Is there a consensus? SAHM needs a washer!

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jfel

Member
Joined
Feb 8, 2018
Messages
6
Location
San Diego
Hi All,

I found you guys in doing a little bit of homework for our next washer purchase. Our HE TL Maytag Bravos that we bought new, not even 3 years ago, did not make it through my family's recent back-to-back rounds of stomach flu. The transmission is toast. The repair man enlightened me a little about how all these more modern brands use cheapo plastic parts that can't easily be bought individually and are very time consuming to repair... read expensive, making these machines "disposables" as he called it. I think we paid close to $700 for that washer.

He taught me about Speed Queen. But now I might be more confused than ever. He said Top Loaders are best for cheaper repairs. I know just enough about SQ to avoid 2018 models...but I keep coming across the shredded laundry issue with some older ones. Is there a consensus on what models to look out for?

For all you SQ owners, are they worth the price? Have you found you're actually getting your money's worth?

I'm a stay-at-home-mom of two young children. We do lots of laundry as well as cloth diaper. We don't need the best and would happily get the cheapest if it will do the job and makes sense ( saw Lorian's recent Youtube Video on Amana). But if the Speed Queen actually does have longevity than financially it makes sense...right?

This is the model we are considering from the distributor near us. He's quoting $831
https://www.pwslaundrywest.com/i-22306121-speed-queen-top-load-washer-lwn432sp115tw04.html

I also came across some retired models on DesignerAppliances.com
https://www.designerappliances.com/retired-models.html

All thoughts and advice welcome!

P.S. I should mention that we are in California. Are there any front-loaders you all recommend?
 
Very happy with the performance of our 432 model so far, purchased in Dec.17. We do a LOT of laundry. I'd grab that commercial 432 from PWS in a heart beat.
 
 

 

Personally I'd say go with a front load: LG, Kenmore (the models made by LG), Whirlpool and Maytag (made by Whirlpool).  I am bias however as I've been using front load washers for my laundry the last 20 years. 

 

I would avoid Samsung, too many failures of one type or another in just a few years.   I would also bypass GE, but I have nothing to back that up, it's only my personal preference. 

 

If you do get a front loader (or top load for that matter), I'd suggest washing (the majority) only in warm or hot water and use a good H.E. detergent.  Also, leave the door and dispenser drawer ajar when not in use.  So many people have been brainwashed into thinking they MUST always wash in cold to save energy and the planet.  The problem is that body oils, BO and other soils don't play well (come out easily) in cold water.  The other problem, especially if you use liquid fabric softener, is residue from the softener, along with dirt and other soil, builds up over time in the outer drum of the washer and often causes an  unpleasant odor.

 

Since you have young kids, a built-in heater and steam (only available in front load) may be good features to have, but they're also tend to be in the higher priced models.

 

Speed Queen can be good too, but only a 2017 or older model. 

 

Best of luck!

Kevin

 
 
why not select a used set....like one of these direct drive units.....time tested and hold up well, still old school setup....

the most repair ever needed are a coupler or a pump...which can be installed by you in a matter of minutes, and your back in action....parts are still abundantly available....

and you will still get plenty of use out of these for the price....

just a thought.....


yogitunes-2018020812365406727_1.jpg
 
The machine in the first link you provided has only a 14 lb. capacity.  It may be a commercial model, but that's a small tub of old-school proportions.

 

There are a couple of 432 models in the second link with 3.3 cf capacity, which is the larger tub.  The price difference isn't that much.

 

If you can afford to splurge, the single SQ front loader shown for $1,499 will last you 20 years or more, and IIRC it may offer a short cycle, as front loader cycles are typically twice as long as top loaders.

 

Personally, I'd never go back to a top loader as my daily driver.  The cleaning ability of a front loader is superior beyond measure.
 
Thanks Yogitunes,

I'm not opposed to a used TL, especially if may actually mean greater longevity. I just don't know the first thing about how to pick a good one out from among the disposables. How can you tell which machines have a DD?

Regarding temperature: our water heater is very close, less than 8 feet away. Does distance from the water heater change how hot our "hot & warm" water are?

For those of you with LG FL, where did you purchase yours? Friends & family are encouraging me to check out Costco.
 
those three sets that are along the ends are good directdrives to choose from....the 4 button design will give you the most flexibility with speeds to match any cycle, the variations are endless....

but most of what he has there are direct drive units.....you can't go wrong with that matched dryer as well.....

Flers will give you larger capacity, better extraction of water, less water and detergent use...longevity is the big question of anything built today, not sure Costco offers an extended warranty...I have seen good and bad from the selection that is out there...

8 feet is not too big of a deal from your water heater....if possible, always purge your line first.....
 
 

 

DD = Direct Drive (as opposed to the older Belt Drive) . 

 

That is a Whirlpool design that started in the mid 1980's.  It would be in Whirlpool (and all their sub-brands, Kitchenaid, Maytag, Amana, Gibson and others) and Sears/Kenmore up to 5 years or so ago I believe.   Based on the photo Martin posted above, it looks like the majority are Whirlpool or Kenmore.

 

I only ever see one washer & dryer on display in Costco, but if you check their website, the have many to choose from.

 

Water heater 8 feet away: That's great, no problems there.  IF your water heater were on the other side of the house, yes that would effect temps because it takes a while to clear the cold water out of the hot water pipe.

 

I hope this helps. 
 
What do you think of the newer LG Direct Drive models like this one what Costco carries?
https://www.costco.com/LG-5.2CuFt-M...y-in-White---WM8100HWA.product.100302151.html

Can anyone speak to DD with a front loader? I didn't realize there was such a thing? Or is that what the SQ FL is too? Can you tell I'm a little confused? Hah!

