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What kind of washer do I need? How do I do laundry? What price am I willing to pay?

I tend to wash one day a week but I do several loads in that one day. I use a variety of cycles depending on what I wash. I do use the delicate/handwash feature about once a week. And, I launder my winter coats and mattress pads, and other water-resistant bulky items. I know I should go to a laundromat but it's a pain in the rear. It's one reason why I keep wondering if there's a way to get an FL in my old hallway that is now a laundry room.

Additional needs: Quiet, as I mentioned upstream. And, I have pets, two long-haired cats. I like having a full tub when I have a full load and extra rinse to get as much of the soap out as possible. I do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets or other additives.

As far as price, I prefer to buy something more expensive to get what I want, but paying over $1500 would probably be my top amount for just the washer. I think though it's a threshold that can be met. There would have to be something very special about that machine for me to justify it. I don't have a lot of money but I know how to budget and I think I could swing an unexpected expense.

I think that the TC5 Classic Wash > TR7 Perfect Wash is for me now, but I really did like the options the TR7 had, especially with the soak cycle and the easy-to-understand display. One thing I disliked about many of the new machines is the internet connectivity. I don't understand why this is necessary when a mechanical option will work just fine!

I mentioned to the repairman this morning that I've lost a bit of confidence in the Speed Queen brand because of the bad unit that was installed. I was extremely lucky to get my old Kitchenaid back, it almost didn't happen.

I think I'm off the market now for at least a year, but I've put out $700 in repairs for both the washer and the dryer (mostly the dryer). Let's hope I can get another decade out of them.
 
A washer and dryer is kind of like a house. A lot of times when a house gets to be 10 years old things start needing replacement such as appliances, water heaters, maybe hvac systems, and other maintenance type items. But usually once these things are taken care of you should be good for a period of time. On the laundry pair if you have to replace a heating element on the dryer it should last close to as long as the original if there are no reasons to help it fail prematurely. Same with say a motor, it’s pretty costly but shouldn’t have to make that repair again.

My daily driver is a 28 year old Chevy truck with 270,000 miles that I’ve owned for the past 19 years and yes it cost money to keep it going but everything works and I have the confidence to drive it any distance.
 
Simply because a machine has wifi connectivity doesn't mean it has to be connected. It will still work fine. All wifi does is allow you to control the washer from your phone or voice (alexa etc) and may give you some frivolous added cycles such as I found on my LG. Never use them, machine is no longer connected.
 
my lg WM3900 handles bulky items like comforters with ease. I've even put a large rubber backed area rug in it a few times and it did fine. I'd like to see a speed queen even begin to turn over a rug. our LG also rinses beautifully and I rarely have to add a second rinse, thought I do sometimes, mostly with towels. the WiFi features are pretty gimmicky, and absolutely not needed to use the washer. the only download cycle I use with any regularity is the blanket cycle, and I only use it about once every 2 weeks. It also sends notifications to my phone when either the washer or dryer finish a cycle, and will automatically set the dryer to the corresponding cycle once the washer finishes.
 
The LG MW3900 is a front load, isn't it?

I probably need to stick to a top loader, but if my house was not as tight as it is, a sturdy, well-balanced front loader would be acceptable. As it is, unless the FL was turned and the hoses exposed, I would never be able to open the door to load it. I think it might be a bit of a hazard to not have those connections directly behind the unit. So, I'd feel better sticking to a top load if I can find the right one.

Even those apartment-sized laundry centers wouldn't work for me unless I got a carpenter to remove the storage cabinets that are in the old hallway/laundry room. I rather not do that. I use those cabinets. I considered this option for about two minutes before ruling it out.

I told my family that I had my washer fixed and that I was off the market for a while, but my mother thought I should go out and buy what I need anyway since I have the money saved and production is so backed up. Basically, get in line before there is a bigger issue. I hope by the time I actually must replace this machine the production issues at the manufacturers will be resolved and I'll have more options.

I appreciate the feedback, I really do. This is a very friendly crowd. I hope you all have a nice start to your week.
 
Exposed hoses

Well actually this wouldn’t present any problems it would just be unsightly. But is there any reason you can’t have some kind of free standing |_| shaped (then inverted) cover made from laminated board or something? Would cost barely dollars to make. This would make a cover for the machine. You could even put a back panel on with holes for hoses to escape if needed.
 
Repair

I highly suggest keeping and fixing the KA set as others have mentioned.
Though, I will say, I am very impressed with the GE GTW460 (new GTW465) that I have been using in our new house. The dual action agitator makes the machine work well. Keep it in mind if you end up buying a new machine! Keep us updated!
 
Aquarius1984, I went to Best Buy to look at an LG front loader, trying to decide if it is really an option or not. I got down low and I found it difficult to get my hands all the way back without discomfort. With my iffy back, I don't believe I have enough vertical space with the pedestal. I'm not sure if I have vertical space with the cabinets. An FL is an option for someone in this house, I don't think it's one for me. It is something to keep in mind though. Thank you for the feedback.

