So if one had to buy a washing machine

[RCAWhirlpool]

If one had to purchase a new washing machine top loader for a home which machine is the most trouble free machine out there today. My brother and nephews have purchased several saying GE is the worst. My RCA Whirlpool isnt going to last forever (I hope it does) but when the the time comes I will need to buy a new one.

 

[phillymatt53]

What I've noticed over the years (45+ years in the electronics repair/sales business) is that products have increasingly become more trouble-prone, less reliable, and in many cases having shortcuts and/or cost-cutting issues.
As opposed to products designed and produced decades ago.

I strongly suspect that a good part of this is due to several factors.
Inflation, lack of good design choices, poor craftsmanship, outsourcing, sloppy Quality Control, and of course Greed on the part of corporations.

This to me has risen red flags about "modern" products for years now.
People can call me a miserable, jaded, cynical old fart, but I know, and have seen the downward spiral of quality with my own eyes.
The average consumer is of course unaware of these underlying problems, and has been gradually conditioned to accept what is handed to them as fact.
I largely blame technology as being the one factor for this.
The "convenience" of easily manipulating the society by current devices (cellphones, internet shopping) has enabled this to happen, and has weakened their ability to choose what a quality product is, and what is plain garbage, dressed up in a pretty dress. - AKA Snake Oil Sales.

This website, among others, is quite informative, in it's ability to weed out the good from the bad.
However, like anything, it's got its various opinions, and it takes a sharp mind to determine what's best for a certain person.

 

[RCAWhirlpool]

What I've noticed over the years (45+ years in the electronics repair/sales business) is that products have increasingly become more trouble-prone, less reliable, and in many cases having shortcuts and/or cost-cutting issues.
As opposed to products designed and produced decades ago.

I strongly suspect that a good part of this is due to several factors.
Inflation, lack of good design choices, poor craftsmanship, outsourcing, sloppy Quality Control, and of course Greed on the part of corporations.

This to me has risen red flags about "modern" products for years now.
People can call me a miserable, jaded, cynical old fart, but I know, and have seen the downward spiral of quality with my own eyes.
The average consumer is of course unaware of these underlying problems, and has been gradually conditioned to accept what is handed to them as fact.
I largely blame technology as being the one factor for this.
The "convenience" of easily manipulating the society by current devices (cellphones, internet shopping) has enabled this to happen, and has weakened their ability to choose what a quality product is, and what is plain garbage, dressed up in a pretty dress. - AKA Snake Oil Sales.

This website, among others, is quite informative, in it's ability to weed out the good from the bad.
However, like anything, it's got its various opinions, and it takes a sharp mind to determine what's best for a certain person.

Very well stated and noted. Over in Milford Ohio about 5 miles from where I live there is a appliance store that sells refurbished old Washers. This old guy has been in the business for years selling and repairing vacuum cleaners and he is good. The last time I was in he had several Matag washers in there older ones. Think he gives a one year warranty on his older washers. I just hope mine hangs on for another 20 years.

 

[phillymatt53]

Very well stated and noted. Over in Milford Ohio about 5 miles from where I live there is a appliance store that sells refurbished old Washers. This old guy has been in the business for years selling and repairing vacuum cleaners and he is good. The last time I was in he had several Matag washers in there older ones. Think he gives a one year warranty on his older washers. I just hope mine hangs on for another 20 years.

That's why my repair shop did a brisk business in vintage repairs.
Indeed, customers came in with modern stuff that was known for their breaking down, but when I advertised repairs-restorations of vintage stuff, I got a never ending flood so big i had to put people on a waiting list.

 

[combo52]

Best new automatic washers today in the USA

Top loading washers are certainly not what they used to be. There’s still quite reliable, but many people don’t like the way they operate.

Most people have moved on who really care about washing machines to front load machines like the rest of the world by far the best washing machine you can get today in the United States as a Speed Queen front load washer for durability easy repairs and the possibility that it will last 25 to 50 years with a few repairs.

If you really want a top load washer, get a Speed Queen TC five is the closest to an Oldschool washer with no lid lock, etc. the TR machines are pretty particularly well made but they’re very gentle in their washing action so if you are calling upon it to wash really heavy dirty loads, you’d be better with the TC5 or better yet with the front load washer.

Other good US built machines are Maytag or whirlpool front load and they still have the best top load washers at popular prices that are easy to repair.

John L

 

[RCAWhirlpool]

That's why my repair shop did a brisk business in vintage repairs.
Indeed, customers came in with modern stuff that was known for their breaking down, but when I advertised repairs-restorations of vintage stuff, I got a never ending flood so big i had to put people on a waiting list.

That is exactly what this guy said. He sells older model vacuum cleaners, washers dryers even refeigators. I bought a refurbished Shark Vacuum over a year ago. They only thing wrong with it was the cord was pulled too tight out the back. The idiot who owned it said here you can have it thing doesnt work. He fixed it turned around and sold it to me for $159.99. But wait I said Amazon has it for $129.99. So since he only had a little in it he said okay $129.99. Works great has great suction.

