I think that my washing machine has died. :-( Ugh. We just had a second baby and the amount of laundry we do has skyrocketed. Our old machine is probably 7-8 years old and we may have pushed it beyond its limit. Any suggestions for a machine that is energy efficient and can hold up to LOTS of washing? I'm not doing cloth diapers, but I have an extremely active (often dirty) toddler and a husband who does a lot of dirty outside work (heavy, dirty laundry). Obviously, low cost is also a priority...but it needs to last!
I wouldn't recommend the Maytag top loader washer. I find that my towels and heavy things do not come out smelling fresh and clean. I don't what it is. I tried using more HE detergent, to no avail. I just feel either its the machine or the fact that the new machines don't use as much water and if you have heavy soiled clothes maybe its not as thorough of a wash. Just my opinion. Good luck
Hi, I hear you about the second child adding to the laundry load! We actually bought a LG front loader, a year and a half ago. It was the highest rated by consumer reports at the time. It is great, and you can really pack the clothes in and they come out clean! The only drawback is you need to keep the door open after washes, and wipe the seal around the door, so their isn't a musty odor, but we haven't had any major issues with that, but it was one of the complaints. Good luck
Hi K.,
We have an LG front loader as well. I think it is a mid model. Energy saver and water saver. I think we paid around $630 for it. Hopefully this one lasts as we seem to go through washer and dryers every 3-4 years. We always bought on the cheaper end, so this one better last!
I have been very pleased with my Kenmore from Sears.
Good luck, and congratulations on your new baby!
I usually check out Consumer Reports for recommendations. They evaluate all of those attributes, and they don't accept advertising so are not beholden to any company. They also tell you about "corporate twins", 2 identical machines made by 2 different companies (usually one company is a subsidiary of the other but the brand names are different). That helps when looking at prices.
Also, be careful about "energy efficient" labels - they must be awarded by an independent organization, not just a company that invented its own seal or logo. There was just a report on TV 2 days ago about "green-washing", how companies can mislead you about this - it happens with appliances but also with cleaners, paper towels, and many other products.
Good luck!
We have the Kenmore Oasis and love it. It is just like a front loader only loads from the top which I liked a lot when getting it! Good luck in finding a good one.
Hi K..
I also had to recently replace a dead washer, and after lots of research and price searching I got a Samsung WF328AAR - 4.0 cu. ft. I cannot say enough good about it. I had no idea laundry could get so clean with no pretreatments! (And my preschooler puts it to the test with her myriad art projects.) I also recommend shopping around then going to Lowes. Not only did they match then beat everyone else's price but the customer service was over the top, and that counts for something. I know the high efficiency front loads cost more up front, but I can do much bigger loads, use a LOT less water and get things clean the first time without a bunch of fancy products, so I do recommend taking the plunge once you are going to spend the money. Do not, however, pay more than $850 for it, because sales getting this washer down to that price happen all the time. Here's the Samsung description:
http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/appliances/washers-dry...
Good luck!!
S.
Hi K., Our first and second washing machines were both top model Sears, and I don't have a single complaint. They took us through diapers, messy toddlers and dirty Little League clothes and teenagers! Each one lasted 10-11 years -- they were awesome! My husband bought me one of the new front-loaders a couple of years ago, and I do love it; however, I would not rate it above the Sears although I love having a front-loader! Hope this helps. E. Taft
Hi K.,
We purchased the largest capacity LG washer and dryer available about 4 yrs ago and I absolutely love and highly recommend all things LG! I wish I could say the same about our last car purchase... LOL. I have never had a problem with my LG products and we do LOTS of laundry as we are a family of 5. My washer and dryer continue to be among the best investments I've ever made.
we have the LG front loader washer.. with steam.. works like a dream.. I like the antibactrial cycle on the dryer for towels and sheets.. holds alot of laundry.. must use HE soap.. and the sales person told us since the washer door seals so tight to leave it open after washes so the inside of washer dries out.. we bought ours at home depot three years ago.. I think they sell them at sears too.
Lenc
