Washing Machine

[boots2000]

I need a new washing machine. Mine leaks.

Front Loading. Electric. Standard home size- We don't have kids, but we do do a load of wash every 1-2 days.

I want the "Ultegra Level" type washing machine. So a nice one, but no need for "Dura-Ace".

What do I want?

[j44ke]

Bosch, Miele, Asko. They all have a $1500 full-sized washing machine that is excellent. We have a Bosch in the city and an Asko upstate. I prefer the Asko, but it is larger than the Bosch we got in the city. And as a result, it doesn't tie button shirts in knots. Friends have a Miele and it is remarkably quiet. The Asko has a floating drum so the outside stays still while the drum goes nuts on the spin cycle.

If you are switching brands, you may need to have an electrician come in and set up a new outlet. Some washers give you a choice of outlet designs. And while you are there, I'd suggest getting an automatic water shut-off so if a hose goes bad or flips out of the drain (if you have that arrangement, most do) the sensor shuts off the water at the tap which in turn stops the washing machine.

[Saab2000]

I went through this a few years back. Definitely get a front loader.

I ended up with a Speed Queen and am quite happy. This brand is used in commercial laundromats and what I got is supposed to be a home version. So far, so good. They’re not available at many big box stores but are readily available at specialty appliance stores.

Mine stays open when not in use to let it dry out. The soap tray needs to be towel dried due to how it drains.

[bigbill]

Almost all washers are 110V with a standard three-prong plug. Dryers can vary with the style of plug for 220V, by you can pick up the right cord at Home Depot or through Amazon and replace the cord to match your wall outlet. I have had a Kenmore (probably LG, because the matching dryer is LG) front loader since 2007. Like Saab, I leave the door open when I'm not using it so it can dry and not leave the seal compressed. The seals are replaceable, is your washer leaking around the door or internally from the drum? I haven't had to work on my washer, but last year I rebuilt my dryer with new rollers and drive belt. Youtube is good for diagnosing problems and solutions if you're handy. I'm a Red Green fan, I'm handy.

[Jewman]

Second to the Speed Queen recommendation.

[thollandpe]

+1 what Saab and Bill said about leaving the door open on a front loader. The seal can get funky if you don’t. Also stop using fabric softener if you do. It’s made with animal fat, the residue goes rancid and stinks like hell.

+1 what Bill said about fixing clothes dryers. They’re one of the most simple appliances there is. The last one I fixed didn’t have rollers but two skid plates the drum rested on. Replacing those, the drive belt, and a felt seal was cheap and easy. That’s why a dryer is a good score on Craigslist. They last a long time but many people replace them when getting a new washer to stay matchy matchy.

We had a FRidgidaire front loader that died early. The rear seal went, and the leak was minor but the control board was on the back of the machine below the seal. Fzzzzzt.

Replaced it with a Maytag because that’s what they use in college dorms. Has performed admirably. Replaced the front seal because one of my kids tore it while removing a load that included a dog bed, towels, and probably three loads worth of other clothes. So the Maytag has survived some abuse.

[Scott G.]

Second to the Speed Queen recommendation.

Have a new Speed Queen top loader, with 80s style digital dash, just like a laundromat.
Like having Di2 on your Sachs.
It replaced a hi-e top loading Whirlpool that lasted the standard 10 years.
Got the Speed Queen dryer when 25 year old dryer finally died.

[fastupslowdown]

I went through this a few years back. Definitely get a front loader.

I ended up with a Speed Queen and am quite happy. This brand is used in commercial laundromats and what I got is supposed to be a home version. So far, so good. They’re not available at many big box stores but are readily available at specialty appliance stores.

Mine stays open when not in use to let it dry out. The soap tray needs to be towel dried due to how it drains.

I have a stackable but the washer is top load. It's been great for over 18 years. I don't look forward to replacing it. It's a Maytag, Kitchenaide bought them out and retired the unit. Its way better than the Kitchenaid version they replaced it with.
It's an apartment so standard size was never an option. Got one of the few 27 inch units around
-Mike G

[Peter Polack]

Get a top loading washer. Leaving the door open on a front loader can take up valuable space and result in something you bump into. With a top loader, who cares if you leave it open (which you should)? While I'm sure they've improved, I've heard too many stories of leaking front loaders. No thanks.

Dryer? I'm cheap; I grew up with a clothesline, and once on my own, used a wooden drying rack. My condo came with a dryer. I've been here 5 years and have never used it.

