What About High Efficiency Washers?

I have a Maytag Neptune Washer / Dryer set (front loader). I do believe, I got in on the last of the better Maytag products because after the purchase and good experience with my washer/dryer, I bought a top of the line dishwasher that died in 3 yrs and a top of the line fridge that died in 5 yrs.

I have since replaced kitchen items with Kitchen Aid and I LOVE them.

As for my washer/dryer...I have had NO issues whatsoever and I love them. A lot of people say that the HE detergent is more pricey... that depends on where you buy it. I use All and I see it on special regularly at Tom Thumb and Target and I will buy 5-10 at a time to have back up. I have about 8 bottles right now ready to go that I got for $3.99 or less a bottle at those 2 stores. I just stock up when I see the deal.

I have been very pleased with my HE washer/dryer.

Our old one broke, so we opted for a HE one and absolutely LOVE it. It measures your load and determines the correct amount of water to use, so you aren't wasting water. It also allows for a much larger load (or at least the one we have does), so we're not having to do as many loads. If it's free, I would definitely take it and sell the old one or donate it. They are pretty pricy.

I love ours. We have the Whirlpool Cabrio HE washer and dryer. The washer is a top loader with a see through lid and the dryer is a front loader with a see through door. They are both wonderful and you can actually load so many more clothes in there and they still come out really clean. I have a young daughter going through the feeding herself phase, so I have plenty of laundry! Anyway, I bought them last February (during President's Day Weekend at Sears on sale) and have only gone through 2 1/2 bottles of the large HE detergents. I have used 3 to 3 1/2 of the large HE Downey bottles though. They make the clothes last that much longer since they don't have the agitator too. Good luck.

K.,
It depends on the make of the washer/dryer. I have a Bosch washer and dryer front loaders. LOVE them both. There are 5 in my family (2 teenage girls) so we have a lot of clothes to wash and I can get it done so much faster. I would recommend them, you save on your laundry supplies, you use less.

Our washer recently went out so we had to buy a new one. Although we didn't get a high efficient one I just wanted to let you know that all the newer washers meet a new regulation. To make them more energy effecient the hot setting is now warm and the warm setting is cold. The cold setting is colder. That really frustrated me because I use to wash my whites in hot.

I had a high efficiency washer and loved it - however, it was not inexpensive to fix (they don't make the brand that I bought 10 years ago) - that is something to take into consideration.
The high efficiency washer uses less laundry detergent (make sure you get 'HE' detergent) and uses less water, which saves money over the long haul. I buy the HE detergent from Sears (me & my kids were allergic to Tide, which was pretty much the only other brand of HE detergent that was out when I bought my washer/dryer set).
Anyway - just research the model that you're planning on buying - how long has it been made, are there any plans to discontinue making it (I bought a Kenmore, so didn't even think that there may be an issue with them still being around 9 years after I bought it - we replaced the HE set last fall). Also, I wouldn't buy a particular model if it's a brand new one (the one that I chose hadn't been on the market for 3 months), I would look at one that had a good track record (of 3-4 years, at least). Check out consumerreports.org - you should be able to find both positive and negative (if any) feedback for what you're looking for.
Hope this helps!
Frances

PS - I just re-read your spot...if it is being given to you, I would still research but definitely would accept what was being offered. They are great machines!

a few years ago I bought an HE front load. My friend that has one loves it, but I didn't find it special. Be very wary of fancy electronics. The panel on my washer went out twice. I don't think the technology is there and replacing the panel costs almost as much as the less expensive washers. So, we ended up replacing after only 4-5 years! Ours was broken and we rushed the process. I'd suggest you Check consumer reports.

I love my high efficiency washer! It takes much less water and I think it's easier on your clothes. You can also use less detergent because it is more efficient as well.

I just got an LG front loader. So far, I absolutely love it! We have a large family. My wash time is cut in half. I use a lot less detergent. They work great. On the other hand, I have read that some models have long-term reliability issues. Check Consumer Reports.