topic Re: Washing machine recommendations please! in Community Chat

Washing machine recommendations please!

Sue98 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 01:59:14 GMT

I guess it's come to the point where I absolutely have to buy a new washer. I have been doing a lot of research, and the reviews are so mixed on top load vs. front load machines. I'm just plain confused at this point.

I'm going to have a very difficult time getting used to the new HE machines. I have an old machine with a center agitator. Do they even still make those?

Any thoughts, experiences, recommendations would be very much apprecited. TIA

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

Katcat1 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:02:36 GMT

Whirlpool or Kenmore. Hopefully, they still make the washing machines with agitators. Good luck.

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

Writer with Flair — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:15:58 GMT

@Sue98 wrote:
I guess it's come to the point where I absolutely have to buy a new washer. I have been doing a lot of research, and the reviews are so mixed on top load vs. front load machines. I'm just plain confused at this point.

I'm going to have a very difficult time getting used to the new HE machines. I have an old machine with a center agitator. Do they even still make those?

Any thoughts, experiences, recommendations would be very much apprecited. TIA

Sue98,

We, too, hate our current front loader HE machine and could not believe that it was on its last legs after just a few years of light use. Also, we were horrified when we started doing research on washing machines. It looked like all the major brands were getting horrendous reviews on their new HE machines.

My husband is very handy and had been doing some repairs on our dryer. I went with him when he was going to get some parts for the dryer and I asked the appliance parts guy some questions:

1) What type of washer do professional laundries use (and can regular people buy them)? I figured those washers would be heavy duty and would last for a long time.

2) What is the most reliable washer?

The answer he gave to both questions was Speed Queen. We are getting the top loader washing machine (with an agitator) with the manual dials as opposed to the electronic membrane controls.

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

Puzzle Piece — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:17:58 GMT

Speed Queen. No problems.

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

rhinonana5 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:19:55 GMT

I have to say that when my machines died, I went out and researched machines and decided to buy the LG washer and dryer. They are top loading, not front, because I didn't want deal with the issues related to front loaders. I am very happy with them and they work beautifully. They are not cheap, but I hope they will last for many years. I use the correct detergents and I usually use the Speed Wash, which, with just my husband and I seems to be perfect for us. My sister has a front loader, but it does seem to get mold around the frame seal. With the front loader, you also have to be able to bend easily to put your wash in and out of the machine. My only issue with the top loader is that I am only 5'3" and sometimes I am afraid I will fall into the machine when I get those last couple items out of the machine!! LOL

!But, I do love my machines.

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

sophiamarie — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:18:26 GMT

I had a Whirlpool Washer and Dryer for over 20 years, maybe close to 30. Finally, the washer broke down and wasn't worth fixing. Went shopping for a new pair and ended up with the LG washer and dryer (HE). TOP loader washer. I gave my dryer to a neighbor because I wanted a matching set.

Long story really short???? I hate it. I am used to soaking whites in bleach and I don't know how to do it in these stupid "no agitator" machines. I am not good at reading instructions. I want to just turn the knob and start washing. With these newer machines, it doesn't work that way. Every time I stop it to add a sock or something, it seems like more water keeps coming in, like it's starting all over again. I don't like it.

P.S. Please, DO NOT get the "front" loader. One of my sons has one and he says it leaves an odor and you have to keep it open and deodorize it every so often. I have heard this from an appliance salesman also.

As for the dryer - well, if you put a load of stuff in and some of the clothes are "dryer" than the others, the dryer will shut off because it will "sense" that the load is completely dry. I HATE it. I know when the dryer sings that silly song, that my clothes are not completely dry. I just KNOW it. Oh, and that song???? If you're more than 5 feet away from the machine, you'll never hear it. I like the loud buzz I was so used to.

Back to the washer: Again, I don't think my clothes are coming out as bright as they did with the Whirlpool. Maybe I am biased but I like the agitator much better than these new ones. That's just me. Again, I was used to soaking my whites in bleach (to the point that there were holes in things, lol) but I just don't know how to do it with this machine. I really would appreciate any help I can get if someone out there knows what I mean......

Good luck with whatever you get. This is just my experience. I'm sure there are others out there who love their new agitator-LESS machine but it's not for me. JMO again.

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

happycat — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:20:52 GMT

I have a whirlpool washer and dryer, I have had them for maybe 5 or 6 years. So far, I have had a few small things go wrong, but nothing major. The last thing was a dryer switch and I ordered one online and installed it myself for less than 10 bucks. I bought two of them just in case I have this problem again, or it would have been less than that.

Good Luck, op. Its not fun shopping for new appliances- for me anyway.

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

sophiamarie — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:22:33 GMT

@Writer with Flair Where were you when I needed you????? LOL

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

kathybnc2 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:24:46 GMT

I have had both a front loader and top loader HE. My current machine is an LG top loader HE and it is only a few years old. If I had to replace I would never buy another HE. I don't think they get your clothes clean enough. I am going back to an agitator.

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

Marp — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:25:29 GMT

I have an old machine with a center agitator. Do they even still make those?

