New Washer & Dryer

I love my Sears Kenmore ! Wouldn't have any other !

Also with the Kenmore you CAN add an article after starting the machine ....it allows for that. The door unlocks for a certain amount of time ....

HI! I don't want to be negative, but my parents gave me their old Matag's about 9 years ago (just the plain, old top loader, nothing fancy). Since then, they have been through 2 front loaders. They are always having problems with mold and a leaky front seal, as well as forgetting about change and then having it plug up the system. The other thing that happens frequently is that since the front loader spins so fast, the washer wears the towels out very quickly, sometimes they will come out of the washer in shreds looking like rags. I think it wears clothes out much quicker. I guess if you're set on a front loader, try it, but I would stick to the old school way! Hope this helps and please let us know what you decide and how it works!

T.

I have the Sears Kenmore HE4T with matching dryer. I LOVE It! However, I would strongly recommend a warranty with whatever brand you buy. My warranty has definately paid for itself. They say the circuit board is really expensive to replace if something were to go wrong with it. I have only had small problems, but with the warranty has not cost any extra. Good Luck.

We got a Maytag Bravos 2 years ago and I love it! It is High Efficency so you have to use the special soap that is more expensive but in the long run you save money and that's what it's all about, right? We got them at the Home Depot. ;)

I'll chime in with Kelli D--my Frigidaire set has been great. After 9 years the washer needed repairs in the summer and we decided to replace it with the same model--only $499 and it handles our 2-3 large loads per day without any problem. Also, it is a bit smaller (outside) and fits better in the space we have.

We put a counter over the washer and dryer about a year ago for a folding table ($30 at Home Depot), then a 10" shelf just below the cabinets (above) for individual sock baskets (about 4"high x 7 x 10) for each person in our family (labeled--they sort their own now). The dryers are also inexpensive and our 1999 model is still going strong.

We looked at the pricier models, but ultimately a washer is a washer, and this one is a great value at only around $50 a year average cost.

I posted this a month or so ago, so thought I would just c/p.

I'll try not to get too wordy and technical. I freelance as an appliance salesperson for small business appliance centers around the state. I currently have the last model of a Maytag Neptune FL--and I love it. But if I could have a new one, i would TOTALLY get the new Maytag steam washer and dryer. You are right, it can be pricey for the pair. But if you have been using an older model TL, your costs will be offset very quickly. It will save you as much water in one year as you can drink in a lifetime. This is true now for most FLs as they have been out for awhile and all caught up with industry leaders. The steam washer saves even MORE water because it takes a lot less water to clean with steam. Same with the dryer. Both the washer and dryer are highly rated by EnergyStar (the independent organization that rates the energy effeciency of things like windows and appliances). You can steam-refresh a full load of clothes or one item, it also operates like a typical dryer. Maytag dryers have moisture sensors in them so they don't dry the clothes longer than they need to, thus saving energy and the quality of your clothes. They also use a lower temperature than most others but maximize the motion of the air for better drying effeciency. Pretty much anything you would send to a dry cleaner you can wash in your washer. There is a wool cycle that is certified by the American Wool Growers Association, and specialized cycles for silk and handwash as well, with specialized temps, spins, etc. You can as big of a load or as small as you want without wasting water or energy as the washer is equipped with a moisture sensor and will only fill with as much water as it needs for the cycle. My favorite is that it sanitizes (99% of bacteria and germs) and de-allergens your clothes (96 or 94% of allergens I think). With small kids I can't live wihtout sanitizing...especially with potty training!

Maytag makes two levels of the steam washer and there is a level down from that one that is a Whirlpool (I'm 90% sure). The top-end Whirlpool....darn, I can't remember the name but its not the Cabrio and I don't think its a new version of the duet, but it might be....anyway, those are great too minus the steam. As I have connections for better and more-specific information, please feel free to PM or EM me (chrisandlynsey at bresnan dot net) and I will be happy to answer any questions for you!

You could also look your local ads and craigslist for a used. I wouldn't go anything less than a maytag neptune. They are 'outdated' but still amazingly effecient and clean wonderfully. There are I think...3 or 4 models of the washer that aren't in production anymore but lots of people still have and 2 versions of the dryer. I wouldn't buy a whirlpool that was made before about...2006...that is when Whirlpool and Maytag merged and whirlpool got the good laundry technology. With people selling houses and going back to renting, there are lots of things like W/Ds for sale since their rentals come with them provided.

