My wife and I are looking for a 3.8 or more FL washer and a 7.0 electric dryer. I know the HE5t is new but what are your alls thoughts as far as quality, I know it is too early to tell about reliability on this washer and dryer. If it were you what would you buy?
Kenmore HE5t any good?
- Thread starter larry2777
- Start date
Help Support :
My Duets are the same size as the HE5's and I got the washer for about half the price of the HE5. Gas dryer cost me a little over $800 but still that's way cheaper than the Kenmore. I read way too many horror stories about the Kenmores' control panels going squirelly--on all of the HE models--so decided to go with Whirlpool since it was hard to find any panel problems being reported on those.
I'm very happy so far with my Duets, although it's been less than a week since they were installed. I went with the 10" pedestals and am glad I did, although the machines are fairly imposing as a result. The 10" pedestals don't offer a drawer (kind of dumb--not sure of the logic there) but 15" ones are just a bit too much and I don't need the drums at eye level. I just didn't want to stoop way down to empty the washer or dryer. 10" was a good compromise and even with the extra cost of those this pair was way cheaper than the Kenmores. I say go with Whirlpool as they do everything you need and there's no reason to pay extra for frills on the Kenmores that you're not likely to ever use.
I'm very happy so far with my Duets, although it's been less than a week since they were installed. I went with the 10" pedestals and am glad I did, although the machines are fairly imposing as a result. The 10" pedestals don't offer a drawer (kind of dumb--not sure of the logic there) but 15" ones are just a bit too much and I don't need the drums at eye level. I just didn't want to stoop way down to empty the washer or dryer. 10" was a good compromise and even with the extra cost of those this pair was way cheaper than the Kenmores. I say go with Whirlpool as they do everything you need and there's no reason to pay extra for frills on the Kenmores that you're not likely to ever use.
Well, there's also the Maytag EPIC, which is a new version of the Kitchenaid Ensemble, which in turn is/was a version of the Duet HT.
If money is no object, you probably could not do wrong by getting the new Miele 4.0 cu ft 4840 washer. Expect to pay $3000 for that pair.
If money is no object, you probably could not do wrong by getting the new Miele 4.0 cu ft 4840 washer. Expect to pay $3000 for that pair.
Dryer Door
I took delivery of my HE5t on Friday. The dryer door won't stay closed so warranty repair is coming today (Monday) to fix it. They said this is a known problem. Wonder why they don't just repair them before delivery. I'm home weekdays, but this would be a major pain if I had to take off work.
I took delivery of my HE5t on Friday. The dryer door won't stay closed so warranty repair is coming today (Monday) to fix it. They said this is a known problem. Wonder why they don't just repair them before delivery. I'm home weekdays, but this would be a major pain if I had to take off work.
Dpenn, go to the sears web site and click on any HE5T model. At the bottom of that page is the link for the owner's manual.
Stick with Duet HT
I've had a Duet HT pair for almost a year now, and they've been trouble-free and do a great job. I know a couple of people who have the older Kenmore (he4t?) and have had no problems with the controls, though I've heard that they seem to experience more problems than the Whirlpool. Also, when Whirlpool brings out a new model, they sell it as a Kenmore for about a year before they put the Whirlpool version on the market. I'd stick with the Whirlpool if I were you. Also, what's up with the smoked-glass windows on the Kenmores?
I've had a Duet HT pair for almost a year now, and they've been trouble-free and do a great job. I know a couple of people who have the older Kenmore (he4t?) and have had no problems with the controls, though I've heard that they seem to experience more problems than the Whirlpool. Also, when Whirlpool brings out a new model, they sell it as a Kenmore for about a year before they put the Whirlpool version on the market. I'd stick with the Whirlpool if I were you. Also, what's up with the smoked-glass windows on the Kenmores?
easyspindry
Well-known member
Duet
I had a Duet set for about 5 years. Loved 'em. The washer was quiet, held a BUNCH of clothes, and washed great. No repairs. It could get a little noisey when it spun at 1200 rpm and the load was a little out of kilter.
The dryer worked great and was quiet. It handled large loads better than smaller ones.
I like dealing with "mom and pop" stores that will deliver and install at your convenience instead of having to deal with Sears.
The only reason I sold the set is that they are large machines and were sinmply taking up too much space in my kitchen where the laundry is. I had them on pedestals which I doubt I would do again.
Good luck.
Jerry Gay
I had a Duet set for about 5 years. Loved 'em. The washer was quiet, held a BUNCH of clothes, and washed great. No repairs. It could get a little noisey when it spun at 1200 rpm and the load was a little out of kilter.
The dryer worked great and was quiet. It handled large loads better than smaller ones.
I like dealing with "mom and pop" stores that will deliver and install at your convenience instead of having to deal with Sears.
The only reason I sold the set is that they are large machines and were sinmply taking up too much space in my kitchen where the laundry is. I had them on pedestals which I doubt I would do again.
Good luck.
Jerry Gay
Pedestals
I just bought a Duet pair and insisted on getting the 10" pedestals to eliminate stooping low for access. I'm 6' tall and the openings seemed to be too low without pedestals. My partner is shorter than I am and we didn't take into account that these machines are also deeper than your average TL washer and dryer pair. So now my partner can barely reach the lowest shelf of the cabinets above the machines. I don't know if eliminating the pedestals would help as they'd still stick out further from the wall than the machines they replaced and my partner could also stand to lose about 30 or 40 pounds, but this is something for people to consider when they buy the largest FL machines. I know we can work around this and will get used to it, and I do like the washer window's height with a pedestal for easy viewing. Glad I bought the discontinued model that doesn't have the smoked plexiglass.