[Saab2000]

Get a top loading washer. Leaving the door open on a front loader can take up valuable space and result in something you bump into. With a top loader, who cares if you leave it open (which you should)? While I'm sure they've improved, I've heard too many stories of leaking front loaders. No thanks.

Dryer? I'm cheap; I grew up with a clothesline, and once on my own, used a wooden drying rack. My condo came with a dryer. I've been here 5 years and have never used it.

My wash room has the space and I’m gone a lot. So I get your thoughts. I don’t love leaving it open but it’s the reality for now.

As to dryers, I agree. Mine is largely unused, except for sheets. Everything else air dries on a pair of IKEA drying racks. In addition to being better on energy consumption, garments don’t end up in the lint filter as microscopic fibers. Clothes last longer, by years or decades, than they probably should.

[ZenNMotion]

Get a top loading washer. Leaving the door open on a front loader can take up valuable space and result in something you bump into. With a top loader, who cares if you leave it open (which you should)? While I'm sure they've improved, I've heard too many stories of leaking front loaders. No thanks.

Dryer? I'm cheap; I grew up with a clothesline, and once on my own, used a wooden drying rack. My condo came with a dryer. I've been here 5 years and have never used it.

Top loading washers use more water- not an issue on the East Coast but a major consideration in Cali. Front loaders have gotten much better in recent years, they used to have leaking and mold issues around the door but new materials now make this a non-issue. Front loaders are also much easier on "nice" clothing than top loaders, they clean better with less agitation, more of an issue with my Wife's office attire than mine. But generally more expensive. Clothes lines are the best though I've learned the hard way that California sun can also be brutal to some fabrics causing fading if I leave them out too long- part of my West Coast transformation/lessons learned.

[Tom]

Got a top loading LG high efficiency about six months ago, does about 10 loads a week and so far no complaints. Went with the Consumer Reports ratings, replaced a Sears brand that burned out its second clutch after 16 years.

[j44ke]

Almost all washers are 110V with a standard three-prong plug. Dryers can vary with the style of plug for 220V, by you can pick up the right cord at Home Depot or through Amazon and replace the cord to match your wall outlet. I have had a Kenmore (probably LG, because the matching dryer is LG) front loader since 2007. Like Saab, I leave the door open when I'm not using it so it can dry and not leave the seal compressed. The seals are replaceable, is your washer leaking around the door or internally from the drum? I haven't had to work on my washer, but last year I rebuilt my dryer with new rollers and drive belt. Youtube is good for diagnosing problems and solutions if you're handy. I'm a Red Green fan, I'm handy.

Both the Bosch and the Asko we have are 220/240V.

[DBordewisch]

LG washer & dryer, front loaders. If space allows can be stacked. Clean out the dryer and vent at least once a year. A real fire hazard.

[davids]

We bought an LG WM3500 a couple years ago, 4.5 cubic feet. The gas version, but I'm sure there's a electric one too. It's been great.

Plus you should get a t shirt.

sywm.jpg

[monadnocky]

Curious whether anyone has actually procured a washing machine - or any other major appliance - since the shit hit the fan?
Edit: I see Tom did about six months ago - anyone else? Stories/anecdotes? I hear it's really tough and very delayed.

[edoz]

My gf got a Speed Queen front loader, the thing is solid. 25year warranty on the electronics. I haven't had to play appliance repairman in 5 years. If my 80s era Kenmore ever breaks and costs more than $50 to fix, I'm buying a Speed Queen.

[sine]

Curious whether anyone has actually procured a washing machine - or any other major appliance - since the shit hit the fan?

Hand up.

Ordered Nov. 30 2020. Scheduled for delivery tomorrow. Can't complain as I took the opportunity to reno the laundry room. Go figure......reno a laundry room!

Recommendation.

LG is killing it.....at least according to consumer reports. Took the top 5 spots.

Took a hard look at Speedqueens. Some issues 1-2 years ago...did not clean very well. Improved now but still not great. Reported reliability is excellent.

[9tubes]

Curious whether anyone has actually procured a washing machine - or any other major appliance - since the shit hit the fan?
Edit: I see Tom did about six months ago - anyone else? Stories/anecdotes? I hear it's really tough and very delayed.

Are you asking because of COVID? I bought a fridge and they arrived with masks, gloves and booties, and spent as little time as possible in the house.

[thollandpe]

Both the Bosch and the Asko we have are 220/240V.

Jorn, why would those washers require a higher-voltage service? Is there a steam generator or something else inside that requires more oomph than 1500 watts?