Best washer for large family?

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

Help Support AutomaticWasher.org:

Sorry but.......

LG and Samsung are Korean made garbage!!!!
No quality control measures in their factories and 5 year life spans, while we're at it, exploding top loaders.

I get the financial aspect, I really do. If you're going to buy a new washer buy AMERICAN.....
Whirlpool/Maytag or General Electric but for Pete Sakes don't buy a made in Korea product!!
Mike

PS two LG washers in five to seven years is the cost (if not more) of one SPEED QUEEN washer now!!
 
Dear Patrice,
If you have to get a top loading machine, I highly recommend the LG Model WT1101CW. I've had and used mine almost six months and not one issue of any flaws or breakage. It is an HE machine and senses the right amount of water to use. No guessing of what to set the water level to. 4.7 cu ft. capacity, high speed 1100 rpm spins,all stainless steel tub and impeller,see through glass ,slamless,hydrowave lid, and gets my clothes so clean!!!!!!! Uses less water giving the option of either deep or shallow rinses. That depends on whether you're using fabric softener or not.. There's also a recirculating spray that getsactivated when not using the "Fabric Softener" option to spray the load as the drum revolvrs and the pump drains out the dirty rinse water until it's crystal clear. Amazing how great this unit is in getting HUGE loads clean and well spun out.Short cycle options and extremely quiet operation. Ten year long motor warranty. Direct Drive. No pullys,no gears,no belts. Just a flat , reversing, quiet, DC motor and a 1/4 hp pump. It has.yet to oversuds and has.only not spun fully once when I had a 9'X 18" runner in it. After.I redistributed and restarted the final spin,it finished the cycle. No backsplash. The controls are up front right where the lid handle is. Just flat in front at counter . Easy to see and read. Hope you find your dream machine!!!
 
Well I'll add my comments...  After many, many years with top loaders I'm a total convert to front loaders.  I would never go back - especially to a wash plate.  I think the only reason that absurdity exists is to placate people who can't accept change.  The action of a FL is much better than trying to swish clothes through a puddle of water.  Lifting and dropping them through a similar amount of water does a much better job.

 

As to brands my machine of choice is the LG, especially the models with Tubo wash.  Does a fantastic job.
 
Yes, I should have added

Since I was washing essentially three loads in one, saving approximately 120 gallons of water, the 1:10 wash time was actually shorter than the three wash cycles it would have taken to do this much wash in a conventional top loader.

I have a Maytag/Whirlpool BTW. Though I do shy away from the Korean machines, the May-pool is actually built in Germany, and the dryer in U.S.
 
As you can see, everyone has their own opinion. The fact is, that top load washers are becoming a thing of the past. Only change resistant people want to keep buying top load machines. The speed queen top loader is the closest thing you can find to an old time washer that fills totally up when water saving was not such an issue and wasting water was no big deal. I really don't know the longevity of LG or speed queen machines, but I believe that how you use and take care of them has a great deal to do with it. I do know that when Amana bought speed queen they made very problematic machines that I used to see in the junkyard all the time in the 80's and 90's. I don't know if they have improved them since then or if quality has just gone down so far that they seem good now. As far as only buying American made stuff, I have long since quit trying to do that. Toyota & Honda are the best cars around and have fewer problems and last longer. Chrysler, GM and Ford don't even come close in comparison. Same thing seems to be so in appliances now too.
Why spend nearly twice what you would just to get something made in the USA? And usually it is inferior to what you would get with another brand. Just doesn't make sense.
 
Wasn't it Raytheon who owned Speed Queen while they still owned Amana?

Anyways,

I guess I would have to say that I'd recommend an LG with turbowash as well.

I understand not wanting the recirculating spray but that is an option that is enabled on demand.

The recirculating spray is driven off of a pump attached to the drain pump. When the spray stops, the water empties back into the tub. The water is filtered through the same screen that is in the pump to keep it from clogging.

From what I've seen, you aren't really washing physically soiled diapers, just diapers that have soaked in whatever solution first to break down the soil. You would have the option to do NSF sani-temps.

The only thing I've really noticed missing from most FL machines is a soak. The Whirlpool Duets have an 8 hour soak option, they also have a recirculating spray but the LG's have a better wash motion. If the LG's had an extended soak option they would really fit the needs of a lot of customers.

