Washer dryer combo advice wanted- new

[washernoob]

Well considering our Amana washer is about to give way anytime soon, I was wondering what would be a good set to look into for new, but not over the top, that my parents could look into.

Now Im not talking a Miele, as that is a bit pricey for us! But maybe something that can be bought at sears or NFM. GEs, kenmore etc.

Whats the best cleaning/performing/lasting for a fair asking price on a washer and dryer. I say dryer too because a new washing machine sure will look funny next to our 80s dryer!

Should we look into front loaders or top?

Thanks

 

[davek]

For money value and longevity, stick to a top-load Whirlpool-built model. You could have a basic set for as little as about $640 around here from their Roper or Estate brands. Stepping up to one with extra rinses and better cycle choices will still be right at around $800. You'll pay a little more for the same machines at Sears. At a local appliance store, Roper/Estate (sell basically the same models), Amana, and Whirlpool will offer progressively better features.

That pair will last longer and give less trouble than about anything else. It's still what I would buy new regardless of price. The US market front loaders have been troublesome and expensive. I think they're a generation or so away from being worth buying. The HE top loaders similarly need to prove themselves for a while before I would consider buying them. The top load Whirlpools are too good of a known factor for me to consider something else. For the combination of size, durability, effectiveness, and price it still can't be beat.

There are other factors. It's not the most gentle on clothes, and it'll use more water. Perhaps a front loader is cheaper in the long run, and perhaps not. None will last as long or cost less to repair, so it would have to save a lot of water to ever pay for itself.

 

[washernoob]

Thanks Dave! I will look into Whirlpool then! Sounds like they make a good product. Cant say that I have ever owned one other than a refrigerator!

Is GE a good brand still? Ive owned several of their antique products, but nothing new that I can think of.

 

[foraloysius]

Some members here are very happy with their Speed Queen toploaders. Costs a bit more than the Ropers etc. but they might be worth buying. I certainly like the long stroke of the agitator. You can find some movies on Youtube.

Speed Queen Home - Speed Queen

www.speedqueen.com

 

[davek]

My parents have not been terribly happy with their 5-year-old GE refrigerator. The little door in the ice dispenser has frozen open more than once (due to a broken part) which lets cold air out. It's not a cheap fix, and they've had to wait for the part two times when it happened. I wasn't very happy with the (GE) Hotpoint dishwasher in my last apartment. It broke down 3 times in one year, but it did clean a lot better than the Frigidaire in my current apartment that's 7 years old and won't break. I don't personally know anybody with a late-model GE washer right now, but I've seen them in stores and I felt like they didn't look as well made. I've seen videos of them on YouTube and they do seem more quiet than Whirlpools, though.

 

[davek]

I'm sure that a Speed Queen is well built, but the washer only costs as much as the pair of basic Whirlpools. There's a basic one for sale at a small chain store near me that's over $600. They're hard to find in some areas, too. That store is the only place I've ever seen one.