Help me purchase my first washer/dryer set!

[cb526]

Hey all! New member here. I've been perusing post after post here and I am thoroughly impressed. There's nowhere else like this board on the web to be sure (at least in English). On to the nitty gritty of my post...

I'm about to make my first major appliance purchase and I've narrowed my choices down to two sets and I'd greatly appreciate some guidance as to what I should get.

I am down to two sets:

This Maytag DD Washer and Dryer set for about $830 delivered out the door...

Maytag Washer: http://tinyurl.com/6za6rn
Maytag Dryer: http://tinyurl.com/5au49x

OR

This GE Profile set for around $915 delivered after rebates...

GE Profile Washer: http://tinyurl.com/5tm6vb
GE Profile Dryer: http://tinyurl.com/5aekoh

We're obviously looking for something reliable as we'd rather not be throwing more money at a washer/dryer in the near future and these two sets are at these prices is about all we can afford to spend at the present.

Any additional suggestions are most certainly welcome.

It's nice to have found such an apparently knowledgable community.

CHEERS!

 

[frigilux]

I think you'd be fine with either set. The Maytag should be reliable, as it is basically a re-badged Whirlpool. GE's reliability has also improved recently.

Personally, I like the slower agitation stroke of the new GE's. But that pair is also almost $100 more than the Maytag set. Let us know what you decide!

 

[tuthill]

Get a front loader... all modern traditional top-loaders suck. But if I had to pick between the two I'd go with the Whirltags (just don't overload it or your clothes will never forgive you).

 

[jeffg]

> all modern traditional top-loaders suck

That's not true. Our new Speed Queen TL is faster, quieter and outcleans any that I or my parents ever had. But a set of them may run slightly more than what cb526 is looking to pay.

 

[mulls]

SQ TL

JeffG,does your SQ "dumb down"the water temps?Does it fill to the top?Are there spray rinses?

 

[cb526]

I still haven't made my decision.

What's the general consensus on the Hydrowave?

Has the reliability of GEs improved over the horrors that I've read about with the old transmission?

 

[rayjay]

Hello

Go with a Front Loader. The top loaders are not the same as they were years ago. I have an LG which I really like. Take a look at consumer reports and use this as a guide line. The new top loaders washing ability has gone down hill.

 

[jeffg]

> JeffG,does your SQ "dumb down"the water temps?Does it fill to the top?Are there spray rinses? <

1. It provides whatever water temps are at your valves. No auto-adjustments.

2. Its highest water level on automatic is at the top row of tub holes. But you can raise it as high as you want by holding the water level dial to Reset.

3. That's one of the coolest things about it. It does have a spray rinse (about 30 seconds) as part of its normal cycles. But if you manually turn the dial to that same spot, you can make spin rinses last as long as you want, up to 4 minutes. I don't know if this was intentional design or just luck, but it's a feature we use all the time. Just yesterday we did a queen-size filled comforter, and before starting the wash cycle we gave it a 3 minute spin rinse to remove most of the air. The rollover during the wash and rinse cycles was amazing. Even though the Speed Queen's tub is smaller (3.3 cu. ft.), rollover was far, *far* better than in our former 4.0 cu. ft. Cabrio AGI. The comforter came out like new with not a spec of lint.

 

[cb526]

To those suggesting front loaders only:

I would absolutely LOVE to have a front loader, but they aren't a realistic purchase for me at the present financially. Once everything is said and done, I don't think I could purchase a front loading pair for any less than twice what I will be paying here.

As I said, I would like nothing more than to get front loaders, but given this choice, what would you do?

 

[frigilux]

Here's something very near your price range. I have this pair (mine are Frigidaire rather than Kenmore, and they have the rear control panel like a standard washer; otherwise they are the same machines.) Note: The machines are shown on pedestals, here. That would cost more, of course.

While not as cavernous as the newest designs, they will hold a load at least as large as either of the top-loader sets you're looking at.

I've seen the washer on sale (as a Frigidaire) for $549. Just a thought---something more to confuse your choice, LOL!

