Need help deciding between 24-inch FL models

[brooklyngal]

Washer wizards, I'm on the verge of buying a 24-inch FL washer and dryer set and need some help. I've narrowed my choices down to these three machines: Maytag Neptune MAH 2400, the GE Profile WPX 208 (or WPXH 214), and the Malber p21. Unfortunately, many internet reviews contradict each other and it's become quite difficult to make a decision. So I come to you.

A bit about me: I live in a second floor apartment in NYC. The set will live, stacked, in the kitchen in the middle of my apartment. There's nothing particularly special about my laundry needs.

My top priorities are:

Compact size (24") with as much capacity as possible. The GE and Maytag have the same capacity at around 2.7 cubic ft. Malber says it holds 11 lbs...not sure what that means in cubic feet or how to compare.

Reliability. I want a machine that requires a minimum amount of tinkering, adjusting, and servicing--one that’s straightforward to use but does a great job. Some people love Maytag while others hate them. Same with GE.

The Quiet Factor. I have older wood floors and neighbors all around. Maytag seems to be the front-runner in this dept. Any feelings on the others?

Service. Some say that Maytag is the best in terms of service but my internet research has led me to believe otherwise. Opinions?

Price: No more than $1,100 plus tax for washer AND electric dryer.

In a nutshell, I’m looking for the best entry-level, stackable, compact-size washer that can handle everyday needs. I've considered Danby but find it too small. I’ve also considered the Whirlpool LHW0050PQ but local stores have told me their service record is dismal. See? How do you know whom to trust? Grr.

Any advice you have is hugely appreciated. Thanks so much.

 

[the7]

Would agree with you that Maytag 2400 pairs is the front-runner in this group.

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: Sorry to throw a Curve:

According to the Consumer Reports, the Maytag "2400" Washer performs well, but the Dryer does only fair and the Frigidaire is just the opposite. They didn't do any Report on the WP 24-inch Models, but that would be my "Best-Buy" selection, if I were to be looking into a separate Compact Washer and Dryer Set, especially to at any time wanting to Stack them.

"BTW" I was on the Maytag Web-Site last night {February 22nd} and they don't even have the Compact "2400" Washer and Dryer listed any more, so I don't even know if they are still selling them or have they discontinued them...

Good Luck with your decision, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[mistervain]

I would run like the wind from anything Maytag!

 

[brooklyngal]

So far I've got two FOR Maytag, one against. You see how this process becomes complicated!

Those of you who like Maytag, what is it specifically that impresses you?

Those of you who don't, what is it that bothers you?

Any thoughts on GE or Malber?

Thanks again to all.

 

[bingwsguy]

too many reviews

I believe that the WP compact has an internal water heater and 1200rpm spin...high end features for a great price. As far as all of the reviews, they really can confuse the potential buyer. I had an ASKO pair that were a nightmare and know 2 other people with the same story, but a lot of people can't say enough good about them too. I bought Bosch Axxis machines 3 years ago and they are very nice, but were about $1700 for the pair. I think that nothing is without fault, so buy what appeals to you for style and features and hope for the best.

 

[mayken4now]

Do what ya wanna girl, but I like my Kenmore FL'ers.

Steve

 

[the7]

Maytag 2400 is made by Samsung and they have more experience in making such Euro-size FL (but not full-size one) for the Asian and Euro markets. IMO.

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: Alternately:

Another Brand/Model that I would consider, would be the newer HE-2's for a slightly smaller Capacity Set. Depending on your area width, I'm not sure if they would be narrow enough for you need. The Consumer Reports has a real good Rating on both the Washer and Dryer.

I know that this makes for more decisions of Brands/Models and personal decisions, but they would also be my choice, other than the WP's Compact Set.

Peace and Good Luck with your decision, keep us posted, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[the7]

I think OP wants Euro-size (about 24" width) machines.
HE-2 is a full-size (about 27" width) and an viable option if he/she relaxes the width constraint.

 

[vivalalavatrice]

Not place enough...

You said you have not place enough to stand your set side-by-side, you have to stack them...
What about a COMBO unit?
In Europe, we have all (the majority) horizontal axis washer. Either FL than TL. Some machine, allow you to dry clothes at the end of the cylce automatically!!! You put in your clothes dirty and you get it out clean and dry.

I'm afraid but I cant' suggest you any American brand which produce such machine as those I described, try to find them out on the web... Of course you will find only FL washer/dryer unit.

