I was in my Lowe's store last night. They had a Frigidaire front loader on the clearance aisle for $275. It is brand new. It's the smaller version and they do not have a dryer to match. Does anyone know if these are prone to problems? Maybe that's why it is on sale. They also had a Fisher and Paykel W/D set for $1100. The dryer was the new top loading type. Are these any good? I may just have to grab the Frigidare if it is worth buying. Any suggestions welcomed. Tim
Frigidaire Front Load Washer
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jamman_98
Well-known member
Frigidaire Front Loader
I purchased the Frigidaire Front loader a year after (1998 I think) they came out. I'm very pleased with it. The only problme that I have had was a water pump that went out but it was covered by the warrantee. The only anoying thing about it is that change gets caught up in the fins inside the drum. Performance has been good for me. I know there have been a couple people that are not happy with it. I will do a queen size comfortor pretty good so campacity is ok. It really depends on how much laundry you do.
Joe
jamman_98
I purchased the Frigidaire Front loader a year after (1998 I think) they came out. I'm very pleased with it. The only problme that I have had was a water pump that went out but it was covered by the warrantee. The only anoying thing about it is that change gets caught up in the fins inside the drum. Performance has been good for me. I know there have been a couple people that are not happy with it. I will do a queen size comfortor pretty good so campacity is ok. It really depends on how much laundry you do.
Joe
jamman_98
golittlesport
Well-known member
They are a pretty reliable front loader and do a good job. They will hold as much laundry as an agitator top loader. For $275 you can't beat it.
We have had ours for a few years now with no problems. My wife loves it and would never go back to a top loader again. At that price I would go for it if you can.
Mike
Mike
nurdlinger
Well-known member
Does anyone know if these are prone to problems?
Lots of folks on the internet do. If this is the 3.1 cu.ft. model washer, it and the essentially same GE models WPXH208 and WPXH214, plus a bunch of Kenmore models have developed leaks in the rear shaft seal allowing the wash water to leak out onto the shaft bearing and remove its lubrication resulting in early failure. The bearing is not replaceable according to Electrolux (who builds this for all those brands) you have to buy the rear outer tub assembly for a lot of money, and pay for a lot of labor charge to replace it. The second most common failure is the seal between the two halves of the outer tub resulting in leaks. The seal is cheap but the labor involved to replace it is a lot.
You can find this out for yourself on THS or epinions.
Lots of folks on the internet do. If this is the 3.1 cu.ft. model washer, it and the essentially same GE models WPXH208 and WPXH214, plus a bunch of Kenmore models have developed leaks in the rear shaft seal allowing the wash water to leak out onto the shaft bearing and remove its lubrication resulting in early failure. The bearing is not replaceable according to Electrolux (who builds this for all those brands) you have to buy the rear outer tub assembly for a lot of money, and pay for a lot of labor charge to replace it. The second most common failure is the seal between the two halves of the outer tub resulting in leaks. The seal is cheap but the labor involved to replace it is a lot.
You can find this out for yourself on THS or epinions.
golittlesport
Well-known member
It is a good deal
Despite a few negative comments on THS and other opinion sites, considering how long this model has been in production and how many were sold and are in use, it is a reliable machine. You can also find many rave reviews. Based on customer feedback, Consumer Reports rated it the most reliable front loader for years and it still falls in about in the middle of the pack - the same as the average top loader. We had this machine for six years with heavy use and not a single problem and then gave it to my son to use. (I've also read posts on THS from repair people that often the bearing failure is caused by excessive suds and bleach.) I still would advise for $275 you could not find any washing machine with the features, performance, and energy savings that little Frigidaire has and very likely no modern machine is built any better either.
