My washing machine seems to have broken mid-cycle today (I'm just happy that I was able to get the baby's laundry done last night!). We knew we were going to be in the market for a new washer and dryer, we just didn't expect it to be this weekend!
Anyway, we are looking for front loaders that can be stacked in a closet. I would appreciate any recommendations, as well as suggestions for ones to avoid. I made the mistake of buying an expensive dishwasher last year without really researching it, for the motor to break one month out of warranty. I don't want to make the same mistake with a washer/dryer...Thanks for your help!!
Karissa,
I have had a LG front loader for about a year now and love it. I never liked doing laundry so much :-) The different cycles to choose from are amazing. I have a Kenmore king size dryer. I've had that for about 3 years now. It drys really well and fast. I know you are looking for stackables so try and see if LG has stackables.
I'd suggest you avoid Whirlpool front-loading units. We purchased a Whirlpool front-loader 4 years ago, and the belts holding the tub broke after only 3 years. Obviously this necessitated purchasing a new washer, and since the original was under extended warranty, we ended up w/another Whirlpool. The first day we brought it home, it started flashing error codes. It got to the point where we'd have to unplug the machine for an hour or so to let it "re-set" and then run a cycle. We had to do this EVERY TIME we washed clothes. Finally, we decided to get it repaired...2 computers and 6 tech visits later, Whirlpool decided they'd better deliver us a new unit.
On second thought, get a Whirlpool - you're guranteed a new unit every couple years or so!
Have you tried the Sears bang up shop. You can usually get a brand new machine for much cheaper. Most of the time they have a tiny scratch on them and someone wouldn't except it because of the scratch. The only problem...they don't deliver or take away the old one.
try consumerreports.org for recommendations
I have an LG and love it, but I do have to unplug it every week or two to reset the computer which sucks. Had a Maytag and had nothing but problems from day one, the mold on the gasket was beyond horible. My water bill cut in half when we bought the first front loader and trust me, that makes it all worth while when you are doing 4 - 5 loads of laundry a day. I think if I had to get another front loader I would go with the Whirlpool, which has a much better rating and reputation. My repairman told me to get the Whirlpool, I wish I had listened; he is rubbing it in my face now. LOL
Hugs,
T.
We just purchased fron loaders that can be stacked, although we have them side by side, they are LG and we got them at Home Depot. The salesman and the installer (who has been installing appliances for 20+ years, said that we got the best out there. They were mid way on price and they are awesome. Imagine this, clothes dry before the washer is done and they are HE, so we only use a Tbs of soap!!! They are great.
Avoid Sears front loaders. My daughter's broke after 10 months and Sears wasn't able to get a repair person out to her house for 3 weeks. When the repair guy showed up he said that the computer board was fried, a common problem with the machine, and had to order another one which took an additional week to get to the house. So 4 weeks down time to repair an almost new washer under warrenty.
Last year I bought a Fridgedare front loading washer and stackable dryer. It is a large capacity washer - the salesman told me when we bought it that we could put as much in as we wanted until the door would not close. That's when you know you have too much. Well let me tell you - he was right. This machine washes fabulously using cold or hot water cycles. It is highly efficient and spinning the clothes takes so much water out of them - drying time is cut in half. This was not my first pick after researching consumer reports, etc. but it was the smartest one. The price point is very reasonable which is why I was a bit skeptical. I started looking at all the higher end washers/dryers, but this one is truly the best for us. Good luck with your hunt. I know spending a lot of money on an appliance is not our favorite thing to do, but if you feel you have purchased one that you are completely satisfied with, it makes all the difference.
depending on your budget, Miele makes great products, but you pay dearly for them. We were space limited, so we bought Malber (found at PC Richards in NJ). We have had them for 6 years with no problems (except shipping screws were not removed from washer by PC Richards delivery guys-almost ruined the brand new washer!) they do not hold as many clothes as a typical super size american one, by i have a family of 5 and seem to do okay. Good Luck. A.
I definitely think the LG front loader. I just got it a few months ago and I love it (the washer and dryer). It has a cycle specially for infant clothes and a cycle for "flu" among other helpful cycle options. Moreover, it's energy efficient and reduces water use. The different colors are different levels of expense and options, I found the best to be the red. I forget what the other one is called that is most comparable, but I have a friend who has it and she doesn't like it b/c she says the clothes smell funny even after getting it checked out several times. Side note- they do have laundry detergent specifically for front loading machines which are supposed to be best. Another side note- although I loved the infant clothes cycle and used it quite a bit when she was a newbie, it's twice as long as the other cycles and eventually I just used the gentle cycle for everyday type stuff. Hope that helps. Feel free to ask me anything else.
My husband works for GE, and I would NEVER buy a GE washer or dryer!!! They are literally impossible to self-repair, even the smallest thing. If I were you, I would contact a non-company related repairman and ask his/her advice. They are the ones who deal with all models on a regular basis and know which are reliable.
I have had Maytag-Neptune side by side washer & dryer for the last 5 years and love them!
I have the LG washer and dryer. I love them. They are stacked, and have been for over two years. Every so often we have to pull them out and clean out the drain screen, twice since we've had them, because of the dog hair...Anyway, i've never had a problem and they work great! We got them at Home Depot and if I remember correctly, it was about $1700 for the pair.
Hi Karissa,
We recently purchased the Whirlpool Duet Sport washer and dryer - and I LOVE them!
Good Luck - H.
I don't own these, but you can go to www.epinions.com to get great consumer reviews. They are written by ordinary people who own the products. You can get a review on just about any product you can think of there. I go to that site before I make any major purchase.
We have the LG set (in red) and we have been very happy with them so far. The dryer has a humidity sensor, no more running up and down to see if dry. I used to dry for about an hr now 41 mins does it more than well.
The washer senses the load and makes sure there is enough time to wash the size of the load.
Way less soap, water bill is cheaper, easier on gas when drying etc etc.
I am very happy so far with ours, we've had them about a year.
