Need a new washing machine and need your help.

[generalmayhem]

Hi all,

New member here I need to purchase a new washing machine and am feeling a bit overwhelmed and could use some help.

First off, I owned a old GE washing machine that served faithfully for 20 years without an issue until now. I figured (probably incorrectly now) that it wasn't worth fixing. I purchased a new GE washer and dryer pair (dryer heating element was starting to go,so I figured might as well replace it at the same time). The new units arrived, and the old ones were hauled away, after hooking up the new set, I started a wash in the new washer....

First, I am used to the old washer and not used to the way the new ones operate, the automatic load balancing had me thinking right away that there was something wrong... it added a small amount of water, and rotated the drum back and forth a few times, then did this again... and again for about 5 mins. When the machine finally did fill up and start washing...the agitator going back and forth sounded like a car alarm going off... bah,bah,bah... BAH,BAH,BAH! it drove me crazy, this sound was super annoying and loud.

Anyway, long story short...I arranged to have this machine returned as I knew there was no way I could tolerate this noise (it's apparently perfectly "normal" as GE now uses a gear drive/clutch system for the agitator).

So in looking for a replacement (across, many brands) and reading reviews, many of which seem to be 'fake' 5 star reviews, interspersed with negative reviews about noise and reliability...I am immensely frustrated in trying to find a replacement.

I thought I might turn to some people who would be willing to share some information. Ideally I would like to buy an 'old style' washer, though doubt they exist anymore. Can any of the members here point me in the right direction?

I would prefer a simple, top load washing machine that is reliable, a minimum of 'computerized' parts would be nice. One that is reasonably quiet (normal, agitator noise is acceptable, loud BAH,BAH,BAH!is not) would prefer a manual water level setting as from what I have read most newer machines don't seem to add enough water to do a proper job of washing and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Does such a machine exist anymore?

 

[eurekastar]

The only top loader that I would recommend is a Speed Queen TC 5000.  But even with it, you only have a choice between half tub and full tub on water selection (like an old Maytag).  They are very reliable and durable and will last you a good 25 years.  Everything else will be on the scrap heap in about 5 years. 

 

Other than that, you might consider a good used Whirlpool Direct Drive.  Parts are still plentiful and they are easy to repair.

 

I too was a devoted top load washer user until I bought my first front loader.  I love it!  Therefore, you might not want to rule out a front loader.  Mine is an LG 3900.

 

[DADoES]

 
<blockquote>Does such a machine exist anymore?</blockquote> Doesn't seem so.  Closest you may find is the Speed Queen TC5.  It has an old-style transmission/belt drive but is electronic control (rotary knobs on the panel, computer board inside).  Also has no direct water level control.  Default fill level is approx 1/2, a little more on some cycles such as Bulky/Sheets.  The Deep Fill option adds 3 to 4.5 gals more.

 

[generalmayhem]

Thank you for your quick responses

Thankyou,

I recently, came across this was wondering if you had any thoughts about it.

Maytag topload commercial model: MVWP575GW

From what I've read (can't trust reviews as alot of them seem made up 5 star reviews) but what I could find claim this machine is the closest you can get to an old school type toploader.

 

[thomasortega]

What about a front loader washer?

 

[eurekastar]

Maytag topload

Save your money and buy the Speed Queen.  That Maytag is OK but it won't be nearly as durable.  I once owned it and had TWO warranty repairs within six months, one of which was the replacement of the gearbox.  Plus, it does provide 1/2 tub on the Normal/Eco cycle only; however, that cycle provides water that cool at best and a series of spray rinses with no deep rinse.  With the other cycles, there is more control over temperature; however, the tub fills completely up.  Water level cannot be controlled.  You'll be much happier with the Speed Queen.

 

[littlegreeny]

I'd also recommend you seriously consider a front load washer. For mainstream affordable brands, LG makes the best and most reliable front load washers. Get one that has turbowash.

 

[petek]

Being as you're in Canada Speed Queens are sold under the brand name Heubsch and it looks like they do not sell residential top loaders any longer in Canada.

https://huebsch.com/canada/products/

 

[pierreandreply4]

i found the actual link for residential top load washers

Top Load Washers - Huebsch Home Products

Built like no other with a warranty to match, Huebsch top load washers are durably constructed using premium materials for long-lasting, reliable performance and superior wash results. If you want your laundry done right, you want a Huebsch. Huebsch top load washers are designed, tested and...

ca.huebsch.com

 

[petek]

Good thing you double checked... odd that their one website makes no mention of home laundry or any links to it. But looks like Trail Appliance and City Furniture in Kelowna sell them. WOnder how much they cost.

 

[pierreandreply4]

thank you petek they must of seperated there commercial website from there homelaundry website

 

[petek]

Interesting,, looking at Trail Appliances page they look like they have the Heubsch name on them.. or maybe my eyesight is bad?

https://www.trailappliances.com/washers-dryers/washers?brand%5Bfilter%5D=Huebsch%2C12545&page=1

 

[DADoES]

 
I'm aware that Speed Queen goes by Huebsch in Canada but didn't notice the OP's location.

Home products are still listed on the web site.

Products - Huebsch Home Products

No other laundry equipment is built tougher to last longer. And our machines are only the beginning. From our dedicated workforce to our top-rated distribution partners, no one is committed to clean like Huebsch.

ca.huebsch.com

 

[panasonicvac]

Learn something new everyday

I didn't know Speed Queen goes by the name Huebsch in Canada, interesting!

Anyways, I think I would also recommend looking into the Speed Queen TC5. There was a time when I looked into the Maytag Commercial like you since I'll be needing a washer and dryer soon but then I came across a thread on here regarding the issues with the Maytag Commercial while they're under warranty. Apparently those don't seem to last like an old school top load washer which is one of the reasons why I'm now leaning towards on getting a SQ TC5 washer and DC5 dryer instead.

 

[agiflow4]

If you want a cheap but decent top loader you could also look at the Amana NTW4516. I have had this washer now a few months and it has been performing admirably. Basically the same as the Maytag MVWP575 mentioned on this thread but has auto water level and full fill options and a compete range of cycles.

 

[generalmayhem]

Thankyou all for your replies

Thankyou,

Honestly I wasn't expecting the level of response that I received and I appreciate it. I am going to take a closer look at all the options presented here before making a decision, looks like I came to the right place.

On a side note, I think given the level of dissatisfaction I've seen with 'modern' offerings there is room in the market for a manufacturer that makes things the 'old' way, especially washing machines...

 

[pierreandreply4]

generalmayhem

have you considered the option of buying a vintage washer they would last you longer if you can find the parts and can repair them as well pics posted as exemple

 

[generalmayhem]

Pierreandreply4

Hello,

Yes, I had considered it, in retrospect knowing what I know now, I would've kept the old washer and repaired it... however that particular ship has sailed so to speak as they hauled away the old ones when they dropped off the new ones.

Locally, I've even considered an ad for commercial style washers for sale from an apartment building that are 2 years old and are apparently for sale by the strata in favor of coinless machines... for $500 cdn, comes with coin operated mechanism lol.

When it comes to vintage style machines, my concern might be that parts may well be available now, but will they continue to be available? Further down the road when one might anticipate needing them? Questions that really can't be answered with certainty.

 

[good-shepherd]

Maytag topload commercial model: MVWP575GW

Some knowledgeable AW members have reported the transmission on Maytag Commercial washer is garbage and having failures.

That leaves the Speed Queen TC5 top loader, or a front loader, but not Samsung.

And aren't LG FL's built in China now, then they threw together a factory in the US to avoid the washer tariff?