New Clothes Washing Machine Day

MarkF48 · Jul 16, 2017

The 30 something year old Maytag washing machine bit the dust yesterday, so need to buy something. I've got a well, wouldn't mind saving on some some water, so wondering if the 'high efficiency' washing machines are any good. I've read reviews of people that like them and reviews of people that don't. Most likely considering a top load type as those seem to be the least problematic compared to a front load.
I can be sure with todays technology whatever I buy will not last 30 years

DrRod · Jul 16, 2017

I'm no expert but everyone I know who bought a new machine is shocked at how long the cycles run. My neighbor has a front loader that takes 70 minutes for a normal wash. And I've heard nothing but bad reviews on the front loaders -- they look cool but not many stars posted in their review columns.

Jim Nelson · Jul 16, 2017

We bought an LG front loader 3 or 4 years ago and it's been fine so far, bought a Maytag before that and it lasted 3 years and gave it up. Our young neighbors bought a Samsung 2 years ago and it literally exploded on the 3rd or 4th use with only a mattress cover in it. Luckily no one was near it at the time.It also tore up the drier when it went.Lowes was on top of it and replaced both units immediately,It took a while for Samsung to come through. From the research my friend did it's not that uncommon for this to happen and there are lawsuits on going.Usually iy is due to overloading they say but not in the case of my friends.
They are great when they work but there have been problems.

IslandTractor · Jul 16, 2017

The new high efficiency machines are very different from the Maytag. We've had a Kenmore (Bosch) for the past 15!years that is still going strong. The cycles do take longer but use less water and spin the clothes much drier so you make up time and energy in the dryer. Overall I like it better than the traditional washers.

We also still have a 30 yo Maytag at our summer place so we use both types. Only real advantage of the Maytag is that you can do most maintenance like belts or valves yourself. The Bosch is too complicated and a more precise machine. The difference is rather like carburetor compared to fuel injection.

oosik · Jul 16, 2017

I've got a Kenmore front loader. Had it eleven years now and no trouble. The "normal" cycle takes 50 minuets, uses a whole lot less water and does spin the clothes dryer. Its been a very good, trouble-free washer for me. And, not that it makes any difference, but I'm on a well also.

downsizingnow48 · Jul 16, 2017

We have LG high efficiency front loaders at the city place and the country place (well water 30-40psi). They have been flawless for 5 and 2 years respectively. There is a fast wash cycle for people who are in a hurry.

boomer1025 · Jul 16, 2017

Get yourself a Speed Queen washer

MarkF48 · Jul 16, 2017

We typically hang clothes out on the line in the summer. The wife has heard the HE washers spin so much water out of the clothes that wrinkles stay in the clothes when hung out. Any experience with this or do most of you use dryers?

She also has concerns that it uses so much less water that she can't believe the clothes can come out as clean(?)

SJay · Jul 16, 2017

boomer1025 said:
Get yourself a Speed Queen washer

I enjoy working on washers and have repaired my front load stack Maytag unit on multiple occasions. Had a church member give me a 6 year old Samsung front load and found that the spider arm was completely destroyed. I replaced the spider arm and it is working great. Definetly take a look at the Speed Queen

aczlan · Jul 16, 2017

MarkF48 said:
We typically hang clothes out on the line in the summer. The wife has heard the HE washers spin so much water out of the clothes that wrinkles stay in the clothes when hung out. Any experience with this or do most of you use dryers?

She also has concerns that it uses so much less water that she can't believe the clothes can come out as clean(?)

My parents switch to a front loading washer in the early 2000s and it paid for itself in reduced water bills in the first year. The clothes came out just as clean and they were very happy with it.
I have considered going to one for us but our washer ( a housewarming gift from my mother-in-law when she bought a front loader back in 2007) just won't die and the front loader that my mother-in-law bought to replace the one that she gave us has needed to be worked on several times at a few hundred dollars each time.

Aaron Z