Fed Up with New Machines

[ha_asfan]

It's a short and sad story: three Front load washers in ten years, one Gibson and two GE. This current GE, on it's last legs, needs only a $1,400 repair...
I've replaced the modern stove and fridge with vintage Chambers and Hotpoint and now realize the only sane approach to a washing machine is to go vintage also. I require an under the counter installation and am willing to go with any make that will fit and hopefully be durable. Not like we are animals on the washing machine...two guys and a dog, lots of tshirts and towels. that is what we basically wash. I think the Westinghouse Slant front Laundromat is a HOT looking machine....any savvy advice would be greatly welcomed! Attached is a photo of our setup and machine from hell. Thanks guys.

 

[decodriveboy]

For sure

Vintage is the way to go....but finding that Westy set is a mission!

Also.... they are a lot larger than your current set up so be sure to measure the area where you will place them.

 

[ha_asfan]

If I MUST Go To A New Machine.....

Any suggestions as to which machine I should be considering if I MUST go t a new machine? My space can't be altered, it is what it is and that's that.

 

[decodriveboy]

Looks like

the maximum size would be a 3.1-3.5 cubic foot front loader with matching dryer. Grab the measuring tape, looks like a tight squeeze. My set (together) is 54" across and 35" height.

I still think you should look for vintage for quality and practicality, but there's very limited space especially with the undercounter setup so you might not be able to.

Get a washer dryer with analog controls (knobs/dials). This usually means 'less expensive and easier to modify!'

As I have told others, I have the Frigidaire 2140 W/D and have been pleased with it. It's a bargain buy compared to many brands, appears to have a decent reliability record, and after modifying the water level to my liking--now it cleans as it should.

With any front loader, to prevent mildew and mold, always leave the door and dispenser drawer fully open when not in use so they can air out.

 

[mulls]

Speed Queen

Look carefully at Speed Queen.Although I have had grest luck with the type machines you use(all made by Frigidaire)I am remodeling and spending the extra few dollare to go Speed Queen this time.Go to their website and look.VERY well built machines it doesn't take a computer expert to use.I have researched them carefully and will share my knowledge with you if you want it.I can't figure out why you are having all this trouble with these Frigidaire units mine is 7 yrs old,cleans for a family of 7 including 3 long haired women and a 2 yr old-want to talk about towels?
Tom

 

[panthera]

Peter,

That is one groovy mixer on the far right...give us a closer look, will ya'?
Thanks.
A 1400$ repair for that GE is absurd. It is an Electrolux, lots of us collectors have them. They are quite reliable for modern machines and a new one would not even cost half that silly repair of 1400$.
They have only three serious, recurring problems.
1) You MUST use HE detergent or the rear bearing will fail.
2) Even if they have a dispenser for CL bleach, these are
European machines inside and that means aluminum. THE CL bleach will cause failure sooner or later. Usually sooner.
3) Lots of machines in the range of the late 90's into mid-2000's had controller board problems. That one has been fixed.

I would always go vintage if I could, but given your tight fit, you may just have to go with this series. Question, just what does GE want 1400$ for?

 

[frigilux]

I'd like to know why a $650-700 machine needs a $1400 repair, too. I've also had much better luck with my Electrolux-made machines than you have. My 1996 set is doing laundry for 3 apartments and has been trouble-free. My current 2001 washer has been oversudsed many times and has had chlorine bleach in several loads every week. No problems. And I wash huge loads of towels.

 

[gansky1]

Slant-Fronts - do it in a more natural position!

New washer and dryer?? Naw, in this forum - we wash the vintage way!

 

[kennywhy]

Hi guy.
Don’t know where you are in Detroit. I’m in the Boston-Edison district, not far from Henry Ford Hospital and the old GM Headquarters.
Just wanted to let you know that the ABC Warehouse stores in the area have the original Frigidaire version of these machines on sale in today’s paper for for $797 for BOTH (electric dryer). It's pretty much what you've got now though, unless they've been improved. Get the five year warranty to go with them, or an additional $100 per machine or so, and by the time the bearings go (if they do within five years, or any other part for that matter, you’ll be covered) This is the most common problem with these washers, though some people don’t have them fail.
Good luck with your decision.
Ken
([email protected])

 

[gansky1]

Can your front loader weigh the clothes?