Despite a few negative comments on THS and other opinion sites, considering how long this model has been in production and how many were sold and are in use, it is a reliable machine. You can also find many rave reviews. Based on customer feedback, Consumer Reports rated it the most reliable front loader for years and it still falls in about in the middle of the pack - the same as the average top loader. We had this machine for six years with heavy use and not a single problem and then gave it to my son to use. (I've also read posts on THS from repair people that often the bearing failure is caused by excessive suds and bleach.) I still would advise for $275 you could not find any washing machine with the features, performance, and energy savings that little Frigidaire has and very likely no modern machine is built any better either.
Frigidaire f.l.
I purchased one of these machines (with the Kenmore name) in Jan. 2000, and recommended it to both my brothers, my ex, and a friend. Out of the 5 machines, 3 of them (mine, my ex's, and one brother's) experienced failure of the tub bearings. In addition, my ex had two motors replaced (these were the earlier d.c. series motors with brushes used thru 1999, not the induction motors used since then). Also, the spin balancing protocol is inadequate; it will allow the machine to go into the final spin with enough unbalance to cause real problems in an upstairs laundry room. My ex's laundry is on the 2nd floor; the vibration could often be heard all over the house. Also, unlike the electronically timed machines, these use an old-type electromechanical timer which keeps running while the machine tries to balance the load; if it doesn't balance pretty quickly, it simply doesn't go into spin, but advances to "off." Additionally, I don't know how it's possible to wash a queen size comforter successfully in this machine; I have a quee-size duvet, basically the same thing, and there was no way it would work: that requires a Duet or equivalent. "Nurdlinger" is right-the bearings are molded into the back half of the outer tub, and the entire tub half must be replaced-a very poor and environmentally unsound design. I would avoid this machine at any price.
I purchased one of these machines (with the Kenmore name) in Jan. 2000, and recommended it to both my brothers, my ex, and a friend. Out of the 5 machines, 3 of them (mine, my ex's, and one brother's) experienced failure of the tub bearings. In addition, my ex had two motors replaced (these were the earlier d.c. series motors with brushes used thru 1999, not the induction motors used since then). Also, the spin balancing protocol is inadequate; it will allow the machine to go into the final spin with enough unbalance to cause real problems in an upstairs laundry room. My ex's laundry is on the 2nd floor; the vibration could often be heard all over the house. Also, unlike the electronically timed machines, these use an old-type electromechanical timer which keeps running while the machine tries to balance the load; if it doesn't balance pretty quickly, it simply doesn't go into spin, but advances to "off." Additionally, I don't know how it's possible to wash a queen size comforter successfully in this machine; I have a quee-size duvet, basically the same thing, and there was no way it would work: that requires a Duet or equivalent. "Nurdlinger" is right-the bearings are molded into the back half of the outer tub, and the entire tub half must be replaced-a very poor and environmentally unsound design. I would avoid this machine at any price.
Frigidaire f.l. redux
As an addendum to my previous posting, it's worth noting that when I bought this piece of junk in 2000, I paid nearly $700 for it; I've noticed that the price has been getting lower and lower ever since, and they're pretty much at rock-bottom now, though $275 is the lowest I've heard of so far. That should tell us something-there's a reason they want to get rid of these machines.
As an addendum to my previous posting, it's worth noting that when I bought this piece of junk in 2000, I paid nearly $700 for it; I've noticed that the price has been getting lower and lower ever since, and they're pretty much at rock-bottom now, though $275 is the lowest I've heard of so far. That should tell us something-there's a reason they want to get rid of these machines.
Frigidaire f.l.
