Talk me out of it?

[washabear]

Recently I asked about buying a Frigidaire FL. I received some very helpful replies, which I appreciate. After considering the choices and my needs, I decided to buy the 2140 and the matching dryer. But now I am having decision anxiety. The bearing failure and tub brace corrosion issues keep coming to mind, and I have since read user reviews describing broken door handles and plastic pieces that have cracked from vibration. The machines are scheduled for delivery on Friday, so I still have through tomorrow to cancel. Should I bail? What’s the REAL scoop with these machines?

Thanks.

 

[exploder3211]

Will let others add there .02 cents, but can say:
If you are very hard on a macheien, use lots of bleach (cholorine and aluminum don't match) and don't use the right soaps you might have issues.. Otherwise will be a good machiene in the long term.. Much better i think than the LG's (would run to the left coast before i'd buy one), Baucknet (not spelled right) made Whirlpool (duets, he3t and he4t, epics and maybe a few others) becasue according to some on ehere and from what i've seen they aren't worth the money, the amanna front loaders (rebaged neptunes).. So i say go for it

 

[decodriveboy]

Bruce

I own this set and have no regrets so far. The plastic door handle does suck, but it's the only bad thing I can think of.

Keep in mind there are very few new appliances nowadays that are built with the care, precision, and life expectancy of those a couple of generations ago, with maybe the exception of something like a Miele or Bosch.... I have heard others say on here that the Frigidaire is the best "bang for your buck".

Not only that but they are easy to tweak. I removed the smoked lens and jacked up the water level to my liking. Now my set is perfect.

 

[gansky1]

My sis works for a beauty parlor (she hates it when I call it that!) that moved into their current location about four years ago. They installed a Frigidaire f/l washer and two dryers on the main floor and another washer/dryer set upstairs where the facial and massage rooms are. There have been no problems with the set upstairs and I've worked on the downstairs machines twice in four years. These machines run nearly constantly during working hours five days a week. Towels, capes, etc. in addition to the hair clips, pins and loose snaps and buttons from capes that invariably get loose inside the washer & dryer. So far, we have only replaced the shocks on the washer and the front drum slides and felt seals on the dryers. Not bad in my opinion for that much use. Leave the washer door open after using so the machine can dry out - crucial for ANY washer to prevent corrosion and bacterial growth. For regular home use, you shouldn't have any trouble with the door handle - most brands all use plastic in some form or another in the handle and as long as you're not moving the machine around or picking it up with the handle, it should be fine. A good tip to remember is really common sense, if the door is locked - it won't open no matter how hard you pull. Treat it well and it will perform as it was designed to.

 

[frigilux]

Bruce----Life is short. Enjoy your new Frigidaire washer and dryer and don't worry about it. I use liquid chlorine bleach in several loads a week and I've had no bearing or brace issues with my 5-1/2 year old Frigidaire FL'er. I've oversudsed it many times, too. They'll be fine. And look at it this way: Even if they crap out after 6 or 7 years (and I doubt they will), at least you didn't pay $3000 for the pair.

Take pics to share with us when you get them installed.

 

[mayken4now]

Yes, I say, get it. You decided on that one, so go for it.

Ask yourself:

1 - does it have a warranty? YES

2 - are there service folks who know this machine? YES

3 - have they been around for more than a year? YES

and so on.

GET THEM!

Steve

 

[golittlesport]

I also would not worry. Use them as directed...HE detergent, don't overdose on chlorine bleach, etc.

I've read from repair people online that many machine failures are operator error...people buy a front loader and still add 1 1/2 cups of high sudsing detergent and a cup of Clorox.

We have a seven year old Frigidaire FL in the family running strong...no repairs.

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: If a little more cost isn't a factor:

Why don't you change the Models to the next step-up Models that are the Gallery Model: GLTF2940 Washer and the GLEQ2152 or GLGQ2152, depending on Gas or Electric Dryer. One of my Friends are getting these with the Gas Dryer and with a "Friends & Family" Discount, they will be before Tax, $750/Washer & $599/Gas Dryer. The Electric Dryer here would be $50 more. "BTW" we are here in Northern Calif at 7.75% Sales Tax.

Good Luck with your decision, but if you can pay the difference for the next Models up, I would say go for them.

Peace and Great Laundrying, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[rp2813]

FL's in General

Bruce,

I think that if you exclude GE, it's a toss-up when you're in the market for a FL machine. I really liked the Frigidaire's styling and wanted that pair but passed after reading the bearing stories and also because the dryer capacity was so much smaller than the dryer I had at the time, and the Duet's. I found in my research that the full size Duet had few complaints compared to others, then they were close-out priced at Lowe's so that's how I made my decision. Since I've bought it I've seen a few posts here about how Duets are junk and made by a bad German manufacturer. All I can do is hope my pair holds up at least as long as the pair that preceded it. I've also read where quality on the Frigidaires has improved, so you are probably OK with that set. In this age of durable goods that are anything but, it's a gamble with pretty much anything you buy so don't worry and just go for it. I'm sure you will enjoy your new machines.

Ralph

 

[washabear]

Thank you all for your advice and for putting my mind somewhat at ease. I have decided to go ahead with the purchase, so my new adventure in FL laundry is about to begin. I may be back with impressions and, most likely, questions—whenever I figure out what they are.

Thanks again for your help.

Bruce

 

[gibsonfl]

I don't think you'll be disappointed Bruce. My Frigidaire FL from 1997 is running fine. I had it serviced for the first time last year because I read all of the horror stories on the Consumer Reports board about how they can fail. Nothing was or is wrong. The Sears tech told me that the problems people have with them are mostly due to poor treatment. He said the real problems in the seals were in the 1999 - early 2001 machines. Just follow the good advice you received above, and I'm sure you'll be happy.

 

[rp2813]

I tend to agree with Gibson. After using my Duet for a while I've come to the conclusion that people who had complaints about problems were likely not using or caring for their washers properly. A common complaint was washer flooding due to small items getting in between the boot and drum. Clearly, this is due to serious overloading. Nothing even tries to get inside the boot of my Duet. I'm careful not to use too much detergent--really gotta watch that concentrated Tide in the smaller containers--and the toughest job I give my Duet is a drum stuffed (loosely, but stuffed just the same) with beach, bath and hand towels.

Ralph