GOODBYE
Diomede

 

[foraloysius]

The GE frontloader is wider too, it's 26 3/4 inches.

I wouldn't buy a combo if you can have a washer and dryer set. A combo takes much more time to wash and dry a load than a separte washer and dryer. Most combo's can only dry half the load of what they can wash. And since the American combo's are only available as 110V models, it might take hours and hours just to process one load of laundry. And while you're drying it's not possible to wash another load. Too many disadvantages IMHO.

 

[brooklyngal]

I did look at the combo option. Definitely tempting for the minimalist in me, but since I DO have the space to stack, and want some flexibility, I decided to go with the separates.

I'm fairly happy with my Samsung phone--does that mean they have a good record making big appliances?

Does anyone like GE?

As for the Whirlpool set, I read a previous thread on this site that all but declared Whirlpool to be junk, particularly because they sold Italian-made machines. If it ain't so, let me know.

http://automaticwasher.org/TD/ARCHIVE/MODERN/2005/85x71.htm

 

[toggleswitch]

GO WITH YOUR INSTINCTS.

Gurl, opinion are like @$$holes. Everyone has one and some really stink.

The Italian-made WP set is (at least) service-able in this country. Who is gonna fix the (Italian made) no-name combos?

BTW the only drawback I could see with the Italian-made mini-F/L comobs with a WP badge, is the dryer frum tumbles a bit slowly. No biggy. Whether it is available in regular US 110v I dont know.

Let us know what you finally decide and good luck!

 

[laundromat]

If you have the space,I put hands down or thumbs up on the Frigidaire/GE front loading stackable washer/dryer.I have had all of them and they are great! The only one I had any trouble with was the Kenmore that was made by Frigidaire and after 2 years,the berrings were shot and I wasn't the only one to have that problem.There were a number of consumers who were affected by that.I think that maybe they made a bad bunch.Anyway since then I got a GE WSXH208AWW/DSXH43EAWW set and had them for a year then came across a GE WPXH/DPXH Profile set that had a sensor dry system and a 950 RPM final spin speed.I had them for abot 3 months then got a KitchenAid Ensomble set from a friend who bought them before measuring their depth in the closset the were going.Of course,Murphy's law went into affect and she called me in hysterics.I already had the GEs with the pedistals and we did an even swap.She still has them and just recently had a problem with the mother board but Ge was there yesterday and not only replaced the entire board assembly but also corrected the leveling of the washer and extended the warranty 3months because of a misshap they had with the service tech.who refused to repair it because the tag that showed the model and serial number was made of paper was missing.Otherwise,they are great.I sell very many sets and have lots of possitve feedback.Home Depot has the high end Profile washer for $749 and the matching electric dryer for $499 Electric/$549 gas.the cheaper set,the washer %599 the dryer $449 Electric/$499 gas.Free delivery,12 months 0%interest on H.D. credit card and if you open a new account,you'll receive 10%off up to a $2000 purchase!Their capacity is larger than the 24"models and they're manufactured in Augusta,GA.U.S.A.

 

[brooklyngal]

On RPMs...

So I called a bunch of local appliance dealers, and none have received any complaints from customers about the 24” Maytag. Good news. And yet most of them said that, as a company, they would always suggest going with GE because it has such a good record for appliances across the board.

I then hiked it on over to my local Sears to have a look-see and touch-feel at the Maytag. A handsome, small machine indeed, and it has everything I need...but there’s something about the electronic controls that bug me. I’m not sure what it is exactly. To the poster who said ‘go with your instincts,’ my gut wasn't really into the interface—and this from a very technologically competent gal.

In the end, it may come down to RPMs (the GEs are 850 and 950; the Maytag is 1200). Aside from saving on electric bills because the 1200 speed will get your clothes drier, is there a significant difference between them? What about between 850 and 950?

Thanks, laundromat, for the Home Depot pricing info. That's sounding mighty attractive. Do your customers like the GE dryer too?

On a side note, has anyone had any experience with NYC-based Home Depots or Sears? You guys rock.

 

[utjj99]

Frigidaire might be an idea

I know the model 530 Frigidaire is one nice machine. I have the upper model that has 16 cycles and I think its the model 1670. At 3.1 cu ft its a good sized washer and they are loaded with options. Even the matching dryer has a sensor to sense how dry the cloths are. I got a quote a few days ago for $989 for the pair so you might want to think about a frigidaire.