I am contemplating selling my Whirlpool direct drive top load washer and purchasing a front loader

[johnbee]

Front load washer, serviceability

BTW I'm a big Miele fan and its extremely easy to take it apart like a SpeedQueen but also like an LG!

Actually, I took apart my LG in 5 minutes, just by removing 5-6 screws from the front.

Yes, SpeedQueen is built like a tank but this is it.
I had to replace an LG pump, which cost something like $14 and was a simple stupid DIY.

Actually, LG nowadays is SO simple that you can take the whole drum apart without special tools.

and regarding recirculation pumps, I owned an LG and now a Miele.
The LG is using the main pump filter to keep any lit. Also recirculation is proven to help and keep the clothes wet and soapy by all times. Its an old technology used by other vintage washers like Frigidaire, GE etc.

I was tempted to buy a SpeedQueen as I had a 25% discount. But I did not.
First of all a friend of mine owns a laundromat and he absolutely hates the new generation of SpeedQueen Front loaders. The whole "HORIZON" series is crap. He already replaced almost every single pump, detergent drawer, Door locks, and he's facing rust issues all over the place.

I'm not paying this amount of money for a washer that is lacking internal heater, Sanitize cycle, and recirculation pump.

I think LG is a great choice. I decided to go for Miele since I'm running more than 15 loads per week and I feel like the LG wouldn't keep up.

 

[combo52]

New front load washers

Hi John, some interesting thoughts, but

I want to see you take the drum out of an LG without any tools, there are no screws on the front of an LG washer you can’t just take the front off you have to take the top off first

Frigidaire and GE did not use recirculation in front load washers in the past.

No front load washer has a filter that takes out lint and sediment. Anything in the sump with a recirculation system will be just pumped back into the wash load over and over again.

Speed Queen‘s horizon frontload washer was discontinued in 2005. How old are your friends machines?
If you’re doing 15 loads a week in Miele you could be doing that in less than 10 in a full sized front loader.

 

[johnbee]

Talking about size

You're right. My friend's Laundromat is pretty old but the issues with HORIZON and the later SpeedQueen came up quite fast. He told me within the first 3-4 years.
Anyhow, Let's talk about capacity.
I'm part of a Startup and we're offering laundry service from home. Is a good gig, good income with several benefits and tax write-offs.
When I joined the team I had an LG (I think it was the 3770). Great machine, big drum BUT if you read between the lines the MAX capacity in LBS is ONLY 18-20. I was shocked. Then I had to call the LG support and they confirmed that you load the drum something like 3/4 or less. Shocked again.
A Miele "Compact" Washer has a MAX Capacity of 18lbs. A rule from Miele is that as far as you can close the door it will do the job.
Also every time you load to the max capacity an LG or GE or whatever, even with turbo wash the Normal cycle can we well over 2 hours.
A Miele will do the work in 1 hour.
Fun fact that SpeedQueen has a rated capacity of 3.5 cubic feet and can handle up to 22lbs while Miele can handle 18lbs on a 2.2 cubic feet drum.
Yes you're right SpeedQueen can handle more than any other residential Front Loader in the Market, BUT... No heater, No satize cycle and compared to Miele 1600RPM .. Slow Spin Speed. (My dryer is running like 30% faster fully loaded after a 1600RPM Spin cycle compared to 1200RPM of the LG).

 

[logixx]

*rated* capacity

That's the keyword.

At 3.5 cubic feet, the commercial Speed Queen is a true 22 lbs. machine.

At 2.2 cubic feet, the residential Miele is more of a 14 lbs washer.

In Mexico, LG rate their 4.5 to 5 cu.ft. residential washers at 48 lbs.

Capacity claims is weight involve a lot of marketing.

 

[johnbee]

14 Lbs? probably some years ago.
Miele washers in US is rated as 18lbs (8kg) on their website.
My older W3035 yes it was a 14lbs. You can tell the difference.

I tried once loading my LG up to the top. Which was probably what they advertise in Mexico.
The machine would throw an error code and pump all the water out. The Error code was related to the motor.
Same with a Samsung we bought on our vacation home. You DARE to load it full with towels and it won't start at all.

 

[logixx]

Advertising

Not saying Miele are lying about the capacity, just saying that manufacturers can and do claim more or less whatever when it comes to capacity (in weight).

Miele Little Giant at 2.3 cu.ft. -> 15 lbs.
Miele residential at 2.2 cu.ft. -> 18 lbs.
Miele Little Giant at 2.6 cu.ft. -> 18 lbs.
Hoover at 2 cu.ft. -> 20 lbs.
Miele Professional at 2.8 cu.ft. -> 20 lbs.
Bosch at 2.5 cu.ft. -> 22 lbs.
My old Duet at 3.3 cu.ft -> 24 lbs.
LG at 2.4 cu.ft -> 26.5 lbs.
Hoover at 2.9 cu.ft. -> 30 lbs.

Shenanigans

 

[ryner1988]

Reply #18

Hi John L,

Thank you for your opinion, I was hoping you would chime in because I know you are a proponent of front load washers and I value your expertise on the subject.

The reason I wanted the LG over another brand like MT or WP is because I know that LG works well with the app. I was thinking the app would come in handy if the control panel proved difficult for me as a sight-impaired person. In other words, I was looking to the app to fill in the gaps so I could still use the machine independently. What is your opinion on the usability of the current MT/WP FL machines from the standpoint of someone who is blind? Are there buttons/dials that could be easily labeled, etc?

Also as stated above I don't plan to replace my current washer yet. Some other financial obligations came up, so the DD is staying until further notice. This is fine with me as I do like the washer I have and it's not like I use a lot of water for only two people anyway. I tend to do very large loads on the highest water level every few days, so average about three loads every 10 days or so is how that probably works out. I could be wrong but I feel like doing full loads on the highest water level a few times is better than lots of small loads on lower levels.

I'll keep y'all updated if my situation changes and I'm back on the market for a new machine.

Ryne