 

[gansky1]

Think of how cool these would look in your (any) space!

 

[decodriveboy]

LOVE those suds

halfway up the window, as God intended!

 

[Unimatic1140]

You don't have to get a slant front, but if you want a nice vintage Front Loader then why don't you look into getting a 1970's or 1980's undercounter Westinghouse. They are only 26 7/8" wide each like the machines you have there. You probably will have to do you own servicing when the time comes, but they are worth it. These machines are so much more fun to watch then the modern machines as there is a lot more water sloshing around in the tub. These old westinghouse washers wont spin the clothes as dry, but so what, the wash drama alone is worth it. While these machines are rare, they are not next to impossible to find like so many of the earlier machines.

Although I do have a modern GE Harmony washer, I hardly ever use it, maybe a few times a year. The vintage machines are so much more fun to use. If you don't have to, then don't do modern.

 

[danemodsandy]

Oh, Rahhhhhbert!

"if you want a nice vintage Front Loader then why don't you look into getting a 1970's or 1980's undercounter Westinghouse."

Where in the heck did all of these go, anyway- the Bermuda Triangle?

I haven't seen one of these since about, oh, 1988.

 

[lederstiefel1]

Why do not buy a MIELE directly?
They last for 20 years - without trouble!

Ralf

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: Sears Clearance Center:

If you have one of these Centers near you and you don't mind getting a "Scratch & Dent" Machine, I would suggest the Kenmore Fridgemore Model. I've got some Friends who bought the Set with an Electric Dryer approx 6 or 7 years ago and they have never had any problems with either Machine. They have always used the "HE" Detergents and I believe that they have never used any Bleach, if any it was only very rarely used. The Kenmore Fridgemore Models seem to me less Repair Prone, than the Frigidaire and GE Models. I would never for myself look into the GE Models, they have had a lot of Bearing problems, according to Friend who have bought those particular Models, but that was also before Electrolux bought Frigidaire.

I believe that their Set were Manufactured before Electrolux took Frigidaire over.

Otherwise I agree with others, to look into one of the new Electrolux/Frigidaire Models. Good luck with your decisions, keep us informed as to which Brand/Model that you do end up getting.

One of my Friends has the Gallery Model Washer & Gas Dryer on order. They are renovating their Kitchen and Laundry Closet and I actually recommended the Gallery Models. I like the Control Dial, it reminds me of a Vintage Radio Dial. The Model Numbers are: {w} GLTF2940E {d/electric} GLEQ2152E and {d/gas} GLGQ2152E.

Peace and Great Laundry Cleaning Days, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[launderess]

My long departed grandmama had a Westinghouse under counter front loader and matching dryer set installed in her kitchen. IIRC the colour was Harvest Gold, but cannot tell you enjoyed using them much as in my youth considered chores, "chores" and rather detested having to "work" when visiting. From my perspective if one wanted to clean house and do laundry, could have stayed home with Mama.

Think the family still owns the house, though haven't been there grandmama, passed away 20 some odd years ago. Will ask my aunt when I ring her next weekend.

L.

 

[Unimatic1140]

halfway up the window, as God intended!
You can say that again Patrick, I love that!

Where in the heck did all of these go, anyway- the Bermuda Triangle? I haven't seen one of these since about, oh, 1988.
Andy I think these machines were still being made in 1988 or had been recently discontinued around then. I still see them in the trash now and then, as a matter of fact I found one on the street in the summer of 2003 and left it in my old house as the washer that came with the house. Once I put the collection in storage I used it as my only washer for almost a month. Not the greatest washer, but it certainly got the job done and did it with the necessary drama for happy clothes.

 

[bajaespuma]

A lot of Miele dealers around here in Connecticut are offering close-out sales of Miele classics like the 1980 model. If I were in your position and wanted to buy a new machine, I'd go with Miele or with Asko(not even a close 2nd).