Putting the Spin on Combination Machines

[mixfinder]

I have been sourcing repair or replacement options to Equator which has bearing issues. No one in the greater Seattle area has a combo machine in stock. Ordering one is several weeks out with significant shipping charges.
I have a friend, who is the sales manager of the Seattle Albert Lee appliance store. I asked what brand of combo they had. He said the only combo they will sell is Asko. Not because it is the best, but it has the most reliable service. He bought a new LG washer and dryer for himself. The motor failed in the dryer and it took 5 weeks for a warrauntee repair. He said, "We don't sell LG unless the customer holds a gun to our head." That said, he believed LG was an excellent product.
I am inquiring into this machine froms Craigs. Is there reason to be concerned for bellows and internal seals drying out or becoming brittle in a two year period?
Kelly

http://[email protected]

 

[mixfinder]

Craigslist number

LG combination washer dryer model LGWD 324 RDH. Craigslist number 255630044.
Kelly

 

[tomturbomatic]

Little LG Combo

I spent part of New Year's Day wandering around our EXPO store and happened on the little LG combo. It was sitting all by itself around the corner from the appliance dept. where the KitchenAid front loader pair were previously. I don't know if they do not want to sell these combos or if it had misbehaved and was sent away for a time out, but it really looked small in that big area. I had never seen one before. It sure is not like those awful things built in China. I am sure that it is well built, but eventually you will need service and if there is not a good service network or parts distribution system in place, the finest machine is no good. Nothing makes you feel quite as queasy and scared as when the service tech blurts out that he has never seen one of these before as he starts pawing your $1500.00 combo to see what's wrong. Have you thought about buying a good small washer like the little Samsung/Maytag 24" frontloader for the place under the vanity and finding 24 inches for a 120 volt dryer elsewhere?

Hope you are feeling better than you thought you would Kelly.
Tom

 

[mixfinder]

Drip Dry

Tom,
I have thought of just a washer and sourcing a compact dryer. I noticed that Sears is now offering a combo. It is shown on a pedestal, which makes it look bigger.
I am totally amazed at how well I feel. I feel as if something miraculous has happened in my body this week. In spite of the treatment, I felt good, have energy and something inside is different.
Kelly

 

[peteski50]

Combination Machines

Hi Kelly,
I am happy you are feeling better. I pray for you and hope all will turn out well.
What type of Combo did you see at sears? I didn't think sears carried any combos.
I regreat getting rid of my Equator. I probably would not ever buy another combo. I had built plumbing into a closet so I could have the LG TROMM combo. What a mistake. I had seen it and wanted it no matter what. Sometimes it's not worth wishing for something that badly. I had had the Equator in the Kitchen under a counter. I put a cabinet in it's place. If I do have to replace the LG I will probably just get a FL like a Frigmore or Affinity. I hang a lot of laundry anyway. Maybe I would get a portable dryer that I would have to put in another area because I have no room in the closet and also I cannot vent from their.
It is really ashame a USA company doesn't make a big combo. We used to have them and I think they should make them in 110V and 120V.
Hang in and Best Wishes
Peter

 

[exploder3211]

Kelly,
Glad to here you are on the up and up!

I agree with peteski... I would look twords getting a washer like my affinity (or frigemore, but the affinitiy is mocho nicer)and portable dryer like the one below..

Acutally if you got the Frigmore and the dryer below, i almost think you could buy the stack stand thats $79 and put the washer below it..

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...ertical=APPL&subcat=Dryers&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

 

[exploder3211]

Maybe not.. Dimensions on the portable washer are 22 1/4 wide and frigemore f/l is 26 1/2 wide..

BUT the Maytag (below) F/L would probably fitunder the stack rack.. Any one know if this is a good machiene or not??? Its 23 1/2 wide max.. Hmmm...

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...BV_EngineID=ccgkaddjldmkejkcefecemldffidfko.0

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: Compact Front-Load Washer:

I would go with the Whirlpool Compact Front-Load Washer, without any offense to Maytag towards theirs. I would maybe look into the Maytag as a 2nd choice however, between them.