The Best Buy clerk was trying to sell someone on a washer that has a removable agitator without a floor model. (Boy, that sounds like a gimmicky, future repair to me). I guess there's a new model coming out after Labor Day, he was trying to tell the lady to wait it out because those will be in stock but he couldn't sell it before the release date. It sounds like inventory is very low from what I overheard.

Pierreandreply4, thanks for the pictures and video.

Lakewebsterkid, I did have a GE model written down about six months ago based on CR when I was researching. I think it was third on my list, first being the SQ, then Maytag Commercial, and then GE. I haven't really investigated GE further, but I've always liked the brand. I preferred a GE coil top range for cooking and canning. As a side note, I feel like my range should be replaced as well, it's an old Kenmore, coil top with a self-cleaning oven (but no oven window!). Such a strange combination of features.
 
I'd stay away from that gimmicky agitator thing. removeable agitator? why would you want that? it would be something that gets used like
once
ever and then never again
 
I think my first priority here is to fix your Kitchenaid, I would if it were mine. If you want a brand new direct replacement of the Kitchenaid, the Maytag Commercial is what I would go for. I would also give Speed Queen another shot if you're going for a brand new washer. I've used the TR7 before and I really like it. But the TC5 is my number one recommendation for a new top load washer today. Now one new top load washer that I would definitely NOT recommend today is this Maytag MVW7230HW. It's my brother's washer and his wife and I both really dislike it. Doesn't perform well, barely moves any clothes around, and it takes longer to clean.

panasonicvac-2021081118482205881_1.jpg
 
That's great to hear that you like yours so far. And that's what they originally thought after they bought that washer. But after a year of owning that washer, they don't really like it anymore and I agree with them as I've used it myself before. It's almost just as bad as their other washer they've had before this one. And when my brother and his family move out of their house here very soon, they're looking into leaving the washer (And the dryer) behind and just buy a brand new set at their new house that should work better than this Maytag. Keep in mind here that one washer is not going to please everyone. And everyone is entitled to their opinions.
 
used front loader?

My machine is still making noises. It now also squeaks and rattles during the spin (but it was a big load). I don't think anything is off-balanced and my clothes still came out clean. I can work with this for a while yet, but it worries me.

Because I am close by, I took a walk to the Habitat for Humanity Restore and saw a very compact GE front loader for $200.00 and I believe it had a pedestal there too for $50. It was GE WCV4800K2WW and I think it will fit in the spot--I will measure. A brand new washer GE comparable one is $900.

The clerk said they run a load of towels to make sure it works before it goes out to the floor. I'm still iffy about buying it, it had all sorts of smells because they left the door closed after that test run, but $200 in on a decision I might regret beats $900.00. I wonder if the gasket can be replaced?

I'm posting these thoughts because I figure someone will say "stay away" or "it's a steal". If I hate it I can order something new, I'm only out $200, and whatever the help I get to get it installed.

The only top loaders there were Kenmore Laundry centers, one with a dual-action agitator the other three a single piece. All of them were $350. I wish I could take one of those instead but it won't fit in the spot.
 
I may be adding a Maytag wringer washer to my household. I found it on Facebook marketplace, it's only 5 blocks away, and, I know the seller from church. It's fate! She says it still works. $150 and I have something as a backup for when I am needing it. I rather have this than an HE piece of crap. I know they're a little more work but they can clean well.

As I understand, parts are still available for wringer washers, so fixable if it breaks down. Not sure why I need to tell you this but thought I would share just the same.
 
The wringer washer for sale down the street.

It was a Maytag J model (I think) square tub with a removable lid. It was very clean, with very little rust, with a brand new agitator. But not easy to move. I said 'no' initially because I couldn't figure out how I could use it. I have to store it in a different room, but, looking at pictures, I think it's supposed to have casters!!!!

Does anyone know if those casters can be replaced with something you can buy at the hardware store? It would be a game-changer.
 
It's been a few months with the new washer....

I ended up replacing my KA with a GE (GTW725BSN1WS) washer I bought from Costco in January 2022. The KA just sort of gave up on me and I couldn't deal with it anymore. Mom herniated her back and I was exhausted from helping her out and working all sorts of crazy hours at my job. I do miss the KAs quick cycles but not its noise.

My biggest complaint with the GE is I have to rebalance the tub more often, but other than that, I like the machine. I chose the model I have because of the warm rinse. There are some other features I like, such as delayed start and soaking options.

I have to pull out the soap dispenser after every load and dump the water that's collected in it during the cycle. I leave the lid of the machine open so it dries out and it doesn't become moldy.

I don't have anything that's unusual to report. It's okay for the lifestyle I have. I'm not blown away but I'm not up in arms either.
 

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