 

[frigilux]

And the matching dryer:

 

[jeffg]

Resale values for W/D's are next to nothing. If money was the overriding factor I'd take my chances on a second-hand set off Craigslist. Rather than spend $900 for something new (that's most likely bottom-of-the-line and/or junk), spend $300 or $400 (or maybe even less) on a good quality used set, either FL or TL. It's amazing the number of perfectly good (and often next to brand new) units that are let go for various reasons that have nothing to do with quality (home remodels, changes of decor, moving into new places that already have a W/D etc).

 

[volvoguy87]

Save money and get a better washer.

The best balance of cost to quality and performance may be a used Maytag top loader. Go to a thrift store (I especially like Habitat for Humanity Re-Stores) and find a late-model Maytag Dependable Care. They all have porcelain wash tubs, not stainless steel. They are more gentile on clothes than Whirlpool direct drives, they are extremely reliable, and they are all used now so they are also relatively cheap. A used Maytag Dependable Care would likely outlast many new washers, and it will do it for a fraction of the cost.

Think outside the Big-Box, and good luck,
Dave

 

[maytagmightyjj]

Be careful with that Maytag

That Maytag will beat the devil out of your clothes-- I have the model above that one (MTW5807-- same as MTW5800 except mine has Gold styling). Mine has a terrible seam in the Stainless tub that I am fighting with Whirlpool right now to get replaced. The model you are looking at has a porcelin waskbasket so you will be ok in that regard. But these washers use short very fast agitation except when on gentle-- On the other cycles they Slow down to gentle speed on the last 6 minutes-- but there is really nothing Gentle about them.

I had a Maytag I bought in 1996-- very good machine- I may ask the lady I gave it too -- to let me have it back.

 

[mihi]

I go with this thought for you.....

I too think you should find an older Maytag, one maybe 8 or 10 years old, and go with it. The washers are about $100 or so and the dryer about the same. Actually, getting a more modern dryer, even a new one, isn't a bad idea so that you can get the moisture sensor (I got our Kenmore new for $369 or so with the moisture sensing feature, it has been great).

If you want to go new, the sets you're thinking about sound like good ones. I like the Fisher-Paykel too, they're going for about $450 for the bottom model for the washer which we think is a great machine. They're pretty efficient and really spin the cloths out well to extract moisture prior to putting into a dryer.
Personally, I'd choose the F-P over a front-load machine, or horizontal-axis machine which is what a front-loader is.

I really like the sound of the GE hydrowave, hope it turns out to be reliable. If it does I might want to pick one up someday.
Good luck.

 

[qsd-dan]

Moister sensing feature on dryers have been around for over 40 years, so there's no reason to purchase a brand new dryer solely for that option. My 1964 Maytag DE-750 is still very accurate about shutting down at the right time. Occasionally I will pull a shirt or 2 out where the collar is ever-so slightly damp, but it's completely dry in less than 10 minutes after being on a hanger.

 

[mihi]

there are two different types of moisture sensing.....

There are two different types of moisture sensing devices on dryers. The older type not being as good as the newer much more accurate sensor. I'd have to dig back into more detailed info. to further explain, but check it out and you will see that this is the case. So basically, you can buy an older dryer but you won't have the latest moisture sensor in it as you will with the newer and better designs.

 

[mihi]

here is some more moisture sensor info.....

The best dryer moisture sensor is an electronic design that is mounted inside the drum. This moisture sensor actually contacts the clothes to accurately determine their moisture level. There are several effective designs, but one particularly effective design measures the electrical resistance through the clothes to the dryer drum. As moisture is removed from the clothes, the resistance increases for a precise dryness level.

Simpler, less expensive "automatic" moisture sensors are less accurate because they often determine the dryness of the clothes in an indirect way. For example, some just measure the exhaust air temperature to estimate the dryness of the clothes. As the clothes become drier, the exhaust air temperature increases. Regardless of the type of moisture sensor you choose, select a model with many settings to vary the dryness depending on the fabric type.

 

[gyrafoam]

IMO Get the SQ's!

Steel parts vs plastic.
3 year warranty.
American made.
Good cleaning and drying. (Washer has 710 rpm spin).

