Reply #27
I couldn't agree more about the sound issue with VMW machines especially the newer ones. I've watched several Youtube videos featuring these new VMW's especially the newest itteration of the Maytag commercial. While the tinny bread machine sound was always a bit hard to deal with, they now all seem to have this hideous rhythmic coughing noise issuing from the pump during final spin, after all the water has drained out. That is an automatic deal breaker for me. Until they address that problem, I won't be buying another one of these washers. I live in a one-bedroom apartment and the sound of the VMW's was hard to deal with in the first place, but that new coughing pump makes it impossible. I'm not sure what aspect of the design was altered to cause that noise, but they either need to re-design it again so that the sound goes away, or offer models with insulating materials built in.
The direct drive washer I have now, while not quiet by any means, isn't annoying in the same way. I'm not always a fan of the thumping agitation sound but somehow it's easier to deal with than the random clicks and pops of the VMW's, or the motor reversing sound of agitation. I was able to get past all that though and own one for nearly six years. The pump noise however ensures that if I have to replace my current washer, I will certainly be looking at something else.
They definitely clean well and the dual-action agitator is a win as not many washers have them anymore, but sound matters especially in a small space where you can't really get away from it.
Ryne