Wandered through Lowe's looking at washers... Observations.

[mattl]

We had our first good rain in over a month today and one of the downpours occurred when I was in Lowe's looking for some dimmable CFLs.

The store was empty and devoid of sales help so I took my time and examined quite a few of the new machines. Looks like the low end is $399 for top loaders and $499 for front loaders. I find it interesting how they all take styling cues from one another. There are lots of way you could dress up a machine, yet all looked vaguely familiar. Seems like most of the top loaders now have a full width lid vs. the older smaller lid I'm much more familiar with, not sure I like it.

Looked at the Electrolux units, nice but pricey, Whirlpool had a very wide price point. Color seemed to be lacking on the floor, just a few units were not white. Funny thing was I did not covet any of the new machines. Used to be as a kid I'd love to examine all the washers at Sears and always loved the TOL units. Luckily my last two washers have been TOL Sears, and even though mine is a '95 I like it much better than what I see today.

At some point I hope I come across a deal on a front loader on CL just to play with, I have no interest in paying $1K for a washer, but I'd like to compare one to what I have. No earthshaking revelations, just the realization that I plan to keep what I have running for as long as possible...

 

[whirlcool]

And this is one of the reasons when people ask me about new washing machines, I almost always tell them fix what they got because it'll almost always be better than a new washer.

Ineffective temperature controls, lower wash levels just aren't as robust as the vintage stuff.

 

[passatdoc]

While on Lowes website earlier this week, I noticed they were selling only the older Frigidaire FL models...no sign of the new 4.0-4.4 cu ft models which appear to be a major step forward. Best Buy carries them. Did you see any of the new Frigidaires there?

 

[rp2813]

I've seen the previous generation Affinities (3.5 cf wash basket) on sale for under $800 for the pair ("after all rebates you may qualify for.")

I would advise anyone tempted by such prices to run away fast. You get what you pay (and perhaps qualify) for.

 

[mattl]

No,all I saw were the older style Frigidaires. I was looking for the new ones, I was impressed by Frigilux's new set and wanted a close up look see...

 

[spinmon]

Similar-

-to my thoughts. Our '96 KM 90 series has been running/looking good for 14+ years. ALL the features we like and obviously built to last. If it had to be replaced(theft,fire,flood,tornado,meteor strike),a Speed Queen TL would be my first choice.

 

[tolivac]

I am NOT impressed by the newer appliances offered at Sears,Best Buy,Lowes,or Home Depot-same with Greenville Appliance.Would like to see the Speed Queen machines at say Greenville Appliance.The new machines are just too high priced-the HE machines-and I question their durabilty.We know SQ machines will last.For the prices on many of the new HE machines-I will pass-I will buy used VINTAGE machines from the swap shops-if these become no longer available-probably will take my clothes to a cleaners or laundramat.would be cheaper then paying for many of those high priced machines.

 

[mark_wpduet]

I wonder at 4 loads per week how much you would spend at the laundromat in 5 years vs having a 1000 $ washer? Of course utilities would have to be included in the equation. I have no idea what laundromat prices are; it's been years since I have been to one.

 

[tolivac]

the utilities out here aren't that high-thats why I question marketing HE machines in my area-don't think they will ever payback to offset their high prices.Vaguely remember a set of machines priced at $1900 each! and that does not include the rip-off priced bases.Was at Best Buy.not a "Best Buy" to me.I am wondering what the corner cleaners store would charge.The prices of these MUST come down to be reasonable.I do 2-3 loads per week.I don't know what the current laudramat prices are either-but certainly can be more reasonable than those High Priced sets.Its just easier to pay for.And to top it off if that high priced machine only lasts 5-7 yrs its not such a good buy.You can get better life from a swap shop machine priced at a FRACTION of the new high priced ones.And how "green" are we really being by having to replace the machines every 5 yrs-and the old one probably ends up in the landfill.May not be recycled as some think.Its still cheaper for waste companies to dump things in a landfill than recycle them.

 

[mark_wpduet]

I think EVEN if you buy a high priced machine and it only lasts 5 years, you will end up spending more at the laundromat in those 5 years than the machine costs. Here is a laundromat calculator I just found.......still they should last longer

Laundry At Home Or Laundromat Cost Calculator

 

[tolivac]