 

[redcarpetdrew]

I'd go for a set of newer model Mah55/6500 and Mde/Mdg5500 (elect or gas) Neptunes. The later models already came with the updates including the motor&control upgrade among other things. You can find them used for a good price.

RCD

 

[mihi]

if it were my bucks.....

I'd definitely get the Speed Queen or F-P over the two originally mentioned. Just my preference I guess.

 

[cb526]

An update.

I don't think that geting a used model is something that will fly here, although I personally wouldn't mind.

I've looked into the FPs and what concerns me is that I see some complaints about spilling (as well as a general lack of people available to service them). The spilling is an issue for me as we're in an apartment with wood flooring in the laundry area.

If we were to get the FPs, the ONLY model washer we could afford would be the one in the link, the EcoSmart WA37TG1.

I have the GE Profile Hydrowaves on order but haven't taken delivery yet, so I'm not committed quite yet.

Thoughts?

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=25760-45535-WA37TG1&lpage=none

 

[pierreandreply4]

Model that i would recomend that you buy

hello

here are the specp for the maytag washer and matching dryer hope this helps you

Good luck

Maytag Laveuse 3,2 pi3 à chargement sur le dessus
263 637 822


Information sur la marque
Voyez d'autres produits Maytag

Tableau de commande: Blanc

Coffrage: Blanc

Numéro de Sears 263 637 822

Numéro du fabricant MTW5807TQ

Veuillez préciser une quantité entre 1 et 99.

Sears Prix Ordinaire: 749,99 $




Caractéristiques
Important : Les grandeurs indiquées sont approximatives. Toujours mesurer la marchandise réelle avant de faire des plans définitifs et du découpage.

Caractéristiques Générales
Capacité Super
Capacité (pieds cubes) 3.20
Largeur de l'appareil (pouces) 27.0
Hauteur de l'appareil (pouces) 44.0
Profondeur de l'appareil (pouces) 27.0
Verrouillage de sûreté (porte, couvercle) Non
Consommation min. d'eau (gallons impér. ) 11
Consommation max. d'eau (gallons impér.) 42
Fini coffrage/dessus Acier émaillé
Matériau cuve extérieure Polypropylène
Matériau cuve de lavage Acier inoxydable
Insonorisation Qualité supérieure
Cote Energuide (kWh/an) 419
Certifié Energy Star Non
Système de lavage
Système d'entraînement de la laveuse Entraînement par courroie
Sorte d'agitateur Dual-Action
Commutateur vitesse 4 choix
Cycle énergique/durée accrue Oui
Cycle(s) courant(s) Courant, sans repassage
Autre(s) cycle(s) d'entretien des tissus Délicat, à laver main
Cycles spéciaux Trempage
Option rinçage supplémentaire Manuel
Réglage automatique de température Oui
Réglages température lavage-rinçage 4 1 réglage auto
Réglages du niveau d'eau 5
Filtre Autonettoyant
Distributeur de javellisant Distribution minuté auto
Distributeur de détergent Non
Distributeur d'assouplissant Oui
Avertisseur fin de cycle Interrupteur marche-arrêt
Nombre de vitesses du moteur 1/2 hp (2 vitesses)
Tableau de commandes
Sorte de commandes Rotatives
Mise en marche différée max. (heures) 0
Matériau Plastique
Minuteur mise en marche différée Non
Voyants de marche Oui



Informations sur la garantie
Pièces main-d'oeuvre
Garantie générale 1 an 1 an
Corrosion du coffrage 1 an 1 an
Moteur 1 an 1 an
Système d'entraînement, transmission 1 an 1 an
Panier de lavage 1 an 1 an
Cuve extérieure 1 an 1 an

dryer spec

Maytag Sécheuse électrique 7 pi3 de super capacité
263 677 822


Information sur la marque
Voyez d'autres produits Maytag

Tableau de commande: Blanc

Coffrage: Blanc

Numéro de Sears 263 677 822

Numéro du fabricant YMED5707TQ

Veuillez préciser une quantité entre 1 et 99.

Sears Prix Ordinaire: 549,99 $




Caractéristiques
Important : Les grandeurs indiquées sont approximatives. Toujours mesurer la marchandise réelle avant de faire des plans définitifs et du découpage.