Like many southern CA residents with young kids... I'm torn between FL & TL. FL because of our crazy water bill/penalties & fines. But TL because the repair man told me the SQ TL is much easier to fix. However... it seems like unless I get a SQ, I will never need to fix my FL when something big happens, because at that point it makes more sense to replace it. I think I'm spiraling into indecision! The more I weigh the pros and cons, the more fickle my enthusiasm for either becomes.
 
.
I am in San Diego and will sell you a used Speed Queen top load machine for way less than new.
Let me know if you're interested. Also I will pair it with a Speed Queen gas dryer for a nice package price.
I have 3 SQ washers and only really want two.
 
 

 

When "we" say DD or direct drive, we are only referring to the top load Whirlpool / Kenmore machines.  They used to have a more complicated "belt drive" design for the previous 35 years or so, before the "direct drive" design.

 

LG front load washers have always been "direct drive" because there is no transmission or belt, the motor is attached directly to the drum.

 

As for the 5.2 LG, I'm sure it would be a good machine, especially since it has the "Turbowash" (a recirculating water spray).  A friend of mine has an LG with Turbowash and he says it washes and rinses especially well because of that <span style="font-size: 12pt;">recirculating spray.</span>

 

<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Honestly I would look at the LG MW4370HWA.  Same features as that 5.2, but doesn't have the controls on the door (or the silly storage bin on top), it has a "slightly" smaller capacity (if you can call 4.5 cu.ft. small), plus it's $410 less ($840 vs $1250 for the 5.2).  The thing is, honestly I don't think you would really notice the size difference between the 4.5 (already huge) and the 5.2.</span>


 

That is if you don't take up Robert on his used Speed Queen offer above.

 

Kevin
 
Thanks all so much for the information. We went ahead and bought the cheapest LG through Costco. WM3670HWA knowing that we will get at least 2 years of warranty. We realize this is probably just another "disposable" but from some of the other members here, theres a chance it might make it much longer than 2 years, maybe closer to 7? Our hope if to save up for a FL SQ but $1700 just isn't the smartest move right now. Our water heater is pushing its luck being 12 years old... anticipating that need is more urgent than having a top of the line washer.

https://www.costco.com/LG-4.5CuFt-U...am-Technology-in-White.product.100302145.html

Decided FL is the best choice for our family & location. Realistically we do 1-2 loads daily with only 2 kids. We've got slipcovered couches and I like to wash our comforters/bedspreads/pillows at home.

Rob- are you the same Rob selling his set on CL in San Diego? I reached out to a Rob also selling his SQ set, but he let me know it was sold. In the end, I think that small capacity wouldn't have worked out for us.

Sounds like SQ FL residential is going bye bye this month...not so sure how well my plan will work out to buy one in the future...

Anyway, we are happy with the decision we made. Thanks so much! you all are so kind!
Jen
 
 
<blockquote>jfel:  Regarding temperature: our water heater is very close, less than 8 feet away. Does distance from the water heater change how hot our "hot & warm" water are?</blockquote> New washers for the past 7+ years have reduced water temperatures for energy-saving purposes.  They have sensors that mix the hot and cold water to attain specific temperatures.  The distance from the water heater and the setting of the water heater doesn't have as much effect ... hotter incoming water simply prompts the machine to mix in more cold to reduce the temperature.

The designated "normal" cycle is the most restricted because it's used for testing the EnergyStar qualification on the premise that majority of consumers will use that cycle for the majority of their washing.  Warm on "normal" may be 75°F to 85°F ... which is pretty much equivalent to cold.  Hot may be 95°F to 110°F, pretty much what was warm 20 years ago.

Getting a reasonable warm or hot temperature typically calls for using the Heavy Duty cycle, or Sanitary or Allergen for really hot if the machine has it (especially if an onboard water heater is involved).
 
If you can still get it:

A SQ FL is the best made washer ever for home use. Mine has been flawless. The reason is that it is a true commercial washer made for home use. This option while expensive will give you the best performance and value for price paid. It is unlikely you will ever wear this commercial grade washer out unless you are running a commercial laundry with it. I can also attest to the fact that they do a very good job. The SQ dryers also work very well and are Commercial grade as well. They do run a bit hot but once I learned how to set mine it dries just fine.
WK78
 
I see you have decided on an LG. I hope it works out well for you, I've never had an LG washer. I am VERY pleased with my Miele, but they are $$$$$! It can do a load in as little as one hour and heats as hot as I want it to regardless of the water heater settings.[this post was last edited: 2/9/2018-00:25]
 
I've seen the LG's and a few others at Costco and hope yours works well. The 2017 and earlier Speed Queen top loaders are great machines but a SQ FL could be a better for a family or bulky loads. They say to size a washing machine for your daily use and I don't mind running bulky items to the laundromat once in awhile but with the family it would be tougher.
Anyway let us know how the LG works out and what you think.
 
I wanted to say that when I was groundskeeper at the zoo,,,

We had a cheap Amana set and it worked well on the filthy cloths and mop pads we used in the rest rooms and windows, did not dumb down the hot water and did well if you did the rinse and spin first and then the deep water wash cycle. So that machine would work well for the cloth diapers and as a groundskeeper, I am so glad you are not using Pampers.

I see you are being responsible and buying the hi efficiency LG and maybe replacing the water heater with one that has new energy standards. I also recommend insulating the hot water line to the washer too.

Now if you really want to save the Earth, visit a Planned Parenthood center and find out how to do family planning for no more than 2 kids. PP is often the best place to find out, because my sisters tell me "old Gynes" want women to have babies.
 

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