatched" set and saved over $100 doing so.
We also leave the door open to prevent the stale smell. We also tried using less soap, powder and liquid, in different amounts. No success. Just leaving the door open to let it dry out is what works. They should make them with a setting that would hold them an inch or so open. Our door has to be latched or the spring pushes it all the way open. So open it is and no smell.
If you have soft water the general guidance is that if you see suds forming while washing and using HE soap you are using too much. seriously, the scoops have load lines for light & heavy. We have soft water and use the lowest mark on the scoop for all loads. Clean clothes every time. I believe the higher marks are just to get you to use & buy more soap.
We can add extra items after starting the load on our LG front loader. There is a window of time while the washer is filling that it will let you pause it and open the door to add more. Once it gets fully filled with water though it won't open any more. Has not been an issue for us. If this is a feature you would want be sure to read the feature list.
Just buy the overpriced, wallet gouging, riser platform right away. Your back will thank you. Really, they are expensive because they have you over the barrel, but they make the chore so much easier.
Front loaders work up a pretty good jiggle,shake,vibration when they go into full spin mode. If your washer is in the basement and/or on concrete or in a room next to a foundation wall there should not be too much issue. You are going to notice it to a degree no matter what. But if your laundry room is in the middle of a wood span floor joist, not near the foundation wall be prepared that it "may" shake the house. (Happened to a neighbor who went back to top-loading because of it.)
Front loaders can look smaller inside than a top loader but ours at least can handle an amazing amount of clothing in a wash cycle. And all while using less water.
The finish chime is nice. Our previous old school top loader had the classic grinding buzzer. Sounded like a cranky old man yelling at you "hey, you, the wash was done. The LG sounds like a young chap saying "Yoo Hoo, your wash is done if you would like to come & get it". Hard to describe really. But it is nice that the washer & dryer are not mad at you when they are done working. :)
Would by LG again in a heartbeat.
Maybe a small issue, but our experience with an LG dishwasher was not good - with a pump failure at 5 months after purchase.
ReplyDeleteOn top of that, LG starts their warranty period on the date-of-manufacture, not the date-of-purchase. From the serial number LG Customer Service said our dishwasher must have sat in a warehouse for several months. So we were on our own for the repairs. The repairman suggested we replace it when it failed the next time ... and we did.
Look into Speed Queens. I had never heard of them until I started looking for a new washer and dryer last fall. We had an old Kenmore set that we had done many repairs on (mostly diy) for about 20-25 years. They were rusting out in spots and needed more frequent repairs.
ReplyDeleteI saw many people nowadays seemed to be replacing their new washers due to expensive failures or mold after only 5 years or less! I wanted something built to last that could be easily diy repaired if necessary. The new pricier washers with all the electronic controls I heard were very difficult and expensive to repair. I heard about the Speed Queens on the GardenWeb (now Houzz) laundry forums. There are some real laundry fanatics on there! They are constantly discussing and reviewing different machines, detergents, and techniques.
A lot of them like the Speed Queens because they are commercial machines (for laundromats, hotels, apartments, etc.) that are made in Wisconsin. The ones they sell for home use are the same build and materials, but missing the coin operated part. They cost more than other machines with the same basic features, but they are supposed to be built like tanks and easily serviceable. Only downside is they are not as readily available. We had to get ours from a local mom and pop shop and there was a waiting list.
They seem to be working really well so far but only time will tell. We got the basic top-loader which does use more water, but we save water in other ways and don't do a lot of laundry compared to many.
Don't know if you can get Asko machines in the US, but my front-loader is going strong after 18 years of use. Very water efficient, very power efficient. Would recommend them without reservation. Two friend have the same model, and have had no trouble. Another friend has a newer Asko, which has more bells and whistles, with electronic controls that weren't available 18 years ago. But it is just as good.
ReplyDeleteI have a Fisher Paykel top loader washer about 12 years old. their appliances are designed and built in Oceania NZ, I think. very different from us washers internally but ultimately work operate similarly to what americans are familiar with. mine is installed on the 2nd floor of our 185 y.o. house and it has never leaked there. further, its very high speed spin cycle does not shake the house or walk around like our previous US “normal” designed one did. about 7 yrs ago, our daughter overloaded it and we needed to have the drum suspension shock absorbers replaced. After initial production, they redesigned these pieces to be more robust and we have had no problems with the new ones since.
