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.

 

[jrap330]

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.

Can you explain the Home Depot requirement? No appliance stores in the area? Because on another post comparing GE Commercial Top Loader vs Speed Queen TC5...I would state look at those. Otherwise, Consumer Reports rates the LG top loaders best LG # WT7005CW-$875-with agitator. LG #WT7000CW- $ 890- High Efficiency-Impeller.,

 

[phillymatt53]

I used to believe in the Consumer Reports ratings.
The same goes for those HiFi magazines with independent reviews of consumer stereo products.
They used to be accurate, reliable.

But these days, I don't bother with them.
I've found that they've been "bought", corrupted, by the manufacturers in order to sell their products.
The reviewer and/or magazine gets paid kickbacks to glorify a product, which I've often found is the case when some "highly touted" stuff came into my shop.
It's all about milking the public, dressing up something, - it's about money, from your pocket to theirs.

 

[henene4]

There are certain review outlets I would agree on are pay-per-review - something like reviewed.com in the US, or "ETM Testmagazin" here in Germany.


But CR - like Stiftung Warentest over here - is at least mostly independent.
There's a real simple way to tell that: If they have any product from main stream brands getting a sub 90% score, NOBODY bought that test.

If you just want to shill reviews you've been paid for, there is no reason to review any product by any manufacturer that does not pay you - why would you spend 1000$ on a product to make it look bad, if someone else is paying 10x that and you get the product to review for free?
And believe me - paying 10k plus one free product is NOTHING in terms of marketing budget, so there is no reason why anybody in that test wouldn't buy a good score if they could.



What you should take with a grain of salt is how they test stuff.
Many tests are just not typical usecases - and thus don't really tell you much useful information.

Most washers will handle mostly daily soils reasonably well. What they test with is some serious soiling.
Many manufacturers design cycles so that in those specific tests they score great, while some other cycles might not be well designed.
Etc. etc.

 

[vacerator]

Re; Consumers Union reports. I don't trust them. They rate LG refrigerators high on the list too. My neighbor says hers is junk. Flimsy shelves. Going back to 1986 and the Suzuki Samurai test. They were told to do whatever it took to make it roll over. Why, and funded by? Suzuki hoped to sell 40,000 in 1985. They sold 47,000. Any higher profile vehicle has a higher center of gravity and can roll if pushed over it's limit. Maybe Jeep, etc. didn't want the competiton?
By '87 sales dropped lower. Suzuki sued and won, but the damage had been done. Scared potential buyers and by '89-'90 it was discontinued.

 

[combo52]

Consumer reports of Mount Vernon, New York

Is a completely 100% ethical and honest operation they are not fought out by anyone. No one ever has bribe them successfully.

They do not take samples from any manufacture every single item they test they buy in the marketplace just like you and I do.

That said I don’t always agree with their ratings because the criteria they’re looking for is not always what the consumer is looking for in my opinion.

When they’re testing appliances, for example they’re looking for performance, which is very important but sometimes there are more important things such as ease of repair, long-term reliability not just how people like them for the first half dozen years, etc.

They should get the opinion of more of the people that repair Appliances and cars for example and report on that.

I also take issue because they don’t tell you where products are made. I personally being an American preferred to buy American made products. I also like to buy union built products and again this information is lacking.

A year and a half ago when I wanted to get a new minivan I liked the Toyota sienna but I did not like the made in Japan. label on the inside of the door. I bought a union built Chrysler Pacifica instead.

There were a lot of factors in this decision, the Toyota‘s biggest advantage it got much better, gas mileage, but I couldn’t get over the goofy toy like look of the thing it didn’t have as much room inside you couldn’t get a trailer tow package on it and parts are much more expensive for the Toyota.

 

[jrap330]

I used to believe in the Consumer Reports ratings.
The same goes for those HiFi magazines with independent reviews of consumer stereo products.
They used to be accurate, reliable.

But these days, I don't bother with them.
I've found that they've been "bought", corrupted, by the manufacturers in order to sell their products.
The reviewer and/or magazine gets paid kickbacks to glorify a product, which I've often found is the case when some "highly touted" stuff came into my shop.
It's all about milking the public, dressing up something, - it's about money, from your pocket to theirs.