Good luck in your decision! I know you would be happy with a front load and your utility bills and longer-lasting clothes will offset the higher cost before too long.

ETA: great for cloth diapering, you don't have to worry about the soaking with the sanitizing cycle. Plus you don't necessarily have to separate your diapers from things like socks and underwear unless you use a different detergent on them.

I can tell you what NOT to buy: The GE front loader, I'm on my 2nd one within a year and it doesn't work right either. Customer service hold times are ridiculously long, which tells me there's a lot of problems with their product! good luck!

I had a Frigidaire Front load washer and loved it! It is pretty cheap as far as front loaders go. It is the ftf530f. Here is the website. Anyhow, I had that with the matching dryer and loved it!!!!
http://www.frigidaire.com/products/laundry/washers/front_...

We also have a kenmore and love it. The washer was i think number 3 rated and much cheaper than the ones with higher ratings. I want to say it's the HE9? But they don't make the same modle, so I'm not sure.

We have Maytag Neptunes that are 10 years old. I absolutely love them! Even after 10 years we've never had a lick of trouble with them. They're High Energy. They hold a huge amount and they are really gentle on our clothes. Happy shopping!

I was right where you are at 6 months ago. Which front loader to buy? I did research on line, asked people and what really helped me the most was to go into a store (where they don't make a commision -I bought mine at home depot) and have the salesperson give me the rundown on all of the machines. I decided on the LG brand. LG builds their machines a little different - they have a direct drive that is suppose to improve the quality and lifetime of the machine. I have loved mine! It's model #WM2455HW. I bought the matching dryer and I love it too! I've had no regrets! I really liked the looks of the gray machines on display but found out if I got white, each machine would be $100 less. Since I made my purchase I have gone from doing laundry 5 or 6 days a week to just 2 days (I'm washing for 8). Good Luck with your decision!

Hi - we just got some... just make sure after you do a load in the washing machine to leave the door open and let it air out or it gets a strange odor. You will love it!

Hi A.,

My Husband just got me a Whirlpool Duet Front load washer and dryer. I absolutely love them. THey are on pedal stools, I recomment them. That way you don't have to bend down so much. I have found that I can do my laundry in half the time. In my old washer I had to use a smaller load, now in my whirlpool it hold twice the size as my old one! Good luck! Hope you find the one you like.

Another happy Kenmore Elite owner. Got it 4 or 5 yrs ago when it was the HE3T. Love them.

If you are dead set on getting a front loading washing machine, make sure to do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions. I have had a couple of front loaders, and they have been AWFUL! The filter holes are in the rubber around the door, and small articles, clothes-underwear, socks, etc. get sucked in and lodge in the piping REALLY easily. Also, if you forget some jewellry or coins in pockets, they get sucked in too and will plug up the system. It is really inconvenient since you can't add anything, like if you missed or dropped something on the way to the wash, after a wash cycle has begun since the door locks. If something goes wrong during a cycle, like something gets caught in the filter, or plugs the drain pipe, then you have to pull the whole washer out, and tilt it, which is very difficult, plus drain it, and that gets water EVERYWHERE, no matter how many precautions you take.

There are some people who have had nothing but good experiences with front loaders, but I will NEVER own one again! Sorry to be so negative. I hope that you can either find a front loader that is great, or something else that does exactly what you want.