The guy also sells collector coins

 

[user 12105]

I have a shark that's got to be about close to 10 years old now if not more. I can't remember now when I got it but I bought it at Sears so it's been a little while. Still works great and cleans great. I really wouldn't know what to get now if I needed another vacuum. I'd probably go for another shark.

 

[phillymatt53]

I have a shark that's got to be about close to 10 years old now if not more. I can't remember now when I got it but I bought it at Sears so it's been a little while. Still works great and cleans great. I really wouldn't know what to get now if I needed another vacuum. I'd probably go for another shark.

Speaking of vacuums....
I've got two 1980's Eureka Uprights.
A "Boss" model and a Commercial model.
I got for free off my neighbor a Hoover Windtunnel "Steerable" upright that he was going to trash it, saying it doesn't work.
Well, it works great now to clean up the basement rugs once I cleaned all the cat hair packed in the intake hose and beater brush housing, and filter.
I did a full dissassembly and cleaning of it since it was obviously ignored by the neighbor.

 

[RCAWhirlpool]

I have a shark that's got to be about close to 10 years old now if not more. I can't remember now when I got it but I bought it at Sears so it's been a little while. Still works great and cleans great. I really wouldn't know what to get now if I needed another vacuum. I'd probably go for another shark.

My mom had a Hover shelf propelled Vacuum Clearer she purchased in 1976. Up until last October I continued to use it as it did a great job in the house. The only issue I ever had was replacing the belt and had to get it maintained every five years. Just a normal look and see if everything was good. Used the same guy in Milford Ohio that sold me the Shark. One day the vacuum clearer had a major issue the right side of the clean bottom broke and the vacuum wasn't level. Must have been the wheel housing but they repair guy said I can't get parts for this thing it is just too old. Hated to see it go away but very happy with the Shark.

 

[jrap330]

If one had to purchase a new washing machine top loader for a home which machine is the most trouble free machine out there today. My brother and nephews have purchased several saying GE is the worst. My RCA Whirlpool isnt going to last forever (I hope it does) but when the the time comes I will need to buy a new one.

SQ TC5. Or look at some LG. Also the Maytag commercial if still available.

 

[jrap330]

<snip> The notion that a top load washer uses too much water is a joke. It seems they purposely make them crappy to push us all to front loaders<snip.

It is documented Front loaders do use less water. The decline in quality for all appliances is to keep cost down.

 

[phillymatt53]

It is documented Front loaders do use less water. The decline in quality for all appliances is to keep cost down.

That's counterproductive actually, you're being controlled, and at the mercy of corporations.... again, think about corporate greed, and you being dependent on needing such an appliance.
Add to that, sly marketing tactics, and the continued overload of advertizing "upgrades". - it's like an evil way of hypnotizing society.
"Get The Latest, Greatest Model!"
"Save Energy, Save Time!"
"More Features!"

Because a consumer spending say, $500 on an appliance that lasts for a LONG time is better for the consumer....and their bank account....
Than.... spending $1000 on an appliance that only lasts 4 or 5 years - and having to put out more money for repairing it, or replacing it.
That only insures that the manufacturer keeps getting revenue, at the consumer's expense.
Granted, a company does have to make a profit to stay in business, but...
It's all a part of that Planned obsolescence crap that the consumer has been trained / forced to accept.

Just like food these days....
My mom would turn over in her grave if she saw what things cost today!
That 89c can of coffee, going for $8.99 today.

Oh lord, don't get me started on this!

 

[user 12105]

It is documented Front loaders do use less water. The decline in quality for all appliances is to keep cost down.

So what if they use less water ?

It is documented Front loaders do use less water. The decline in quality for all appliances is to keep cost down.

Well if it continues to go the way it's going how much more can they cut corners or use thinner metal ? The steel in my '74 Kenmore is different than either the steel in my GE portable dishwasher or my current Whirlpool wtw4816.

 

[phillymatt53]

So what if they use less water ?

Well if it continues to go the way it's going how much more can they cut corners or use thinner metal ? The steel in my '74 Kenmore is different than either the steel in my GE portable dishwasher or my current Whirlpool wtw4816.

My average daily water useage is about 50 gallons a day.
That's including washing dishes, flushing the toilets, general cleaning, and occasional watering of the garden.
That once-a-week or so of running my Maytag, of course it adds to the useage, but that's trivial and I refuse to let it make my brain nuts.

 

[jrap330]

So what if they use less water ?

Well if it continues to go the way it's going how much more can they cut corners or use thinner metal ? The steel in my '74 Kenmore is different than either the steel in my GE portable dishwasher or my current Whirlpool wtw4816.

Obviously you forget that since the year 2000 we have had so many drought seasons maybe 10 out of 25 in the NY, NJ, Conn area. That SW states have a water issue, right now , that Calf had a multi-year drought that ended a few years ago.

