Buying a new FL washer

[belinda]

Hi there I have just discovered you guys. I have been reading all morning. I love Forums like these.
My 4 yro (grrr!)Sears Kenmore (made by Fridgedaire)finally went out. It was leaking water and the spin cycle sounded like a helicopter taking off.
I would like your opinion on this FL by Amana(is it really a Whirlpool).
Thanks a lot
Amana® Front-Load Washer
NFW7200TW

http://amana.com/catalog/product.jsp?parentCategoryId=587&categoryId=597&productId=1763

 

[pulsator]

This particular frontloader is actually manufactured by Samsung.

 

[belinda]

See this is just crazy. The consumer is at such a disadvantage.
Now the salesman is saying to get a Maytag Epic 9800. They said the supension is better than the Amana they first recomended. Is the MAytag Epic worth the extra $$ Or will the Amana work and get the 5 yr ext warranty?

 

[sudsmaster]

The Maytag Epic is basically the Whirlpool/Bauchnekt design that's been around for about seven years. It's a proven design by now, and not a bad machine. Make sure it has an internal water heater, though - not sure if all Epics have one, or if there are multiple models.

In between the Amana and the Epic, in pricing, would be the Frigidaire Affinity - the higher end model with the internal water heater. People here seem to like theirs. I like that it has a non-tilted drum. And I think the slate blue model is very good looking.

Weren't you also looking for a washer for the vet clinic where you work?

 

[belinda]

Yep that's me, not only has my washer quit, my big TV died this past week and we have been having washer problems at work for 2 weeks.Well tha't how long we have been waiting for the repair guy to come out.

 

[sudsmaster]

Hey, when it rains, it pours.

If you TV is an older tube set, maybe it's time to upgrade to a flat panel LCD or plasma anyway.

Is your Kenmore/Frigidaire washer a front loader? If so, then it's what we like to call a "Frigmore" around here. They are good basic washers, but seem to have a bit of a history eating their drum bearings. The leaking could be unrelated, possibly a loose hose, which could be an easy fix. If I'm not mistaken, the outer tub on these is split in two, so if the fasteners holding the two halves together have loosened, that's a potential source of unwanted drips.

 

[brant_ix]

MayTag Epic 9700

Used to be the OLD KitchenAid. If you can still find the MayTag Epic 9700, you might be able to get a real good price on them as they are 2007's model.

On Consumer Reports and Sears, it's one of the few washers to have nearly all 5 *'s by consumers. I almost bought these but needed a top loader cause our Laundry room is on the 2nd floor.

Stay away from the EPIC Z, too new, and too many complaints.

Good Luck
~Brant

 

[johnb300m]

Complaints about the "Z" machines? Damn! They looked nice.

What kind of complaints/problems???

 

[brant_ix]

The Usual...

Leaks, Failures, etc.

Do a Google Search for Epic Z and look up the different consumer opinions. I think Sears.com was a good reference too.

 

[belinda]

Well crud don't tell me that. I was a few hours away from an Epic Z 600.

 

[brant_ix]

Seriously, your best bet

Maytag Epic 9700

Look at the Reviews - 28 and 4.8 out of 5 *'s

Shop: Appliances, Tools, Clothing, Mattresses & More

Shop Sears for appliances, tools, clothing, mattresses & more. Great name brands like Kenmore, Craftsman Tools, Serta, Diehard and many others.

www.sears.com

 

[brant_ix]

Picture

Sorry.. goofed on the pic