With these eco machines, a recirculating spray and heating element really makes a better performing machine. They are tumbled in a constant spray of soapy water then during the rinse they are tumbled in a constant spray of rinse water as well as fresh water depending on the rinse option.

I'll be the first one to admit that I am against Samsung washers... But with my digging on this forum, gardenweb and from seeing our service logs, LG makes a pretty reliable washer. These machines will give a good life if taken care of. A lot of our logs are showing that the average life cycle is around 10 years of useage with minor service calls. The biggest thing is don't use a ton of fabric softener, always run at least one hot wash a week, leave the door propped open when not in use and wipe the lint/pet hair/what-have-you from the seals when they are moist. The new LG's have a magnet that pops out from the bottom of the door to leave the door ajar for airflow.

I guess this rambling is my two cents, but even with all of the brands we sell, I'd go with an LG turbowash pair.
 
Time will tell I guess, my LG made Kenmore set is very nice and holds a huge load. Too soon to tell how long they will last, but in the first year I have had no problems at all and been very happy with them. I don't really know who owned speed queen when they started making the perforated tub model washers. I did work on washers and dryers back then and remember that they had a big problem with the main tub seal failing in the first few years of the machine's life. There were other problems with the belts and some with the pump as well. Even when speed queen was making the last solid tub home machine models there were many problems with the clutch that engaged the agitation and spin on the reversing motor models. The commercial model solid tub washers where unchanged up until about '79 and still had the single direction motor with the large solenoids for agitate and spin. Those models were the most reliable, long lasting work horses ever made. They would go on and on like the energizer bunny! Nearly every laundromat around was Speed Queen back then. The speed queen machines of today are similar to the ones made back in the '80's and '90's. I know the transmission looks the same and the basic design is the same as it was. Hopefully they have made some changes to improve the reliability of them now. I don't know, but the basic design looks much the same.
 
The new Speed Queen front load washers are a quantum leap over their predecessors. They are larger and offer more options and wash cycles including a pre-wash and soak cycles in addition to having a 5 year warranty on parts and labor. Most other companies including LG only offer a 1 year warranty. What ever Speed Queens were in the 80's and 90's, twenty-five to thirty-five years later they are a totally new breed of washer rated for over 10,000 loads where as most washers today are only rated for 2500 wash loads. LG makes excellent washers and offers more cycles, including the ability to heat water but as far as longevity goes Speed Queen and maybe Miele are in a league of their own. If you need to wash with water hotter than that which comes from the tap, get a front load LG. If you only need tap hot water get the Speed Queen. It will last longer.
 
Best Washer For Heavy Family Use.

Speed Queen Front Load machine hands down, nothing else meets your requested requirements.

 

It is very durable and should last 25-50 years.

 

It is easy for you or your husband to work on, or repair personnel, NO OTHER FL WASHER IS ANYWHERE NEAR AS EASY TO REPAIR, you can even do a main bearing job on a SQFL washer without special tools in just an hour or two.

 

The LG and Samsung junk you will be lucky if you can even get parts for these in just a few years let alone ten years. And if you do not repair your own appliances call your local company and ask them how they feel about working on this Korean- Chinese machines, [ many of the SS, and LG laundry appliances are now made in China ].

A customer and I are currently fighting with Samsung over a 2 1/2 YO SS DW, the control panel is NLA and the DW cost over $1000 installed from Home Depot, currently it looks like the customer will file suit against HD for selling a non-repairable product as SS is just saying tough luck, life is too busy for this type of buls..t service. Yet another customer that will NEVER but a Korean appliance again, we literally have people begging us to help them with this junk EVERYDAY.

 

 

Buying a SQFL washer is like buying a Kitchenaid stand mixer if you like to cook, either one of these appliances will last most of your lifetime and either are designed to be repaired if and when needed.

 

John L.
 
Best Washer For Heavy Family Use.

Speed Queen Front Load machine hands down, nothing else meets your requested requirements.

 

It is very durable and should last 25-50 years.

 

It is easy for you or your husband to work on, or repair personnel, NO OTHER FL WASHER IS ANYWHERE NEAR AS EASY TO REPAIR, you can even do a main bearing job on a SQFL washer without special tools in just an hour or two.

