Opinions, please - Front Load Washer

lisacb · #1 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 06:07 PM

DH & I have been talking about replacing our washer & dryer this winter. But, my washer went out today so that is going to be pushed forward to the next day or two.

We want a front load washer and will buy a new dryer, too. What do I need to know? What do you have and what do you like/dislike about it?

It makes me so mad. Appliances USED to last 25 years! Now this will be our 4TH new set of washer & dryers in our 19 years of marriage! 1st 2 were GE, these are Kenmore! They all suck these days. We will donate the dryer because it still works, but the washer will end up in a landfill. They make them so cheap so people will replace them and keep their company profits high. The last time we had a repair guy out he told us our 7 year old washer was a "dinasaur". Seems like the "green" thing to do would be make a long-lasting appliance that doesn't end up in a dump!

Ok, I'm done venting. I'm just a little frustrated.

Lisa

freer · #2 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 06:40 PM

I've had an LG front loader for about a year. I really like it. They are quite expensive, though. I didn't get the risers for it..they cost about $200 each! Yikes! I think they would make the unit too high for me anyway. I like to use the top surface to fold and stack clothes, and I'm rather short.

Also, some people seem to have a problem with mold/smell. I leave the door and detergent dispenser drawer open all the time when the washer is not in use. I've never had an odor problem.

You have to be careful about the detergent you use. You should use "he" detergent, although some people just use a small amount of regular detergent. I've been using home made laundry detergent lately and it works just fine.

If you're lucky, you'll be able to find a "scratch and dent" model for a little less.

I agree that it's ashamed that appliances aren't made to last these days. Besides the outragous expense, it's pathetic that the landfills are filling up with so much waste.

susanjane1 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 07:41 PM

I was extremely lucky when I got mine. The salesguy at the store asked what I would have if money was no problem. I said I would love a front loader but knew they were out of my league. He said, "maybe not!". We went back to the scratch and dent room and they had one that had a big gash on one of the sides. It was only $400 - a Fridgedaire (SP?). I have had it since 2001!! I do have the problem with odor if I don't open the door and the soap drawer. I love it. I will never go back to a top loader. Had to use one at my moms while on vacation. I actually freaked out about putting my clothes in a machine that had an agitator! After all, they had never been agitated!

valorian · #4 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 07:53 PM

Mom bought me my washer and dryer in 1993 and its still going being used almost everyday with six peoples clothes

valorian · #5 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 07:55 PM

oh check on freecycle, or craigslist, there maybe someone that'll take your broken washer away to sell for scrap metal

cjs216 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 08:02 PM

we bought our washer and dryer second hand in 1987 and the darned things just won't die (I'd like new ones, but can't justify it as long as they still keep ticking...maytag, of course)

cj/

allinaugust · #7 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 08:04 PM

We have the Whirlpool Duet, I think it is. Bought it about 2 years ago. Our old washer, a Kenmore, was still running, we just wanted to get a front loader. I love the looks of it. We also got the drawers/pedestal for underneath. You do have to leave the door open and the soap drawer. Also, run a monthly cleaning cycle. Like you, when I replace one, I get the other, too. I have to have a matching set.

Also, there was a lengthy discussion about this on the LTS board, I think, about a month ago. I'll try to find the link for you.

littlejo · #8 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 08:08 PM

my dryer is over 20 yrs old. we never use it. lol. we hang everything to dry. cloths last lots longer this way and with the price of my scrubs for work, i want them to last as long as they can.
I have seen quite a few of the front loading washers on craigs list for hardly nothing. seems like lots of folks get them then dont like them and sell and get the old kind.

allinaugust · #9 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 08:08 PM

Here's a link on a discussion about the front loaders. Let us know what you pick. I love buying new stuff like this.

http://www.mycoupons.com/boards/let-...g-machine.html

jeanief · #10 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 08:12 PM

I have two friends who have had the front loaders--one for about 4 years and one for a little over 1. Both are very unhappy with theirs (both have different brands). Initially thought it might be a "learning curve" thing, but after one friend has had hers 4 years and is still unhappy, I don't know.....
She just can't seem to justify replacing them when she paid so much for them just 4 years ago and they still work.

But, then again, if you read the thread mentioned above, it seem to be either a LOVE them or HATE them product.

annadrose · #11 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 08:22 PM

Everything I have seen, read, and heard (my Mom has a front loader) is nothing short of fantastic! The clothes wash better, last longer, use less water and soap.