 

[jrap330]

My average daily water useage is about 50 gallons a day.
That's including washing dishes, flushing the toilets, general cleaning, and occasional watering of the garden.
That once-a-week or so of running my Maytag, of course it adds to the useage, but that's trivial and I refuse to let it make my brain nuts.

Great, I average 300 per day.

 

[johnb300m]

Y’all wanna talk about being controlled …. STOP calling yourselves “consumers.” It’s degrading.

 

[phillymatt53]

Great, I average 300 per day.

You must have a decent sized family besides yourself.

 

[phillymatt53]

Obviously you forget that since the year 2000 we have had so many drought seasons maybe 10 out of 25 in the NY, NJ, Conn area. That SW states have a water issue, right now , that Calf had a multi-year drought that ended a few years ago.

We can't control Mother Nature's actions.
Sad to say, It's part of living on this planet, you take the good with the bad.

 

[jrap330]

You must have a decent sized family besides yourself.

No just 2 people. I know my usage is more like a family of 4.

 

[user 12105]

Obviously you forget that since the year 2000 we have had so many drought seasons maybe 10 out of 25 in the NY, NJ, Conn area. That SW states have a water issue, right now , that Calf had a multi-year drought that ended a few years ago.

Water is a continually renewable resource. In the overall picture, it's a drop in the bucket of what a top loader uses compared to all the other true wastes of water. Yes, I don't discount droughts. I understand that. Because one area has a drought, does everybody else have to use less water ?

 

[phillymatt53]

My Two Cents:

As an independent-thinking, open-minded individual, having seen, heard, and experienced many things in my 7+ decades of life, and I have to say that a person's beliefs are basically nurtured by years of conditioning, training, etc.
This comes from others, mentors, groups, with a determined, and often strict emotional attachment to certain beliefs.
Once the beliefs are implanted, deep-rooted, they become part of that person's life forever.
And that person will do anything to protect, justify, and stand up for said beliefs.
Mind you, I believe in the fundamental freedom to live your life the way that you want. - and I am for equality, as long as it doesn't interfere with others freedoms.

However, it also has it's consequences, when it comes to others with different strong beliefs.
This then amounts to hatred, arguments, violence, biases, and sometimes wars.
I suppose it's a part of Human Nature, a part that sadly all have dealt with at one time or another.
These beliefs need not be so disruptive or dangerous, but the fact is that they've been taught for centuries, and thus have become so strongly rooted in many, are virtually impossible to eliminate or control.
The old saying of "Keep your business to yourself" is a strong clue that this "belief system" has successfully created its roots and divisions among civiliation.

As I've mentioned on occasion, I base my life and views on facts, reality, not hearsay or some book-taught ways that I am supposed to follow.
I'm a person who enjoys my freedom to be myself.
Because like the internet itself, social media, etc., there are biased opinions due to different beliefs.
I've seen what it's amounted to in others that I've personally dealt with.

 

[logixx]

Wasn't this thread supposed to be about washing machines?

 

[RCAWhirlpool]

Gee how did we all get on religion. I was talking about a washer like if mine went bad would would a reliable washing machine to purchase. Now we are talking about religion and surely we don't want to get into politics....

 

[Chetlaham]

Gee how did we all get on religion. I was talking about a washer like if mine went bad would would a reliable washing machine to purchase. Now we are talking about religion and surely we don't want to get into politics....

I will apologize. I should've bit my tongue. I will admit this was my mistake.

At the same time I feel like silence is a form of agreement.

I didn't want forum readers to get walk away and get the impression that everyone in the world thinks the same way.

Anyway, what washer would everyone else buy today if they had to?

 

[RCAWhirlpool]

Everyone needs to stick on the subject line. If you want to talk religion or politics m go to a yahoo they love to talk about religion and politics over there.

 

[phillymatt53]

Everyone needs to stick on the subject line. If you want to talk religion or politics m go to a yahoo they love to talk about religion and politics over there.

I tend to agree.
But in my experience on a magnitude of websites, the comments sometimes sway to controversial topics.
I go with the flow with caution.
Besides, it's only temprary in most cases.

 

[phillymatt53]

The 2 biggest evils in life are religion and politics.

I suspect that the internet helps those things along too, you can add that convenience to the list.
I didn't want to touch on religion, it's a sore subject, offensive to some.
And It's one reason why people are conditioned without them really knowing it.

 

[maytag85]

Not picking sides, more so just referring to not talking about religion or politics publicly. The subject of religion or politics has a tendency to bring out the worst of us at times. That’s all.

 

[phillymatt53]

Nothing wrong with the gospel but this website is about appliances, washers mainly. Now if you want to talk about washing machines hang in there, yet I dont think many here want to talk about religion or politics.

Which brings me to that old saying.......
"There's a Time and a Place for Everything"