I bought one of these machines (with the Kenmore name) in Jan. 2000-a 1999 machine with the d.c. series-wound motor which had carbon brushes. I also recommended it to both my brothers, my ex, and a friend. I live alone, and my machine didn't get nearly as much use as the others, who have families. Out of the 5 machines, three experienced failure of the tub bearings. In addition, my ex had two motors replaced under warranty. Models made from 2000 on, like the ones my brothers have, used the quieter and more trouble-free induction motors. Another problem with these washers is an inadequate spin-balancing protocol, which allows it to go into final spin with a poorly-balanced load. My ex's laundry is on the 2nd floor-you could hear the vibration all over the house. Since they use an old-school electromechanical timer instead of the all-solid-state type, the timer keeps advancing while it goes through its spin protocol. If it can't balance out pretty quickly, you get no spin cycle-it simply advances to "off." "Nurdlinger" is quite correct-the tub bearings are molded into the back half of the tub, requiring that the entire tub half be replaced-a very poor and environmentally unsound design. Consider that when I purchased this piece of junk in 2000, it cost about $700. The price has been coming down ever since. I've recently seen prices low enough to qualify as "clearance." This should tell us something-that they are eager to get rid of these machines. For what my 2 cents are worth, I'd avoid it at any price.
I bought one of these machines (with the Kenmore name) in Jan. 2000-a 1999 machine with the d.c. series-wound motor which had carbon brushes. I also recommended it to both my brothers, my ex, and a friend. I live alone, and my machine didn't get nearly as much use as the others, who have families. Out of the 5 machines, three experienced failure of the tub bearings. In addition, my ex had two motors replaced under warranty. Models made from 2000 on, like the ones my brothers have, used the quieter and more trouble-free induction motors. Another problem with these washers is an inadequate spin-balancing protocol, which allows it to go into final spin with a poorly-balanced load. My ex's laundry is on the 2nd floor-you could hear the vibration all over the house. Since they use an old-school electromechanical timer instead of the all-solid-state type, the timer keeps advancing while it goes through its spin protocol. If it can't balance out pretty quickly, you get no spin cycle-it simply advances to "off." "Nurdlinger" is quite correct-the tub bearings are molded into the back half of the tub, requiring that the entire tub half be replaced-a very poor and environmentally unsound design. Consider that when I purchased this piece of junk in 2000, it cost about $700. The price has been coming down ever since. I've recently seen prices low enough to qualify as "clearance." This should tell us something-that they are eager to get rid of these machines. For what my 2 cents are worth, I'd avoid it at any price.
rinso
Well-known member
I experienced a tub bearing failure in my 1997 Frigidaire FL after 4 years of use by 2 people. Remember that this model only had an 850 RPM fast spin for 50 seconds. Electrolux replaced the rear tub assembly, but did not cover the labor. My brother purchased a 2002 machine that has a much longer and faster spin. I hope that Electrolux had the sense to improve the bearing design before making these increases.
I'm surprised!
I know I've read of bearing failure on these (one person on THS even went to extreme lengths to replace the bearings himself without getting the rear half of the tub...he had posted a very detailed picture process of each step along the way)...but I've never had any trouble with mine at all. I must have purchased the very first one they made because I got a Gallery set when they first came out in 1996. Mine has been doing 8 loads of laundry a week for these 10 years...without a single problem. It not only works as well today as it did when I bought it, it still looks brand new. The interior has a nice sweet smell...and I've carefully cleaned the exterior and interior at regular intervals. I'd recommend the machine to anyone. If it had an internal heater, I wouldn't ever be looking to replace it. It's been a flawless machine.
SRSwirl (Michael)
I know I've read of bearing failure on these (one person on THS even went to extreme lengths to replace the bearings himself without getting the rear half of the tub...he had posted a very detailed picture process of each step along the way)...but I've never had any trouble with mine at all. I must have purchased the very first one they made because I got a Gallery set when they first came out in 1996. Mine has been doing 8 loads of laundry a week for these 10 years...without a single problem. It not only works as well today as it did when I bought it, it still looks brand new. The interior has a nice sweet smell...and I've carefully cleaned the exterior and interior at regular intervals. I'd recommend the machine to anyone. If it had an internal heater, I wouldn't ever be looking to replace it. It's been a flawless machine.
SRSwirl (Michael)
me too!