If I had the extra money I would snap up a set.

flipper113 · #12 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 08:58 PM

We bought the LG and love it! We had originally ordered a GE and then read the Consumer Report book and called and cancelled them, they didn't look good according to them.

Don't forget to check with your state, we had an Energy Star rebate through the state, so we ended up getting back $75 I think.

jaded · #13 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 08:58 PM

I LOOOOOOOVE mine. I have the Kenmore Elite HE3 that I got in 2003. I am so thrilled b/c I'm using it today for the first time in a year (we just moved again 2 days ago).

Keowa · #14 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 09:10 PM

We just bought the Whirlpool Duet 9600 washer and dryer. They both have the steam option. They haven't been delivered yet but I am very excited and can't wait to get them. We did alot of research and LG and Whirlpool both rated very high. If you don't want all the bells and whistles the 9400 and 9500 are almost identical to the 9600 I think the main difference is color choice and the 9600 has oxy clean.

Oh and I wanted to add, I got a really good deal on these and paid hundreds less than they list for. What I did was went around and got prices from different appliance stores. Took the lowest price I found to Lowes they price matched and gave me 10% off then I used the moving coupon for another 10% off and then bought them on tax free weekend I was very proud of myself.

palmcoup · #15 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 10:24 PM

We bought ours 1 1/2 years ago and I love the front loader! i wish we had the stands for them, but just haven't spent the money. Our set also stack if we wanted (might do that and add a pantry).

We use less soap, less energy and less money on clothes. We do leave the washer door slightly cracked because of the smell...but hadn't thought to leave the soap area open.

We also looked for the scrath and dent ones but didn't find any in our time frame. You can get some great deals that way.

mariee1119 · #16 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008, 09:28 AM

We just got (month ago) the LG Tromm. We got the bigger washer but went with the cheaper dryer. I LOVE THEM. Hard to believe the clothes can get clean with the little bit of water in there!! I do leave the door open as I have read tons of comments about the odor. I thought the detergent was kinda expensive but the $12 bottle of Tide I got in BJ's does 110 loads so it really is not. My washer has load sensing that tells how much to use, sometimes my loads only need 2 bars(the cap has 4 bars). We went with the LG after reading all the reviews. Also, glad we got the pedastals. My Dad and a friend did not and they are buying them now.

carolinasr · #17 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008, 09:39 AM

I bought my kenmore front loader washing machine and dryer in DEC 2005. little over a year of having them the washing machines computer board went out 4 times. (luckly i had the extended warranity from sears) If a appliance tears up 4 times within one year, sears will replace it. SO i got a new FIDGEAIR frontloader washing machine, Fridgeair showed great consumer reports. SO far no problems.

I do recommend buy the extended warranity,

jaded · #18 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008, 09:44 AM

I also recommend the extended warranty. I had one from Lowes for the freezer I have and they had to replace it. People say it's a waste of money, but I'd rather waste it there and have my stuff protected than not at all.

hueston · #19 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008, 03:57 PM

I've had the Whirlpool Duet pair for several years now. I have observed cleaner clothes and shorter drying times, in addition to the savings with the electric bill. Since I have well water, I am comforted in knowing I am saving with water use. The manufacturer recommends using HE type soap (I use Tide most of the time). It's easier for me to access the clothes from the front of the unit vs. the top of a machine.

lisacb · #20 (**permalink**) 08-28-2008, 12:12 PM

Thanks for all the information and opinions.

Before we spent all that money, DH looked at the washer and thought it could be fixed. So, we spent $75 to have a guy come out and look at it. He quoted $406 to fix a machine that we spent $450 on not quite 6 years ago. The transmission and the drain pump were both bad. Of course, the transmission had a 5 year warranty...we're almost 6 years. It was the Kenmore Elite -that we bought because our prior GE had gone out early. We thought Kenmore was the best, but sadly, I think they all suck.

So, we ended up with the LG. There were 5 models. We got the middle ones - washer & dryer both. We got the pedestals and the 5 year extended warranty. The 1st load is running right now - wow - it is SO quiet!

Thanks again for all the input. I've heard a lot of positive things about the LGs. In fact, we didn't even look at the others. There were too many and it was too overwhelming.

Lisa

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