Caractéristiques Générales
Capacité Super
Capacité (pieds cubes) 7.00
Largeur de l'appareil (pouces) 29.0
Hauteur de l'appareil (pouces) 44.0
Profondeur de l'appareil (pouces) 28.5
Sorte de porte Non réversible à ouverture latérale
Puissance (W) 4750
Puissance nécessaire (V) 240
Éclairage du tambour Oui
Grille de séchage Non
Fini coffrage/dessus Acier émaillé
Matériau du tambour Acier enduit de peinture
Type d'évacuation 4 façons
Filtre En façade
Insonorisation Haute qualité
Cote Energuide (kWh/an) 950
Certifié Energy Star Non
Système de séchage
Nombre de cycles 6
Système de séchage automatique Capteur d'humidité
Option séchage réglable Non
Capteur d'humidité Oui
Séchage minuté avec chaleur Oui
Séchage minuté sans chaleur Non
Cycle normal pour tissus courants Oui
Cycle sans repassage Oui
Cycle délicat Oui
Cycle séchage humide Oui
Cycle anti-froissage Non
Cycle défroissage Non
Nombre de réglages de température 4
2 réglages de température Non
Avertisseur fin de cycle Interrupteur marche-arrêt
Averisseur filtre à charpie Non
Nombre de vitesses du moteur 1/3 hp
Grille de séchage Aucune
Tableau de commandes
Matériau Plastique
Commandes Boutons manuels



Informations sur la garantie
Pièces main-d'oeuvre
Garantie générale 1 an 1 an
Tambour de sécheuse 1 an 1 an
Corrosion du coffrage 1 an 1 an

Translation

Maytag 3.2 cu. ft. Top Load Washer
263 637 822


See brand information
See more products by Maytag

Control Panel: White

Cabinet: White

Sears number 263 637 822

Mfg. number MTW5807TQ

Please specify the quantity between 1 and 99

Sears Regular Price: $749.99




Features
Important: Sizes quoted are approximate. Always measure the actual merchandise before making final plans and cutouts.

General Features
Capacity Super
Capacity (cu. ft.) 3.20
Product Width (In.) 27.0
Product Height (In.) 44.0
Product Depth (In.) 27.0
Safety Door/Lid Lock No
Minimum Water Usage (Imp. gal.) 11
Maximum Water Usage (Imp. gal.) 42
Cabinet/Top Finish Porcelain on Steel
Outer Tub Material Polypropylene
Wash Basket Material Stainless Steel
Sound Reduction Package Best
Energuide Rating (kWh/Year) 419
Energy Star Qualified No
Wash System
Washer Drive System Belt Gear Drive
Agitator Type Dual/Double Action
Speed Switch 4 Selections
Heavy Duty/Extended Time Cycle Yes
Standard Cycle(s) Normal and Permanent Press
Other Fabric Care Cycle(s) Delicate and Hand Wash
Specialty Cycles Soak
Extra Rinse Option Manual
Auto Temperature Control Yes
Wash Rinse Temperature Options 4 Automatic Temperature Control
Water Level Options 5
Filter Self Clean
Bleach Dispenser Auto Timed Release
Detergent Dispenser No
Fabric Softener Dispenser Yes
End of Cycle Signal On/Off Switch
Motor Speed (hp) 1/2 HP (2 Speed)
Control Panel
Type of Controls Manual-Rotary
Maximum Delay Time (hr.) 0
Material Plastic
Delay Start Timer No
Operating Indicator Lights Yes



Warranty Information
Parts Labour
General Warranty 1 Year 1 Year
Cabinet Rust Through 1 Year 1 Year
Motor 1 Year 1 Year
Drive System/Transmission 1 Year 1 Year
Wash Basket 1 Year 1 Year
Outertub 1 Year 1 Year

Maytag 7.0 cu. ft. Super Capacity Electric Dryer
263 677 822


See brand information
See more products by Maytag

Control Panel: White

Cabinet: White

Sears number 263 677 822

Mfg. number YMED5707TQ

Please specify the quantity between 1 and 99

Sears Regular Price: $549.99




Features
Important: Sizes quoted are approximate. Always measure the actual merchandise before making final plans and cutouts.

