Need New Washer/Dryer , What to buy?

[normvac]

I am needing some in put and thoughts, recomends for a new current model Washer/Dryer machines. Looking for thoughts on front loaders and top load
washers. Looking for long run normal use, maybe 3 plus loads a week. Not wanting to spend more than the $800.00 to a $1,000.00 price range.
Thanks Guys, I appreciate your brand perferences and why. Being a brother from
Vacuumland. I look forward and put my trust into your thoughts and reasons.
Is Lowes the place to get a good buy, what about service if and when you need ii!
Thanks
Norm Brown

 

[whirlykenmore78]

new W&D

If I were looking for a new Washer and Dryer right now I would for sure go Speed Queen for a top loader. It is the only machine still made that has a true hot fill, a belt driven all metal transmission and heavy duty motor and suspenion. These also do a full deep rinse on all cycles not just with a fabric softner option or heavy items cycle. They are simple laundromat proven machines that work well and come with a 3 year warranty.

For front loaders in that price range I would look at some of the Whirlpool duet machines I have heard good things about the new US made design as far as cleaning and efficiency. It's Maytag brother would do well also. There are a few LG and Samsung models worth considering as well. Of course if you really want the best Go for a Miele, Asko or Speed Queen front loader. These are Higher price machines but are of superior build.

Hope this helps.
Nick

 

[qualin]

To Normvac

If you are on a budget that tight, then going top-loading is the only way to go.

Like what Whirlykenmore said, Speed Queen offers one of the highest quality top loaders in the industry. It's the only washer I know that has a 120 degree agitation sweep and an auger-less agitator. (Most conventional top loaders today have an auger.)

The key thing to remember is that most washers today use a plastic outer tub to save costs, but Speed Queen is one of the few that use a Porcelain covered steel outer tub so nothing can retain odors. They cost a bit more, but they're worth it. (The inner tub is stainless steel, like it should be.) One of them should be within your budget, they have a few different models with different options.

I'm afraid to say that spending $1000 on a front loader may cost you a lot more money than you think. Yes, you can pick up something that cheap but you have to wonder where they cut costs to keep it that cheap.

If you have the option, here's what I would recommend..

Save your pennies if you have that option and budget about $1500-2000 for a washer. Depending on what you are looking for, consider these three models:

- Speed Queen AFN50F
- Miele W4842 or W3033 (Depending on your desired capacity)
- Asko W6903 or WL6532XXLPP (Depending on your desired capacity)

Spending the extra money will not result in regret, but it will save you time, stress and aggravation. If you want prompt servicing, I'd recommend Speed Queen, because their factory is in Ripon, WI... Miele and Asko may have a parts depot near you, but the parts have to come from Europe if they're not in stock.

 

[qualin]

To answer your other question,

Better to go to a place which dedicates itself to selling large appliances, rather than someplace generic like Lowes.

The sales people will know more about the product they're selling (In theory) and you'll tend to find a different caliber of machine there as well as more selection.

Dedicated Appliance shops also tend to have their own staff dedicated to servicing and maintaining machines, whereas places like Lowes usually send it to a subcontractor. So, in essence, they'll service what they sell.

I got a good feeling when my appliance shop had its service van outside the shop near closing time. Supportability is a must, not an option!

 

[normvac]

Thanks Guys!

I do appreciate your thoughts and input, for the purchase of a new current model Washer/Dryer. I will let you know what the final purchase is and how it is working for me !
Thanks again. Still open to any other thoughts.
Norm

 

[mtn1584]

Speed Queen

Speed Queen, and ONLY Speed Queen
A. Longest warranty in the industry
B. Proven commercial construction
C. Built in the USA
D. Built to last
Mike

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Right on Schedule!!

Hmmmm... I see it didn't take long for the SQ fanbois' to arrive. It really depends on what you are looking to do, how much you are looking to spend. For consumer FL machines : If you want expensive, flashy, low service life, low quality horse####, go with Samsung, LG, GE, Kemmore. If you want expensive, flashy, mediocre service life, mediocre quality, go with Maytag, Whirlpool. If you want super expensive, flashy, good service life, ok quality,dinky capacity, crap support, go with miele, asko.

 

[maytagbear]

Whatever you buy......

I would go with an independent "mom and pop" dealer, if there are any left in your area. When I got my new gas range and refrigerator earlier this year, I went with an independent. Saved hundreds, and this dealer includes delivery and normal hookup in the price. Plus, they do their own service.