I needed new about 8 months ago. Did lots of research on consumer sites, looked at ALL the comment sections of different retailers. Bought LG model WM2016CW washer, which was the newer version of the one tested/ rated #1 by Consumer Reports. VERY satisfied with it. Lots of cycles for extra rinse, rinse and hold, wash delay, add an item. Easy to clean front filter. Doesn't suck socks and undies down the drain. Runs fairly quiet, doesn't vibrate the floor, large capacity. Cleans lingerie and husband's extremely dirty work jeans equally well. Quick cycle, stain cycle, tub clean cycle. Beeper at low, high, off. Large capacity. Load sensor to measure water needed. Extra spin and "spin sensor" cut down even more on drying time. It is LG's lower end price machine, but rated higher than the pricier ones. As I said at the first, very satisfied with the machine. Got a Kenmore 600 dryer, as it consistently rated in the top 2 or 3 on every site I looked. Only has 3 heat setting choices, but does have moisture sensor, with variable settings, so you can dry your jeans to that just right point where they don't shrink. Also fairly quiet running, can turn buzzer off. This is one of Kenmore's lower priced machines, as well, but I am satisfied with it. I wasn't concerned with getting a matching set. The washer is about 2" taller than the dryer, but I didn't/still don't see that as an issue. I'm much more concerned with price and performance. I saved about $400 buying this way. Plus lucked up when I bought. Got in on another 15% off sale prices on both and free delivery and set up from Sears, by rebate, but they sent the checks within about 3 weeks. I got mine last May, Sears just did another sale like that in December. ( I know this because my refrigerator gave up the ghost) If you aren't in a huge hurry, might keep watch on the Sears web site for another discount sale time. I think January is traditionally an appliance sales month, so you might get a very good deal. I also agree with the post that recommends watching the classified sale ads in the newspaper, you might come across a set at a very good price. I would recommend staying away from Whirlpool and Maytag. Read tons of complaints about both brands, warranty and repair problems. Also, both brands had low ratings from CR and Cnet and Popular Mechanics for performance, repair and customer service. If it's performance for you, all the LG's rate well and Bosch is also well rated for good performance and customer service. GE models kind of run the middle road, some had great luck, some had terrible. So, my reaseach is 8 months old, but that's what I found. No problems or complaints with my set. The laundry is cleaner with the front loader, it is gentler on the clothes, save water and electricity. Dryer is more than adequate.

We have had the AKSO front load washer for six months and we love it. It has a quad suspension (4 instead of 3) so it doesn't shake as much when it's spinning. It's built in Europe and we even got an extra year warranty for registering it within a certain time frame. It takes less detergent than a top load. I agree you should leave the door open so it doesn't get smelly. But ours holds more clothes than our super capacity top load did. Good luck in your decision!

Hi A.,
I would be wary of Maytag Neptunes. There was a huge recall some years back (moldy seals, other problems) that we sadly did not hear about. Our machine still works well, but we do have mold. :( I have to unplug it after I use it and leave the door open so it will dry out. Front-loaders ARE water-efficient and do a good job at washing clothes, and that's a big plus. Just do your homework on anything you're interested in (like you are by asking all of us!) Hopefully you'll discover just the right set! (And when you do, let us know, OK?)

A.,
We have had a Bosch set for about 4 years now. I love them. I don't use as much detergent or water and I dramatically cut down on the use of stain treatments. In fact, unless the stain is really bad I don't use an pre-treaters anymore and everything comes clean. (I have two boys so I used a ton of stain treatment!) I've never had any problems with either the washer or the dryer. The Bosch doesn't have a lot of options or fancy sensors or anything, but that just means to mean there is a lot less to go wrong. And, like everyone else has mentioned, leave the door to the washer at least cracked so you don't get odors and put small items in a bag so they don't get trapped between the door and rubber seal. Good luck!

We have had a Kenmore for more than five years now and really like it.

I have a Kenmore front loader that I have had for 8 years. I got it before they actually had the term HE. I absolutley love it. The load capacity is huge and it hardly uses any water and soap. When you are looking I recommend looking for one that doesn't have a light on the inside. Because they seal so tightly they can start to smell like mildew. Because mine doesn't have a light I leave the door open when I'm not using it and don't have any problems with smells. Also, you'll want to get a lingerie (sp?) bag to put little items in like kids socks and trouser socks so they don't get pulled down into the pump. My hubby has had to take the machine apart 2 or 3 times to retrieve a sock! Not a big deal, it only takes him about 10 minutes to fix.

I raved so much about mine that my mom-in-law got one. She got a Maytag and has had a few issues with it. It has a light inside so she can't leave it open to dry out. Also, the chip that senses if the load is level before spinning is very sensitive and it has gone out on her 3 or 4 times. (her washer is also about 6 years old so Maytag may have resolved that issue by now).

She, like usual, went for the top of the line, and I went for the bargain. I was just thinking the other day how much I loved my washer and was so happy that I had it!