While I hate that on their on-line version..thet give links to click on where to buy the item: Amazon, Home Depot. Lowes, which gives a fishy impression. I till believe in their reviews vs "no information at all" Or to any online review which are clearly done by on-line "nobodies" who give everyone a good review. Sorry you are so jaded. My relatives like the LG Front loaders. LG os having issues with refrigerators

Re; Consumers Union reports. I don't trust them. They rate LG refrigerators high on the list too. My neighbor says hers is junk. Flimsy shelves. Going back to 1986 and the Suzuki Samurai test. They were told to do whatever it took to make it roll over. Why, and funded by? Suzuki hoped to sell 40,000 in 1985. They sold 47,000. Any higher profile vehicle has a higher center of gravity and can roll if pushed over it's limit. Maybe Jeep, etc. didn't want the competiton?
By '87 sales dropped lower. Suzuki sued and won, but the damage had been done. Scared potential buyers and by '89-'90 it was discontinued.

Well that is the issue...LG's new compressor are failing. No history yet on it. Unfortunately...quality and durability comments that Consumers used to put in their review are no longer being offered. They used to state, flimsy, or too plasticky. But in shortening their reviews, they now no longer addressed it. They do say, which this forum concurs, all new appliances are not meant to last...5-7 years,, is the new lifetrime vs 10-15..of previous decades.
and new invertors.

 

[db130]

Can you explain the Home Depot requirement? No appliance stores in the area? Because on another post comparing GE Commercial Top Loader vs Speed Queen TC5...I would state look at those. Otherwise, Consumer Reports rates the LG top loaders best LG # WT7005CW-$875-with agitator. LG #WT7000CW- $ 890- High Efficiency-Impeller.,

It's because the person is planning to pay with a Home Depot credit card, and there's a 12-month 0% apr promo.

 

[jrap330]

Consumer reports of Mount Vernon, New York

Is a completely 100% ethical and honest operation they are not fought out by anyone. No one ever has bribe them successfully.

They do not take samples from any manufacture every single item they test they buy in the marketplace just like you and I do.

That said I don’t always agree with their ratings because the criteria they’re looking for is not always what the consumer is looking for in my opinion.

When they’re testing appliances, for example they’re looking for performance, which is very important but sometimes there are more important things such as ease of repair, long-term reliability not just how people like them for the first half dozen years, etc.

They should get the opinion of more of the people that repair Appliances and cars for example and report on that.

I also take issue because they don’t tell you where products are made. I personally being an American preferred to buy American made products. I also like to buy union built products and again this information is lacking.

A year and a half ago when I wanted to get a new minivan I liked the Toyota sienna but I did not like the made in Japan. label on the inside of the door. I bought a union built Chrysler Pacifica instead.

There were a lot of factors in this decision, the Toyota‘s biggest advantage it got much better, gas mileage, but I couldn’t get over the goofy toy like look of the thing it didn’t have as much room inside you couldn’t get a trailer tow package on it and parts are much more expensive for the Toyot

It's because the person is planning to pay with a Home Depot credit card, and there's a 12-month 0% apr promo.

That was my guess...the Home Depot card.

 

[DADoES]

Re; Consumers Union reports. I don't trust them. They rate LG refrigerators high on the list too. My neighbor says hers is junk. Flimsy shelves. Going back to 1986 and the Suzuki Samurai test. They were told to do whatever it took to make it roll over. Why, and funded by? Suzuki hoped to sell 40,000 in 1985. They sold 47,000. Any higher profile vehicle has a higher center of gravity and can roll if pushed over it's limit. Maybe Jeep, etc. didn't want the competiton?
By '87 sales dropped lower. Suzuki sued and won, but the damage had been done. Scared potential buyers and by '89-'90 it was discontinued.

I believe Consumer's Union and Consumer Reports were separate entities back-in-the-day. I haven't seen anything about Consumer's Union in many years. Does it still exist? Did it merge with Consumer Reports?

I had an online subscription to CR years ago. I found some aspects of their ratings and the Annual Survey to be questionable, and found errors in their details on features of some appliances. I bought a couple errors to their attention, they never corrected it. Existing print issues of course can't be directly revised, although a correction could be stated in a later issue. Online info can be immediately corrected, which they did not. I canceled the subscription with a couple months remaining, but access to immediately revoked.

Dad had a print subscription to CR for a few years toward the end of his life. I established online access to the customer account to check the remaining duration and other details. They kept sending renewal begs for at least a year after the expiration.