Sticker shock on washer and dryer

coffeeman · Oct 20, 2009

It's been 15 yrs since I had to buy a new set. Wow! They cost a lot.

Any ideas on good brands. I need washer that is 4.5 to 5 cubic ft. Do I need to look for a particular size motor and do these things run on belts. Where can I find specs that might be what I want? The store specs don't seem to address such things as motor size etc. The dryer I need is a gas dryer. Doesn't seem to be much choice there.

Another thing is the electronic switches that are in these things. The more they cost the more electronics they have. I have heard a new electronic replacement board for a washer can cost up to $300. At that rate one might be better off junking a washer if you drew the unlucky board that breaks in 3 years. Add 60% more $$ and ya get a new one again.

Do any of you folks have info?

Coffeeman

Western · Oct 20, 2009

Coffeeman,
LMAO.....I am laughing with you, my wife and I went through this last summer, (after I had given our others to my little sister) I almost got grounded when we did a price check..

I did allot of reading on the net and went to 5-6 stores. ended up with a Fisher&Paykel available at Lowes, I think they are made in Finland. neat technology..

We where leaning towards the front load washers, but had several folks that said they had seal leaks around the doors. I asked several retailers what the biggest reason was for like warranty work, they said 1 seal leaks and 2 computer board.. The computer board you have to live with since they all have them, but I didn't want any leaks so went with the above.

Only problem I've had is a penny got in the wash pump drain hose, wouldn't drain. Easy fix, drained tub,took hose off the bottom and there it was..

My sister in law bought a new front load washer just before we got ours, nice looking machine, has had door seal replaced.

Scooby074 · Oct 21, 2009

coffeeman said:
It's been 15 yrs since I had to buy a new set. Wow! They cost a lot.

Any ideas on good brands. I need washer that is 4.5 to 5 cubic ft. Do I need to look for a particular size motor and do these things run on belts. Where can I find specs that might be what I want? The store specs don't seem to address such things as motor size etc. The dryer I need is a gas dryer. Doesn't seem to be much choice there.

Another thing is the electronic switches that are in these things. The more they cost the more electronics they have. I have heard a new electronic replacement board for a washer can cost up to $300. At that rate one might be better off junking a washer if you drew the unlucky board that breaks in 3 years. Add 60% more $$ and ya get a new one again.

Do any of you folks have info?

Coffeeman

There are definitely issues with certain models. I think that Sears? has issues with the circuit boards and some have mold issues. A google search should turn up lots. Remember that alot of the North American machines are made buy the same company, no matter whats on the nameplate. The guts (and problems) are the same. Whirlpool has the vast majority of the NA market, i think most whirlpools are made in Mexico.

My father has MIELE set. Very high quality. Spins out most of the water so you save on the dry. Theres no mold issues and so far its been trouble free, other than a clogged inlet filter (from solder residue). Unfortunately i dont think they make Gas models.

Im unsure if The people having problems with these washers are due to defects or improper setup. Front loads HAVE to be dead level (To drain properly and balance), plus they have to be on a solid surface (concrete or reinforced wood floor) or you will shake your house.

Proper detergent is essential. He uses Miele brand detergent. Made in Germany, with a price to match. But it lasts a long time, rinses clean, and theres no mold.

Currently im using a 25 year old Maytag

Darn thing wont die. But when it does, im going Miele. Price isnt that much more (even less then the Top Samsungs and LG's)when comparing apples to apples. I wont touch a current Maytag (whirlpool) with a 10Ft pole.

Definately consider a front load too. They use MUCH less water and detergent, no matter what brand you choose. This not only saves money, but can help if your on a septic.

NSBound · Oct 21, 2009

I recently bought the currently popular model around here, it seems - LG front-loaders. I have them stacked in my walk-in closet. It took some thinking and trust and faith to put them on my new hardwood floor, but did it anyway. The hardwood is on top of a concrete slab (radiant floor heat) so it is very solid and level. So far, I'm happy with the LG pair, but they're just a few months old, so they should be working good!

(Got them at "The Brick" on sale for $1500 for the pair - don't know if you have that chain in the US but they do have some good sales up here). Also, I seldom buy extended warranties on anything, but on these I did, as the store offers the amount paid as a credit after the 5 years if you didn't have to use the warranty)

Thomas · Oct 21, 2009

..and the kicker is,some of the well known models don't last half as long as they use to..also stuff.

Unregistered2013 · Oct 21, 2009

i have a bosch front-loader that does 4-5 loads per day -- no problem.

i also have a miele that i adore -- again, no problem -- front loader, too.

i would never go to a top-loader again -- they use like 30 gallons more PER LOAD and rip stuff up with their agitator.

charlz · Oct 21, 2009

'We' bought a front load LG washer and drier with stands earlier this year. I say 'we' because she went to HomeDepot to purchase and I got to pay the bill

We did go with the 5 year extended warranty. I like the idea of the front load washer using less water as we are on a septic system.

I washed some of my work clothes on the 'sanitary' setting... it got them unbelievably clean, took out stuff that had been there for several trips through the top loader.

We leave the washer door open after a load to left it air/dry out. No mold problems so far. I think this is more of a problem with front loaders because the door does have to seal tight due to the design.

robb01 · Oct 21, 2009

We went shopping recently and I couldn't believe how much they were. Finally ended up on a set that cost $1200

PBinWA · Oct 21, 2009

I recommend looking on Craigslist. Our front loader broke a year or two ago and while I waited for the parts I bought a used top loader on Craigslist. Used it for a few months and then sold it for what I paid for it.

Anyways, there were tons of almost new appliances on there. There are lots of people that buy new homes and don't like the appliances that came with the homes.

Worth a few minutes to check it out.

Bird · Oct 21, 2009

I have heard a new electronic replacement board for a washer can cost up to $300.

Only if you get bargain basement prices.

In 2005, we bought a new Maytag front loader and a matching dryer from Sears. I bought the 3 year extended warranty and just a few months after it expired, the washing machine expired; circuit board the Sears service man said. Now the washer, alone, cost $664.99 when I bought it, and 3 years later, the service man said installing a new circuit board would cost $724.70. If I'd been able to get it for $300, I'd have done it. But instead we bought a new set of Kenmore (by Whirlpool). Two service men have told me that Whirlpool products are the most reliable and the easiest and cheapest to work on if something does go wrong. One also told me that he tells all his customers to either keep up a service contract or extended warranty, or have a pocketful of money, if you buy any that have the digital displays.