Need Help Picking a New FL Set

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

Help Support AutomaticWasher.org:

D

decodriveboy

Member
Joined
Jan 5, 2015
Messages
22
Location
FL, US
Hi all! Anyone have experience with GE Ultrafresh models?

We are in the market for a new matching set as our Speed Queen dryer bit the dust and my husband refuses to give the brand another try, though the washer still works great.

I’d love any recommendations on a new front loading set. My main concern is having a sufficient water level / or at least a cycle which uses adequate amount of water. (Brand and model number please?) Internal heater and tub light would be great too.

I’d really like to get a Miele set but I worry about the 120 volt dryer taking too long. But open to all suggestions!
 
Would personally just replace the dryer since the washer still runs.
Just cause it's cheaper - so at least sell the washer.

But I think that has been discussed in your other thread...

In general, best in terms of wash results and laundry care appear to be the ELux TOL series.

They aren't fast, but wash best in class and their dryers are very gentle.

If it's just about speed with decent results, LGs are the way to go.

They are not best in any one category, but overall very strong performers and FAST.

A model with TurboWash360 has the new inverter pumps (incredibly quiet) and washes really fast.
When TurboWash is selected water levels in the rinses are great and you can always add a rinse.

Their downfall are temps - getting "true" temps takes a bit of fiddeling.
You can get very hot washes, but getting a "medium hot" 120-140F appears to be rather difficult.

Both are good machines with different strengths and drawbacks.
LGs are far more common so more feedback about them, but the ELux have been top scoring for years as well and haven't heard much bad about them.
 
Have seen videos of the recent GEs and what I saw was very lackluster. No recirculation, no spray rinse, if there are spins between the rinses (there hardly seem to be) they are slow, while the final spin is very long. Others have shown mold growing in the Microban door seal.

The LGs seem to do everything the GEs don't. I guess achieving water temperatures between warm and extra hot is difficult with any of the US washers.

The Electrolux washers are very nice as well. For me, a firm believer in thorough rinsing, the use of the extra rinse button would be obligatory for the same reasons that apply to the GE (short or lacking spins during the cycle).

https://youtube.com/@washertester4296
 
Replacing that functioning SpeedQueen front loader with anything else would be an epic mistake. It will likely outlast several of anything else.

I don't recall what happened to the dryer, but it certainly can be fixed, although their dryers aren't necessarily the best of the best.

Some of it comes down to if you must have matching appliances. I'm soundly a form follows function person so it doesn't matter to me. I just can't see hemorrhaging money for something that doesn't matter (to me).
 
Phil

The OP’s washing machine isn’t a SQ FL, its a SQ TL AWN432.

 

I would agree with you though that just replacing the dryer would be smartest.  But I can understand that some may prefer to have a matching set, especially of their machines are in an area, other than a dedicated laundry closet that makes them visible.

 

Eddie
 
I have to say that LG with turbo wash...but I agree the Elux looks good (but for some reason they don't put a coin trap (kind of important).. And from what I've seen, the LG's are the easiest to work on should a repair be needed in the future.

As for temps... there may be fiddling...but at least it IS possible with some fiddling.

I'm really surprised they don't get as good of ratings as the Lux because the wash/rinse action looks so much better..
 
Thanks everyone for your feedback. We decided to go with the LG WM8900 set. The reasons were mainly for the capacity. They will be delivered and installed by end of next week and I’ll share some photos.

I really wanted a Miele set but they are so tiny and the 120V condenser set up scares us thinking it would not be able to serve our needs. If I were a single person I would have done it.

We also went with the LG for the drum light, internal heater, and Turbo Wash feature. Seems that it also may be easier to do a water pressure switch adjustment on them to raise the water level too? Hope so!! 🥳
 
Before you go ahead and think about fiddling with the water levels in the new washer…see if it meets your needs first. I have an LG WM4000 that uses plenty of water and the TurboWash feature works quite well. You will find that the water levels in the wash cycle will be lower but that is to concentrate the detergent solution. Rinsing is superb since each spin uses a spray rinse and followed by a deep rinse. The water level will come to the bottom of the door boot and you can add up 3 extra rinses of if you like. The washer should have AI built into it as well. It will only work with Normal and Bright Whites cycles. At least in my machine that is how it is set up. Also connecting it to the internet will allow LG to diagnose an issue and also do software updates if needed. You will love this choice of washer. The dryer is superb and is very quick. Drying is spot on with the Normal cycle. It uses AI and adjusts the heat as the load dries much like Whirlpool’s Gentle /Soft heat so loads don’t over dry. I use that cycle for everything. LG’s are very well made in my opinion and they are reliable.
 