I just bought a Duet pair and insisted on getting the 10" pedestals to eliminate stooping low for access. I'm 6' tall and the openings seemed to be too low without pedestals. My partner is shorter than I am and we didn't take into account that these machines are also deeper than your average TL washer and dryer pair. So now my partner can barely reach the lowest shelf of the cabinets above the machines. I don't know if eliminating the pedestals would help as they'd still stick out further from the wall than the machines they replaced and my partner could also stand to lose about 30 or 40 pounds, but this is something for people to consider when they buy the largest FL machines. I know we can work around this and will get used to it, and I do like the washer window's height with a pedestal for easy viewing. Glad I bought the discontinued model that doesn't have the smoked plexiglass.
Ralph, U an 5;7:, stocky li'l bear. My Fridgemore I got from Steve 1-18 last fall is on a pedestal. It's also slightly deeper than my old DD LK TLer. Because of all this, I do have a little bit more challenge getting into the cabinet above the washer. I've been known to grab the step stool a time or two.
Re: New washer and dryer set:
Why not try the Frigidaire 3.5 cuft. washer and dryer in the affinities although the dryer is smaller than I care but it wouldn't take up as much room as a duet set would or maybe a Speen Queen set they have one set for stacking or free standing or an free standing all the time set? Just a thought. Danf.
Why not try the Frigidaire 3.5 cuft. washer and dryer in the affinities although the dryer is smaller than I care but it wouldn't take up as much room as a duet set would or maybe a Speen Queen set they have one set for stacking or free standing or an free standing all the time set? Just a thought. Danf.
Bob, you cutie, I think that's what my partner of your same height is going to have to get used to doing. The short little step ladder/stool type thing is right there next to the laundry sink so he'll need to get used to grabbing that when he needs something from anywhere besides the very front of the cabinet! I think he and I are both willing to make some compromises regarding the new arrangement. We are so impressed with our new machines that we're willing to accomodate them by changing our behaviors a bit.
Blush, thank you Ralph!! Good luck!!
appliancegeek
New member
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2007
- Messages
- 4
The Kenmore HE5t is built by Whirlpool and replaces the Kenmore HE4t. I know the HE4t use to be rated #1 in Consumer Reports when it was out on the market. The HE5t is the same thing with some styling changes. I have friends and family that own the Kenmore HE5t and HE4t washer & dryers and they love them.
rinso
Well-known member
Replced my Frigidaire Gallery FL washer, and matching dryer back in 02 with an HE3 set. Have had no problem with either machine, though I do find that the Kenmore Dryer tends to roll large items like comforters or sheets in a ball much worse than the smaller Frigidaire Dryer. Go Figure!!! Anyway, I do like the set, but may have to replace them with a top load HE configuration as they barely fit in the laundry room in my new house and I now have to get a stool to reach the cupboards above them.
Gene, I don't see a problem. I'm 5'8". After Steve 1-18 brought me my Fridgemore, I need a stool to get into teh cabinet above the washer. You're not the only one here who has had to do the same thing, I think a guy in So Cal, his partner has to do the same thing now they have a Duet HT washer. There are more important things in the world to be concerned about. And I personally don't think a top-load HE machine will do as good a job no matter what Cabrio type owners say. Pancaked wash loads just don't make sense to me.
rinso
Well-known member
Hey, Appnut: Thanks for the words of wisdom. the cabinet height doesn't bother my 6'2" tall partner, or course. I went to Sears and watched a new Cabrio after writing that. My impressions are as you stated. It looked like it was just mopping a wad of clothes around with a very slow "roll-under."
Yeah Bob, that was my partner you were referring to above. Unlike a lot of Bay Area folks, I was not insulted by your associating me with southern California. I love LA.
I've been playing around with the cycles on my Duet washer and am generally using those that provide higher tumble speeds and am tweaking the cycle settings to provide an average wash time, appropriate water temperatures and my desired spin speed--usually the "Extra High" speed. I love hearing that thing kick into high gear on spin. I'm glad that the washer affords me the ability to customize the cycles. The matching dryer isn't quite as accommodating and only allows changes if you use the manual settings.
Bottom line is that I am more impressed with the cleaning capability of my Duet than I've been with any other washer I have ever owned. The water level may not be up to the window for fun viewing, but the machine gets the job done regardless and rinses far more thoroughly. My clothes don't smell like laundry detergent anymore! The dryer has balled up some king sized sheets but the instruction manual does advise to stop the dryer halfway through and re-distribute the load. I doubt many people do that, and I tend to set it and forget it. If stuff isn't fully dried due to balling up, I just re-arrange and then give it about 10 or 15 more minutes. Nothing new there. This is typical for any dryer I've ever owned.
Ralph
I've been playing around with the cycles on my Duet washer and am generally using those that provide higher tumble speeds and am tweaking the cycle settings to provide an average wash time, appropriate water temperatures and my desired spin speed--usually the "Extra High" speed. I love hearing that thing kick into high gear on spin. I'm glad that the washer affords me the ability to customize the cycles. The matching dryer isn't quite as accommodating and only allows changes if you use the manual settings.
Bottom line is that I am more impressed with the cleaning capability of my Duet than I've been with any other washer I have ever owned. The water level may not be up to the window for fun viewing, but the machine gets the job done regardless and rinses far more thoroughly. My clothes don't smell like laundry detergent anymore! The dryer has balled up some king sized sheets but the instruction manual does advise to stop the dryer halfway through and re-distribute the load. I doubt many people do that, and I tend to set it and forget it. If stuff isn't fully dried due to balling up, I just re-arrange and then give it about 10 or 15 more minutes. Nothing new there. This is typical for any dryer I've ever owned.
Ralph