 

The LG and Samsung junk you will be lucky if you can even get parts for these in just a few years let alone ten years. And if you do not repair your own appliances call your local company and ask them how they feel about working on this Korean- Chinese machines, [ many of the SS, and LG laundry appliances are now made in China ].

A customer and I are currently fighting with Samsung over a 2 1/2 YO SS DW, the control panel is NLA and the DW cost over $1000 installed from Home Depot, currently it looks like the customer will file suit against HD for selling a non-repairable product as SS is just saying tough luck, life is too busy for this type of buls..t service. Yet another customer that will NEVER but a Korean appliance again, we literally have people begging us to help them with this junk EVERYDAY.

 

 

Buying a SQFL washer is like buying a Kitchenaid stand mixer if you like to cook, either one of these appliances will last most of your lifetime and either are designed to be repaired if and when needed.

 

John L.
 
When I recently bought my SQ AWN432, the dealer told me Sears keeps asking him to service SS&LG's but he has refused as parts are almost impossible to get. He said he can't keep SPqueens in stock and its amazing how many people are tossing their samsungs and lg's and are buying speed queens.
 
Patrice if i where you, i would get a LG front loader, Look for the top of line model with the turbo wash and steam function, for the cloth diapers, comforter/big items, heavy soiled items, In the uk i own this model F1495KDS.

I haven't looked back at the 5 different washers i've own in the past, I've notice a big difference within the freshness & stain removal of in my laundry, my family have sensitive skin, since i i've had this machine, they hardly ever get skin rashes due to the allergy function and variable rinse option, i rarely ever have to use a pre treat on tough stains due to 6 motion drum. I always use pre wash & intensive option for large load such as whites & towels, comforters, that just a personal preference for me with large loads, Yes it true, these machine have been said to have a life span up to 5yrs. But Lg uk actually gave me a 5yr repair & parts warranty which cover faults with the machine, such as electronic, bearings, rubber seals etc... including the 10yr warranty on the direct drive.

I wish you all the best & i hope you find the right washer, to suit your needs

dave886-2015082610405801545_1.jpg
 
You have to be authorized to service Samsung and LG to get parts from either company. If a service center isn't authorized, they aren't going to get parts as neither companies use third party distribution.

I would say we sell more LG units than we do Speed Queen front load. That is entirely on the fact that the sales reps aren't educated on the advantages of Speed Queen.

In this scenario I would STILL recommend the TurboWash FL machines from LG even though I sell most brands.

Also, there are not a lot of mechanical issues we have with LG. The most common issue we have a call for is after a big storm people call about their washers not working. Surges can affect any electronic device that is plugged in.

Also, regardless of what you go with, buy from the dealer you want doing the service. Big Box stores sell different products from what the dealer sells, big box stores also don't have their own service. The last bit, A dealer doesn't have to service a product you have if you didn't purchase it from them. They won't tell you no, but you'll get booked 3 months out. You will always have priority service when you buy from your servicing dealer.
 
Time for me to jump in the wash since the water is warm!

So you have a large family?
OK!
You are on septic?
Yes, great!

What is the largest bedding in your house?

Is your current dryer working?
If it is, no need to upgrade unless the units are in view like off the kitchen, family room or under 7.3 cf!

Some things are often overlooked and the little things makes a huge difference!
I've own the Electrolux Wave Touch since 2009 and by far it's the best machine I've used in my life!
So far no repairs and only once the machine did not spin a load because it could not balance which was about 2 or 3 weeks ago!

Now keep in mind that the drum tilts 10* towards the rear so keys, coins, toys will stay in the drum without getting caught between tub jamming the pump!
Water temperature is flexible and most normal soil wash loads can be done in 1 hour 10 minuets give or take!
The newer Wave Touch machine has steam and add more water button but it's not needed if you use the right amount of detergent and cycle according to soil level and load size!

I'm not going to debate what MFG the best but the link below will let you see the difference between TL and FL when I got my Electrolux.

Here's a video I've posted how a shirt goes from front to rear of the tub:


Good luck on your purchase!

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?22155
 
Tilted Tub In A FL Washer

While a tilted tub in a FL washer will probably prevent SOME items from going over the lip at the front of the tub and getting in the trap or water pump, it is far from a guarantee that it won't happen. In our appliance service business we still pull plenty of foreign objects from traps in Maytag Neptune's and WP Duets, both of which have slanted tubs.

