Help! I need a new washing machine and dryer

[spotbird]

How in the world can someone make a decision about this there is just too much information. Is there a good way to buy them? Is there a good online appliance store that will make this less painful.

I'm thinking energy efficiency might be important, low maintenance, and one that cleans well.

Does anyone know anything about these things?

PS I have to pick the kids up in a minute, so I'll check back later.

Thanks!

[Dora]

1. Kenmore front loader.

We bought ours in 2002 and haven't been disappointed. It has definitely reduced our water consumption. I recommend you buy the kind with the dials on the front of the unit, rather than on top. That way, you can set your washer and dryer on risers and not stoop so low for loading and unloading. We also set our jug-o-detergent right on top of the washer with the spigot aimed directly at the detergent drawer.

We didn't buy the commercially available risers, but made one riser from 2x12s and furniture-grade plywood. We put two drawers in the bottom for storage.

[yellowdogintexas]

11. a mighty second to that!!!! I LOVE my Kenmore front loader

I don'thave the great big one either, the normal sized boxy looking one. I LOVE THe riser too.
Thanks for the tip on the jug-o-detergent!

[progmom]

2. hey - if you live near us

...you could have our extra washer and dryer!

[graywarrior]

3. Damn, I'm selling mine in a few weeks so I can move.

Where are you?

[spotbird]

4. southern/midwest nt

[graywarrior]

5. Wanna drive to Florida and pick mine up?

[spotbird]

9. With gas at $3.00 and

U-Haul rental, it might not be advisable.

Thanks anyway, it's awfully nice of you to offer.

[billyskank]

6. Don't get a Maytag

That's all I know. :)

[radwriter0555]

7. epinions.com is your new best friend.

Amazon.com does the ratings game as well.

[fleabert]

8. my mom loves her Duet

I was pissed, she bought my dream w/d and fridge in the same week. Although there is a new Washer out there that is top loading, but has no stem - so it may use less water and energy for larger loads than the duet washer.

[spotbird]

10. Thanks. nt

[lavenderdiva]

12. whatever you do, do NOT buy a Kenmore Calypso

or Whirlpool Calypso machine. (Whirlpool makes the Kenmore Calypso too). There is currently a class-action lawsuit against them for this particular washer and dryer. I happen to own them both (W&D), they are about 4 years old, and both are broken. I have replaced the mother boards (they are electronic) in both the washer and dryer once, at a cost of approx. $150-250 per board. I could have had a whole new set by now. They were extremely expensive to begin with too. I have also had clothes trashed in the washer, because of horrible dark grease stains it left on my clothes. If you read the section on Calypso at epinions.com you will see many, many others have had these same problems too. And that is the basis for the lawsuit. We have spent so much money on trying to fix these machines, its just not funny. Currently, I do not have either a washing machine OR dryer that is available to me in my home. Both my W&D are sitting in the garage, with bad mother boards again. I am not going to spend the money again for new mother boards. Too much money invested in trying to fix them already. So I have to go to the laundromat if I want clean clothes. We don't have the money to buy a new set of even cheap W&D right now....

ps. The plumber we've had out to fix them previously, warned us against electronic W&D's because of the expense to fix them. If one thing goes wrong, you have to buy a whole new mother board. If you get W&D's with knobs, you can replace just the knob that's gone wrong. He says it is much less expensive.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

13. Consumer Reports has a website...

It costs something like $5 a month, and you can subscribe for one month if you like. They have comparative charts of products which is nice. Also, most appliance retailers have websites, so you can find the best price online...

[Dora]

14. I second this motion!

I used CU extensively when we were buying appliances for our home. The online monthly membership is a wonderful tool, and worth the $5.

[ScreamingMeemie]

15. Have I told you lately how much Maytag SUCKS!?!?

Nothing but trouble. Our W/D are less than two, and have had to be repaired twice (with weeks of waiting). We bought the Neptune Top Loader thinking we'd be glad we paid the extra money. Suffice to say, we are not. :hi:

[AirmensMom]

19. Yes, you have!

Is it still working after the latest repairs?

What I'd like to know, though, is why you aren't on the Uppity Women list? I think you're a perfect candidate! Was this an oversight? :shrug:


:hi:

[Debi]

16. I know Mrs. G is not a fan

but my Neptune front-loader w/d are a dream (bought summer of 2001 - still like new)

I never, never, never have to use 'hot' water in the wash and don't use fabric softener either.

LOVE THEM :loveya:

[NewWaveChick1981]

17. Well, we have a Maytag Neptune front-loader that is...

..about five years old, and we have had good service from it. I know others have had problems, though (my sister-in-law had nothing but trouble from hers---leaked like a sieve). We had to get a new dryer in October because our old one died, and we bought a Neptune Dryer Center (the one with the dryer below and the drying cabinet at the top) and really like it. However, the first dryer center we got was defective and we had to wait almost a week for a replacement.

Maytag used to be top of the line, but I don't think it is anymore. Their Neptune products are expensive, and after everything is said and done, I like the ones I have, but you could probably do just as well with something less expensive.

[WolverineDG]

18. Get a front loader

Uses less water & gets your clothes cleaner to boot. :) Also, less wear & tear on the clothes since they just go round & round instead of getting beaten to death by the agitator.

dg