Need to Replace our Washer/Dryer, Any Suggestions?

M.D. Holloway · 07-05-2007, 08:53 AM

We have been blessed with our washer / dryer - had it for 12 years. It is a GE Profile and for the most part it has done very well by us. Both units are not working as well as they did. Making noises, using more energy with less output. My Wife has convinced me that if we go with new we will save in energy and even time - more clothes can be done in less loads.

I am sure that if I really looked at the overall costs of this it would not wash out (sorry for the pun) but at the end of the day my Wife asks for very little and it is the least I can do.

So - what do you guys think are the best Washer / Dryers out there?

K9Torro · 09:08 AM

Dont buy the Maytag Atlantis series unless you want to go deaf and deal with alot of vibration from the washer, the dryer has three heat settings, 1. cold 2. hot 3 burn your clothes like a flamethrower lol.

Don't get me wrong they have never broken down and they get alot of use, but boy is that washer loud...

The dryer set on delicate (see 2 above) will dry a load of bluejeans in like five minutes...or if you set it on (3) it will leave nice crisp ashes in there. lol

Todd

asphaltgambler · 07-05-2007, 09:05 AM

As I was told once, buy Maytag. Maytags are designed to give extremely long service life and is the only brand that appliance repair depots actually stock parts for.

Mo_Gearhead · 07-05-2007, 09:07 AM

I don't know if we just bought into the advertising (The lonely Maytag repair man) or not? I'm certain many manufacturers make good products, but we have had only two sets of Washer and Dryer units in 30 years of marriage. Both were Maytag.

Can not recommend particular models (if that was what you were looking for). Our present set is probably...12-13 years old?

the · 07-05-2007, 09:08 AM

Our old washer and drier went for 15 years, the drier never had any issues, the washer did but was a very simple mechanical device that I would just fix when broken.

It was always just a part of the clutch mechanism, or something similar that I could easily see on inspection, then just take off the broken part and replace.

but my wife wanted a new one. she ended up getting a Whirlpool Duet front load washer and drier. I wasn't too involved, but did note that it was one of the most expensive washers/driers out there (why was I not surprised??). But I also happened to see a Consumer's Report magazine which had washer reviews, and it came out either on top or very close (it's not the "Sport" Duet, that one is apparently not as good).

It is very quiet, that's for sure. And you can see the load being done through the front glass, and can see that it uses hardly any water, and very little detergent is used, too.

Like a modern car, though, it has all sorts of gizmos, motors, locks, and electronics on it. I highly doubt this one is going to go 15 years with minimal and inexpensive DIY repairs, like the last one did.

(BTW, appliance repair depots carry parts for all brands of appliances, our old one was a Whirlpool and I was able to get parts easily, both from local parts places and the Net).

wrecktech · 07-05-2007, 09:11 AM

I bought a set of Bosch a few months ago and could not be happier, unless they loaded themselves and didn't use water or electricity. I would recommend them highly.

Joeaksa · 07-05-2007, 09:37 AM

Maytag here. Last two units were both Maytags and they lasted forever. Ones I am using now were purchased new from the Sears "scratch and dent" store 12 years ago and they are still going strong.

Mine are not loud but are not the Atlantis versions either.

Amail · 07-05-2007, 09:39 AM

We had Maytag for years. When the dryer started to go on the fritz, it was a pretty easy DIY project. When the washer started to go, it's time to call the repairman. His advice was to keep the old Maytag for as long as you can, because the new ones are not nearly as good.

We now have the front-loading Whirlpool Duet, and we are very happy with them.

osidak · 07-05-2007, 09:47 AM

I will NEVER purchase another GE appliance. They suck

have purchased whirlpool or maytag as of late

osidak · 07-05-2007, 09:47 AM

I will NEVER purchase another GE appliance. They suck

have purchased whirlpool or maytag as of late

tabs · 09:53 AM

"Sometimes the Best is not the Best." Thats what a friend of mines Dad used to say.

