My brother, a long-time member, suggested that I get a recommendation for my next washer here. My Frigidaire front loader has a motherboard problem which would cost about $350 to fix. My wife, who is 4' 11", has been wondering if a top loader would be easier over the long term on her middle-aged body than a front loader. I'm good with either. With a front loader, clothes inevitably fall onto he floor on their way to the dryer, suggesting another vote for the top loader. Water efficiency isn't an issue where I live. We don't need our "last washer ever", and we don't need 27 cycles--something pretty basic and inexpensive which works well, spins thoroughly, won't beat up our clothes, and won't require visits from the repair guy, nice as he is, for quite a long time. I'd appreciate any suggestions.
New Washer Recommendation for a Newbie
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vacerator
Well-known member
just my opinion,
but after not liking my high efficiency top loader, I'd go with another front loader.
I drop socks anyhow, and a control board can fail on any washer today.
The drive system on non high efficiency top loaders are the same cheesy quality as on the low water use models.
Average life expectancy of either type today is 7 years.
I'll go to the Laundromat, or buy a rebuilt double belt drive Maytag if I want another top loader.
New ones are junk.
but after not liking my high efficiency top loader, I'd go with another front loader.
I drop socks anyhow, and a control board can fail on any washer today.
The drive system on non high efficiency top loaders are the same cheesy quality as on the low water use models.
Average life expectancy of either type today is 7 years.
I'll go to the Laundromat, or buy a rebuilt double belt drive Maytag if I want another top loader.
New ones are junk.
Unless you had top-loading dryer (if there was such a thing), clothes could still fall on the floor during transfer regardless of which type of washer you had. I wouldn't factor this in too heavily in making your decision.
I think you're on the right track by going for a machine with fewer frills, which likely puts you in top-loader territory, and if you can find one with analog controls, all the better. If you can check off both of those items, I think you'll keep the repair guy away for a while.
I can't recommend any new top-loader since most have water saving systems, which you don't need, and which are bad about rinsing. You'll get tons of encouragement re: Speed Queen. Not from me, since when I owned an Amana (Speed Queen clone), for all the water it used, it couldn't rinse its way out of a paper bag, and new Speed Queens still employ that same wash and rinse system.
Did your brother warn you that you're going to get as many suggestions for and against either type of washer from the membership here?
I think you're on the right track by going for a machine with fewer frills, which likely puts you in top-loader territory, and if you can find one with analog controls, all the better. If you can check off both of those items, I think you'll keep the repair guy away for a while.
I can't recommend any new top-loader since most have water saving systems, which you don't need, and which are bad about rinsing. You'll get tons of encouragement re: Speed Queen. Not from me, since when I owned an Amana (Speed Queen clone), for all the water it used, it couldn't rinse its way out of a paper bag, and new Speed Queens still employ that same wash and rinse system.
Did your brother warn you that you're going to get as many suggestions for and against either type of washer from the membership here?
Yeah he did. He ain't heavy, he's my brother. I told him to buy a Miele, but he ain't down wit' dat. So, keep the reasonably priced suggestions coming!
Speed Queen AWN-432.
Basic simple controls, full tub wash and rinse top loader. Just my $0.02. Welcome to AW.org
Wk78
Basic simple controls, full tub wash and rinse top loader. Just my $0.02. Welcome to AW.org
Wk78
Thanks for the replies so far!
We kicked a few tires at a locally-owned place in town. The owner was bullish on an LG and a Speed Queen for our modest purposes. The 2" difference in height at the front, 38" for the LC vs. 36" for the Speed Queen, was a deal breaker for my wife. Leaning toward the SQ.
We kicked a few tires at a locally-owned place in town. The owner was bullish on an LG and a Speed Queen for our modest purposes. The 2" difference in height at the front, 38" for the LC vs. 36" for the Speed Queen, was a deal breaker for my wife. Leaning toward the SQ.
<blockquote>Unless you had top-loading dryer (if there was such a thing) ...</blockquote> There is/was. I have one. See my profile picture.
I know some here are very enamored with Speed Queen, I guess I can see why with build quality, but to me they are just unattractive - would not make the list if I was in the market.
I do have experience with agitator, front load and wash-plate units though and the only thing I would buy is front load. Personally I think wash-plates are a bad joke. The wash action is far from what you get with a front load unit. Lifting and dropping the clothes through the soapy water is a far cry from swishing them around in a puddle.
If you were happy with the performance of your old FL unit, I'd say stay with that format.
I do have experience with agitator, front load and wash-plate units though and the only thing I would buy is front load. Personally I think wash-plates are a bad joke. The wash action is far from what you get with a front load unit. Lifting and dropping the clothes through the soapy water is a far cry from swishing them around in a puddle.
If you were happy with the performance of your old FL unit, I'd say stay with that format.
I might have gotten something wrong, and might sound weired saying that, but if your wife is 4'11, how do you even consider a TL? For short persons, a FL on Pedestals should be the one simplest thing to operate. Controls at approx. eye level, and if she has a problem with dropping laundry on the floor, she could always first unload into a basket, and load into the dryer from that basket.
brucelucenta
Well-known member
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Get a front load that is on SALE or maybe an open box one at best buy or some place like it. There are plenty of places that have great deals on washers. I would get the front loader for the least amount of money. As far as speed queen goes, only if that costs the least amount of money to do the job. They are no better or worse than any other machines and have less ability to do things that other machines will do. Top loaders will NOT rinse your clothes without excessive manipulation of the controls. They are rapidly becoming a thing of the past, since regulations prevent them from using enough water to effectively do their job. Front loaders do actually rinse your clothing properly, so you won't have soapy residue in your clothes. I personally have an LG made machine that works wonderfully well and holds a huge amount of clothing or bedding. It is about 2 years old and had no problems so far. It gets used at least every other day or more.
brucelucenta
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2013
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Get the front loader you get the best deal on for the least amount of money you have to spend. Top loaders are a joke today. They will not rinse your clothes anymore without excessive manipulation of the controls. It's really just a giant crap shoot as to how long one will last or how well it holds up over time. NOTHING is the same in washers and dryers as it once was and seems to change all the time.
mrb627
Well-known member
Electrolux
Has three new models set to arrive at showrooms any minute now. They are well featured and reasonably priced machines. They are currently on my shortlist.
Malcolm
Has three new models set to arrive at showrooms any minute now. They are well featured and reasonably priced machines. They are currently on my shortlist.
Malcolm
My brother wound up buying a new Speed Queen top loader. Not sure of the model, but knowing him, it would not have been a TOL model. He commented on how comparatively "noisy" it was, compared to the front loader it replaced. I reminded him he replaced a TL Speed Queen with that front loader 7-8 years ago. He's just happy to have a working well built washer. Thanks for your advice, guys and gals!
