Recommendations on Washing Machines

Hi S.,

It's been over seven years since I bought a washer, so I don't know about new models. What I've come to realize is that the next time I buy a washer, it will be one that doesn't have that dang thing sticking up in the middle because it cust down on how much I can shove in the washer & makes it hard to get a comforter in there. With three kids & two adults, I would suggest something with a large capacity without that dang thing in the middle. =)

Take care,
Aim

Hi S., I would say the Whirlpool, sold at Sears. I have raised 5 (4 sons and 1 daughter) I find it the best and the strongest. Grandma MAry

I would just like to say stay away from General Electric washers and dryers!! They are CRAP!! Husband and I picked em out, we were in need of them badly in order to move into our apartment years ago.. The stupid washer stopped washing correctly the third month we had it. Never ever buy GE anything.. There digital cameras are crappy too! (different story, but got a GE digital for Christmas and it broke the next day, the company wont even stand by their products, they said I dropped it or got it wet!) LG is one of the best brands out there. A friend of mine has LG washer and dryer and loves em! Check em out!

S.:

I had a Kenmore washer for 17 years. Bought it at Sears, and kept on renewing maintainence contracts. loved it..when it died, i bought a Maytag, hated it, had many problems, so got rid of it and bought a new Kenmore. 2 years, and no problems. good luck

I strongly DON'T recommend any washer by GE. I've had two in the past two years (we moved). Our very expensive HE washer broke 3 times in the first 6 months, and GE is sloooow to replace. It took two weeks for them to deliver a new one! Then we got another GE when we moved, though this time a less expensive top loader. The first one came damaged, so we had to wait another THREE weeks to get a new one delivered! (Also through GE, not the retailer.) The new one seems ok, but it's just been too stressful.

Next time, I'll go with LG! My mom loves hers!

I bought a Kenmore front loader about 18 months ago. I LOVE it. The drum is larger than most top loader models (I can fit my King size comforter in there...), I can do the sheets, blanket, and quilt from each boys bed in ONE LOAD, and towels dry in the dryer faster than I can get the next load washed (because they are dryer going in...). They are a little more expensive, but I saw a difference in my electric bill the first month (since it was running less). The only issue I've found - it smells musty (so well sealed), but I read in Consumer Reports that if you leave the soap dish and the door open to dry completely, that helps (I've been doing it for a week now, and it DOES seem to help...).

I have a front loading washing machine and it is the best investment I made. It gets the clothes cleaner and they come out of the washing machine drier--so less time and money to dry clothes. It also uses less water than a top loading machine. We have a GE brand and have been happy with it.

I have a LG front loader. I love it. It's awesome! Don't have a problem with washing now.

I would highly reccomend the Sears Kenmore front loading machines. Buy the largest capacity you can afford for your budget. But make sure to get the front loader type. These use much less water & electricity. The machine adjusts water levels automatically depending on how much laundry you put in it. These also have the best ratings & least repairs. Had a Whirlpool top loader that lasted only 4 years. Got a Kenmore front loader. Has been running great for 5+ years without any problems.

Hi S.,
I have a front loader and wouldn't have anything but, as this is my second one. My first one was a Maytag and had a mold problem around the gasket, but it lasted 10 years. Currently I have a LG and wish I had gotten a Whirlpool. I went with the LG because it was a bit larger, but seems to act up periodically and I have to unplug it to reset the computer. With that aside it is great. Front loaders save you A LOT on your water and electric bills and they do a much better job of cleaning the cloths, even when you do it on a quick wash. My water bill has been cut in half if not more. Since I first got one I have only used hot water to wash my whites, the rest of the time I use tap water. I think when I have to get another machine I will go with a Whirlpool front loader, but that doesn't mean I don't like my LG because I do 99% of the time. Like I said I don't like it when I have to play games resetting the computer, for all I know that could happen with any of them. All in all they are definitely worth the money.
Hugs,
T.

I have a GE Front Load, aka High Efficiency washer. I love it. Besides the fact that I always wanted one, I feel that it washes the clothes much better than top load washing that have that big plastic rod in the middle. You use less detergent and less water too. The only thing is, you are supposed to use a special detergent so if you wants a lot of the regular stuff you are out of luck. I still use Dreft on my baby so I use it in my machine and that is fine. I use special HE detergent for our clothes. Washing clothes if now really fun!

If you buy a frontloading washer and dryer make sure you get the pedestal to raise them up. Otherwise it is nice because there is nothing in the middle and gives you more room inside. If they make the top loading without the agitators now I would go with that. I'm with Susie and Toni I also have the Maytag Neptune and have the mold issue and had smelly clothes.

Do not get the Maytag Neptune. I and everyone I know has had major problems with them! Including smelly clothes! In fact, I would go as far as to say do not get a Maytag anything. All my Maytag appliances have caused me grief!

Good Luck!

S.
guilford, CT

I would recommend anything that is "energy star." I saw some nice washers that were so energy efficient and used less water. I didn't get one because it was more expensive. Now I regret that I didn't spend the extra money; I'm not crazy about the washer & dryer I picked out. Maytag, I think - but very basic models. I guess they get the job done.... but I could have done better! Good luck!

Love my LG front loader washer & gas dryer that we got last May. I have the model below the steamwasher one. They are quiet & have nice features. I often use the speed wash (21 min) & delayed wash. The only important thing is that u have to leave the washer door open after using it & wipe down the inside. If u dont then an odor will result from the wetness sitting in there.

I love my Kenmore. It works like a horse, built tough and had no problems over 10 yrs.

Miele. The initial outlay is high, but they truly last forever. Since the machine heats the water individually for each programme, whites come out cleaner than any other machine I have owned. Check out consumer reports as well. Miele regularly takes first place in longevity and performance. We have had our Miele washer for eight years, and our dryer for over 20 years now, and both are still going strong.

Front load is the only way to go. Uses a lot less water (like 30 galls less than top loader) and clothes come
out practically dry. I wish I had gotten the front load
sooner.

kenmore! got mine at sears!

I have the Whirlpool duet, both washer and dryer. they are fantastic! They hold large loads, wash really dirty clothes well, and can even do "had washables". the dryer has a lot of settings too. I can put bedspreads in, it's that large. I bought the higher pedestals that come with them to store my laundry detergent, etc. underneath. there is also a cover for the top where you can put clothes to fold, etc. It's a bit high, but it is useful. These are front loading. P.

Dear S.:

I have had a Kenmore that I bought used when I bought my house nine years ago. It's a large capacity washer and dryer that I just love. I have never had a problem with them. Also, I don't know how old they are, my friend's daughter bought them used, had them for at least five years until she bought her house. (I am an unemployed single grandmother with some experience. My grandson is a very active 9 year old, who keeps me doing laundry) I hope this is helpful to you.

Good Luck,

A. C.

I have a Maytag front loader it is wonderful. The clothes come out cleaner and nothing gets tangled because there is no agitator in the middle. You also use less water. The only thing is you have to use HE detergent which really isn't a big deal. Happy Shopping!!