Just my .2

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[qualin]

To Supremewhirlpool

Heh.. I know I already sound like a fanboi don't I? I hate to preach and it does get tiring for everyone after a while. I prefer to chat over private e-mail and do my preaching there because everyone here has heard it a thousand times.

Let me just re-iterate one of your comments here:
> If you want super expensive, flashy, good service life, ok quality,dinky capacity, crap support, go with miele, asko.

Miele and Asko both offer large capacity machines. It's hard to say if the quality of these units is anywhere near the same as the smaller capacity European style machines. I can tell that Miele cut at least corner on the larger capacity machines to save costs. (Like using a Fibreglass outer tub instead of stainless steel one.)

I won't argue that both of these brands are super expensive. They both know they sell a good product and charge accordingly for it. Miele was my second choice for a machine, but even their bottom end was nearly $1200 more than SQ.

As far as the crap support is concerned, something to be aware of is that these manufacturers tend to go through their own service channels, so you are at their mercy. Miele is especially bad at this, the appliance shop you buy it from puts in a dispatch call to them and Miele sends out their own technicians. I'm not too sure about Asko though.

Considering that most of the domestic brands are selling junk and the Korean brands are a bit better, but still somewhat questionable, there isn't a lot of alternatives left. That's why there's all the SQ fanboi's out there, because they're the best value for the money in comparison to everything else.

In saying that, I have some friends who bought a MOL (Middle of the Line) LG and they're happy with it. It's lasted them seven years so far without issues and sees moderate use.

The old saying does go, "You get what you pay for." .. I saw an Inglis (Downmarket Whirlpool) FL Washer selling for $600 today... It made me wonder how many loads it would be able to do before something broke or wore out.

So I kind of figure, if you are going to spend that kind of cash anyway, why not spend just that extra bit more to get something a bit more reliable and dependable?

If getting a ten year lifespan out of a machine is good enough for you, then I would say that MOL LG, Samsung or Electrolux wouldn't be a bad investment. If you want something which will last you 20-30 years, then there is only one choice and the "fanboi" has already told you what that was.

 

[normvac]

thanks guys !

I am thinking over all the input. Weighing my finances and we'll see what
comes out of it !
Thanks for helping a fellow collector of the sucking kind of appliance.
Have a great Holiday, if we do not talk again before the new year !
Norm

 

[rp2813]

I've bought laundry pairs at Lowe's twice and it was an excellent experience both times, and extended warranty was super cheap (these were FL machines so I took no chances).

 

I have heard nothing but good things about Speed Queen and would likely be on the hunt for such a pair if I were in the market for a new TL set.  You won't find SQ at Lowe's or HD, though. 

 

[qualin]

Another thing about appliance dealers

You know, I just thought of something..

Dedicated appliance stores tend to sell a lot of brands you won't find at the big box stores like Lowes.

Companies like GE, Whirlpool, Maytag all use the big box stores as their major distributor, so that's all you typically find. It's a win-win situation for everyone except for the consumer.

I've only seen Electrolux, Speed Queen, Asko and Miele at these dedicated appliance stores.

The appliance store I bought my machines from actually says, "WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL." on the front windows. They've got my business.

 

[westie2]

Qualin (Bud) how right you are on the big box stores.  We have close by Sears and Lowes and further away Home Depot and Best Buy and our local dealer carries more than the others and on their sign out front it says "We will meet or beat any price".  If they don't have it on display they will have it in a book and oder anything you want.  Further away but better than big box we have Metro Builders Supply, Nino's and Tucker that carry lots more than the big box's and they all know the appliances they carry.  One thing about the big box stores they sometimes have say Maytag washer but when you go look at the model number it is not anywhere wlse but that big box.  Just a few things different than anyother one.

 

 

 

[qualin]

To westie2

And that's the difference..

"We will meet or beat any price."

Compared to

"We service what we sell."

What does price matter if the store gives you a headache because whatever you bought has a factory defect and it'll be two months before a tech is out there to fix it? Then, the tech comes out and says that parts will be another six weeks?

I'd rather pay a bit more at a appliance shop knowing that I'm going to get the warranty, support and backing of the products they sell. I don't need the headache of someone selling me something they won't stand behind.

Heh.. I consider my time to be valuable and arguing with someone over wether or not something is broken is not worth it.