Seeking Feedback on Washers/dryers

I think a lot of it is just personal preference, but check out Sears online. We ordered our appliances that way...better selection than in the store and same great deals all from the comfort of my home rather than dealing with sales people!

love our HE front loader. if you do get and energy efficient model, check with your city to see if they offer a rebate. Long Beach offers one:
http://www.lbwater.org/conservation/resrebatepage.html

I guess I'm not too hip, because I bought top washer loader and the typical front dryer. We bought ours through Lowes and they hauled off our old ones. We used their credit card with delayed payments and zero interest and paid on our own schedule. We bought Whirlpool and are happy with it.

The only FYI I would say with the top loaders is that you pretty much have to buy the stands in order to get them to an appropriate height of not bending over awkwardly and that adds anothe couple hundred dollars to your purchase.

Whirlpool is a good product overall.

Good luck!
J. K-V
www.AisForAutism.net

I have had both, and I lean toward the front loaders myself because they are much gentler on the fabrics(and time is no longer an issue since my family is grown). You can wash anything in them, whereas an agitator top loading washing, can be pretty hard on delicates.

There's nothing like the speed of an agitator though. Especially when delicates are not an issue.
Front loaders take more time(average wash time 50 min.,but you can adjust that). But big bed spreads and down comforters will do better in a front loader...if it's large capacity.

Front loaders also take a HE detergent (high efficiency), less suds. I have used regular detergent in them...just a lot less.
I still prefer the front loaders. I would also get the pedestal with the drawer to set them on...or you'll be straining your back to get the clothes out.

I did a lot of "looking into" when we bought our washer/dryer a couple of years ago. The front loaders have definite advantages over top-loaders - water conservation and bigger loads are my favorites about them. As far as the brands of front loaders, I read lots and lots of opinions and there were lots of complaints from some of the major brands (Whirlpool, Maytag) that had rather big mechanical problems. Although a neighbor has Whirlpool and no problems. My folks have the Duet and something big broke shortly after warranty. We bought the GE front loaders - no problems. Very happy with them.

I have a standard set of Whirlpool washer and dryer. I think they're just ok. The washer does a good job of cleaning, but the dryer make sure you have a timed option and the energy saver sensor option. The energy saver one always leaves the clothes too damp.

My mom has the top load Calypso set. It's supposed to be water efficent/energy efficient, using less water. The washer doesn't have the agitator in the middle and we alwyas have to use the second extra rinse to get all the soap residue out. She has to use the high efficiency soap too. Her dryer has the same problem with the energy saver sensor option. The energy saver one always leaves the clothes too damp.

I don't know anyone with the front load machines, but if they work the same as mom's, I'll stick with the standard machines.

Front loaders are an awesome way to go! They can fit those big comforters and then some! I always enjoy doing laundry ever since my husband FINALLY gave in to get me a set.

good luck and happy washer hunting!

D.,

I have the LG HE front loaders. I love them. They get my clothes much cleaner than the w&d I had before and they leave much, much less soap residue so my clothes don't fade as fast. I think the Whirlpool Duets are great machines, too. Other than definitely get HE machines, I think it really just depends on which bells and whistles you want with them and what kind of sales you find. Keep in mind that if you get a HE washer, you need to use HE detergent and it can be a little hard to find (although it is getting more easily available all the time).

The only semi-negative about front loaders is that you can't soak clothes in them. I have a 1 y.o. and a 4 y.o. so sometimes I need to soak stuff in oxyclean. So I have a bucket for that and then I just dump the whole mess in the washer when I'm done soaking it.

Oh, my LG machines are a couple of years old. But I learned the hard way - if your machines have the child lock feature (if you have little ones, get one with the child lock feature) make sure it controls the on-off power button. Mine doesn't and my older son turned my washer off mid-cycle several times when he was younger. Not a huge deal but a pain in the butt. So get one with a child lock that controls everything if you've got a choice!

:-)T.

I have Whirlpool duet front loaders and love them. I would not trade them for anything. You can wash so much more in them then a top loader, you use less water, the clothes to me come out cleaner, and you end up doing less laundry. They are worth the money.