I have also had this machine since 1998. It is a good little machine and I have not had any problems at all. $275 is a bargain and I would say go for it. Best of Luck, Patrick
I have also had this machine since 1998. It is a good little machine and I have not had any problems at all. $275 is a bargain and I would say go for it. Best of Luck, Patrick
SactoTeddyBear
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2004
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Re: My Opinion:
Hey! Tim, I haven't had this particular Front-Load Washer, but I've got several Friends and a couple of Relatives that have these Brand/Models and most of them have had wonderful experiences with theirs. The majority of them are the Kenmore Model{s} and none of them have the GE Model, but they have the Frigidaire Model{s} and only 1-person has had the Bearing Replaced, but fortunately under Extended Warrantee.
If I were you, even though you asked for others to help you with input of their dealings with these Washers, I tend to also agree with the Guys that are telling you that you certainly couldn't go wrong at the $275 Price. You might however look into the Extended Warrantee "FYI" just in case, because with these Front-Load Washers having the problems that some of them have had, at least with having the Extended Warrantee, your wouldn't have any further "Out of Pocket" Money for any of the Repairs.
Good Luck with whatever you decide to do, as far as getting this Front-Load Washer or changing to some other Front-Load or even a Top-Load Washer Brand/Model.
Peace and Happy Fridgemore Laundry Days, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...
Hey! Tim, I haven't had this particular Front-Load Washer, but I've got several Friends and a couple of Relatives that have these Brand/Models and most of them have had wonderful experiences with theirs. The majority of them are the Kenmore Model{s} and none of them have the GE Model, but they have the Frigidaire Model{s} and only 1-person has had the Bearing Replaced, but fortunately under Extended Warrantee.
If I were you, even though you asked for others to help you with input of their dealings with these Washers, I tend to also agree with the Guys that are telling you that you certainly couldn't go wrong at the $275 Price. You might however look into the Extended Warrantee "FYI" just in case, because with these Front-Load Washers having the problems that some of them have had, at least with having the Extended Warrantee, your wouldn't have any further "Out of Pocket" Money for any of the Repairs.
Good Luck with whatever you decide to do, as far as getting this Front-Load Washer or changing to some other Front-Load or even a Top-Load Washer Brand/Model.
Peace and Happy Fridgemore Laundry Days, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...
I had a first-issue Frigidaire/Electrolux frontloader (1996) and left it in my warehouse apt. when I moved to my house. It gave me no problems and is now being used by three apartments.
My 2003 Frigidaire FL'er has also given me no problems. At $275, I say go for it!
My 2003 Frigidaire FL'er has also given me no problems. At $275, I say go for it!
nurdlinger
Well-known member
So Tim, did you get it or not?
I researched these machines in May & June of 2005. I bought the 3.5 cu.ft. version, which is mechanically quite similar although the part numbers are all different. In a year nothing has gone wrong. I think I agree with the tenor of most of these messages, the number of bad experiences is low compared to the great number of machines sold. I got the larger machine because it had a great big window in the door, and so did the dryer.
I researched these machines in May & June of 2005. I bought the 3.5 cu.ft. version, which is mechanically quite similar although the part numbers are all different. In a year nothing has gone wrong. I think I agree with the tenor of most of these messages, the number of bad experiences is low compared to the great number of machines sold. I got the larger machine because it had a great big window in the door, and so did the dryer.