I've got an LG Compact Combo, that I've made Portable and it hooks up to my Kitchen Sink. Due to the extensive length of a total Cycling {Wash, Dry and Cool-Down} approx 7-hours, I've put a 2nd Hand Kenmore Dryer {like Chad mentioned about} on top of my LG Compact Combo. I bought some Rubber Caps like the ones used on the Foot of Crutches, to prevent the Dryer from sliding off the top of my Washer/Dryer. The Washer/Dryer does have a ridge around the sides, that does help to also prevent the Dryer from sliding off. Both of these Machines run on 110-Volts and I've got them plugged into separate Circuit's of the Kitchen Plugs, so they wouldn't blow the Breaker's, being on the same Circuit.

"BTW" I also had a professional Dolly made complete with Locking Wheels to move both Units around like a Portable Washer or Dishwasher. It was built to withstand 350-pounds of weight. I told the Welder that it needed to hold the Washer/Dryer with Laundry and Water equalling approx at least 300-pounds. The Welder and another Guy both stood on the Dolly at approx 245-pounds each and let me tell you, it isn't going to ever fall apart. When he builds something for you, it will definately last. The Dolly cost me $250.00 and it was certainly well worth every Dollar.

Peace and New Years Cheers, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[exploder3211]

The wpool combo would fit as well... Although, looking back i see that you need to vent this puppy and i don't see where they sell those indoor dryer venting systems any more

 

[mixfinder]

Buffet Of Choices

I took Tom's advice and thought of purchasing the Maytag compact MAH2400AWW. I can get it at the Maytag outlet for $625.oo I looked at a Whirlpool compact on Craigslist, LHW0050PQ. It is new in the box, but out of warrantee. Looking at reviews for both at Epinions, the feedback for service and dependablity is deplorable. Are they the same machine but differently labeled? I fired up the Equator and it runs through a cycle with out clothes, but has a significant bearing sound. I called Equator and they gave me the telephone numbers for two repair companies. One is 100 miles away and the other goes to an unidentified voice mail. Repair is not looking like an easy option.
Should I buy the Maytag?
Kelly

 

[mixfinder]

Buffet Of Choices

I took Tom's advice and thought of purchasing the Maytag compact MAH2400AWW. I can get it at the Maytag outlet for $625.oo I looked at a Whirlpool compact on Craigslist, LHW0050PQ. It is new in the box, but out of warrantee. Looking at reviews for both at Epinions, the feedback for service and dependablity is deplorable. Are they the same machine but differently labeled? I fired up the Equator and it runs through a cycle with out clothes, but has a significant bearing sound. I called Equator and they gave me the telephone numbers for two repair companies. One is 100 miles away and the other goes to an unidentified voice mail. Repair is not looking like an easy option.
Should I buy the Maytag?
Kelly

 

[mixfinder]

Last Word On Equator

I was just able to hang up the phone after a long and lengthy tongue lashing by an embittered repairman, who hates Equator and the horse it road in on. The word on the street is no one in Seattle will sell or service an Equator because of no pays on warrantee work and dealing with an Indian based call center.
I am back to the drawing board on a "washer only" replacement since there is not a single dealer in Seattle metro area selling or supporting a combination unit.
Kelly

 

[oxydolfan1]

How about a......Hirundo?

I found this unit, made by Indesit, an Italian company of apparently dubious reputation, for a relatively low price, $799, online...if you'd be willing to risk it.

I'd probably spend a little more and take a chance on an LG first, but, then again, look at the difficulties that peteski's been experiencing...

There appears to be fewer and fewer of these models on the US market. Based on that, perhaps a clever situation of space-friendly, more conventional single-use machines would be the way to go....

http://www.compactappliance.com/xq/...oductID.11401/qx/shopping/product/WDC1026.htm

 

[toggleswitch]

~and I don't see where they sell those indoor dryer venting systems anymore.

Waterbath to trap lint? Are these of any merit?

