New Washer Advice

[toploader]

I need a new washer. I had a front loader, but it made my clothes smell like mildew. I currently have a Kenmore Elite top loader, but the control to mix hot and cold to make warm water is broken. It is out of warranty and I don't know how to fix it and don't want to pay someone to fix it.

I saw an Amana a year or so ago that still have the internals of a Maytag (blue agitator). Would this be a good one to get just for the fact it has Maytag internals?

I have even debated about buying an older Maytag or Whirlpool if it is exceptional or has been restored by someone who knows what they are doing. Still debating that one.

I do need a tub no smaller than 3.5 cubic feet.

I'm not all that sappy about saving water. Lots of water is lots of FUN!!!

 

[tuthill]

Center Dial Tag is the easiest "good" top-loader to get. All the new ones are junk! just junk!!

 

[chrisj554]

Except for Speed Queen. Speed Queen is good.

 

[tuthill]

Maybe........

But they're not "real" Speed Queens.........

 

[xyz]

I can only suggest buying yourself a "used" Kenmore. But really, I have seen my customers buy old GE and Kenmore washers from me, some even old wig-wags, and have the best of luck 3 to 4 years later out of the machines on about a 50.00 investment. But they do lack the modern look but to me are very nostalgic to watch a wig wag in motion.

 

[norgeman]

Buying a new Washer.

When people ask me what I recommend I ask them Two Questions? Do you want a Front loader or a top loader? How much are you willing to spend? If you are looking for a good quality top load washer and are a semi tight budget then I would go for a top load Frigidaire. These machines are well built and have the biggest motor, (a 3/4hp). A very large capactiy and have steel gears in the the transmissions. Which will last a lot longer, Frigidaire started putting steel in the transmissions in 2003. Which was the single best thing that they could've done to improve their washers. If money is not an issue than I would go with a Speed Queen set in a top loader, your going to pay more for this set but it looks very well built. If you go with a front loader then I would go with Frigidaire they have a pretty good track record and have managed to keep the price pretty reasonable. I especialy like the Affinity sets. They are pretty nice looking set with a 3.5 cu.ft. drum in stainless steel. Hope this will help you in your purchase? Have fun shopping. Danf. a.k.a Norgeman

 

[bobbyderegis]

Norgeman:
Agreed. The Frigidaire top loader is a very good washer for short money. I am very happy with mine, although I don't like the neutral drain (on any TL's) and I had to tweek the water level adjuster to get more fill. Other than that, I'd take it above any WP/KM/MTG crap built today. But if I had a grand to spend, I'd get a Speed Queen. They are still built like tanks. Just my opinion.
Bobby in Boston

 

[gyrafoam]

Speed Queens!

My newest mantra---3 year warranty, made in America and steel parts.
Best new top-loader sold in America.

 

[norgeman]

BobbyDeregis:

Thank you for your kind words, very much appreciated. I also think that Speed Queen's are built like a tank much like a Norge/Borg&Warner or even the Fedders Norges. The only thing that I could falt Frigidaire on or Electrolux on is the indexing tub I wish that they would put a break on the tub and that would transfer the power into the agitator with a full solid fin agi. instead of the sprials don't think that they work that well. The indexing tub has a tendency to interfere with the rollover, but they do still do a pretty darn good job of cleaning clothes. Just my opion. Danf. a.k.a. Norgeman.

 

[toploader]

The Frigidaire top loaders all appear to only have 3.0 cubic feet tubs so that will be too small. I might get one of their front loaders since they all appear to be made by Electrolux. I'll have to sell my Kenmore Elite top loader to get a different machine.

 

[chrisj554]

We just got a new Speed Queen, and one of the best things about it is NO automatic temperature control! The washer fills with the full 130 degree water from the water heater!

 

[toploader]

I am debating on these 2 Frigidaire Front Loaders...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7705502&type=product&id=1138085815377

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8414405&type=product&id=1181831570743

The first model, the FTFB4000FS, apparently doesn't have automatic temperature control whereas the second model, the FTF2140FS, does have automatic temperature control. Other than that, they appear to be identical. I think the FTFB4000FS would be a good choice since it doesn't have that stupid feature.