Good W/D set around $1500?

[DADoES]

I have two sets. A 1999 GWL08 and DE04 (which my grandmother has been using since 2004),
and a 2004 IWL12 (equivalent to the current IWL16) with DEGX1 dryer (equivalent to the current DEGX2).

This is the GWL08, pics taken on 9/26/2007. The plastic doesn't look bad for 8 years old, huh?

However, you did say you don't like agitator machines. The AquaSmart is equivalent to the wash-plate
Oasis/Cabrio/Bravos (bit smaller capacity, two dispensers instead of three, different styling & cycles/options,
one pump with divertor valve instead of two pumps), so if you have any concerns about them then it also
may not be a good choice for you.

 

[laundromat]

Any top loader is going to use more water than a front loader unless it's horizontal axis drum.It will also use more electricity than a front loader.As far as Consumer Reports is concerned, the repair record on the Samsung and Amana can not be taken seriously because at first,the Amanas were the real Neptunes which were a nightmare to put it lightly then Samsung had a recall on their top of the line models due to the issue with using silver.some folks are allergic to it and to be cautious,they recalled them.They also haven't been out long enough to have a repair record(5 years)in front loaders.I have seen a lot of refurbished Oasis and Cabrios at the Sears outlet stores.As many of them as the Collipsos when they were out.The service tech there told me it's the mother board and motors that are more comon than not to fail.

 

[DADoES]

One of the pics didn't come through. The red splotch is Granny's target for running the Regular cycle.

 

[sikiguya]

I did like that F & P gives a 2 year warranty with each item. I was just afraid of the plastic but since you say it holds up well, it might be worth a look!

I am just at a loss as to what to get. It seems that everyone has had a bad experience (or known someone) on most of the brands & models out there. Luckily (knock on wood), I have never had any issues with any of my washers and dryers until I moved to this house. The last ones I had were Neptunes and they were one of the first generation. The only thing I didn't like about them was the musty smell if you happened to close the door and didn't let it dry. From what I read online, that still happens with some front loaders.

Really, the only issue on my current dryer is a broken knob (which I can replace all pieces for around $15). My washer works fine (looks like crap) but does not work on the "heavy" load (won't even turn on). Not a major deal since I have to take King sized comforters to the laundry anyway. That is why I was looking at the Cabrio since it is 4.5.

Off to go read more complaints/praise online for other models.

 

[rp2813]

I think you'll find that Kenmores get more of a bad rap today than they ever used to. Especially the front loaders. The larger ones are just fancy Duets but apparently they have more to go wrong.

When going through the on-line opinions you need to read between the lines. A lot of the complaints about pump problems and flooding with FL machines were caused by user error or downright misuse, like overloading so badly that a small sock gets pushed into the outer tub, etc. Sensible people like members of this site don't have those same types of complaints.

The large Frigidaire FL machines tend to be more affordable than their Duet counterparts (and in my opinion they are more attractive) and many here have advised that they are excellent performers. The main thing you need to do is steer clear of GE anything. Sticking to that rule will spare you a ton of grief and regret.

 

[brettsomers]

Whirlpool Duet or Kenmore equivalent. they accept huuuge loads, but you have to use a low-sudsing/HE detergent.

 

[DADoES]

Wondering ...

Have you made a decision/purchase?

 

[sikiguya]

Not yet.........

When we moved we sold our house to a relocation company through Jim's work. They hold back a large % of the selling price "just in case" they have to make repairs, etc in order to sell the home. I am waiting to get that back! We just found out that the old house sold and should be closing in about 3 weeks. WHOO HOO~

I will update if/when I find a new set. For now, I am buying a new knob for my broken dryer. It's less than $10 plus shiping to repair. LOL

 

[dnastrau]

Maytag Epic

Another model to consider: We purchased the Maytag Epic 9700 in August and it has been great. Home Depot price matched another store and we got one in black for $805.00. This machine is just a Whirlpool Duet under the Maytag trim. It even has a porcelain top. So far, it has been great.

Andrew S.

 

[tuthill]

don't buy the frigidare washer someone suggested towards the beginning of the thread.... the don't make it past five years!!

also if you use purex brand detergent in front loaders it doesn't over suds