 

[launderess]

You can find those "indoor" drying units, especially on fleaBay, but one is really better off sticking the vent hose out a window. Used one with a GE Spacemaker dryer had years ago, and it filled the kitchen with lint, and made the house like a sauna. Opening windows takes care of the humidity, but there still was all that link. Water in the bottom of a bucket does not attrack nor hold that much lint.

L.

 

[toggleswitch]

ASKO Combination washer/dryer

http://www.askousa.com/laundry/model.php?id=WCAM1812

 

[toggleswitch]

AM-TECH Combination washer/dryer

http://www.amtechcombo.com/

 

[toggleswitch]

Is it Thursday already?

THOR combination washer-dryer.

Read about their condensder carefully!

http://www.thorappliances.com/

 

[toggleswitch]

Baby, you take me higher...

HAIER washer /dryer

http://www.nextag.com/Haier-1-7-cu-56589777/prices-html

 

[toggleswitch]

ARISTON washer / dryer

http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/AWD120.html

 

[toggleswitch]

SUMMIT washer /dryer

http://www.nextag.com/Summit-SPWD1160C-Washer-Dryer-64204231/prices-html

 

[mavei511]

Edgestar combo.

http://www.edgestar.com/wdcombo.htm

 

[mixfinder]

Limited Power

I am, of course, limited to using a machine that runs from 110 and is portable. I have thought of removing the vanity, in the bathroom and installing a combo unit or 24 inch front loader. Risky, if I get caught doing it by the building owner.

I was not able to find anyone, who would willingly work on a combo unit in the metro area. Most of the smaller machines share a similar design within many "brands". I am hesitant to purchase a machine that I cannot find service for.

I have a large deck, so I can use a dryer that operates on 110, is a vented model and let it blow into the universe.

I am also looking at a Haeir top loader XQJ50-31. It seems to be the least expensive and most plausable alternative.

I am waiting to hear Tomturbomatic speak his voice of wisdom and clarity and then make the choice.

Kelly

 

[peteski50]

Combo!

Hi Kelly
Does it have to be portable? I thought maybe a Frigmore or Affinity if you can run plumbing to sink. I was lucky with my Equator when I had it. It did have a problem and I had it fixed ASAP. But at least you are smart to check to see if you are able to obtain service.
Best Of Luck
Peter

 

[mixfinder]

Read the Cold Hard Facts

I live in an apartment. I cannot install without risk of getting caught. I may move. I want to purchase a portable unit. I have toyed with the option of removing the vanity, but no full size washer could use the vanity sink plumbing and drain any volume of water, in an aprtment building.
Kelly

 

[peteski50]

Combo!

Hi Kelly
Just make sure whatever you buy you can get good service. Believe me I learned so much with this LG disaster.
Best Of Luck
Keep us posted
Peter

 

[tomturbomatic]

Kelly, the Samsung-Maytag and the Malber-Whirlpool are different machines. Malber does not have a great reputation, but they have not needed a lot of service in our area. The motor board is vulnerable if you oversuds to the point where water drips down inside. It eventually gets the motor board. Samsung-Maytag machine is well liked by people who have one. Don't know of Samsung-Maytag machines that have needed service. I don't know if Whirlpool-Maytag is going to keep the Samsung-Maytag in the line, but if you have Home Depot, they have it for less than the price you quoted. The two machines cost about the same.

Glad that you are feeling better. I hope the chemo was super effective and that doctors will be writing papers about your perfect cure with updates each year for many years as you continue to live a healthy life with no more Mr. C.
Tom

 

[oxydolfan1]

Tom, do you think the Samsung/Maytag machine at Home Depot would be capable of washing, let's say, a twin-sized comforter?

 

[veg-o-matic]

I dunno, that AmTech combo is sounding mighty appealing...

veg

 

[mixfinder]

Just to make you crazy.

I am reconsidering the Haeir, top load, agitator model XQJ50-31. I was looking at them last fall. The price took a jump of 120.00 and then there was 100.00 for shipping. Looking again, I find them back at the regular price of 299.00 with 47.00 for shipping. I am thinking that's what I'll do and continue to look for a used dryer that runs on or can be converted to 110.
Kelly