Clothes Washer and Dryer - any recommendations?

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Katapult

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Researching washers and driers is a huge pain. Reviews on these things can be all over the place.
What I am looking for form you guys is real life experience with what you have and would you recommend that particular brand/model.

I am looking for a front loading washing machine that is big enough to wash a king sized comforter, this bit is non negotiable.
What I am told is that I need at least 4.3 CFT washer.
I am not interested in a steam option for the washer.
I really don't care about bells and whistles. I want it quiet, solid and reliable. I would love to get 10 years + out of this thing.

Dryer. Must be gas and have a drum of 7CFT to handle what comes out of the wash. I want a steam dryer and I hear it does wonders for pulling wrinkles out and cutting down on my ironing time. And like my washer, I want them to last as long as possible with no repairs required.

Folks, let me know what you're using, why and would you recommend it.
Thanks!
 
We had our Maytag Heavy Duty series for about 14 years before they were done with.
We then bought LG Front loader Washer and Dryer. The washer is the 4.3 cu ft, quiet something or other. had it for 7 years now, and they function like they did the day we got them. These things run at least once a day, 7 days a week. no complaints.

In between all the rugby/football/hockey stuff we throw at these things, on top of the regular house stuff, I'm surprised they still work, let alone how well.
We also have a single unit LG Washer/Dryer combo at the cottage (uses 115v and steam dryer).

If I were looking for a set today, I'd look at what LG offers first. Good luck.
 
Thanks, ,this is exactly what I am looking for.
LG is high on the list. Cost for their machines is pretty high. Without any reviews or solid comparisons it's hard for me to part with that extra money if I cannot justify it.
 
To be honest, I was initially worried with all the buttons and electronics on the thing. It feels like you're launching a space shuttle every time you do laundry, but once you figure out the settings, it has a lot of stuff pre-programmed. In the 7 years we've had them, not a singe issue, just keep up the maintenance and you're fine (once every 6 months, clean out the drainage trap on the front of the washer). They're also water efficient or high efficient, whatever, so they use minimal amounts of water.
All worth it if you ask me. I don't wanna buy these more than once a decade if I can help it.

My brother bought some middle of the pack kenmore's, and within 3 years, he's had a repairman show up twice.
 
I recently found out that Kenmore does not make their machines.
Kenmore items are all re-branded units from companies such as Frigidaire/LG/Samsung/ etc...
 
I'm usually an advocate against extended warranties but let me tell you. I've never seen so many brand new, high end, brand names crap out just out of their warranty period. It's something I would seriously consider today. Just a couple of many horror stories, my Stainless Steel GE Profile fridge circuit board gave out 1 year past warranty, my sisters brand new maytag washer gave her 5 years. The home I bought came with a 20 year old washer and dryer and still run strong. As does the fridge they left me which I moved to my garage. They don't have all the fancy bells and whistles but I cant bring myself to purchase something modern if they're still running strong (knock on wood). Do your research and good luck with whatever you choose
 
Katapult said:
I really don't care about bells and whistles. I want it quiet, solid and reliable. I would love to get 10 years + out of this thing.
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Generally, front loaders don't last as long as top loaders because gravity puts a lateral load on the tub spindle bearings. But they do clean better since the tumbling action is more vigorous. If you want it to last that long, you'll have to spend more money up front. Go for Bosch or Miele if you have deep pockets. Don't bother with any Kenmore or any or their other rebranded appliances. Or you can do what I did and buy a used one in good shape and install it yourself.
 
f1mauro said:
I'm usually an advocate against extended warranties but let me tell you. I've never seen so many brand new, high end, brand names crap out just out of their warranty period. It's something I would seriously consider today. Just a couple of many horror stories, my Stainless Steel GE Profile fridge circuit board gave out 1 year past warranty, my sisters brand new maytag washer gave her 5 years. The home I bought came with a 20 year old washer and dryer and still run strong. As does the fridge they left me which I moved to my garage. They don't have all the fancy bells and whistles but I cant bring myself to purchase something modern if they're still running strong (knock on wood). Do your research and good luck with whatever you choose
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Its all part of the master plan, sir,


Here's How Manufacturers Manipulate You Into Buying New Appliances

"Electronics and appliance manufacturers are accused of deliberately shortening the lifespan of their products in order to force consumers to purchase new ones sooner."

http://www.businessinsider.com/built-in-obsolescence-in-appliances-2012-10




As others have said........ do your quality research. Consumer Reports is a great start.

Whirlpool washers and dryers are highly recommended. Last time I checked (less than a year ago), they are made in Germany or USA, not China.

Kenmore doesnt make ANYTHING, its all rebranded, and most of it is quite good.

