Well now that we're married we're too uppity to go to the laundromat anymore. We are in the market for a new, energy-efficient washer and dryer. I figure we may spend more now but will save or at least break even in the long run. And the newer, energy efficient models seem to be quieter and easier on your clothes to boot.

Anyone have any opinions as to what is good? We looked at a Bosch set that appeared nice but it was $2K. I might spend that if I though it was worth it, but that's a lot of money! Most of the local salesmen seem to think Whirlpool is very reliable, and the Duet Sport washer and dryer seem pretty good for $1,500.

Many of these newer machines have lots of bells and whistles, though, and I'm concerned about how long they will last and repair costs.

Any thoughts?

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Ralph

1985 300D Turbo, CA model
248,650 miles and counting...

Get a Siemens. They are indestructible, and German.


Just dont get a Maytag. We have a Neptune and its the biggest piece of **** ever built. The thing has died about 7 times, and Maytag has replaced it 3 times.

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I bought a Neptune washer/dryer pair about a year and a half ago and haven't had any trouble with it. Having said that, if I had the money at the time I would have gone with a front-load washer. You can fit way more clothing in those things yet they don't take that much more energy to run. I think some of them can fit 15 pair of jeans or something ridiculous like that. If energy efficiecy is important to you and you have the money, you should consider the front-loaders.

We have a Maytag Neptune set that was purchased in 2000. The washer has repaired twice under warranty within the first two years, however, each time it cost us $50. Maytag lost a lot of money on our washer due to the cost of the parts that were replaced. The repairman explained the issues. One item wa a $250 electrical board that was ruined by the switch that tells if the door is closed (bad electrical engineering). I don't think that I would buy another Maytag, but I will never go back to a top loading washer. Here is what I like about our Maytag front loader washer:
1. Less water
2. Less soap
3. Better washing
4. HUGE and HEAVY load capacity (I want to try bowling balls)
5. Spins more water out of the clothes=less drier time.
6. Fewer loads =less time

Our dryer is big, too.

I should have mentioned that we're definitely going to get a front-loader.

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Ralph

1985 300D Turbo, CA model
248,650 miles and counting...

We`ve got the top end front loading Sears W/D. Both are huge machines and take a load bigger than we can put in them. The washer spins 97% of the moisture out of the laundry and the cloths spend little time in the gas dryer. Whatever you get make sure the washer is front loading, for reasons mentioned above.

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300TD W124, Two VW TDI Passat Wagons,Cummins Ram 250, Kubota Tractor
23 cylinders sipping the sweet sauce of the soy bean

We have a Maytag Nepture front loader set from 2000. Had the board go out because of the door lock mechanism. IIRC it was a $75 part. Easy DIY. Sometimes there's the sound of a belt slipping when the basket changes direction but nothing more's come of it. Everything else has been fine for 5 years. I don't know if all washers are quiet these days but we'll definitely go for an agitatorless front loader and a quiet machine next time.

My sister has a newer Neptune set with digital controls. That's gone out a couple of times. I think once was the board and lock thing.

Sixto
93 300SD

Howdy All,
Had a Maytag that lasted 15 years. The older ones seem more durable. What is a dryer?¿ Just a clothesline here.

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Frank X. Morris
17 Kia Niro
08 Jeep Wrangler 4 door unlimited

Whatever you do, avoid the Sears Roebuck-Kennmore brand like the plauge.

Middle of the line Whirlpool top loading washer, front load dryer...if you have a choice, gas dries quicker and hotter than electric. I have heard of problems with Maytag Neptunes, but have never owned them. LG is apparently a Korean company but I've heard good things about their products.

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2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

That really won't stand up to scrutiny, since the brand is nearly always made by Whirlpool........definitely not a POS by any means.

I recently retired a Kenmore that came with the house..........17 years ago. The only reason that I replaced it was to get a bit more capacity........it wouldn't break down...........not a single repair in 17 years.........the machine had to be 24 years old.

John, my mother absolutely hates Sears, always has, but the whole time I was growing up, the ONLY Sears product my parents would buy were scratch-and-dent specials from the Sears warehouse, and the only washers and dryers they ever owned were from Sears. I was under the impression that they are Whirlpool products.

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2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

Yes, they are made by Whirlpool.... to Sears quality specs. The older models were very long lived.

Though it seems that any product I have bought at Sears in the last ten years has had a very short life.

1. Craftsman chain saw: lasted one season.
2. Carftsman leaf blower: lasted one year.
3. Crafstman weedwacker: lasted one year.
4. Kennmore fridge: around six years.
5. Kennmore range/oven: oven won't hold a set temp, temp can very + or - 75 degrees/f.

Just my .02.

I have a Johnstone supply catalog, and most of the Sears units take Whirlpool parts.

The older Sears washer and dryers lasted a loooong time. I think my folks had a avacado green Sears washer and dryer that lasted over twenty five years, they looked just like the one's in "That '70 Show". , except we didn't have a basement, though my dad could have been Red Foreman's twin.

Get the cheapest ones that have the features that you need. Get rid of them in a couple years and buy a new set the same way. Donate and deduct.