Looking at the flimsyness of most of todays machines-yes 10 years would be stretching it.for the table to work-need to know the local laundramats prices.I used to know someone who did his clothes at a laundramat-this was about 5 yrs ago.He has moved to another area-new job.He just wasn't interested at all in laundry equipment-he did not want to own any machines.He also used the laundramat as a meeting place for his other freinds-they did their laundry at the same time so they could see each other.some value to that.What I wanted to say I think its easier to pay the laundry prices per week than the large price of the newer high priced equipment.and you may have to pay interest on the new machines if you buy them with credit.Probably many buyers do.And some of the few folks that I know that are wealthier than me gladly pay a laundry service to do their clothes as they pay a lawn service to take care of their lawns.And for those folks buying their new High priced machines on credit-hope they can pay it off before the machine dies!For now I think i will just buy my vintage machines from one of the local swap and thrift shops.I can enjoy the older machine-and not have to pay rip off new prices for machines that may not last so long.Even if the swap shop machine last a few to several years-for its $100-$150 price-thats still cheaper for me than the new high price ones.Oh yes if you buy the new machines--don't forget the store may force you into buying a service plan to go with them.Another thing to factor in for the price-For LG equipment-the service plan may not be a bad idea.

 

[joe_in_philly]

Mark, that is a interesting little calculator. Adjusting the various inputs allows you to also factor in drying/a dryer as well.

It really illustrates the additional cost of using a laundromat over home machines. Of course some, people don't have a choice due to either the setup of their home or other circumstances, but purchasing a washer for home use will definitely allow one to come out ahead financially in the long run.

 

[spinmon]

Not to mention,did the previous user of the laundramat equipment wash some NASTY(hairy/poopy/greasy/infectious,etc)laundry in it? Will the machine fill completely/work properly? I still understand the laundramat option compared to dropping BIG bucks that most of us don't have for new machines that might not give at least 5 years troublefree service. Or,just set the time machine to 1969 & buy what you want!(remember to bring pre 1969 dollar bills or open a Sears revolving credit !!!)

 

[passatdoc]

another factor not considered by the home-vs-laundromat calc

....your time.

You "can" bring busy work to do while using the laundromat. However, you still have to block out your time and be away from home.

When I run loads at home, usually I am multi-tasking: cleaning the kitchen or the home, cleaning the garage (where my washer and dryer reside), or doing yard work. I don't have to block out a two hour period where I have to leave home and wash clothes. In addition, sometimes I wash late in the evening when either the laundromat is closed or is so late I wouldn't want to be away from home.

In addition, the delay wash feature, on models so equipped, can help you to conserve your time by washing a load while you are asleep. I set it up the night before and program it to start at about 4:30. When I wake up at 06:00, the wash cycle is completed, and I can dry the load while showering and making breakfast (drying cycle takes only 25-40 minutes). Rather than setting aside a "wash day", I often run one load a day, or every other day, by setting up the load the night before and using delay wash.

My Frigidaire 2140 has only a fixed eight hour delay, but better than nothing. When this machine need replacing (it's four and a half years old, and I am not naive re: the spider corrosion issue), most of the FLs now offered for sale have variable delay wash features. Currently, the new Frigidaires for sale here (California) would net the following rebates:

1. $35 from Southern Calfornia Gas Co.
2. $135 from the water district
3. $100 from the state of California for getting rid of a less efficient appliances and buying one from a list of qualifying models (the 2140 is not on the list, uses too much water).
4. Frigidaire is offering an additional $100 rebate if you buy a new washer and dryer pair.

That's $270 back, not counting the Frigidaire pair rebate, and given that retailers are selling the second from the top model (4.4 cu ft but not TOL) for about $850 in this area, the net price will be $580 before tax (and yes, you have to pay sales tax on the original price, about $65) and delivery, if any. And knock an extra $100 off the dryer if you buy a pair and reap the rebate.

http://howards.com/details.cfm?c=80&b=3&s=81&id=jf11m0257wzals

 

[tolivac]

Strolled thru Best Buy and ---they marked DOWN the prices on the hi end FL machines-guess they are trying to get them to move out of the store.Liked that trend.That is encouraging to someone that wants to buy new machines.Will still stick with the swap shop older machines-no spider corrosion worries either.It just appears folks aren't really interested in Hi end WD sets my way.Maybe some of the richer college students going to ECU here can get a hi-end pair for the off campus home?Usually the parent buys the house for the kids.

 

[frigilux]

Jim---Unfortunately, the Frigidaire rebate ended last summer; it's no longer available. You folks get some major rebates from utilities! That's awesome.

 

[passatdoc]

Well, water is a more precious commodity here than in Mee-nee-so-tah. Not only do we have shortages of water, we also suffer chronic shortages of Jell-O "salad" (which may be a good thing....).

Anywho, that explains why the water districts offer nice incentives to reduce water use with a new FL. The state also offers a separate $100 rebate if you buy a new energy efficient appliance to replace an old one (to get this rebate, you must recycle the appliance and get a receipt to show the state---you can't give it away to a friend or neighbor if you want the rebate).