Is there a decent washing machine (TL/FL) available from Home Depot for under $1k?

[db130]

Hello!

I believe most if not all of my previous posts on AW are regarding fixing up old washing machines. I've only owned 2nd-hand washing machines all of my life.

Anyways.. I've been tasked with finding a *new* replacement washing machine for a family member. Not only does it have to be a new washer, they would also like a new dryer, as they claim their old dryer (a whirlpool-made Kenmore with the lint filter up top that I bought new for them about 30 years ago) is no longer adequately drying clothes.

I may opt to investigate their dryer in person at some point, but regardless, they are pretty set on a new washer. The washer and the dryer does not have to be a matching set, but Home Depot is offering an extra $150 off on a matching set.

Is there a decent front loader for under $1k at Home Depot? We'd also consider a top loader.

 

[thatrobguy]

They have the Electrolux ELFW7537AW or the LG WM4000HBA both for about $875. We have the LG in the 5 cubic foot version and it works great. I'd have gone with the Electrolux personally if it had been priced better when we bought the set last year.

We had an LG front load washer at our last house and I loved it, and the new one we bought last year has worked great. Handles dog blankets, great, and can wash a set of queen sheets, and a king size cotton blanket in the same load with zero issues.

 

[combo52]

A great deal and a great machine would be a whirlpool WFW 4720 RW, you should only be about $750, I installed two of these this past week it’s a lot of washer for the money and anybody will work on a whirlpool.

I would not recommend any top load washer at this time for most people.

Our top recommendation for a new washer is a Speed Queen front load machine but it’s over $2000 so that’s probably out of here budget.

It may be worth taking a look at the 30 year-old dryer, how much use has it had if it’s only been a few loads a week it should be easily fixable. It may just need the exhaust system cleaned.

I recommended Electrolux machine is not a bad machine, but their service is terrible. Make sure there’s a good service or nearby, same possible problem for LG if you buy an LG make sure somebody around wants to work on it

A GE front loader again like the Electrolux has not been as durable. Their parts are cheaper however they only made in China if that’s a factor to you.

John L

 

[combo52]

A great deal and a great machine would be a whirlpool WFW 4720 RW, you should only be about $750, I installed two of these this past week it’s a lot of washer for the money and anybody will work on a whirlpool.

I would not recommend any top load washer at this time for most people.

Our top recommendation for a new washer is a Speed Queen front load machine but it’s over $2000 so that’s probably out of your budget.

It may be worth taking a look at the 30 year-old dryer, how much use has it had if it’s only been a few loads a week it should be easily fixable. It may just need the exhaust system cleaned.

The recommended Electrolux machine is not a bad machine, but their service is terrible. Make sure there’s a good service company nearby, same possible problem for LG if you buy an LG make sure somebody around wants to work on it.

A GE front loader again like the Electrolux has not been as durable. Their parts are cheaper however they only made in China if that’s a factor to you.

John

 

[vacerator]

A 4.5 cubic ft. Samsung front load washer with a steam cycle is $750 plus pedestal optional. Good luck with ours since July 2019. Assembly is done in North Carolina.

 

[db130]

A great deal and a great machine would be a whirlpool WFW 4720 RW, you should only be about $750, I installed two of these this past week it’s a lot of washer for the money and anybody will work on a whirlpool.

It may be worth taking a look at the 30 year-old dryer, how much use has it had if it’s only been a few loads a week it should be easily fixable. It may just need the exhaust system cleaned.

John

I appreciate everyone's responses so far. On a 4th of July weekend, no less!

I'd definitely like to look at that dryer before I replace it. For one thing, I know how to fix it, and I even replaced the belt/idler pulley/rollers back in 2018. Other than maybe one thermal fuse and one high temp thermostat, it has needed minimal repairs.

I was trying to tell them that by not buying a matching dryer, they could buy a better washer.

 

[william8]

I got a Speed Queen TC5. Delivered, installed, free hose extension, and free haul away last year form the local dealer for $1150, The TR5 was offered at $1050. Both have 5 year warranty's. And THEY service what they sell, not some contractor.

I'd check out a local dealer before shopping at HD, just a better experience.

 

[henene4]

The dryer issue might really be only down to a vent issue.
Getting the vent cleaned is certainly a cheaper option than a new dryer - and if it's the vent, a new dryer won't perform any better anyway.


Unfortunately, Home Depot blocks any traffic from the EU.
But looking at the different online shops, there is a bunch of good FL offerings for under 1k.

Things to look for are recirculation and a heater.
So (despite finding steam offerings on washers pretty useless) any machine offering steam.

ELux isn't quite as quiet or fast an LG, but has been rated highly in cleaning time and time again. Their dryers have an edge over LG.
LG locks the heat settings on any sensor cycle, while ELux allows you to vary the heat on Auto cycles within reason, which I find very useful.

However, LGs TurboWash machines somewhat set a benchmark in performance. You get fast, thorough cleaning, a relatively simple interface (ELuxs UI is kind of overcomplicated IMO), very useful options (like up to 3 extra rinses) and you get really quiet performance with the Inverter pumps.



TLs are somewhat questionable at that price point - the big thing they've got going for themselves is pricing, really.
GE TLs aren't that great - pretty noisy. And Samsung's TLs are Samungs...

If it had to be a TL, a Whirlpool or LG could be a reasonable choice, but I really would advise to go with a FL.

 

[jamiel]

Buy a cheap VMW and a used Whirlpool family dryer (if it's anything more than a vent problem) and bank the $$$

 

[combo52]

A water pump is one of the most troublesome parts of a washing machine and one of the parts most likely to need replacing it its lifetime, I do not see the need for a second and third water pump the LG‘s with a recirculation pump is just needless complication and it pumps the gritty Wash water out of the sump back up into the clothing constantly.

The electrolux go one better they have 3 Water Pumps Way too many problems and too much noise.

The whirlpool front load I recommended does have a heater for everybody that wants a heater.

 

[phillymatt53]

In my experience of appliance and consumer products, I've come to find out that the price listed due to tier levels and features is more of a marketing gimmic than a quality standard.
In simple terms, just because something listed as being TOTL, having more features than a basic model, doesn't always make it a better investment.
People are led to believe that just because something costs more, it's a better choice.
From cars/vehicles, to appliances, to home stereos and beyond, all have become vulnerable to this pattern of hyped marketing.

Decades ago, the model lineup of something was pretty true to fact, and reputation.
But it all boils down to the manufacturing and design of something.
....And, where it was made.