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.

__________________
Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

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.

__________________
1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D
Automatic, A/C, Power Sunroof, Power Right Side Mirror
231K Miles FOR SALE MAKE OFFER

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

__________________
You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

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

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

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.

__________________
1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D
Automatic, A/C, Power Sunroof, Power Right Side Mirror
231K Miles FOR SALE MAKE OFFER

Oh crap! I was considering one of thoes.

There is a God and he created mercedesshop.

__________________
You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

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.

I'm glad I have a front loader.

__________________
Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

Whirlpool Duet or same by Kenmore.

__________________
1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra

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

__________________
"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

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

__________________
Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

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

__________________
"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

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.

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

__________________
Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

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.

__________________
08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

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

__________________
1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D
Automatic, A/C, Power Sunroof, Power Right Side Mirror
231K Miles FOR SALE MAKE OFFER