General Features
Capacity Super
Capacity (cu. ft.) 7.00
Product Width (In.) 29.0
Product Height (In.) 44.0
Product Depth (In.) 28.5
Door Type Non Reversible Side Swing
Wattage (W) 4750
Power Requirements (V) 240
Drum Light Yes
Clothes Rack/Bar No
Cabinet/Top Finish Porcelain on Steel
Drum Material Painted Steel
Venting Options 4 Way
Filter Front Mounted
Sound Reduction Package Better
Energuide Rating (kWh/Year) 950
Energy Star Qualified No
Drying System
Number of Options (Cycles) 6
Auto Drying System Moisture Sensor (Better)
Adjustable Dryer Option No
Moisture Monitor Yes
Timed Heat Yes
Timed Air No
Regular/Normal Cycle Yes
Permanent Press Cycle Yes
Delicate Cycle Yes
Damp Dry Cycle Yes
Wrinkle Prevention Cycle No
Wrinkle Release Cycle No
Number of Temperature Options 4
2 Temperature Staged Drying No
End of Cycle Signal On/Off Switch
Lint Signal No
Motor Speed (hp) 1/3 HP
Dry Rack None
Control Panel
Material Plastic
Controls Manual Knobs



Warranty Information
Parts Labour
General Warranty 1 Year 1 Year
Dryer Drum 1 Year 1 Year
Cabinet Rust Through 1 Year 1 Year

Good luck

 

[frigilux]

I think you'll be fine with the Hydrowaves. GE's dryers have a nice, big drum, too. One of our members, Jamie (Pulsator), bought a Hydrowave recently, and his reviews of it have been good.

It's heresy to say this around here, but unless you are willing to deal with locating parts and---depending on how old a machine you get---servicing it yourself, a new machine is probably the way to go. I agree that vintage machines were built for the long haul compared to new, plastic model; but for many people, getting a new washer is the more practical choice.

While I think modern front-loaders are better than modern top-loaders, if you are on the third floor of a building with wood floors, a front-loader may cause too much vibration and shaking, anyway. Getting a top-loader may be your only option.

Let us know how things work out with your Hydrowave washer. We love to read reviews!

 

[cb526]

Dang it. Now I'm really torn between the F&P and the Hydrowave.

LOL

HEEEEEEEEEELP!

 

[cb526]

Well, I'm going to go with and take delivery on the Hydrowave set.

I'll be adding a repairmaster five year extended warranty to hedge my bet.

 

[cb526]

I really want to go with the fisher paykels but I've read too many just out of warranty horror stories to feel confident in purchasing them.

 

[frigilux]

Consumer Reports reliability ratings show that Fisher/Paykel are more repair-prone than Whirlpool/GE/Frigidaire top-loaders. Glenn (Dadoes), however, has had two F/P washers and never experienced a problem with them. It's really the luck of the draw.

Hope you like your Hydrowaves---especially since I've been the one nudging you in that direction, LOL. Let us know what you think of them once they're installed.

 

[cb526]

Thanks, Frigilux!

I'm just happy that we'll have a washer and dryer in the apartment.

I never realized what a relatively stressful situation simply buying appliances could be.

Hopefully I grow to love these machines.

 

[ptcruiser51]

A little late to the gate

The customers I've sold HydroWaves to are happy with them. Very quiet machines - usually you just hear the water sloshing around. Yours should come with a DVD, watch it. It 'splains (as R. Ricardo would say) that after the machine fills, it pauses and you'll hear clicking. If you lift the lid it re-sets and starts clicking again. This is just the cycle advancing, if you keep lifting the lid it will keep resetting. Be patient and machine will start. GE may have modified this by now, my factory rep said they got a number of repair calls for this.

The sensor dryers sometimes have trouble with "mixed" loads, like if you wash tees with towels. Tees will be dry but towels wet, or towels will be dry and tees fried. Try to wash similar stuff and you'll be fine.

Happy laundry days ahead!