Washer recommendations?
 

Some may have read my story of the washer that was f*ked by the repair guy. Rather than try to fix it again (i only have so many back disks to sacrifice for this, after all) we're gonna buy another. Who makes a good one?

I have a front loading Maytag Neptune that has had no problems for the almost 8 years we've owned it.

Whatever brand you end up going with, I would recommend getting a front loading washer. They are much more efficient and easier on your clothes.:cool:

Conventional or HE? Front or top load?

If you want a conventional top loader, go with a Kenmore. They're all made by Whirlpool, but the thing about Kenmore is because it's a "private label" brand (Sears) and is only available there, the machines have some extra features that the equivalently-priced Whirlpool-branded machines don't have. Such as additional water levels or cycle combinations, better tub materials, etc. They do this to get more business. Something like 60% of all laundry appliances in all U.S. households are Kenmore branded.

I'd stay away from a High Efficiency Top Load washer. They have a lot of problems. Although they are the biggest (4.6 cf capacity, vs. 3.2 cv capacity on a Conventional.

If you're looking at an HE Frontloader, I'd strongly recommend the newest GE frontloaders. They'll set you back a bit of cash, but have a ton of interesting sensors and communication settings and so forth, where the machine has a specific custom cycle timing for removing something like 40 different types of stains from clothing, as well as the "general" cycles as well that are less specific. Or, the Kenmore HE3T with Steam -- great bang for your buck there.

What about those top loaders without the agitator in the middle? Are those easy on your clothes like a front loader?

I've had an LG front loader for about 9 months now, and I am amazed at how little water it uses. So far, it has been trouble-free :)

Yeah those are the HE Top Load. They're notorious for completely ravaging clothes, as the plate at the bottom can catch and shred things. Only a few models of them left in the marketplace now.

Oh crap! I was considering one of thoes.

There is a God and he created mercedesshop.

I think Kuan is talking about the top loaders like the Calypso where the whole basket agitates, not a plate with a corkscrew center post.

I've heard that ones like the Calypso are easy on the clothes but still use more water than a front loader.

EDIT: I just googled some and I see what you're talking about.:eek:

I'm glad I have a front loader.:cool:

Whirlpool Duet or same by Kenmore.

The new Maytags are not good. Go for a Kenmore.

I guess the "Maytag Man" will be getting some work these days then.:D

Years ago they used to be really good and I know of several people who have had nothing but problems with the newer ones.

I've had mine for about 8 years so I guess I lucked out. Whew.:)

I also purposely didn't pick the top line Neptune. Mine is digital but not as complex as the top line model.

I've heard that some Maytag front loaders were having issues with getting the clothes moldy, but I can't imagine that happening unless you leave the wet clothes in there for a few days.:eek:

I checked these out and think they look really cool. Nice capacity too.:cool:

We have a Bosch front loader, it had been fine for the last 4.5 years and just recently had a couple minor issues that I repaired. Overall we're pretty pleased with it.

Maytag, Whirlpool, Kenmore laundry all come off the exact same assembly line as far as I'm aware and have since 2005.

The high end ("Kenmore HE5" and equiv.) washers are made in Germany and everything else is made in Mexico.

My job is in major appliances, so I've become privvy to a few of these things :p