Looking for suggestions on a FL washing machine

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n023b

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Hello my whirlpool duet just broke down it lasted a total of 8 years (I cant believe it either!). Apparently the bearings broke and its going to cost 500 to fix (what a rip off)

Anyways I'm in the market for a new one. I've read a lot of speed queens I'm not sure how much there FL cost but I believe they would be over 800 which is my budget. Hopefully I can get something cheaper on sale

I'm from Canada we probably have the same models as the US but just something to keep in mind.

What is the general consensus on a great and durable front loader?
 
Huebsch

Not sure if you know this, but Speed Queen in Canada is known as Huebsch. In USD a SQ front loader is about $1600.00 (If I remember correctly. Others here will know better).
Trying to replace the bearings yourself might be an option. As logixx said, there are lots of videos on youtube on how to do this. The cost of the parts would be well under your budget. When my Frigidaire front loader goes, I'd like to try this myself.
 
Give yourself another day or two. People on this site will chime in soon enough on what they think of their front loader's and help you make your decision.

You couldn't ask for a better site concerning appliances with members of the group that are more than willing to aid and assist with questions and concerns.
 
LG model WM2250C for approximately $720 US dollars.

I've suggested this machine to several people, all of whom are very pleased with it. No internal water heater, but it cleans well and is reliable. LG washers are rated as the most reliable by Consumer Reports.

frigilux++1-18-2014-15-48-58.jpg
 
Hey thanks for your replies. If I could fix myself that would be awesome. Does anybody know where I can get replacement bearings for a whirlpool duet sport model number WFW8300SW00
Serial: HLT0520951
 
wow..

I thought for sure that the WP bearings would be available from RepairClinic dot com.
I have heard that once the machine has been dismantled, the bearings can be purchased separately by ordering them by the number on the bearing from a bearing supplier, which is usually cheaper. It all depends on how adventurous you are.
This is what I had planned to do with my machine when it breaks (whenever that is), since it is the same with Frigidaire. They want you to purchase the entire tub assembly just to replace the bearings.
 
Well, what I'm going to mention to you is something you won't like to hear. You can feel free to ignore my post if you want.

I'll be honest with you in saying that if you are fixated on spending just $800 on a front loader, then buy anything on the market. Nothing will be all that reliable and you can expect to get about 3-5 years worth of use out of the machine, depending on its workload.

Now, I own a Huebsch ZFN50R and love it. I purchased it from Castle Appliances for $1900. Right away, I realize that violates your budget and then some. However, by spending that cash, you'll own a machine rated to 25,000 wash cycles. A machine which is designed for light commercial use, not just for home use.

Consider then, most other consumer machines on the market are rated for 5,000 washloads, or there abouts.

So, in theory, Doing 14 washloads a week, That's 728 washloads a year. A regular consumer machine would last roughly around 7 years with that workload. This is also assuming that it isn't overloaded or abused. That's fairly close to how well your own machine performed.

Now, theoretically, with the same washload using a Huebsch machine, 25,000 cycles at 728 washloads a year would take nearly 34 years. These machines are designed for harsh, heavy duty use. Wether or not these machines actually will last that long is hard to say, but I will say this...

Service and quality are remembered long after the price is forgotten.

Assuming that you replaced the $800 machine every 7 years, you'd replace that machine 5 times in the same period of time, spending nearly $3900 more in machines. Not to mention installation costs, the time and trouble, the lack of reliability, etc.

So.. realistically, does spending double your budget for a machine which will last you so long seem like such an expensive proposition?
 
I'm going to suggest

That you think carefully about how many loads of washing you put through the machine.

 

My own experiences are that we tend to generate 5 loads a week in this 2 person house hold.

 

- whites

- lights

- darks (alternate week)

- towels

- bedding

- dog bedding (changed weekly, washed alternate week)

 

My mother, with a family of 4 would do 8 loads a week with a 10lb machine (roughly 1/2 - 2/3 capacity of most new front load machines):

 

- whites

- lights x2

- darks

- dads work clothes - builder

- towels

- bedding x2

 

Her machines have always lasted, never being 'over loaded'. She's only on her 3rd machine since 1968!

 

Whilst it is entirely feasible that a Speed Queen will outlast everything else on the market, it is significantly outside your budget and a more modestly priced machine may well suit you for the next 5-10 years. If lower end machines are indeed tested to 5000 cycles, then you could well expect closer to 10 years than 5.
 
If I were to apply the above to myself, who washes 2-3 loads A WEEK in my BOL Frigidaire FL, that would mean my machine would last at least 30 years....not bad for a $ 600.00 machine.
 
Well I can advise you...

On a Samsung and a Miele and a Bosch. Please do stay away from the Samsung, as it like to take walks around the laundry area, it will takes ages to try and balance the load, once the machine jumped so high one corner of the machine were like almost 20-30 cm in the air. It was loud as well and we lived in a small two bedroomed apartment so it was not very much loved at all.

Then we got a Miele have it now for almost four years and no prolems so far, the capacity is not in the stratospheric proportions, it takes a decent load of 7,5 kg with no problems.

Then we got a Bosch that is now in our apartment as it is being leased out, the lady that is renting really likes the machine, she lived with her mother and had a Samsung Top loader, and the says she likes the Bosch much more because it cleans much better. I like it too because it uses not that much water per cycle and water in South Africa is rather scarce. And I pay the water bill.

Just my few cents.

Cheers
 
The Home Depot

has a promotion of 10%off any appliance $399 +

1. LG model#WM3050CW
SKU#1000029791
7 cycles
5 spin speeds 1200 ,1000, 800, 600 RPM and no spin
4 cu ft.
$719.10 after discount free delivery and haul away.

2. Samsung model # WF361BVBEWR
SKU # 111736
9 cycles including sanitize
1100, 800, 600 and no spin
3.7 cu ft.
$597.60 after discount

Remember, some power companies nationwide are giving out mail in rebates on all energy star compliant appliances. I would recommend the LG first but,the Samsung would be a little more economical considering it,like the LG comes with a 10 year motor warranty and 2 years on the electronic controls. You can also get 4 yeats parts,labor and millage traveled for around $149. at HD through GE. Unlike Sears,it's added on AFTER the manufacturers warranty expies . Good luck!! ;-)
 
Repair...

I replaced the bearings in a few WP Fl units.  Not hard.  You have to buy the bearings from a bearing company.  In the last Duet I did it uses the same bearing as a motorcycle.  The problematic part is the seal.  They can be had if you look hard enough.  There is a guy on line that sells the complete kit, at reasonable cost but charges two arms for shipping.  A while back I posted a pictorial on how to do the repair.  At this point I can do it in about an hour with a bit of help.
 

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