I have been doing some research but with all the info out there it's overwhelming. One thing I need is a washer large enough to clean a king size comforter. Other than that I'm not too picky. So far I've found that GE makes a more reliable machine. I read good and bad though from all brands so I'm not so sure which way to turn. I'd like to hear some opinions on this.
on the hunt for new w/d
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If you want to wash a king-size comforter, I'd go with a front-loading washer---in particular, a Whirlpool Duet. There are three Duet models, ranging in list price from $999 to $1400. You can usually pick them up at around $100 less than their list price.
If you want a top-loading washer that will wash a king-size comforter, your choices are limited. The new Kenmore Oasis (or Whirlpool Cabrio, which is almost the same machine) has a large enough tub to hold your comforter. However, these machines use an impeller at the bottom of the tub to move the clothing around rather than a traditional agitator. They are new models and don't have much of a track record established, yet.
I don't think you'll find a top-loader with a traditional agitator that will handle a king-sized comforter.
Here are some models profiled by Consumer Reports. I've only included machines I think will be able to hold a king-size comforter. The new Maytag front-loader is made by Samsung and will probably have a better reliability record than did earlier Maytag Neptune models. Those machines had a lot of problems.
This Whirlpool Duet is the middle model. I don't have a profile for the $999 Model 9150, but it's very similar to the one shown. Just a few less bells and whistles.
If you want a top-loading washer that will wash a king-size comforter, your choices are limited. The new Kenmore Oasis (or Whirlpool Cabrio, which is almost the same machine) has a large enough tub to hold your comforter. However, these machines use an impeller at the bottom of the tub to move the clothing around rather than a traditional agitator. They are new models and don't have much of a track record established, yet.
I don't think you'll find a top-loader with a traditional agitator that will handle a king-sized comforter.
Here are some models profiled by Consumer Reports. I've only included machines I think will be able to hold a king-size comforter. The new Maytag front-loader is made by Samsung and will probably have a better reliability record than did earlier Maytag Neptune models. Those machines had a lot of problems.
This Whirlpool Duet is the middle model. I don't have a profile for the $999 Model 9150, but it's very similar to the one shown. Just a few less bells and whistles.
Here's the Kenmore HE3. I believe there is also a slightly less expensive version of this one at Sears.
And here's the new Maytag front-loader:
This is the new Kenmore Oasis (Whirlpool Cabrio) model. You may be seeing ads for it on TV:
Do not buy one of these original-style Maytag Neptunes! They are very trouble-prone. And they don't have a window to see into the machine, either.
Finally, here is the list of reliability ratings Consumer Reports has compiled. Happy hunting! Let us know what you wind up buying.
Thanks for posting these. I wonder about a few things. They say that the reliability data of the Kenmore high efficiency models don't apply for the Oasis. But the reliability of the new Maytag frontloaders seemed to be based on the reliability of the older models.
Didn't they test the GE frontloader? I would be interested in reading about that machine, it's also a big frontloader but much cheaper than the Whirlpool and Kenmore machines.
Interesting too is the fact that Frigidaire topload washers appear to be among the most reliable brands. I won't comment further on that. Otherwise I'd be ducking and running! LOL
Didn't they test the GE frontloader? I would be interested in reading about that machine, it's also a big frontloader but much cheaper than the Whirlpool and Kenmore machines.
Interesting too is the fact that Frigidaire topload washers appear to be among the most reliable brands. I won't comment further on that. Otherwise I'd be ducking and running! LOL
zipdang
Well-known member
If you're considering a Duet, don't overlook KitchenAid's version, the Ensemble. After deciding I didn't want to wait for Miele's rumored forthcoming 8 Kg machine (I inquired about it and they never e-mailed me back), I bought a new Ensemble pair. They replaced a 3 year-old KA Superba TL set, exactly like the washer Geoff just bought (see thread #7395). So far I absolutely love my Ensembles. The washer is incredibly stable when spinning, more so than the KitchenAid TL it replaced, as well as the Bosch FL before that. My laundry room is on the second floor, and there was a marked floor vibration with the other machines, but not so with the Ensemble. Yay!
I chose the Ensemble over the Duets and Kenmores because of price and warranty. The appliance dealer I frequent gave me a great deal on the set. The washer alone was about $150 less than the closest equivalent Kenmore model, and about $100 less than a Duet 9400. The dryer was less than its sister brands as well. KA also has a 2 year warranty, compared to the other brands' 1 year warranty.
David
I chose the Ensemble over the Duets and Kenmores because of price and warranty. The appliance dealer I frequent gave me a great deal on the set. The washer alone was about $150 less than the closest equivalent Kenmore model, and about $100 less than a Duet 9400. The dryer was less than its sister brands as well. KA also has a 2 year warranty, compared to the other brands' 1 year warranty.
David
Sorry everyone--due to copyright issues the photos from CR had to be deleted.
Darn it. I was wondering why I couldn't see the pictures. Is there any other way to get that info aside from typing it all yourself? I am more interested in the top loaders for now since I've heard too many problems with the front loaders and the Duet in particular with electrical issues. I found most of my info on epinions.com. I'm just sceptical and this is a big purchase for me so I don't want to regret anything. I appreciate everyones input.
The only toploaders that will hold a king-size comforter are the new 'agitatorless' machines; they are the Kenmore Oasis and the Whirlpool Cabrio. GE also makes an impeller-based toploader, the name of which escapes me at the moment.
Since all these new machines have no proven track record, I'd definitely go with a front-loader. I'm surprised you hear so many bad things about the Duet. They have the best reliability ratings from Consumer Reports.