About a month ago we bought the Duet washer and dryer. I love it and actually find myself doing more laundry. Sick I know but true. I also had the best buy guys stack them on top of each other (need a kit for that). I love them stacked because it gave me a lot more room in my laundry room and it is so easy to take the wet laundry from the washer to the dryer. Love them! Have had no problems but like I said I have only had them for a month. I have a 9, 7 and 1 year old so I know how hard it is to shop. Good luck!

Excellent choice, I have 3 kids and the Duet front loader, I have a Maytag for 6 years now and no problems. I am very happy. It is larger and more efficient than the top loaders, not to mention the steam drying for my husbands shirts ! If you are in Camarillo and want excellent service and great choices go to Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath. www.pacificsales.com
They also have great manager's specials and lots of great colors for W/D .
I hope it works, I just got a Bosch refrigerator from there and got great service.Prices are very good comparing to the internet or BestBuy.

Buy the Duet! The front loader holds so much stuff you can do more clothes at once so less laundry loads. I am pregnant with #4 and do laundry every day and I have the duet and love it!

I have front loaders and I love them. I would definitly go with a front loader because you are able to do large batches of laundry with minimal water use. You are also able to wash comforters/lg blankets/or sleeping bags that cannot be washed in a machine with an agitator. My machines are also very quiet. When I first got mine I had to check to see that they were on because I couldn't hear them. My machines are Maytag Neptunes, which are a little older than the Duets, and I love them. I highly recommend front loading machines.

Hi D.,

We recently had to buy a new washer and dryer as well. I know what you mean about getting confused. I did quite a bit of research and went to several stores. We ended up buying the Bosch 500 model washer and dryer at Lowes. We used the Lowes 10% off movers coupon plus the incentive they had going at the time.

While looking, I compared the front loaders and top loaders without the middle agitator. They seemed bigger inside to my husband. I read the reviews on those and people said they didn't get the clothes clean, plus it was deceiving as to how full you could fill the machine. Next, we looked at the whirlpool duet and kenmore elite, since they are exactly the same. I read great reviews, but when I looked at the model, I noticed the detergent fill area, was a plastic slide out piece and I thought, with a energetic little boy, who loves mechanical things, that would probably get broken. It just seemed flimsy. Also, when we went to the Sears Outlet to maybe get a deal on a scratch and dent model, we noticed rows and rows of returned whirlpools and kenmore elites. Maybe it was because they sold more of these, but it was overwhelming as to how many were there. Next, we looked at the LG, since we have other LG products. and we love them. The salesperson at Lowes plus the reviews were mixed. LG has only been making washers for a few years, maybe 4?.

Next, we thought about the Bosch. I'm so happy with our purchase! I do so much laundry and even though my washer has options like xtrasanitany, heating the water to 180 degrees, it washes so much better even on the regular cycles. A regular cycle does last 1 hour, much it makes up for it in dry time, at only 35 minutes to dry.

One thing to keep in mind is that all of the washers in whatever brand you pick, have the same motors for the line. So, if you buy the highest model with all of the bells and whistles, the motor is the same as the lowest model. The salesperson at Lowes told us not to get the steamwash and other options unless we really wanted them. Also, for the dryer, all of the other brands have a small vent in the back wall for the air to get through. Bosch was the only one with the entire back wall having the vent holes. It just seemed more solid for something to hopefully last a long time.

As far as a fridge, I'm sorry I don't know, but you can read reviews of different models at www.sears.com
Hope this helps!
M.

Hi, we bought a set of Whirlpool duet washer and dryers, front loading, and they're awesome! Big capacity. That was several years ago when they first came out and now they are even better. Saves loads of energy and water. Have sanitary option for extra hot water, etc. Great if you use cloth diapers.
We bought ours at Lowe's and got a great price. Though they're not cheap, but save money in the long run because of the saving energy and water. A friend recently bought there's at Pacific Sales, which is a pricy store. However, they matched the price that Lowe's was selling it for and beat it by 10%. You don't have to shop around and go to all these stores. Go on line and check out the prices that way, and then just go to one store just to see it for yourselves. I know several people that have these and just love them.