Hey appnut. Glad you're still liking your LG... the moment my duet dies that's the one I'm getting.... I'm not sure which model...but definitely one with turbo wash.

Poster: I'm glad you're getting the LG....Hope you like it.. Getting a new washer in 2023 is so hard because everything is so sketchy! I've seen videos of modern washers in action on youtube and a lot of them I would only want to have if I was totally desperate.

I did come across a video of a recent whirlpool FL washer video...I was a little impressed with the recirculation... It was almost like a fan spray...but I swear it used so little water in wash/rinse/rinse (same levels on all of them)..You would think they would give at least a little more water in the rinses...but not at all from what I could tell. Perhaps it was the cycle chosen and it could possibly be different on other cycles... I don't know.. Also, the whirlpool/maytag with wash plates just don't seem to have as good of wash action as the samsung/LG/GE with wash plates...at least from the videos I've seen...and some of the HE top loaders that have an agitator looked awful..but then a few of them looked pretty good. For example: I saw two GE washers with an agitator. One of them, the agitator looked like one piece, while the other looked two piece.. similar to the dual action agitator..
 
Yes Bob...

Our machine does by default, but you can add 2 extra rinses for a total of 5 rinses.

I like the towel cycle, I use it also for jeans, does great. I do wish the finial spin was a touch longer.
 
True... but if washer manufacturer designs something into the machine to inhibit mold/smells... It wouldn't stop me from buying it whether that part worked or not, because I would continue to do what I've always done.. Most people on here don't have mold issues...It's so freaking easy to keep that from happening..the only thing I would see being and issue "possibly" is if the washer is not in a climate controlled area... a house that doesn't have AC in a humid area..
 
Best new frontload pair

In terms of performance, reliability and easy to repair is easily a speed, queen pair.

Next best would be something from Maytag or whirlpool. These are also union built in the United States.

I will not buy Chinese built machines notice LG Samsung and GE all have a high percentage of Chinese components, some of them are outright built and assembled there.

John
 
Well LG and Samsung machines are designed in Korea and my LG washer was built here in the USA in TN. Many of the components are made here as well. Whirlpool/Maytag also have components made in China but if you look at the relabilty that LG has ...Whirlpool cant even come close. Now Speed Queens are way overpriced for what one gets ...no water heater in the washer and the dryer lacks in so many ways for the price. Everyone has their opinions about certain brands and this is mine.
 
For Panasonicvac

That 8100 set looks really nice and almost exactly like the 8900 we are getting.

Definitely would love some recommended cycles to use from your experience with them; what is most important to me is a cycle with the highest wash and rinse levels. The Towels cycle has been mentioned by members several times.
 
I think I trust WP refrigerators the most...and dryers
but their FL washers when they started using plastic instead of glass in the window turned me way off from their washers. I don't like that their TL HE washers with wash plate don't seem to have as good of wash action as the other TL HE washers I've seen (not that I would buy any of them)

It's really hard to escape CHINA products in anything

Lorainne(S?) Furniture did a full breakdown of the LG washers to see how easy a repair would be and he totally recommended them compared to others.
This was five years ago (the video) but I think it still mostly applies to their washers today.

 
LG Temps

I believe from threads that I’ve read that LGs do get up to proper temps: 140 for hot, 105 for warm, ect. All you have to do is select the corresponding temp with the highest soil setting, I believe. You can even check your washer’s temps with the press of a couple buttons. There is a great thread on it somewhere in here that explains it well.
 
John, great minds thn alike. I was gettng ready to address this subject. The temps you cite were before the latest round of energy star adustments in like 2016 or 2017.

Push the delay wash and temp buttons to see what Temp (in celcius) is. The following temps are for Whites, Perm Press, Bulky/Bedding, and Towels. Hot is 112, warm is 90. For these cycles the heater does come on but once the set temp is reached, it turns off an does not come back on to maintain. These temps are also the same for Heavy Duty, but the heater never comes on for those temps. For Normal hot is 95 an warm is 80. Extra Hot on Normal & Heavy Duty is pure hot water fill and depending upon soil level, wlll heat water from 140 to 160.

If you add 4 to 6 cups of water to the tub before puttng in laundry, that wll trick the machine into thinking it's a very heavy load. That results in more water being added per fill, each rinse segment is doubled (1 minute is 2, 2 is 4, ...) and the final spin is lengthened.