 

The one thing that a slanted tub does guarantee is tangling and poorer washing performance, all the way back to the early Westinghouse Slant-Front washers onward having a slanted wash basket has caused performance problems.

 

Also Frigidaire is absolutely the WORST FL washer on the market when you get stuff caught in the sump and water pump. Not only do they not have a way to clean out foreign objects from the front of the washer they have no easily cleanable trap at all even after you pull the whole machine out of its installed position, take the back off and tilt a machine filled with dirty water 45 degrees and start taking the sump hose off the outer tub and water pump. We have started cutting a 4 1/2" hole in the lower front of FD FL washers that have blocked pumps to remove the crap from the sump and water pump. It is still not easy as there is no clean-out.

 

We are finding that higher end Frigidaire appliances are having lots of problems, whether you are talking wall-ovens, cook-tops, gas electric, or induction, SXS and french door bottom refs, high end electric gas and electric free standing ranges are nothing but lemons in many cases. Their DWs and fancy OTR microwaves are also way to troublesome.

 

If you buy any FD appliances stay with the basic models and don't count on them lasting a really long time.

 

In this sense I was hoping that FDs buyout of GEs appliance division would go through and FD would just close all their factories and continue building GE appliances and put the FD name on them, But I know that will not happen.

 

John L.
 
What source are you guys using to look for parts?

I am starting to think that all this talk about LG and Samsung parts not being available is urban legend. SEARS has just about any part you need for LG and Samsung. And the parts are a very good price. Also FOX parts here in Atlanta has just about any part or can get any part for any LG / Samsung made product. In Fact when the drain pump went out on my HE3T I went to Fox Parts in Atlanta. The part guy recommended to me to get the LG Drain pump that is made by Zenith because it was a much better motor than the original that was on my machine. He brought them both out and I picked the LG because it looked like better built and the motor was larger. It was also about $20 cheaper. It has worked fine and is much quieter than the original pump.

Also....all this talk about the new Whirlpool Duet's with the "recirculate" spray. Can someone give the model numbers that have this feature? No machine that I have found lately has this feature.

B
 
None of Whirlpool's front loaders recirculate the water - there's only a cone-shaped fresh-water spray (mixed with detergent during the wash) that probably looks like a recirculation jet.
 
There certainly is a lot of "hate" here.  Speed Queens are nice, I would not buy one because of the price, but if it fits your budget, fine.  All the talk about repairs is meaningless as most people will call for service.  I can and have swapped out the bearings on Whirlpool FL machine in about 90 minutes, nothing special about that.

 

I don't hate any machine, my educated suggestion is LG with turbo wash.  Price and performance hit the sweet spot IMO.
 
The rep said the power wash cycle on the duets/maximas was a recirculating spray. I haven't taken a machine a part to confirm, but the spray patterns are different when the machines are running on those two cycles.... Is that not a recalculating spray that kicks on for a good portion of the cycle? The new top loaders do it as well.
 
Every machine has it quirks in problems and yes there is a learning curve to get the best bang for your buck!
Since I've own the Wavetouch washer for several years, tangling has not been an issue!
Washing performance is outstanding because of the multi-speed tumble action with the right amount of detergent and water temps will get the job done!
A tilted tub will keep coins, pens and other odd objects towards the rear of the tub and not towards the front like true horizontal washer for I've washed more or less $10.00's worth of that shiny metals over the years. As long as we don't overload the machine, chances of anything getting caught between gasket is next to nil. There is a tub guard near the 11:00 mark to push items away from the gasket back into the tub before it ramps up for the spin cycle. So don't let this dissuade looking into this brand or any brand with a tilted tub.

Being a fellow ex Garden Web and Opinion member, I've seen enough consumers go out to get the latest brand because XYZ said its will out shine your boots like no other and then BAM, at the three year mark, multiple machines failure begin to happens!
FrigGeMore's was known for bearing and spider failure, Kenmore/Whirlpool Calypso was known for U-joint/pump failure with the dreaded electronic control panel codes, Neptune's for mold and door lock failure, the mighty Miele with electronic control panel failure with struts and pump issues, LG for door leaks and excessive shaking, Samsung not using enough water to wash and rinse properly, the Electrolux IQ and Wavetouch had three minor issues that the gasket shed when a load was too heavy during the spin cycle, main wash detergent gets dispensed during the prewash cycle due to long slow A.T.C. prewash fills and on some models the door may rattle.