Hello, I have the new front loaders I don't like them at all. If you get the new top loaders I think they are made by whirlpool that doesn't have the center piece in the middle of the washer, they are awsome. My mom has those ones and I love them you can put a lot more clothes in top loaders than you can in front loaders. My opinion get the top loaders if I could change I would.

We bought the front loader from Sears. We really love it. It cleans the clothes so well and is very quiet. The problem is that ours keeps a bit of water around the lip of it. If you don't do laundry every day it can become quite stinky. However, you sound like with 3 kids you have lots of laundry and missing one day of it would create a Mt. Stinkmore in your house! :) The other downfall is that we don't bleach anymore bc for some reason it doesn't quite flush the bleach out of the bleach dispenser so it ends up bleaching something that we don't want bleached from time to time. If we do want to bleach I save the load of whites that I want bleached until I have two loads of whites. I bleach the first load and not the second. Overall, I love my washer and I love that they stack and save space!! Hope this helps!

Last year I bought a Bosch Nexxt front loader washer (WFMC3301) which I have been pretty pleased with. When I researched, I looked a reviews, and the Bosch was one of the few that didn't seem to have people who totally hated it (some people gave very bad reviews about the Duets). The positives: 1) It really does get clothes very clean and spins at such a high rate that it usually only takes 30 mins. in the dryer to get everything dry. 2) It's extremely quiet. 3) Since it doesn't have an agitator, you could use it to wash bulky items like comforters 4) Since it's energy efficient, there are often rebates offered by the utility company depending on where you live (I got a total of $225 in rebates.) The negatives: 1) Most of the settings take at least 1 hour to wash clothes, then if you add a bleach or extra rinse setting, it takes even longer (some of the time is offset by the faster drying time). There is a 25 min. quick wash setting for lightly soiled clothes, but it washes only in warm water. 2) Though the machine has a lot of settings to get clothes clean, a number of them are for hot water, which most of my clothes can't take. 3) There is a small space in between the drum and the door, and usually at least 1 or 2 of my baby's socks get stuck in between there, so I have to take them out and rinse out the soap before it goes in the dryer, which is not a big deal but it's a bit annoying.

I love my Whirlpool Nautical washer/dryer . I've had it for 6 years and with my crew I worried that it wouldn't last. I have 6 kids and that equals to 14+ loads a week. It is still heavily used with only 4 kids left at home. It was pricey but well worth my money. I've only had 1 service call on the door to the washer...had to replace the mag. henge only due to one to the kids pulling the door open during the cycle instead of stopping the wash she yanked it open.
Out of everything that I've ever bought I can say my washer and dryer has never failed me. Smart move!

WE have actually done a lot of research on the subject though we have not purchased yet. Anyway, looks like the Whirlpool Duet is worth the money for many reasons. However, do not buy the Whirlpool Duet SPORT.

Consumer Reports just did an article on washer and dryers within the last couple months. I can't remember which issue.
The Sears Kenmore brand did really well. We're planning to upgrade to larger machines soon and we're planning on getting the largeest Kenmore front loaders we can get.

Hi D. ~
My husband insisted that we purchase a front loading washer and since I didn't have any objection, I agreed. WOW! He had got marker on a shirt and I had washed it several times in a top loading, but could not get the ink out. I washed in the front loading washer and it came clean the very first washing. I have a Maytag Neptune and my sister bought a Whirlpool. I know that you can not switch the doors on the Whirlpool. Also, her soap/fabric softner dispenser is different. If you get a front loading, be sure that you buy high efficiency (HE) detergent. I will never go back to a top loading washer.
I also love my Maytag refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom. Happy Shopping!

I bought the Whirlpool Duet front loader with the matching dryer last summer. I absolutely LOVE the machines and would highly recommend them. We compared it to the LG "steam washer" which is good machine but takes 2 hours to do a load of wash! I don't have that kind of time with my kids and schedule! Get the Duet!

Regards,
G.