Check out the offerings at Lowe's. They have top loading washers with agitators.

A couple of years ago I purchased a GE top load with agitator and the only thing I don't like about it is being forced to use cold water for rinsing. An annoyance was the reduced water volume for rinsing but I got around that by setting the machine as though I used fabric softener which allows a higher volume of rinse water.

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

sophiamarie — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:27:54 GMT

@kathybnc2 I'll second that. Exactly what I said. Hate it, hate it, hate it. Oh, and sometimes, it looks as though there isn't enough water in the wash cycle when I look down and watch it doing its thing. Hubby said "less water makes the clothes cleaner" He read the whole book. I couldn't find that sentence.....

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

Marp — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:28:52 GMT

@rhinonana5, I too have trouble with the last couple of pieces, especially when they are at the back behind the agitator. Solved the problem with long kitchen tongs.

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

Writer with Flair — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:32:41 GMT

@sophiamarie wrote:
@Writer with Flair Where were you when I needed you????? LOL

SophiaMarie,

I am so sorry that you have had a disappointing experience with you laundry equipment. It is such a bummer when a newer (and supposedly better) appliance does not even come close to the quality of the one you bought many years ago.

We have a couple of friends who own Speed Queens and just love them. We are getting one delivered tomorrow, so our research is very recent.

I don't know if you could donate or sell your current washer. You might want to consider it. I think that this is the last year that the Speed Queen top loader (with the agitator) that has the manual controls (turn knobs) will be available, so I would look into it sooner rather than later if you are thinking of replacing your washer.

Hoping that everything works out for the best for you and your family.

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

pitdakota — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:37:06 GMT

@rhinonana5 wrote:
I have to say that when my machines died, I went out and researched machines and decided to buy the LG washer and dryer. They are top loading, not front, because I didn't want deal with the issues related to front loaders. I am very happy with them and they work beautifully. They are not cheap, but I hope they will last for many years. I use the correct detergents and I usually use the Speed Wash, which, with just my husband and I seems to be perfect for us. My sister has a front loader, but it does seem to get mold around the frame seal. With the front loader, you also have to be able to bend easily to put your wash in and out of the machine. My only issue with the top loader is that I am only 5'3" and sometimes I am afraid I will fall into the machine when I get those last couple items out of the machine!! LOL
!But, I do love my machines.

____________________________________________________

@rhinonana5, Yes!! I have an LG top loading washer and the dryer as well. They work well for me, but as a 5'2'' individual I so agree with you!!

I have to keep a little stool I used for my kids when they were little to stand at the sink and brush their teeth to get everything out of the bottom of the washer. LOL!

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

gacat123 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:38:54 GMT

@rhinonana5

I am also 5'3" and I have a nice set of long silicone tipped tongs just for the deep washing machine. DON'T FALL IN!

I also have a VIVE rotating reacher/grabber thingy I named *JACK REACHER* <G>

My Rubbermaid stepstool comes in handy now and then.

I have a MAYTAG Centenial TOP loader that is an auto water saver level model I hate it!

The water level is SO LOW I would have clothes come out dry and still dirty. One must monitor the water filling and lift the lid a few times so more water will come into the washer and cover the laundry in the washer.

I heard of a washer that LOCKS? once you start it, no way! I like to add clothes or check on the clothes in the washer or stop the washer and SOAK stuff time to time.

Good Luck in Your Quest,

CAT

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

Mistreatedbycs — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 02:49:38 GMT

First you need to determine where you are going to buy.

Second, you will be swayed by what's on sale.

Third, you will have a sales person steer you in the right direction.

Fourth, once you get there, you will be able to look at the models and determine what fits you most.

Fifth, I'm height challenged so my top loading LG is actually hard for me to go down and get that dreaded last sock.

I know Sears has appliance outlet stores so if you don't mind a scratch and dent, I know people who were very satisfied with one of those models.

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

kitcat51 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 03:21:53 GMT

Another Speed Queen recommendation. The top loader with knob controls has a center agitator & actually fills up with water, it's the best washer I've ever had. If interested get move on as is being discontinued at the end of 2017 by government regulations. I had a front loader & hated it, smelled awful & the silly small amount of water it used never got anything clean & the electronic board had to be repaired twice. Check out the Speed Queen website, great info on all the washers available. The matching dryer is a winner too.

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

panda1234 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 03:22:36 GMT

SPEED QUEEN is the Cadillac in the laundry world.

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

Twins Mom — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 04:08:16 GMT

With so many individuals having disappointing results from their HD washers from long-time quality companies, why are we continuing to be disappointed? Kenmore washers always lasted 13+ years and they performed well. Latest Kenmore by LG lasted less than 5 years. I had extended warranty and chose one with agitator and deep fill option along with second rinse option. This trend of HD is not giving consumers what they need. I can save water in a lot of ways, but I feel we are being forced into mistreating our clothes and accepting mediocrity.

Re: Washing machine recommendations please!

Junker2327 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 04:32:04 GMT

SPEED QUEEN all the way!!!!

Beckyblu