Extra high on Normal And Heavy Duty add about 18-20 minutes to final spin but doesn't get a spin speeed of more than 1120-1160, not the 1300 rpm. Seen a couple of comments in YT videos confirming this. Have only seen ex high spin speed get to 1190 to 1210 once. [this post was last edited: 8/7/2023-10:17]
 
I like using the towels cycle for towels, warm temperature for colored and hot for whites with bleach. I use delicates for stuff that can't go into the dryer. Speed wash for something I'd clean really fast with. And normal for everything else, warm temperature for colored and hot for whites, some whites I'd use bleach but some I don't. Only the towels I can get up to two extra rinse cycles while the others I can use up to three. And the delicates can't use the turbo wash jets while the other cycles can. I don't use the extra hot or steam temperature anymore as I find they don't make much of a difference from my experience. Bleach with hot water is what helps clean and maintains the washer tub from any build up, just make sure you leave the door open whenever someone isn't using it. If you're using powder detergent or fabric softener, be careful not to use too much as that can build up inside the dispenser tray compartment. Honestly, I don't use fabric softener. I'd rather use vinegar instead which can also help clean and maintain the tub. And I clean the lint trap out about once a month.

As for the dryer, I use the towels cycle for all the towels. Delicates for silk quilts. And normal for everything else with the wrinkle care mode on. Once in a while I'd use the steam cycle to unwrinkle some things, it works but it doesn't fully replace an iron or a hand steamer. If clothes or towels aren't completely dry, I'd use the timed cycle to finish up as it doesn't use the moisture sensor. Make sure all the lint is out of the trap before you'd start the next cycle which I'm sure you already know that. I vacuum out the inside of the lint trap about once a month with this attachment. And be careful not to open up the lint trap door completely as the plastic will break, mine broke from opening it too widely.

https://www.amazon.com/Cleaner-Vacu...la-791030200460&ref=&adgrpid=79166366594&th=1
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Last night I got lost for 4 hours scrolling through youtube shorts...I just kept watching one, and scrolling down...watching another, scrolling down and I couldn't stop!!

I came across several videos that a couple of appliance techs out in the field doing repairs or cleaning stinky machines...They must really run across this MORE OFTEN than not...I just can't believe there are so many people out there who don't know how to do laundry and how many disgusting machines they come across...The techs seem to think people should stop using Fab Softener and don't use too much detergent...Like that's the CAUSE of their issues when it's so much more than that...

I think these people are packing their machines full and using way too much product and most likely using tap cold... a recipe for disaster as has been discussed on here a lot..

One tech was not a fan of anything but SQ....He basically bashes all other brands and I get where he's coming from. SQ's are built like a tank..but I've watched MANY LG videos and I think lots of people are very happy with them...sure, things can go wrong.. I still think people should plug their washer into a surge protector even though it's built in.
 
Look at this

I mean, one look at this and you can't see that whoever owned it just didn't care...and he's blaming the fab softener... does he seriously think that if you just took the fab softener out of the equation this machine would probably magically look perfect?

 
Replies, number 26 and 27

Thanks for all your research Mark do you have more patience than I do to watch four hours of videos of washing machines of course I work on washing machines all week long.

Reply 27 is barely worth a few seconds. It takes to watch it but it shows how little most repair people know about washing machines.

Yes, fabric softener can contribute to nasty build ups in washing machines, but the real problem is not washing in hot enough water using enough good detergent, etc.

If you use fabric softener, you must wash it out thoroughly both out of the machine and the clothing the next time you wash, so it really requires hot water and plenty of good detergent.

Speed Queen, washers and dryers are in a class by themselves they are the only machines you can buy that are based on machines that are intended for commercial use. It’s much like KitchenAid dishwashers of old. They were the same basic machine that was used in commercial establishments.

John
 

Similar threads

S
Both my Speed Queen units stop working I don't know what I'm missing or doing wrong - Please help.
Replies
17
Views
1K
pierreandreply4
pierreandreply4
michaelz08
Front Load Washer Recommendation- Whirlpool or LG
Replies
16
Views
2K
gelaundry4ever
G
N
GE GFW655SSV0WW Front-Load Washer & Matching Dryer
Replies
21
Views
876
niclonnic
N
W
Whirlpool Washer Rant!
3 4 5
Replies
132
Views
7K
DADoES
DADoES
panasonicvac
LG Washer/Dryer 5 year Update
Replies
8
Views
717
panasonicvac
panasonicvac

Latest posts

Back
Top