Washer/dryer advice - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Whiskeydan · #1 05-10-2007, 11:45 AM

My 28 yr old Maytag washer is leaving grease stains, tub has a slight seep.

Time for a new pair.

I looked at a Fridgedaire stackable units for $1K for the pr. Front load, stainless tub claims to use a lot less water than the top loaders. True?

Stacking will give me room for a much needed freezer.

Any washer/dryer suggestions? I'd like to get out for less than a grand if possible.

mpolli · #2 05-10-2007, 12:30 PM

I helped a friend shop for some a year or so ago so I can offer some info. She was looking for a stacking compact size so that limited her choices a bit. She ended up going with the new (at that time) Maytag. BAD IDEA. The Maytag quality has gone down the drain. I would not buy Maytag at any price. The ones she really wanted, but they were a little too big, were the Whirlpool Duet. But those are going to be more than what you want to spend probably. Those are really good I have heard. Sears is a good place to look as they sell all the brands although some are under their own name. We found Lowes had the best price matching. And around here there are lots of different rebates for energy and water saving, and they really varied quite a bit so it took some research to see what would qualify for what rebate. The front loader washers do save a lot of water and soap and they clean much better also and wear out your clothes less. I am also curious about the ones that are washer and dryer combined into one machine.

Mike

riethoven · #3 05-10-2007, 12:43 PM

I bought the Kenmore HE2 washer and gas dryer last year at the Sears scratch and dent outlet. They are made by Whirlpool and were Consumer Reports best buy. I was out the door with tax for around $1,350. The people at Sears were amazed when I put the two units in the back of my wagon and drove away.

We had a warranty claim and it ended up being a clogged strainer in the washer pump. The tech could have charged us but didn't. They seem to clean the clothes better but I have to depend on the label for energy consumption.

R Leo · #4 05-10-2007, 01:24 PM

In my prior life as an appliance technician, I was no fan of Frigidare laundry equipment but, a good friend that's still in the biz claims that they are a good brand for a stackable. I'm seriously considering a pair for the cabin.

If you decide to go with conventional units I'd stay with Kenmore/Whirlpool...nothing else.

raymr · #5 05-10-2007, 01:29 PM

The front-load washers are supposed to save a lot on water and energy.

We have a 7 year old Frigidaire washer. Its fine except you can't open it right away when its done washing due to a delay action lid lock, and it makes strange noises, like its trying to talk.

Whiskeydan · #6 05-10-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R Leo

In my prior life as an appliance technician, I was no fan of Frigidare laundry equipment but, a good friend that's still in the biz claims that they are a good brand for a stackable. I'm seriously considering a pair for the cabin.

If you decide to go with conventional units I'd stay with Kenmore/Whirlpool...nothing else.

I am hoping for servicability and available parts. In the 28yrs the old Maytag has had to have a belt and the dryer has been thru two heating elements. Nothing over $30 either time. I doubt I'll get that kind of service out of new units.

Off to Sears, Lowes... Then I got to get smokin'... meat.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showpost.php?p=1502953&postcount=25

gmercoleza · #7 05-10-2007, 02:39 PM

Whiskeydan, just make sure you get a front loader. You'll save a little bit of water, quite a bit of energy, and your clothes will be cleaner and won't be beat up as badly.

I bought a Bosch front loader for $400 from a guy in Richardson out of eBay 3 years ago when we moved here from Chicago (in fact, picked it up with the moving truck when we rolled into town). He worked at a local distribution center and was selling all kinds of Bosch and Miele units brand new - I didn't ask how/why he got them. Mine was still shrink-wrapped and on a mini pallet. It's still running great today. I'll see if I can remember is eBay ID...

Wodnek · #8 05-10-2007, 06:19 PM

We have a Whirlpool front loader and a matching Kenmore dryer. About 6 years old now. Clothes dont get beat up as much, lower water bills, less hot water, etc. They were a good investment without the maytag price.

rwthomas1 · #9 05-10-2007, 09:54 PM

I buy nothing like this new. When I lived in Texas I bought used Kenmore washer and dryer from a used appliance place in Austin for $300, delivered. They worked fine for 5 years and when I moved I sold them for $150.

My business partner purchased, almost new, a fridge, dishwasher, and glass top range off Craigslist for $250 for ALL!

I just picked up a spare fridge for $75. Brand new, never been turned on, full size 33", just dusty from sitting in someones garage for two years. The couple was getting divorced and I scored.

Look around, there are screaming deals to be had.
RT

POS · #10 05-10-2007, 10:01 PM

Currently Kenmore always ranks at the top of the "Buy It" lists. I have a few, no problems.

Whiskeydan · #11 05-10-2007, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwthomas1

I buy nothing like this new. When I lived in Texas I bought used Kenmore washer and dryer from a used appliance place in Austin for $300, delivered. They worked fine for 5 years and when I moved I sold them for $150.

My business partner purchased, almost new, a fridge, dishwasher, and glass top range off Craigslist for $250 for ALL!

I just picked up a spare fridge for $75. Brand new, never been turned on, full size 33", just dusty from sitting in someones garage for two years. The couple was getting divorced and I scored.

Look around, there are screaming deals to be had.
RT

If it were just up to me I'd fix the 28 yr old Maytag and be done with it.

It looks like we just bought the Fridgedaire stacked front loaders with a 5 yr anything goes warranty. Total was around $1300.

I keep thinking I needed a larger air compressor and other tools more than these things. Oh well... its done. To be delivered next tues.

iwrock · #12 05-10-2007, 10:29 PM

Hmmmm..... I would strongly advise against Maytag washers/driers. Their quality is garbage! I have the Neptune front loaders, and am on set number 3.... They have replace ours because of various problems that seem to never be fixed....

Matt L · #13 05-10-2007, 10:45 PM

There are new washers with direct-drive DC motors and no transmissions. These also have extremely high spin speeds. Fischer Paykel sells one, but I'm sure that there are other manufacturers. These are top-loaders, but use only a bit more water than front-loaders and work just as well while costing less. The high-speed spin removes more water which saves you money running the dryer.

Larry Delor · #14 12-02-2007, 07:29 PM

A place down the road, is having a huge scratch and dent sale.
They were closed tonight, but through the window, I saw a front loading Maytag, for $500 and another washer (couldn't read the brand name) for $300. Advertising says they have manufacturers warranties - just scratched or dented.

So... if the price is right, I'll get a front loader...

Any brand name recommendations?

thanks!

t walgamuth · #15 12-02-2007, 07:38 PM

In my sixteen rental units I have mostly the whirlpool stackers which we put in about six years ago mostly and spent around 900 for the pair. all electric.
almost no repairs so far.

at home we have about three year old kenmore front loaders, gas dryer. they seem pretty nice so far. my sister the appliance salesman at sears recommended them. she knows more about appliances than anybody i know.

Tom W