NO matter what Brand U settle on, the one with the most Bells and Whistles is a WASTE of money. U will never use all the options and it is just another thing to go wrong. Obviousily your going to need the one with the LARGEST capacity.

My orginal GE Washer, Dryer combo was purchased in 1987. The Dryer is still going strong without ever having a problem, the Washer was replaced by a Sears Unit in 1996. The Washer is still going strong, but has had a couple of minor repairs over the years.

Matt Meyer · 07-05-2007, 09:54 AM

The first appliance I ever bought was a Maytag W/D. Cheapest model they made 15 yrs ago. Has worked great. Had to replace a solenoid on the washer because calcium build up on the valve caused the solenoid to burn out. Needed to replace the belt and a roller on the dryer (15 yrs old). I love old Maytags.

But

IIRC- Maytag has been bought out by Whirlpool.

I think the Maytag front loaders drove the company down. IIRC- Maytag recently admitted to a design flaw in the seals.

Wife just bought Whirlpool Front-loaders. They use very little soap. Allegedly about 1/3 the water and cloths smell and feel cleaner. I don't think they will last as long as the Maytags did though.

tabs · 10:05 AM

As a matter of fact my GE Refer was bought in 1990 and is still going strong, without ever having a problem.

I still have a 20 inch Sony that I bought in 1986 that has never had a problem either. Also a 13 inch bought in 1988 that has seen service twice. Now the 32 inch XBR only lasted 13 years, but that was on Every day for extended periods of time.

My MacIntosh/JBL Stereo equipment was all bought in 1978 and all is still fine. I had to rebuild the Cones on the JBLs a couple of times though as the foam on the edges drys out.

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

We've had the Whirlpool Duet for over 4 years with no issues. They do a great job washing and drying. If you go the High Efficiency route, find a washer that spins the fastest. I believe the Duet spins at 2,000 rpms, so the clothes come out of the washer almost dry.
This allows the dryer to do its job quickly on the lower settings.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

My neighbor bought a new Bosch front-loaded washer/dryer last year and is very happy with it. When our washer/dryer goes, I'll most likely get the Bosch appliances...

The problem with the "My xx year old XXX appliance is great" is that the new appliancea aren't made to the same quality level as they once were...

Dottore · 07-05-2007, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wrecktech
I bought a set of Bosch a few months ago and could not be happier, unless they loaded themselves and didn't use water or electricity. I would recommend them highly.

Second that. The front loading Bosch is a jewel. Best on the market in this part of the world. German technology and design - built in the US.

legion · 07-05-2007, 10:50 AM

I have Kenmore. Not sure who actually makes them, but they were the only brand we could find that would fit through our narrower-than-standard laundry room door.

The sit in a room right next door to our living room, and I can't hear them. (Then again, I did put insulation in the interior laundry room walls to absorb sound...)

Matt Meyer · 07-05-2007, 10:58 AM

OK apparently I didn't make my point.

Maytag has an excellent reputation. My experience with a Maytag bought 15 yr ago support this.

BUT I think, recently Maytag has had serious problems with their Front-load W/D and overall I don't think Maytag is an exceptional brand anymore. I would be very careful buying a Maytag front loader now. I think they have a new design but I am not sure.

I did pay extra for a Maytag W/D 15 yrs ago. I wouldn't pay extra (over another top name) for a Maytag today and did not pay extra for a Maytag this time. My wife bought Whirlpool on clearance a few weeks ago.

I would recommend a front-loader with a high speed spin cycle though. I like the Whirlpool we have had for 2 weeks.

Ronbo · 07-05-2007, 11:20 AM

Our Sears washer an dryer are 23 years old and still going strong.

Jims5543 · 07-05-2007, 11:25 AM

We bought this about 2 years ago.

http://www.cliquidate.com/items/item.aspx?itemid=4356888&utm_source=nextag&utm_medium=cpc

Put the laundry in, set the wash mode, set the dry mode, walk away.

Come back in about 2.5 hours and the clothes are clean and dry.

Once you get used to it you change the way you do laundry, we throw a load in at 11 at night and then pull it out in the morning. Works great. Still happy after 2 years.