Need recommendations

[63kenmore]

Hi everyone, our 1991 Kenmore washer and dryer died within a few months of each other and we are looking for suggestions. Even though we don’t like the idea of a new “nanny” washer, we have decided to buy new for the first time in 30+ years.
Here we go: I don’t want a washer that:
a) won’t let me Change water level etc. after I have started the machine
b) Won’t completely fill up the machine with water
c) It must have a full size agitator, not a little bump in the bottom of the washer
d) I really don’t want electronics either. I have always had a mechanical machine that my husband could repair e)NO front loaders.
As for the Dryer, I would also prefer a door that folds down so that clothes don’t fall on the floor when removing them from the dryer. Am I asking too much from today’s appliances? Does this animal even exist. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks to all.

 

[smartdrive1100]

I’d recommend Speedqueen or Fisher and Paykel,

Speedqueen is old school and uses a proper transmission with a proper agitator (as long as you get the TC5 series). The TR series uses an agitub design that I have heard mixed opinions with. I’d like to addI haven’t used a Speedqueen before.

I’d also recommend picking up a secondhand Fisher and Paykel intuitive, I know they are electronic but I have found them extremely easy to pull apart, so just as long as your control board doesn’t blow up you should be fine. I have a later model Fisher and Paykel and it does 1-2 washes each day and it’s 10 years old currently and has no sign of stopping soon.

 

[DADoES]

 
Fisher & Paykel topload laundry is no longer sold new on the U.S. market.  Used machines aren't particularly plentiful.

Speed Queen TC5 doesn't have a water level control for multiple load sizes.  All cycles are hard-coded for a fixed default fill level (1/2 to probably 2/3 full depending on which cycle), and a Deep Fill option can be selected that adds 3 to 4.5 gallons more.  All current Speed Queen toploaders, even the models with rotary knobs, have computer boards in the panel and a second motor control board in the base.

Avoiding electronics on new washers is very difficult nowadays.  Old-style water level controls with multiple load size choices are also rare.

 

[ryner1988]

Unfortunately, I do not know of any new washers that allow full control of the water level beyond whether you want to use auto sense of the load or a full deep wash. The Speed Queen TC5 does make use of a full agitator, although it's water level selections are limited, as discussed above. Maytag makes a commercial model that uses a duel-action agitator, but it has completely full fill except for half-fill on the normal cycle--the user has no control of this at all. There are some Whirlpool-made entry level machines that have duel-action agitators as well. They are decent machines although they don't tend to last very long; mine lasted 6 years before a failed gear box took it out. I think GE might have some entry-level agitator machines as well but I know next to nothing about their reliability or performance. Also, sorry to say this, but I literally can't think of a single new machine that doesn't have an electronic computer board.

On the dryer side of things, though, I do believe most lower end dryers are still mechanical in nature. Whirlpool still uses their decades-old design on many of their dryers, and I believe there are even some models with the pull-down door still floating around.

I'll try and link some actual models of products tomorrow. That might help in your search.

Good luck.

 

[repairguy]

My suggestion would be to repair the ‘91 Kenmore set depending on the issues they are having. I don’t believe a modern machine exists that will satisfy what you want in a new one.

 

[iiijohnnymaciii]

Doesn’t Exist

Everything on your list in one machine does not exist anymore. I would make a list from most important to least important.

 

[bradfordwhite]

The drop down hamper door that used to be on many Whirlpool made machines really isn't a good idea because it limits access to the drum.  It's much better to have a side swing door and put a laundry basket on the floor and pull all the clothes out.

 

[pierreandreply4]

the only way you will find such a washer will be to buy refurbish as new that your husband can do with help needed cleanup or restre work with help from the site other wise you will have to buy a washer like this i would recommend you try finding that would fit your need a whirlpool direct drive like in the second pic

 

[63kenmore]

Need recommendations

Thanks to all,

I might be headed to a good used appliance store.

 

[ryner1988]

Reply #6

I never thought I would feel this way but I totally agree about the hamper door. We had one when I was growing up and I always thought it seemed like the better choice. I now have one on my 2008 Whirlpool dryer and I don't actually much care for it. I have to squat and strain to reach clothes in the back of the dryer, and the basket is placed awkwardly because the damn door is in the way. Whenever it comes time to get a new dryer, I'll be looking for side swing for sure. Only thing is, I like the Whirlpool-made dryers with the lint filter on top, and I'm not sure any of the 7.0 cubic foot models have side swing doors. I prefer those over the 6.5 cubic foot models.

 

[ea56]

Re: Reply#8

My Maytag 7 cu ft dryer is a Whirlpool based dryer with the filter door on top and it has a side swing door that is reversible. Even though its now about 7 years old the same model is still being sold.

Eddie

 

[bradfordwhite]

A lot of Whirlpool made dryers now

have the side swing door.

If I needed to buy a dryer that was full size, I too would want a Whirlpool built.

I've seen this version with one knob and a push start which is all I need. There is automatic low temp and automatic high temp (which I rarely use).

It's large capacity and has the filter on top with a white drum.

I've seen this dryer with the Amana name, Kenmore name, Estate, and I'm sure Whirlpool.

The price in the last couple of years has been anywhere from $299 to 699 and we all know how bizarre the market has been for many things.