Decisions, decisions... (shopping for new matching w/d)

[bantership]

You all have a great forum! This is our first post.

Can anyone help us decide between a few w/d pairs?

We're looking for anything that might be better than these three pairs in the same price range, especially if it has stainless steel. We're leaning towards Option 1, although Option 2's stainless steel is more attractive.

Laundry for two working adults; no children yet.

1. Kenmore 41393 + Kenmore 81383: ~$1410 after tax ($1390 in white)

http://www.sears.com/kenmore-4.5-cu...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=9&blockNo=9&blockType=G9

2. Samsung DV42H5200EP + Samsung WF42H5200AP: ~$1295 after tax

http://www.sears.com/samsung-4.2-cu...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5

3. Kenmore 41262 + Kenmore 81182: ~$1155 after tax

http://www.sears.com/kenmore-4.5-cu-ft-front-load-washer-7.3/p-026CO93877412B?plpSellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[henene4]

I'd go with option 1. It's the only one with a recirulation system in the washer, and that can do wonders in low water wash system.

 

[rolls_rapide]

What madness is this...?!

I clicked on the first link and got, "Now shipping to Great Britain"!

Anyway, as Henene4 says, if the pumped recirculation system is available, go with it. It helps to wet-out the laundry much more quickly than simply relying on the baffles alone to sprinkle wash solution over the load.

 

[bantership]

> I clicked on the first link and got, "Now shipping to Great Britain"

As a perennially failing department chain, Sears is desperate for money. I'm not surprised they're looking everywhere for new sales while aggressively tracking shopper locations.

I wish I knew where to verify the "recirculation pump" information henene4 has provided. I can't seem to find it anywhere in English, nor can I find it on any spec sheets.

 

[rolls_rapide]

It appears "Accela Wash" (I googled it), is indeed a pumped recirculation jet system. That machine seems to be an LG by another name.

Cnet.com seem to be underwhelmed by it though...(link below)

And I think a member on here (user 'Dreamclean') was unimpressed by her LG.

http://https//www.cnet.com/products/kenmore-41393/review/

 

[DADoES]

 
41393 is a catalog or stock number, not a full model number.  Assuming it's model 796.41393510 or 796.41393511 or 796.41393610, parts diagrams indicate two pumps ... one for drain, one for recirculation.  The leading 796. indicates sourced from LG.

 

[appnut]

Avoid option 2 and 3

 

[mrb627]

Sears...

Are you locked in at buying from Sears?
Electrolux makes a nice FL set with recirculating pump, not sure if Sears carries them.

Malcolm

 

[bantership]

>Cnet.com seem to be underwhelmed by it though

Thanks again!

Yeah, Cnet wasn't impressed, and I'll keep that review in mind. Usually I try to find nonprofit sources for consumer reviews.

Cnet and Consumer Reports give very different scores on washing machines (and that's not to say that one or the other does a better job of it).

Along with washing performance, CR rates for gentleness on fabrics, energy/water efficiency, noise and vibration. Cnet may be a harsher judge of washing performance, while not being as strict on gentleness.

>parts diagrams indicate two pumps ... one for drain, one for recirculation

Thanks for this!

 

[brucelucenta]

If looking for a front load washer and dryer, I would go with one made by LG. They seem to have the best track record for reliability. They also have multiple features that are nice and do a good job.

 

[passatdoc]

I have a previous generation Elux pair (60 series) and so far three years of stellar service. Elux rates highly on CR for washing ability, but ranks lower on gentleness and noise. My machines are on a concrete floor in the garage, so noise is not an issue, not that I notice excess noise or vibration. In a large load, clothes sometimes get tangled, but I don't notice clothing wearing out on an accelerated basis. I'd buy the new Elux series (with the pre-mixed water/detergent feature) if I were buying new today.

Another advantage: Elux has reversible doors on both washer and dryer, helpful in non-standard configuration settings.

 

[bobbi]

I am late to the thread and wish I had seen it sooner. OP- What did you end up getting?
I have the LG version of your option 1, but I don't have accela wash. If you haven't yet decided....just make sure you get one with an onboard water heater, and the Delay Start feature is a real time saver.