Washing out the competition - Questions about new vs. old

[daveywayvey]

I'm in the market to replace/repair a broken washing machine. Before I make a decision, I'm wondering how practical it would be to find a nice ensemble of vintage washer/dryer for use as daily drivers?

I've always yearned to own a gear operated, vintage, washing machine. The kind that come in beautiful pastel colors, with illuminated panels and multi-functional bells/whistles.

To be honest, the agitator-less, newer models "take me for a spin". How well do they perform in comparison to the older machines? Are they REALLY more energy efficient than their predecessors? Will they outlast their mechanical parents? Are they worth the outrageous prices they sell for??

Final question, in appeal to your passionate knowledge, where can I find a well priced, local, set?

Thanks in advance for your opinions/input,
Davey Wayvey

 

[brucelucenta]

The new top load machines are nothing like the traditional top load washers people were used to in the past. The only machine that is still like a traditional washer is a speed queen and they are kind of pricey. The rest are all high efficiency models and use water very sparingly to the point of not washing or rinsing well at all. They are also very rough on your clothing and have a lot of linting. Front load machines are a different story though, they use less water and still do a good job at washing and rinsing. You might think about that. A vintage machine would probably work well, but you are taking the risk of buying something that may or may not last you a while. Besides that, parts for older machines are so high that it is pretty ridiculous should you have a repair. That isn't even taking into account the labor and service call charge. Top load washers of today are being made to attempt at using the same amount of water that front load machines use now. That is pretty much impossible to do without lowering your washing and rinsing results significantly. Top load machines were never meant to operate that way and it takes much more water to achieve the same results that a good front loader with give you.

 

[ajer72]

New washers...

I have to tell you I have had many many too many sets and I finally found a set that I .

My first set was old kenmore in the early 90s wonderful set....paid 1000.00 for both 90 Series.
1997 bought last of the maytags. Paid 1400 for the set. Amazing machines...sold them when I relocate to a apartment when I broke with my ex....
2007...3 rd from the top of the line Whirlpool, catalyst cleAning cycle...would spray the detergent on the the laundry before washing....was ok...dryer was crap.....never dried the clothes on the automatic cycle.
2007...bought a new house and bought the Duets....oh dear god...sucked....damn drove me to suicide watch....whirlpool bought the washer back....so much trouble....3000.00
2009...in come the Maytag bravos...bondage can be fun....but not with the washer....it tangled the heck out of everything.....wrinkles....even using the perm press....terrible...6 months later while buying a Miele dishwasher...the store had a close out on the Miele washer and dryer....bought them for 1600.00 they had Been bought and the lady had trouble with them on the second floor.....5000.00 Set I was thrilled....
I had begun the mold problems again...by now I learned....no fabric softener and 2 tablespoons of tide powder....however I thought there was a proble with the rinse cycle....I kept getting error codes...this is after 3 years prior replacing the door boot and control board...600.00 repair....I thought I don't love the them that much to fix them...i donated the dryer to the animal shelter...3 days later...the are arriving with myNew speed queens....I have fallen in love. They are the mosey amazing washer and dryer I have ever had. Old school. Top loaders. I bought the top of the line. With all the cycles 92 series washer and dryer...all the cycles, rinses setting for days, whatever I want I can do. Now...let me be honest for old school it spins well....but after having the extraction of the new ones the clothes take much longer in the dryer.....my Miele would dry a load of towels in 30 mins....this takes 50-60 mins....but I really don't care about that....I have had them since July and I am still loving them.....washer was 999.99 and matching dryer 899.99. There is a normal eco cycle...that uses spray rinse and Low temp fills....but the rest of the cycles work like the old machine.....I love love love love them. Total was 2098. With tax and parts...cord, vent and other nonsense. I bet you could find a used set if you wanted....do yourself a favor and get exactly what you want the first time.....save yourself the trouble and buy the speed queen or the vintage.