Good Washer & Dryer

Whatever you decide, don't forget to look for rebates from the Metropolitan Water District, the Gas Company and the Department of Water and Power (this last one is if you live in the City of L.A.).
L.

I've always relied on Amana. All of the parts are metal, not plastic. When I purchased my set, it was the largest capacity available. Amana isn't advertised, but well worth every cent. My second place choice would be Maytag.

I did a lot of research on washing machines about a year ago because my old one crashed. I subscribe to consumer reports and they highly recommend front load HE machines over any other type of washing machine. However, those types of machines are very expensive. I ended up buying what consumer reports specifically recommended as a best buy. It scored really high on their tests, but is affordable for a front load HE machine. I am soooo happy with my washing machine and I highly recommend it. It is Frigidaire Gallery GLTF2940F[S]. CR says it costs around $650, but I don't remember what I spent. I read numerous reviews and other information out there and most owners were thrilled with their machine as I am. CR is still recommending the Fridgidaire this year, but they now recommend the GE WCVH6800J[WW] ($900) over the Fridgidaire this year. I've done no research on it to recommend it, but I can only say how happy I've been with my washing machine. It's quiet, versatile, and totally gets the clothes clean (I have 2 kids and do 1-2 loads of laundry daily). I have no recommendations for a dryer as I'm still using the same one I've been using for years and am satisfied with it.

I have a great Frigidaire HE washing machine I bought two years ago. Not sure of the exact model, but it had great reviews (I see a 3.5 cu. ft. washer on Lowes.com that looks exactly like it, http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&p.... My washer gets so much water out of the clothes that the dryer doesn't have to run as long, it's pretty quiet, and I can fit a lot in it. I bought a dryer at the same time, the cheapest one I think. It only has two heat options, one makes the clothes really hot (probably shrinks them), and the other dries quickly with no shrinkage and not as much heat (the one I always use). I think any dryer you buy new will be pretty good, it normally takes between 40 and 50 minutes to get a full load of clothes dry for me.

Thanks for asking this, N.. Unfortunately I don't have an answer for you, but a question for all the mamas recommending front loaders. What if you need to soak something? Can you do this somehow in a front loader? And do most of them have locks so kids can't climb in?
Thank you!
And N., I hope my question helps you, as well.

I have an LG Front load but I would not recommend it. I wanted it because of the steam option which I absolutely LOVE. The washer has been fine so far. But, the dryer's broken after only having it 1 1/2 year. If you have a home warranty with AHS or similar that covers your W/D, then hey, no big deal. But, if you don't, it cost over $200 for the repair.

S.

We found a great deal on our GE high efficiancy washer and dryer(harmony) at the Sears outlet store! I have been very happy with it's large load capacity as well as it's energy efficancy. We have had it for 4 years with no problems! When we bought it, the dryer had a small dent in the side and the washer had a small scratch - but the damage is next to the wall and the units work great - on top of which we saved over $800! I also like the fact that although the washer works like a front loader, it loads from the top so the unit takes up less space and it easier on the BACK!

I love my LG's. I bought the most basic white one (we don't have allergies, so we didn't need the steam) w/ the hugest capacity. and the dryer that goes w/ it. Seriously, I can do 1 load w/ 3 times the amount of stuff my old one could take.

if you go w/ the LG's-some tips

1. they are much larger than my old washer, so the stick out further into the laundry room

2. get the bases, or get the controls on the top. I have a shelf above my machines, so I didn't get the bases. My 2 yr old daughter can touch the controls, and can turn off the washer or dryer.

3. w/ the front loading washer you need to leave the door open when not in use-otherwise it gets smelly in there.

4. w/ a Home depot credit card you can get 6 months to pay same as cash. Plus, I got some low water use appliance rebates from the state.

good luck shopping

Try to get a Kenmore or something at Sears that is front-loading. It saves TONS of water and electricity. I think the simplest dryer is best - as long as it has the features you want. Good luck!!

N.,

I have the LG front loader, high efficiency washer and dryer. I'm really glad I spent the money on them. I was SHOCKED how much detergent residue was on my clothes when I first got them (I had to wash everything several times before the laundry quit sudsing from all the residue). I'm chemically sensitive and things like fragrances and detergents bother my skin. I haven't had any issues with my clothes bugging me since I got an HE machine. My youngest has eczema and he's had less problems too since we went to the HE.

My only complaint with the LG is that the child lock feature doesn't control the power button. So every once in a while one of my kids will turn off the washer mid cycle. LOL I'd say the child lock was designed by someone who didn't have kids. Also, the "normal" wash cycle runs for more than a hour so it takes forever to do laundry. My LGs are several years old now. Maybe they've improved those parts. Otherwise I've had absolutely no problems with them.

T.

Dear N.:

I loved my Frigidaire Gallery and got almost nine years of use out of it. Unfortunately, a simple part broke and since there are only 3 repairmen here (overbooked and overpriced) I had to get a new one.

My sister had the Samsung for about a year and since she loves it and it has more capacity and a larger opening than the Frigidaire, I considered the Samsung.

I would have been MORE than satisfied with either machine but when my husband went in to get one, the Samsung (which is usually $1200) was marked down, the guy at Lowe's haggled and we ended up getting it AND a five-year warranty for $855! Can't be beat!

I'm super happy with it and I recommend it (OR the Frigidaire!)

Best wishes,

M.
PS: Avoid the pedestals. My friends who have bought them are so BUMMED! They can't use the tops of the machines to fold clothes, no soap fits properly in the drawers and the kids open them to use them to climb...eek! Save your money!
PPS: For Danielle - Both of these machines have a soak setting and the Samsung has a delay wash setting. Both have locking doors.

In July I bought the largest capacity front loading Kenmore washer and dryer set they make. I love them to bits!! Consumer Reports gave them some very good ratings which was a factor. They've got the steam sanitize cycles that I like to use on bedding, especially when our cat got sick shortly before he passed on, got everything spotless. It holds a TON of laundry (I believe it calls itself a triple load). We have a California King bed and I can easily wash the thick mattress pad in it as a load and can also wash the comforter as well, no more having to use large commercial washers which always ran the risk of setting of my allergies(you never know what build up of soaps may be in there) not to mention cost a good deal.
If only something put the laundry away for me I'd be set ;)
I have 2 boys 8 & 5 with another on the way plus my husband and myself. There is a lot of laundry to do in our house and this makes quick work of getting it clean.

Dont but GE... their warranty sucks and little parts break that they wont cover. I wish I bought Kenmore..

Good Luck!