Too little too late
I went back to Lowe's on Monday. The machine was gone. I asked if they sold it or just moved it to another part of the store. The "genius" that was working in appliances that day said that he thought it was sold because he couldn't find it anywhere. Although he never left his little station. He tried to persuade me to buy another FL, but when I questioned him about why a FL was better than a TL, he said that they just got the clothes cleaner because they washed for so long. I then asked him about spin speeds. He told me that TL spun faster than FL, but if you buy the dryer that goes with the FL you should be alright. (I think he got that a little backward, don't you?) Needless to say, I won't be buying a W/D from this moron. Most of the appliance workers at my Lowe's are very ignorant about appliances. Tim
I went back to Lowe's on Monday. The machine was gone. I asked if they sold it or just moved it to another part of the store. The "genius" that was working in appliances that day said that he thought it was sold because he couldn't find it anywhere. Although he never left his little station. He tried to persuade me to buy another FL, but when I questioned him about why a FL was better than a TL, he said that they just got the clothes cleaner because they washed for so long. I then asked him about spin speeds. He told me that TL spun faster than FL, but if you buy the dryer that goes with the FL you should be alright. (I think he got that a little backward, don't you?) Needless to say, I won't be buying a W/D from this moron. Most of the appliance workers at my Lowe's are very ignorant about appliances. Tim
Frigidaire Front loader:
In 1997 when Frigidaire introduced this new style I wondered myself about it but I keep intouch with our Frigidaire dealer and found out that it had won best washer in America for two years in a row and that being 1997 and 1998. This was from Consumers Report. I just couldn't believe it that this washer beat out Whirlpool/Kenmore which had dominated this spot for at least 10 years or more. I have talked with our dealer and since Eletrolux has taken over Frigidaire completely that Frigidaire is now a better product than it used to be when it was under WCI. I think you'll come to love this washer and for the price of $275.00 how can you go wrong, but make sure that you have them check it out throughly before you buy it. Happy washing. Danf.
In 1997 when Frigidaire introduced this new style I wondered myself about it but I keep intouch with our Frigidaire dealer and found out that it had won best washer in America for two years in a row and that being 1997 and 1998. This was from Consumers Report. I just couldn't believe it that this washer beat out Whirlpool/Kenmore which had dominated this spot for at least 10 years or more. I have talked with our dealer and since Eletrolux has taken over Frigidaire completely that Frigidaire is now a better product than it used to be when it was under WCI. I think you'll come to love this washer and for the price of $275.00 how can you go wrong, but make sure that you have them check it out throughly before you buy it. Happy washing. Danf.
rinso
Well-known member
Even though I had a bearing failure after about 4-5 years on my 1997 Frigidaire, it outperformed even my current Hettie on washing ability. Electrolux has made many improvements to this line over the years, and I would not hesitate to buy one if I were in the market for a new machine. WOW! Especially at that price!
after 2000 better motors
I bought my folks the "newer" series in 2000 with the induction motor. Sears warned us very sternly that these machines did not like excess chlorine bleach and oversudsing would lead to early bearing failure.
My folks followed their advice (they know front loaders from Germany) and today the machine is going on 6 years old with no repairs and no problems, dispite about 10 loads a week.
It is just a cultural thing.
When I first moved to Munich, I lived in a big apartment complex with a lot of eastern Europeans who had never seen a tumble dryer. They would put their clothes soaking wet (un-spun) into the tumblers.
These (Mieles!) would break down every few weeks...
I always wash my California Queen (no comments from the penny-stinkers, please) duvets in this machine whilst visiting my parents. Can not imagine how one could not get one into it...but there you have it: My brother has an 18 pound TL and when he does the washing, loads it with two pairs of pants, one week's worth of socks and underwear then proclaims it "full"...
I bought my folks the "newer" series in 2000 with the induction motor. Sears warned us very sternly that these machines did not like excess chlorine bleach and oversudsing would lead to early bearing failure.
My folks followed their advice (they know front loaders from Germany) and today the machine is going on 6 years old with no repairs and no problems, dispite about 10 loads a week.
It is just a cultural thing.
When I first moved to Munich, I lived in a big apartment complex with a lot of eastern Europeans who had never seen a tumble dryer. They would put their clothes soaking wet (un-spun) into the tumblers.
These (Mieles!) would break down every few weeks...
I always wash my California Queen (no comments from the penny-stinkers, please) duvets in this machine whilst visiting my parents. Can not imagine how one could not get one into it...but there you have it: My brother has an 18 pound TL and when he does the washing, loads it with two pairs of pants, one week's worth of socks and underwear then proclaims it "full"...