ReplyDeletethese washers: our old one and the currently available models have a center agitator style column in a vertical top loading drum. but not the same as a HE machine or the traditional US standard Agitator washers. drum is stainless steel and some plastic. very robust. elegantly so.
this winter ours started squealing- the water ejector pump motor. I discovered that this assy. was designed to be easily removed and further, that the motor was able to be completely disassembled with no specialized tools. I was able to relubricate the ollite bearings that had dried out (used Car vacuum brake bleeder to relube- i may post a YT vid about this -still have to edit.) the pump is reinstalled and works quietly again with no leaks. had our daughter not grossly overloaded the machine, the $0.10 worth of oil and my time might well have been the only maintenance costs for our entire ownership to date. these washers come with a set of braided SS supply hoses. quite water and energy efficient. oh, and they do a good job with the laundry.
+1 for Speed Queen. They don't get tossed around in discussions much by repairmen or big-box retailers, but they are a fantastic option if you aren't chasing a computerized display or a "custom look". They come in white and more white, and they look like washers and dryers. No beveled fronts, or folding table inserts, or "pedestal drawers", or tinted-glass viewing windows. All of the components that can possibly be metal, are metal. The parts that break down on most modern washers and dryers never really break on a Speed Queen. They are simple, hard-working, and utterly without pretense.
ReplyDeleteWe've had a matching set for 5 years now. They were brought in to replace a washer and dryer that I'd purchased used nearly a decade earlier. I was impressed with what I read about the company, and even more impressed by the machines themselves. Our usage may or may not compare to yours: It's just the two of us, so laundry tends to happen every other day, at most.
More anecdotal evidence for your "opinion without proof" pleasure:
* My MIL has a 6-year old Maytag washer that has had issues since the first year of installation. She has vowed to never buy a Maytag appliance again after being brand loyal since the 1970's.
* My brother and his wife purchased a new set of LG's about 10 years ago. They've had issues since year 3, including some flooding in their laundry room. My SIL is constantly trying new techniques to get rid of the rancid mildew smell that comes from the front-loading washer.
Here is a great site I rely on for product reviewshttp://thesweethome.com/reviews/the-best-washer-and-dryer/
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm an idiot, but I've never heard of LG's. Does LG stand for anything? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLurker111
Life's Good....
Deleteformerly Lucky Goldstar (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LG_Corporation)
Deleteafair, the 'smell' is due to bacteria eating the excess soap that is left behind in the machine, and, in your just washed clothes. the solution - use way less detergent, like 1/2 or 1/4 of what the manufacturer recommends.
ReplyDeleteI-)
Another +1 for Speed Queen. They are made in the USA and built like a tank. Yes, you can't get them at the "big box" - but that's a plus, not a minus - keep the money local.
ReplyDeleteI, too, went through 2 big-box washers (Maytag and another not as memorable) in 15 years. I was fed up with that, so I did the research and found that Speed Queen is ultra-reliable.
Regarding the "musty" smell- I use half a cup of white vinegar in lieu of fabric softener, and have never had an issue with odour or limescale build-up in my front loader. The vinegar smell goes away when the clothes are dry, and leaves towels soft and absorbent. FWIW, I prefer the front loading machines for environmental reasons.
ReplyDeleteAccording to what I've read a lot of mold and funk issues comes from the manufacturers and users trying to be more eco-friendly and washing with cool or cold water. Cool water just doesn't work well with the detergent to wash the scum out of the washer. Another consideration is that many washers "warm" setting is only warm if you live in a warm climate where your "cold" water coming in is merely cool. Here in northern IL our cold water is like ice water in the winter. Mix it with hot water (by using warm setting on washer) and by the time your washer is full it is not very warm at all. Many suggest to keep the mold and funk at bay to wash at least 1-2 loads per week on hot with no fabric softener and maybe use some bleach also (best for sheets and towels). It helps keep the residue down on the washer parts. Keeping the doors open helps as well.
ReplyDeleteI recently moved from Champaign, IL, where I rented a house for five years and had purchased a front-loading, stackable, HE Kenmore washer and drier when I first arrived (and sold to the new tenants when I departed); affordable, and no problems during that time.
ReplyDeleteStay away from the high-efficiency Maytag Cabrio. We bought one 3 years ago, and it's a total piece of crap. It uses so little water that it winds up twisting the clothes into a giant knot as they rub against the bottom in a futile effort to get wet and clean. The only way it works is to do all of our loads on the "bulky items" setting, which defeats the purpose of buying a high efficiency machine.
ReplyDeleteYou might have been able to repair the rubber hoses with X-Treme tape. Get some and play with it - it can do lots of things.
ReplyDeleteWe bought a Whirlpool HE top-load washer a couple of years ago. It is taller than older models and the basket is deep. So much so that my wife has trouble pulling clothes out of the bottom without a step stool. Keep that in mind.
