Community Chat

[Sue98]

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

[Katcat1]

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

[Writer with Flair]

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@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

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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.  

[Puzzle Piece]

Speed Queen.  No problems.

[rhinonana5]

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.

[sophiamarie]

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.

[happycat]

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.

[sophiamarie]

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

[kathybnc2]

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.

[Marp]

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.