I think I've read enough consumers reviews from Sears, Home Depot, A.J Madison, Loews, Garden Web, Opinions and Consumers Report's to see what shine and what to stay away from and I've based my judgement on facts from multiple sources and several YouTube videos!

Just be real with what you read and don't fall in line with those who beat the drum the loudest!
 
Lots of Good information Larry

But when someone comes to me and asks for a highly durable no nonsense washer for a big family that doesn't use too much water the SQ FLer is the clear winner. 

 

The SQ FL washer is the ONLY commercial grade washer available to the general public, it has an unsurpassed warranty that would bankrupt most other companies if they dared offer it on their machines.

 

Eleven years ago my Brother Jeff [ who started this business 35 years ago with me ] said he was going to a dealer in Ohio to buy a new SQ FL washer, to which I responded " are you crazy " why would spend your after tax income on a new washer when we have virtually every type of washer made for the last 40 years coming out of our ears.

 

Well he bought the new SQ and after I looked at it I bought my first new washer ever within the next year.

 

For people that actually work on appliances it is built like NOTHING else is today.

 

When my dog became old and incontinent I had to keep her in the kitchen area during the day to keep her off the wood floors and oriental rugs. Every day for the better part of one year I came home and put 5 thick cotton rubber backed rugs [ 30"X40"]  in the SQ washer, and day after day they came out in less than 40 minutes perfectly clean.

 

And now after 10 years the machine has never missed a beat, I still like putting my head inside and taking a deep breath of the clean-new washer smell that this machine still has and always likely will have.

 

Most of the washer enthusiasts on this site do not have big families, we like our gadget laden machines, my self included [ I never have less than 5 washers hooked up and ready to wash clothing ] But if you actually work on washers and dryers every day like I do there is a huge difference. Yesterday I looked a a 1994 Amana [ SQ ] dryer that would not start, the lady said she loved this dryer and hopped it could be fixed. It had had a LOT of use and it did have a bad motor, and in 30 minutes time I replaced the motor, right rear drum roller and belt for a total service cost of $252.00 without even moving the dryer away from the wall.

 

This type of service is not possible even on a new LG, SS, Frigidaire, or GE dryer today, and SQ dryers are less expensive to buy than most of the other brands of dryers listed above.

 

 
 
Sometimes, I'm surprised

I just had a thought about something:

You see, set aside that for an SQ pair you get 2-3 LG pairs today, that the SQ does not have a heater, and focus only on longlivety:

Is durability like the SQ has even such a "good" thing?

See how laundry has been done 25-50 years ago, and compare it to today. Changed a lot, didn't it?
And given how fast technology advances today, who says that SQ might not be outdated within the next 20 years?
Given a family situation, in 10 years, laundy will have changed completly. More, but less soiled laundry, maybe. Or a second person working on the farm.
And, again, seeing that recycling of metals etc. gets more and more common, maybe buying a new washer every 5-10 years might be a better option.

That dosen't mean the SQ is a bad option. Or that short lived washers don't suck. But really, the ONLY argument for the SQ against its competitors is its durability (including servicing, parts etc.), and maybe, only MAYBE this will turn out not even to be such an advantage for a family.
 
Good poimt Henene4..

.
but there is another view that says you may get 10yrs from your LG et al or you may be less lucky and get much less. And aside from possible warranty extensions, you still have to hassle with it all again.
And that thought is why i went with SQ.
I would go so far as to say EXPECT continious wash tech revisions to keep people buying something that was essentially perfected years ago much to the chagrin of the industry. It's why you see consolidation going on, like the tire industry before, who bettered their product too far for the desired/expected profitability margin.
So perhaps, different strocks for different folks as it were, but good observation.
 
Wow! Information overload yet, Patrice?

having grown up with septic systems, I'd think about that first.
How old is it?
Any problems? Needed to have it pumped (hope not)
Is it easy to expand or to run an overflow line from the main box to an area not in use as a leeching field?

If it's over 20 years old or if there've been any problems I'd think seriously about a FL to lighten the load on the system.

