Washing Machine Recommendations

[jardster]

We've finally had it with our front loading GE washer. We use bleach, we use washer cleaner, we leave the door open, we clean out all of the gunk... and it still smells. This just seems to be an issue with front loaders, so I'm kind of done with them.

I'd like to get a new top loader (and I'll get a dryer to match because otherwise I'll never hear about it from my wife). I like the idea of the ones without the agitator because you can fit bigger things in (think... king size duvet that the dog pukes on).

Does anyone have specific recommendations for a brand/model? And what do you think about review sites such as consumer reports?... do you put any stock in those?

Thanks

[Ombligo]

We have had a Fisher-Paykal for about 10-years, does a great job. We did have to replace the pump last year, but it was cheap (~$40) and a simple DIY. We also have the top load dryer (gas) which is nice. It is 8 years old but it is a bit more problematic. Nothing outrageous but I've put new bearings in it twice and a thermostat - both were easy to do and not too costly.

One nice thing on the washer is the spin cycle is much faster than other washers. That draws out a great deal more water, cutting down on drying time.

[GuyGene]

We have a front loading Bosch, 12 years of great service so far, and no odor at all. We do always leave the door open. I like front loading because you can wash big things like sleeping bags, dog beds, etc. Anyway, I'm always interested in what people say about what's good.

[Spiff]

Our appliance fixit man hates the new fangled appliances because it's all computerized and has a lot of moving parts that breat and are expensive to fix. He likes Kenmore and Whirlpool because they make great no frills washers and dryers.

As far as CR, I use them for the raw data - the tables that they'd have for ease of use, durability, etc. Rarely do I put much stock in their written reports.

[OWC Jamie]

Good luck:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7QVXaX6b4M

add some TSP to a wash load every now and then and see if your stinky washer problem goes away front or top load

they removed phosphates from dishwasher detergent and people started complaining their dishwashers stink and don't clean like they used to - blame the dishwasher
they removed phosphates from clothes detergent and - stinky washers and don't clean. Surprise surprise.

[NewtonMP2100]

.....the only problem is no matter how hard you try......

....gonna' wash that man right outta' my hair......



........it never works........

[Bill in NC]

LG high-efficiency (no agitator) top-loader here since 2010.

IIRC, Consumer Reports has the LG HE washers requiring fewer repairs than other brands.

[raz]

we replaced our POS Whirlpool front loader with a GE top loader - no agitator. It's been trouble free from day 1 - unlike its predecessor which went through two logic boards and had pieces falling off.

[bazookaman]

We left our old front loader at our old house b/c the buyers asked and the sellers were leaving theirs at our new house. But i miss it. Especially since I have a water bill now. With a front loader there's barely any water in it. I watched our "new" top loader fill up and wondered how many GALLONS was going to go in there!

Plus the dryer doesn't match. I hate that. Not only does it not match but it looks like it's from a different era. And dryers are the most energy guzzling appliance you own. So while it still works, I'd imagine a new fangled one would be WAY more efficient.

All that said, I'll probably eventually get a new LG set along the lines of the ones mentioned here: http://thesweethome.com/reviews/the-best...and-dryer/

[GuyGene]

Whew, that top loader in the YouTube video was gross! What was that one? Whirlpool? Well, shows how important this topic is! Amazing that now, it seems that Korean makers are making the best washers/dryers. I'd go with the Lucky Gold (LG) brand before Samsung. But, like I said, our Bosch has worked great for 12 years.