Hi D., I just bought a new washer and dryer. I did research on it and ended up buying a Kenmore front loader washer and dryer. I really like it so far. I've had it about 4 months. Front loaders are more energy efficient. Good luck.

C.

I did not even read the other comments...I have the Whirlpool Duet and have been beside myself with joy ever since I got them over a year ago!! I have three kids myself and I am a single parent so time is not something I have alot of. This washer and dryer are amazing! You canload them full and still get them clean and the dryer is FAST too. Also the fact that they are a front loader without an agitator means that most stuffed animals can go in the washer and come out perfect! Also my kids love to sit in front of the machines and watch all the colors go in circles - hours of "clean" entertainment! This is just my experience from the last year, but I have gone thru several machines and this one is the BEST I have ever used. Good luck.

We bought a front loader, and I would not recommend one. They are horrible. The washer will mildew if water is left around the front ring as we accidently found out while away on vacation. They constantly need to be dried out with the door left open to alleviate this problem. My sister-in-lsw has the same problem with hers as well.

I have always had top loaders, until we recently bought a front loader. I love it. The new LG from Lowe's is great. I have the dryer too. It uses the special detergent, HG which you use less than with top loaders. I am happy with the change in my wash. Everything washes and dries better. Towels don't get ruined as before.

Hi D.,

I have the whirlpool duet front loader and love it! We get the comsumer report mag. and it had a great review. Sears Kenmore which is made by whirlpool also had great reviews. We shopped at Lowe's. You can also get a a voucher worth $175 from the water authority. We bought our washer Dec. 06 not sure how much they give now. The sales person will be able to help you with that. Good Luck!

A.

Hi. We purchased the LG front load washer and dryer from Home Depot (there are many models and ours was mid to upper range in price)...and LOVE them! We even got rebates from the water and electric companies because they are so effecient. the washer can do 16 pairs of adult jeans at the same time. With 3 kids under 5, we go through at least 1 load of laundry a day, sometimes two. I love my LG washer and dryer.

We just bought a new washer and dryer. Typically we go to Sears outlet for all our appliances because we don't care if they are dented or scratched. This time however Costco had a frontload washer and dryer and the pedastals on sale with free delivery. You have to be a member to buy from costco, but it is completely worth it. You can return any product any time (even years later) if you aren't happy for any reason. Our stereo broke after two years and they took it back and refunded the full amount we had paid. Now we buy all the major things from costco.
Good luck!

Hi D.,
We just moved about 6 months ago and bought the LG front Loader washer and dryer..we LOVE them and got a great deal from Home depot with an extended warrenty. They will save you a ton on your water bill. We found that LG is better overall for the price.

all my friends that have the front loaders tell me NOT to buy one. They look real nice ....but they don't wash clothes as good as the ole fashion top loaders....

Thats what the tell me

We just bought a whirlpool duet front loader. We really dislike it. To the point that we are willing to take a loss to get rid of it.

Do not use the ones that are one atop the other. they tend to break easy and generally not safe. check out sears and best Buy they have really good washers and dryers fridges too. Or as for the fridge you can go to one of those rent to own places

Hello. Diane!

I purchased a LG front loading washing machine 2 years ago and love it. Uses 1/2 the water and I can load it with lots of jeans or towels. I checked out everthing and found it at Best Buy for about $150.00 less than any other place. They had a promotion on and I got a $50 gift card and a extra year on the extended warrenty. I had my dryer worked on before my old washer died. I asked the repairman about the front loaders and he said that he had gone to the Whirlpool factor to learn how to repair and he highly recommended getting the extended warrenty on any of the new appliance like this because of the electronic boards are around $500-$800.00 to replace and they go out.
Best Buy has a good price on their warrenty. I think with the year warrenty with the machine I bought an addition 5 yrs at like $79.00 or so. When I bought my GE Fridge from Sears I bougth the warrenty and it was $125.00 for 2 yrs. I know they don't recommend buying warranties for applanices and I won't do it again for the fridge. I had Sears come out 3 times about a problem with the ice maker and I got three different answers. The last guy finally gave me an answer that made sense and I haven't had a problem with it since then. It doesn't even make enough ice for a small party.
With the fridge don't buy a side by side! I HATE my GE side by side and hate is a strong word! Can't fit anything inside. They have this shelf that half slides back. Bad design! The light dome is so big on the top shelf that you can't put larger items down the center. The freeze section has the ice machine and you can't use the whole top shelf because the ice bind comes down into the shelf space. I had an old Hot Point 15 yrs. and when I moved to a new house I decided I should get a more energy efficent unit. After 3 years I hope to buy one of the LG French door fridge with water and ice in the door and the pull out freeze on the bottom. I wish they had them 3 years ago because that is what I would have bought. I seriously will take an empty gallon milk carton, wine bottle, and anything else I have trouble finding space for in my fridge now when I go shopping the next time. We now have a small second fridge in our garage for water and soda and everthing else that won't fit in the GE. So much for saving energy.
I do like the LG style and products and will be buying that brand in the future. I hope this helps out as appliances are very expensive.

