Replacing a Neptune

[lwbarkley]

We're looking to replace our Neptune front loader.

We could probably search for parts and repair it ourselves, but neither my husband nor I have the time or interest to do so. We're looking to buy a new one instead. We replaced the bearings in 2020 with help from knowledgeable people on this site, which gave us an additional three years of use. So, I feel like we got our money's worth and now it's time to move on.

I might also buy a new dryer, even though our current one still works. Since our machines are visible in the mudroom where everyone enters the house, I want them to look good. I've attached a picture of our current setup.

I'm not a fan of the large, spaceship-like machines available now. They're too big and don't seem reliable or long-lasting. I am not sure which direction I should go.

I'm interested in Miele (specifically the W1 and T1 models) because I can build a counter around them and they have a good reputation for performance and durability. However, I'm concerned about practicality. I usually do smaller loads more frequently, so I don't need a huge drum. The Neptune has a 3.34 cu. ft. capacity but when I saw the floor model of the W1, it seemed shockingly small. I'm also unsure about the longer cycle times. I do laundry regularly but I can't spend four hours each day on one load. Additionally, I'm curious about how well they handle pet hair, as we have a Great Pyrenees, and the information I found on pet hair in the honeycomb drum is mixed.

I also like SQ front loaders. They have a similar size, design, performance, and features to the Neptune, and our setup would look similar. However, the price is quite high. It would be a stretch for our budget, and I'm struggling to justify spending that much on a washer and dryer. Am I wrong?

Another option is the SQ TR7. I like its classic look, and the price is comparable to the Miele. The only drawback is that it's a top loader, which would prevent us from placing things on top of it which happens all of the time since our washer is next to the mudroom door.

I'm contradicting myself here, but the salesperson at our local appliance store and a coworker of mine both recommended an Electrolux. They are big and spaceship-like, and I'm concerned about their durability. Is there any reason I should consider their suggestion?

Lastly, are there any new machines with a capacity of around 3.5 cu. ft. that I may have overlooked?

I would appreciate hearing your opinions.

 

[henene4]

The Electroluxes are - and have been - the top rated machines in terms of cleaning.
They have (up to) 2 recirculation pumps, are very well programmed and very flexible.
They don't appear to be terrible reliability wise, so getting a decade from them doesn't seem far fetched.

Their dryers are also very good and very gentle. They also are one of the few (if not only) brands with a reversible washer door.

Given you had a high efficiency FL, I WOULD NEVER take the step back to a TL, given that even in the US utility pricing is on a climb (and will be for the foreseeable future).

The Miele is in general a very good machine and even with the ventless heatpump dryer, times for washing and drying will be in the range of 3 hours.

If you are scared about capacity, go for one with the QuickIntenseWash.
That has a recirculation pump and you can basically pack it tightly and still get really good results.

However, Mieles honeycomb drum isn't the best with pet hair. Have read several reports of people with pets having a small of bunch in the door seal after every load that they have to remove by hand.

A general good recommendation - even if it is "spaceship like" - would probably a lower-mid level LG set.
Something like the WM4000.
That has the current TurboWash generation. They clean very well in general, are very quiet and fast. Also has a heater. And a user accessible pump trap, so you can clean that out easier given hair is an issue.
That specific model isn't to far from what the Neptune offered. Turn on, twist dial, push button, start. It's also not very large, though a bit bigger than the Neptune.

I personally in that situation would go with an ELux or an LG.
The Miele set is great, but given your doubts about size and cycle times, I wouldn't risk it.
And given you had an FL, I wouldn't go back to a TL.

 

[panasonicvac]

I'd recommend LG

We had a Neptune set before and we replaced them both with an LG. They work just as well if not better than our Neptunes. Our local appliance technician who's fixed our appliances over the years says that LG is the brand that they've repaired the least when it comes to washers and dryers. We've been really pleased with them overall. I've used an Electrolux before and it was terrible. I've never used a Miele before but I don't like the sizes of their capacities, I wish Miele would go back to selling bigger sets here. Speed Queen would be a good option but they're pricy. I've used a TR7 which I really like but I'd recommend a TC5 over it. I've heard good things about their front loaders but my LG has a built in heater, jets, and a steam option but costs WAY much less.

 

[lakewebsterkid]

To be honest...

Depending on what is wrong or going on with the Neptune, it could be worth fixing IMHO.

However, I also recommend an LG set, though they aren't perfect.

The Speed Queen FF7 would also be a great choice. If you don't need a dryer, it is worth considering just buying the washer for now. 

