Just about ready for a new washer

[MamaBear2015]

We have a pretty old washer - a Whirlpool LA5580XK that we got about 30 years ago.

It still runs but is sort of making creaky sounds now, and I'm tired of it not having a way of adding fabric softener.

But when I think of something newer, I was an electronics R&D technician for for 27 years and am nervous about something with electronic boards in it. This old washer has lasted all this time because it didn't have electronic boards in it, otherwise a nearby lightning strike would have likely taken it out many years ago, and a new electronic board would have been $400 and that would have been it for the machine.

So are there any modern washers/dryers that you can get, without all the bells and whistles, but WITH a fabric softener adder, and without electronic boards?

Also, if I go for something new, I see they have bigger cubic feet inside than this one, which would be great, but which is best? Top loading or front loading? Which type gets the detergent out of the clothes best?

Is there a difference in energy efficiency between them?

Thanks!

 

[washman]

yes, look at Speed Queen

and never look back.

 

[DADoES]

 
LA5580XK is a belt-drive machine.  1982 model year.  The serial number is coded for the year and week of manufacture, which doesn't necessarily reflect the model-marketing year, if you want to know the birth-date more accurately.

Belt-drives are collectible so someone around here would probably be interested if you're going to go on with replacement.

An agitator-mounted softener dispenser to fit your machine is Part Number 88932 ... which is NLA but there may be a specimen in someone's stash if anyone is willing to offer.

 

[washdaddy]

MamaBear- If I were you I would keep the machine that you have. Any machine that you find of that age is bound to have a few creeks and groans but if it's still working fine I wouldn't put it out to pasture yet as long as you're still happy with it.

You might try tracking down the fabric softener dispenser for your machine possibly thru here to see if someone might have an extra they are willing to part with or sell to you. You could try always try e-bay ...you never know.

the other option perhaps is to get one of those fabric softener dispenser balls and try that.

Any new machine you buy is not going to operate the way your current machine does and it will definitely take longer to get your laundry done since cycle times on avg are longer and you may not be happy with the way it performs.

Anyhow, good luck with what you decide and keep us posted on what you choose.

Have a Great One!

 

[gelaundry4ever]

speed queen

If I were you, I would buy a Speed Queen washer and matching dryer.

 

[pierreandreply4]

as stated go with a speed queen washer dryer set

 

[pierreandreply4]

sorry for double post since i can not edit

Front load tends to use less water when washing clothes and also you would have to switch to a high efficency detergent and you can see the kilo wat consumption on the energuide tag in canada these tags are whie in the us they are yellow

and in term of top load they use more water but you need to realise that on newer topload water temp are dumb down so if you went true warm wash ect you might consider having your actual washer repaired

 

[MamaBear2015]

Guess I didn't realize that there was no subscription to this thread ( don't see a way ) and I hadn't realized there were replies.

I also forgot to mention being low income, so Speed Queen prices look pretty high.

 

[dartman]

sears outlet stores

If your on a budget and really want a new machine find the closest Sears Outlet store and look at all their demos and returns.
Paid 580 delivered for my 28102 Kenmore/Whirlpool and it still had a 1 year warranty. Early this year I got the bigger newer version dryer and paid about 500 but barrowed my work van and picked it up myself and installed it.
Sears sells all kinds of manufacturers under their name and on their own. They usually have good sales and offer a 5 percent discount if you have or sign up for their credit card and they'll stack the discounts.
They charge 81 bucks for delivery and setup and have all their inventory online, most with pictures so you can shop from home till you find one you like close by.
I use their card and pay it off when first bill comes to save the 5 percent too.

 

[stricklybojack]

.
The best deal in Speed Queens(and perhaps any laundry equipment) is a recently built machine used on craigslist.
Not all the time, but if you live near a major metro area they come up stupid cheap somewhat regularly...even down to 1/4 the price of a new machine, for something every bit as good.

 

[tolivac]

I would be sort of leary buying from Sears at this point-we don't know long they are going to survive.If you buy thru them-and Sears goes under-warrantee service would be impossible.Just a thought.

 

[mrsalvo]

"I would be sort of leary buying from Sears at this point-we don't know long they are going to survive.If you buy thru them-and Sears goes under-warrantee service would be impossible.Just a thought."
I whole heartedly agree with Tolivac on this. It was another reason I steered clear of Sears last spring when I bought my washer. I doubt I'll buy any major purchase from them from here on out, there's been too many store closings in the area where I live.

 

[joeypete]

Craigslist...

All the way...You'll find machines that are certainly a lot newer than the one you have now and probably with more features.

Speed Queen is obviously a clear choice for someone that wants a very traditional washer, but you're looking at around $700-800 just for the washer. The GE Hydrowaves would be my second choice for a more traditional washer. They will run probably about half the price of the Speed Queen. They are very simply designed and easy to repair, if needed. I had one and it did a great job.