Need help on choosing a top load washer, and how to tweak the water level!

[norgechef]

I am looking to buy a new top load washer, and of course I would LOVE to get a Speed Queen, but since I live in Canada I cannot purchase one without paying over $1000 for a base model Huebsch (Canadian Speed Queen) or going across the border to get one where i'm sure there would be allot of duty fees and what not, which I do not have the time or money to be dealing with.

So, if I take Speed Queen out of the equation, i'm down to GE and LG. I know I could also purchase a new VMW belt drive Whirlpool for cheap but every thing about them screams train wreck to me, speaking of train wrecks...last time I used my friends new belt drive Whirlpool the spin cycle sounded similar to a train wreck when 2 loads that would have been considered perfectly balanced in any other washer made the tub hit the sides of the cabinet when the washer was going full force on the spin cycle, for both loads... Took me over 2 hours to get 2 loads of laundry done by the time it had finished balancing itself out. So, anything Whirlpool is OUT of the question.

My second choice would be LG, but I really don't have the money for one, or the need for a washer with such a large capacity since I only do about 5 large loads a week in my Maytag Performa, which i'm sure has a smaller capacity.

My third choice would have to be GE. I am well aware GE washers are not very reliable any more, but I somehow got through 8 years with a Maytag Performa, that everyone said would be junk...and it is starting to now, but has been ok for the most part.

As long as I get 5 years out of a washer without any major failures, than i'm ok with that. Like I said, I don't do much laundry anyway...and try not to overload too often. I have already made my choice for the most part in terms of getting a GE, but one thing I would NOT be able to tolerate is a washer that only fills up half way on the super setting, which I hear is the case with the GE'S. So, 8 freakin hours later...getting to my point, I need to know how to adjust the water level on a GE Hyrdo-Wave style washer...and figured someone out there must have an idea on how that would be done for a GE. Probably not as simple as with a Speed Queen but someone must know how... Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[jeffg]

If you're ok with five years of service, I'd recommend a used, hopefully recent model SQ. You'll likely get a lot more than five years out of it, and no import hassles to deal with.

 

[warmsecondrinse]

Agitator or plate?

If it's a Hydro=Wave with a plate and fully automatic water level, run, do not walk, in the opposite direction. Everything I've read says that there's no way to override the TIMED (Yes, you read that right) water fill. I can't find anything that explains how the timing is done. However, a trouble-shooting/service guide suggested checking the screens of the input hose if the water level is too low. the only was around it I know of is to pour in water from a bucket.

Models that have a knob to set water level must be run on the bulky items cycle for sufficient water to be used. I'd avoid these like the plague and buy something vintage.

Jim

 

[tolivac]

If you want a TL washer that REALLY fills with water and has an agitator instead of an impeller-go to the thrift or swap shops in your area and look for USED but nice condition vintage machines.At this point BD WP,KN are getting rare-so you may have to settle for a DD WP-KN machine-still better than new ones-and these can be fixed at home.Most GE Filter Flows are good choices.-esp if it has the little "Mini Basket" for small items or loads.

 

[mtn1584]

Speed Queen / Huebsh are the only new machines that.........

you can tweak the water level. GE AND WHIRLPOOL/KENMORE/MAYTAG MACHINES ARE NOT CAPAPBLE OF TWEAKING THE WATER LEVEL AT ALL!!! I would buy a used Kenmore Direct Drive Washer made within the last ten years or so. DO NOT BUY NEW GE TOP LOADERS, reviewer have stated that their clothes are knotted into a ball because of the 360degree Hydrowave wash action.....put a gun to my head, and I would choose one of the new Maytag top loaders if I had to.
Mike

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