Also, It seems to me that many negative reviews of washers contain word choices that suggest that the dissatisfied customer either had inappropriate expectations and/or didn't know how to use the machine properly. Whatever machine you do buy, please do yourself a favour and read the manual so you know how to use it.

If your current machines are in good shape I'd keep both and buy a FL. Whatever FL you buy, make sure you have the option of overriding the program to add extra rinses. While I prefer Speed Queen, I honestly think with a family of 6 you're better off with a FL that can heat its own water if need be. I'd keep the old dryer to use only to handle overflow and prevent back up of clean, wet clothes. I'd keep the old washer to use for diapers and anything requiring a soak.

Jim
 
I vote LG

Speed Queen TLs are probably the best TL's on the market today, but with a septic system they will probably use way too much water, especially if you use an extra rinse for diapers.

If SQ FL's offered a water heater, I'd vote for them. Unfortunately for some unknown reason they do not. If I was washing diapers I would want a heater to sanitize and get whites brilliant. That will save you from having to use chemicals to sanitize and remove stains on baby things.

I have a LG 3570 and love it. Sturdy machine with best consumer rating for fewest repairs in first five years of all FLs. Mine has heater and turbo wash - a recirculating spray that thoroughly saturates load. Also has spray rinse during high speed spin. Check out the features on LG. A FL will offer greater capacity and let you breeze through loads like mattress pads, comforters, rugs and other items that choke a TL.

I previously had a Frigidaire FL that I was very happy with, but the LG is light years ahead. The LG washes a normal load in about 30 - 45 minutes depending on one or two rinses. Heating the water will bring the time up to about 90 minutes.

Good luck with whatever you choose.
 
S p e e d Q u e e n.......

But once and buy right!!!
Five year bumper to bumper warranty!!
Built to last!
Serviceable.
Quick.
Either Top Load or Front Load.
Google any reviews on SQ products then Google Other brands complaints!!
You'll see the difference.
If you already have a TL washer why are you worried about the septic.
I too have had a TL on a septic. The tank gets pumped out every few years for preventative maintenance and all is well!
So what's it going to be?
Mike
 
Q about a background point

Since when are septic tanks supposed to be pumped out?

ST's should only be pumped out if there's a back-up because the leeching field's been saturated. Then you have to lay out a new one from the same septic tank. If the problem is just the volume of water, AFAIK one should ad a branch running to an area that has good drainage.

I know all leeching fields eventually clog. That's just laws of physics. But every few years? Have I missed something?

Jim
 
My girlfriends father has religiously had his septic tank pumped either annually or bi-annually for the 35 years he has lived in their home. I'm not sure if it preventative or just paranoia. Clearly I see the ads from the sucking services working to inspire paranoia to sell their services.

They have one of the mid-2000 Amana top load washers that somehow seems to just keep working. It runs many loads each week and puts a LOT of water down the drain. I'm no septic system expert but sometimes I wonder if a lot of water flowing through the septic helps to keep things flowing?

The one thing they are very cautious about is to always filter the washer lint from the discharge water to prevent non-digestible synthetic fibers from plugging the drain field.
 
Yes, water is required of course to keep things flowing. The issue is not the septic tank itself, but how much water the leeching field can absorb at a time. If water's going in faster than it's going out, the level in the tank will rise. This is expected (i.e. TL washer draining) and capacity is calculated into tank size. However, if:

water inflow g.p.m. > tank capacity at start + water outflow g.p.m.

the level in the tank will rise. If it continues there'll be a problem for your basement :-)

Water outfow g.p.m. is not a static number. Day to day it depends on how saturated the leeching field is with water from rain, runoff, etc.

Jim
 

Similar threads

P
Which current front-load washer fills up with the most washer?
Replies
5
Views
172
panasonicvac
panasonicvac
T
Trouble Choosing a Speed Queen Washer
Replies
5
Views
643
panasonicvac
panasonicvac
C
Samsung wf56h9100ag/a2 Washer Story
Replies
5
Views
615
fxhamby
F
mark_wpduet
Friend Called.. They got a new Maytag TL Washer
2
Replies
33
Views
2K
johnb300m
johnb300m
neptunebob
Do I save Walter or let him go?
Replies
2
Views
234
neptunebob
neptunebob

Latest posts

Back
Top