 

[appnut]

I have an LG WM4200H and companion dryer. Love them.

 

[combo52]

Best replacement for a Neptune front load washer

I would definitely consider the Speed Queen front load first. I would also keep the Neptune dryer that will give you enough money to get the better front load washer, the Maytag dryer can easily be kept running, for it likely another decade or two.

You will love the Speed Queen front loader when you see how well it handles, heavy loads and unbalanced loads. It also never tangles like the Neptune could with certain loads. The Speed Queen is also much quieter and more stable on the floor as a much better cabinet structure.

I would not buy any modern top load washer, especially since you’ve already had the advantages of a good front load washer.

John

 

[lwbarkley]

I appreciate the feedback. I think the LGs would look the best but after sleeping on it, I’m leaning towards keeping the Neptune dryer and purchasing the SQ front loader. It feels wasteful to get a new dryer when this one works fine. I think I could embrace the mismatched look if it meant reliability and a solid machine.

 

[jamiel]

Doesn't Electrolux have a plant in Kinston NC? Perhaps you can get a deal at the outlet should there be one in the area.

 

[DADoES]

Matched Laundry Sets

 
I've known many people with mismatched washer/dryer pairs.  Your clothes don't care. 

 

[panasonicvac]

One thing to note of about keeping the dryer. While the dryer still works fine for you and that's great, the question you'd want to ask is how much longer will it last for? Chances are it could last for another 10 years or it could last for another month. Who knows but it's definitely a gamble. When we had our Neptune dryer replaced, the matching washer lasted for about 5 years which wasn't too bad but I wished it could've lasted longer than that. Having to replace a laundry machine a few years apart from each other just seems kinda wasteful in my opinion. I mean I'm a type of person where I'd rather replace both machines at the same time to save on some things like trips, delivery, fees, etc. Plus with having another new machine, you're basically refreshed on parts that would last for a very long time without having any worries in the short term. And if you sell your working dryer to someone who needs one, you can get some cash back on towards a new dryer. But when the dryer breaks, it'd be harder to sell and not earn as much cash back. Anyways, that's my two cents here. Good luck on what you choose to do.

 

[combo52]

Is it wise to replace a perfect good dryer?

When you’re buying a new washer, in the case of your Neptune dryer, it could last another 10 to 20 years with a few minor repairs, even replacing a motor will seem very cheap compared to spending one to $2000 for a new dryer that will work no better Than the existing dryer.

It’s also very wasteful to trash a perfectly working machine, washers and dryers, have a very different lifespan things that deal with water have much shorter life, garbage disposals, washing machines, water heaters, dishwashers, etc.

Ranges, dryers furnaces, and many other appliances last much longer.

Not everybody was born with a silver spoon in their mouth, there’s really no reason to replace things at work perfectly well that’s how you get ahead in life is not throwing money away just because you can.

John

 

[DADoES]

 
Dryers are simple mechanisms.  It's always reasonable to replace normal wear-parts.  Catastrophic situations such as someone who ignored bad drum bearing slides which led to wear-down/mangling of the drum's rim, maybe not so much.

 

[dishmobile]

Neptune Replacement

I feel your pain as I recently said "good-bye" to the "twins" (but did keep the door medallions). I just replaced my 25 y/o Neptune pair, after 17 years of service (I purchased them used and really liked them). I must say that I did not want to do so, but simply, after many, many attempts and much frustration, could not find parts (the motor control board) for the washer. This, after making a number of repairs over the years (wax motor; tub seals; tub boot/drain) myself. I really appreciated the Neptune vigorous wash action and relative simplicity of use, but the lack of parts made it no longer an option, and...I just needed to get the laundry done and stop going to the laundromat.

After researching the current market, most of which I do not care for as it looks/feels cheap, I chose an LG front loading pair (4200 series) and am pleased. They appear to relatively well-made, receive favorable reviews, and I was able to find them on sale, along with the pedestals (which gives a bit of laundry-day storage). I would recommend them to you for consideration. I also considered purchasing a SQ commercial pair but could not justify the cost. With weekly care of the washer (leaving the door open; drying the tub boot; draining as suggested; not over-sudsing; and running monthly tub cleaning), I hope to get a number of years of faithful service. Plus...the dryer "sings" a little song at the cycle's end.

I hope that you may find this of help. Cheers.

 

[appnut]

Michael, I replaced my WP Duet with the LG WM4200 in October/November 2021 and I love it.