Our washer came with a built-in reminder to clean it every month or some number of cycles (30?). They supplied a packet of Affresh for this purpose, but its perfume smell is so strong that I can't stand it. A cup of chlorine bleach works just as well. The cleaning cycle fills the tub with hot water so it has the chance to reach everywhere.
From the other side of the world.
ReplyDeleteI bought a new Fisher and Paykel Quicksmart MW513 clothes washing machine in 2004. I also bought new their dryer ED56, a new double dishdrawer dish washer and new matching refrigerator at the same time.
I bought F&P because the previous whiteware and fridge we had were good machines and, at that time, they were New Zealand made.
The dishdrawer was left with the house when I moved in 2011, but still going well, so I bought a single dishdrawer for the house I am in now.
The fridge is still going well and still looking great, apart from a few bumps and scratches that can be blamed entirely on me.
The clothes washing machine is still going well too, 12 years later, seriously I cannot fault it.
The dryer has worn out it's front drum bearings, the same thing happened to the last one I had before the divorce, that one had got to only 10 years before I had to replace the front drum bearings (at a cost of $12NZ plus an hour or so of my time) Obviously that one had to serve a family of four, whereas my one is only for me and 'my female friend' who is only here on the weekends.
It is just coming into autumn here so have had no need of the dryer for the last 7 months, but guess will have to do the bearings soon.
Dryer is front load, clothes washer top load.
If they ever fail, I will buy Fisher and Paykel again.
Even though they are not made here anymore.
I like my Bosch front loader. Note that wash times are very long, compared to old top loading Maytag... An hour to 2 hours, depending on settings.
ReplyDeleteAlways leave the door ajar after to let it dry out.
I like my Bosch front loader. Note that wash times are very long, compared to old top loading Maytag... An hour to 2 hours, depending on settings.
ReplyDeleteAlways leave the door ajar after to let it dry out.
Saw this and thought of this topic.
ReplyDelete“L’Increvable (which means indestructable in French) is the concept of a washing machine whose lifespan is fifty years. Gone are the days when your washing machine had an abrupt end of life after 5 years of use because of a single bearing.
With L’Increvable you change each component when needed. You don’t have to be a handy(wo)man: the Increvable website guides you through each component maintenance thanks to well-documented tutorials and each new component is delivered with proper tools.
http://www.notechmagazine.com/2015/04/a-washing-machine-for-life.html
Not really anonymous but it won't let me sign in on my Word Press account. email is saraf####@g. I have emailed you previously. Anyway, when my last washer went out I bought the cheapest Kenmore available. It has the appropriate number of choices for our household since delicates no longer play a part in our wardrobe and the rest is just reasonable for people our age. Take a look at it...
ReplyDeleteA little late to the party here but don't even consider a top loader. Front load is the way to go for efficiency and performance. Brand? Well, everyone's vote is going to be anecdotal. We have a 12 year old Kenmore (Frigidaire) front loader that's been great but no longer made. If I was to buy today, I'd seriously look into a Miele - our upper end model dishwasher is the cat's meow. The downside is, ONLY Miele people can service them (i.e., probably more expensive). That is, unless they've changed - our dishwasher has been trouble free in the 10 years we've owned it so I haven't had occasion to look into it. :-)
ReplyDeleteWe've had a front-loading Miele washing machine for 12 years now, and it's still going strong. The thermostat on its brother, the tumble dryer, has burned out a couple of times (both times when drying a heavy load something like ski gear which doesn't allow for much movement of air to and from the drum), but it's been exceptionally easy to replace ourselves.
ReplyDeleteData point: when we moved into this house in 2015, we were bequeathed an old Miele dishwasher with the place. It worked fine - not quite as well as our own Miele, which was about a decade old...but we could forgive that. In large part because the label on the front said "Made in West Germany".
Bosch, Siemens, and Neff all come from the same company: Bosch-Siemens Hausgeraete.
ReplyDeleteMiele always wins the impartial testing in Germany. Having a few Miele devices ourselves: They last for ages and have great performance. You pay for that, though.
My personal thanks to all the readers who participated in this "consumer reports" thread about clothes washers. After reading these comments and searching various forums on the web, my wife and I decided to get a Speed Queen washer, primarily because of its reputation for reliability and durability (it is the washer of choice at commercial laundromats).
ReplyDeleteWe didn't go for a low-water-use model because the cost of water here in central Wisconsin is about 1c per gallon. And the energy use of this standard model is amazingly low (est $11/year for electricity based on 6 loads a week, so less than half that for us).
I'll leave the thread up in case the comments may be of benefit to other readers.