LG Front Loaders are #1

THE BEST WASHER/DRYER EVER!!! I got a family of 7 in my house, which the youngest is 3yrs and the next a sophmore in high school. So we needed a washer/dryer that could handle full loads, and Im not talking only weekend use, its every day use! I purchased ours in 2004 and never had to maintenance it and even moved homes 2 times! Since our first home was hooked up with gas, I bought a electric washer and a gas dryer. We had to move again, so the present home has no gas lines, I had to purchase a electric dryer, which works just as great! It senses if the clothes are dry and will turn off sooner if the are dry, or go a little longer if not. The washer runs best if using the newer soap HE, and will let you know if you put too much soap for the next time around (SUDS). Really efficient, durable and can handle the loads. I had a Whirlpool Stacked Washer/Dryer in a condo, full-size and that lasted me over 20yrs!, The thing I like about FRONT LOAD WASHERS, its easier for me to get things in and out. Plus, the NEW COLORS are AMAZING! Yes, I trust WHIRLPOOL! Good Luck!

YOU WILL LOVE THE FRONT LOADERS! They are amazing. They use way less water...great for the water bill! Make sure you get the storage units to put under them as it gives you a little extra space and you dont have to bend down.

S.

http://www.workathomeunited.com/betterforyou
http://www.livetotalwellness.com/betterforyou

Hi there,

I myself just purchased a HE washer and dryer. I have done research and spoke to several consumers about their appliances and here is what I've heard:

1. Top load doesn't clean as well as compared to the front loading. (Not even the "top loading" models that claim their washers perform just as if it were a front loading machine.)

2. I also heard that top loading washing machines that perform just as a front loading machine tend to break down more....appliance servicemen will claim they get too many service calls for this type of machine.

3. HE- models are the way to go and Front Loading is ideal! The clothes do come out cleaner, smelling fresher, and usually stains are no problem - I myself don't have to go the extra mile with prestain washes before placing stained clothing items in the washer!

4. These new HE models are truly time savers! I looked for the largest washer tub and dryer drum. I can combine my loads....that is where I've saved time on top of the fact that these machines have sensors that weigh you clothes to use a specific amount of water when washing and the dryer sensor never over drys the clothes - I use water and gas more efficiently - great way to save $$$.

I just purchased an LG steam washer and steam dryer. Both are front loading. I LOVE THEM. With the one I bought and the one you are looking at, they use less water, but can take an hour to wash one load of laundry. They do come out very clean even with less water and detergent. IF you live in Temecula, Rancho Water gives a rebate for these types of washers. We also have all LG appliances, and have not had any problems. If you decide on LG, or the Whirlpool, check Home Depot, they have good prices, free delivery (will send you a check) and can take up to one year no interest no payments. But definetly get the stands they go one.
Good luck and welcome back
K. E.

You need to read Consumers Report appliance ratings. If you don't subscribe, you can check out a copy at your local library. It takes all of the guesswork of it! And, if you live local, I would strongly suggest checking out the Sears Appliance Outlet in Chino. We bought our fridge there for about 50% retail because of a few side scratches that you can't even see!!!! Good luck!!!