The frontloaders that will hold a king-size comforter are: Whirlpool Duet, Kenmore HE3 or HE4, the LG frontloaders and the new Maytag frontloaders. The GE, Bosch and Frigidaire frontloaders have a somewhat smaller capacity.
Most people here with Duets have had good experiences with them. I know three people with Duets and all of them rave about their machines. Remember that on epinions it's mostly people who have had problems who post. If you go strictly by that, no machine will pass muster. Every brand has problems; some just have more than others.
I suggest you go to the Sears.com site and look at some frontloaders there--and also the Oasis. They have several brands of washers. Then check out whirlpool.com for their washers.
Since all these new machines have no proven track record, I'd definitely go with a front-loader. I'm surprised you hear so many bad things about the Duet. They have the best reliability ratings from Consumer Reports.
The frontloaders that will hold a king-size comforter are: Whirlpool Duet, Kenmore HE3 or HE4, the LG frontloaders and the new Maytag frontloaders. The GE, Bosch and Frigidaire frontloaders have a somewhat smaller capacity.
Most people here with Duets have had good experiences with them. I know three people with Duets and all of them rave about their machines. Remember that on epinions it's mostly people who have had problems who post. If you go strictly by that, no machine will pass muster. Every brand has problems; some just have more than others.
I suggest you go to the Sears.com site and look at some frontloaders there--and also the Oasis. They have several brands of washers. Then check out whirlpool.com for their washers.
SactoTeddyBear
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Re: Kitchen Aid Ensembles:
Hi! David zipdang, did you get the White Set or the Meteorite Color Kitchen Aid Ensembles? I'm wanting to hopefully sometime later on soon to look into a new Front-Load Set, if I can get some of my newer Machines Sold. I'm wanting the Kitchen Aid Ensemble Set, in the Meteorite Color and with the Pedestal Drawers.
I've personally thought that the Control Panels and even for some reason the whole Front of the Machines on the Kitchen Aid Set looked better than the Whirlpool and even the Kenmore "HETTY's." The Meteorite Color gives them such a Rich-Look and even a much better Color than the Gray and even Black in my opinion.
I'm also impressed with the Kitchen Aid Warrantee Coverage being 2-Years, instead of only 1-Year Parts and Labor.
I've never really been a fan of White, even though I've got a few White Major Appliances, as well as a couple of Almond Color Appliances.
Enjoy your Ensemble Washer and Dryer Set, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...
Hi! David zipdang, did you get the White Set or the Meteorite Color Kitchen Aid Ensembles? I'm wanting to hopefully sometime later on soon to look into a new Front-Load Set, if I can get some of my newer Machines Sold. I'm wanting the Kitchen Aid Ensemble Set, in the Meteorite Color and with the Pedestal Drawers.
I've personally thought that the Control Panels and even for some reason the whole Front of the Machines on the Kitchen Aid Set looked better than the Whirlpool and even the Kenmore "HETTY's." The Meteorite Color gives them such a Rich-Look and even a much better Color than the Gray and even Black in my opinion.
I'm also impressed with the Kitchen Aid Warrantee Coverage being 2-Years, instead of only 1-Year Parts and Labor.
I've never really been a fan of White, even though I've got a few White Major Appliances, as well as a couple of Almond Color Appliances.
Enjoy your Ensemble Washer and Dryer Set, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...
zipdang
Well-known member
Steve, I chose the white set. The two-tone Meteorite units are very attractive, but white works with my style better, and was priced lower to boot. Also, I'm likely to tire of a novelty color after a while, so at least with white I should be safe for a long time. (Although I do like the blue on Jason's Oasis....)
I agree with you about the styling of the Ensembles. Their design appeals to me more than the Duets and Hetties. They have a more squared, less curvy look to them. So far I'm really happy with them. My only "gripe" is minor, and seems to be common amongst other owners of these machines as well, that the washer can take a long time to balance a load before spinning. But then, that's probably one of the reasons it doesn't shake my floor either!
I agree with you about the styling of the Ensembles. Their design appeals to me more than the Duets and Hetties. They have a more squared, less curvy look to them. So far I'm really happy with them. My only "gripe" is minor, and seems to be common amongst other owners of these machines as well, that the washer can take a long time to balance a load before spinning. But then, that's probably one of the reasons it doesn't shake my floor either!
Well I went out today and bought the new Whirlpool Cabrio washer and dryer. They had a nicer model that had a window so you could see your clothes wash/dry but I decided to buy the cheaper one and get the extended warranty. The model I bought does have an agitator but I could have ordered an agitatorless one for more money. The salesman said it should be fine to hold the king size comforter even with the agitator. I went to Lowe's since they have a sale going on. I got 10% off by signing up for their credit card plus rebates for gift cards. I need a new grill so I'll just use it for that 
Total for both pieces after rebates and gift cards was $1268...and that includes 5 years of in home service. I think that was a fair price. Now I hope it lives up to what I think it is. I'll keep you all informed.
Total for both pieces after rebates and gift cards was $1268...and that includes 5 years of in home service. I think that was a fair price. Now I hope it lives up to what I think it is. I'll keep you all informed.
Great! I think you're the first to own one of the Cabrio's with an agitator. Can you post pictures? Congrats on your purchase and I hope you have many trouble-free loads of laundry.
Yay!
We like pics...Looking forward to seeing them.
Is this like the model???
We like pics...Looking forward to seeing them.
Is this like the model???
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