Maytag went to the crappers when they got bought out a couple of years ago. Their quality has sunk dramatically. Notice you dont see anymore lonely Maytag repair commercials? Its because he is quite busy now. Steer clear.

 
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I bought an LG washer and gas dryer for the old house about 10 years ago, the ex still uses it and has had no problems with it. I bought another LG washer and dryer for the new place, I got the steam option for the dryer and save me going to the dry cleaners for shirt as they come out like they were ironed. Get the extended warranty. ( oh they are candy apple red , so I really go them for a good price!)

Maytag went to the crappers before Whirlpool bought them, thats why they got Maytag for so cheap, along with the class action suits for the Neptune washer.
 
Speaking of Whirlpool, it's puny crap.. The strut broke, which created a door seal leak, a real mess. Fortunately the basement's tiled. Consider getting a HE top-loader. Gentle on the clothes and without many of the inherent weaknesses of the front-loaders. As for a gas dryer, unless you already have one, factor in the possible piping work if your current piping isn't rated to take the load.
 
We have a standing policy of no Whirlpool or Whirlpool sub brands (Maytag, etc.). We had a Whirlpool condo size front loader that failed 1 month after the warranty expired. Booked an appointment with Whirlpool through customer service to get it fixed, guy came said it was the pump and gave us a quote and we said yes on the spot, he said he will order it.

At that point we never heard back, calling Whirlpool just got us the answer well he has not updated the account. I asked them if they could follow-up with the tech, they said no I have to wait. I asked if they could call me back, they said they do not do that! I asked if they could send another tech, they said no I have to wait. They jerked us around for over a month and a half. Finally I wrote letters to all their senior management (board, CEO, etc.), after that they decided that they did want to fix my machine (all kinds of people started calling me), too bad by that point it was in the landfill with extreme prejudice. We had to buy a machine, it was a Samsung (and we were very happy with it).

Fast forward, we buy a house and it comes with a Whirlpool top loader (looks pretty new). It leaks water all over the place, we just sit it by the floor drain and shut off the water when not in use. When it dies it will get replaced by a not-a-whirlpool machine.

You have to watch because they do have a lot of sub brands and house brands.
 
we got the brada HE front load washer and drier.
we wash our big thick king size comforters and dry them.

it also has a sanatize feture you can hit it and it heats the water to 150* and holds there for 1 hour then washes. great for bed sheets.
 
I did a ton of research a while ago when we bought our machines...we have two Kenmore Elite HE 3T washing machines that can take massive amounts of clothes etc. One had a small problem years ago with some sensor, fixed by Sears under warranty. No problems since...the other has had zero problems. They have a sanitary wash option which is good as we have pets. If you buy a previous years version then they are often on offer at Sears. As for extended warranties I always get them for washers. Driers not so much.
 
JC, Why do you have 2 washers? One in Ottawa and one here? I think I have the same model. Was it the little "water level sensor" that went? It went on mine and I changed it easily; only problem was the $140 for a $2 part.
OP: We've had Sears (Kenmore) for years. Bought a set in 1984 that we finally replaced in 2008. We could have repaired it, but we wanted to get a front loader. The dryer still worked fine even at 24 years old. I've heard that the Kenmore stuff is now made in either Mexico, or Germany. I think assembled would be a better word, as the parts are made all over the place. The German-assembled machines are reported to be better, so you may want to take that into account.
 
Thanks for all of your replies. First hand feedback is exactly what I have been looking for. I would love to wait until boxing day but I can't. Any other feedback is welcome. Thanks!
 
Katapult said:
Thanks for all of your replies. First hand feedback is exactly what I have been looking for. I would love to wait until boxing day but I can't. Any other feedback is welcome. Thanks!
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If you are a deal hunter and dont care about small cosmetic damages, dont forget to check out Goemans Outlet and Sears Outlet.

http://www.goemans.com/gmen/appliances/laundry.html

Not Gas, but a decent deal...

http://www.goemans.com/gmen/appliances/laundry/washer/front-load-steam-laundry-pair.html

Too bad you can't wait till boxing day... don't check the laundry pairs in the boxing day flyers if you buy before hand lol... :-p
 
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eastcoast_gsx said:
If you are a deal hunter and dont care about small cosmetic damages, dont forget to check out Goemans Outlet and Sears Outlet.

http://www.goemans.com/gmen/appliances/laundry.html

Not Gas, but a decent deal...

http://www.goemans.com/gmen/appliances/laundry/washer/front-load-steam-laundry-pair.html

Too bad you can't wait till boxing day... don't check the laundry pairs in the boxing day flyers if you buy before hand lol... :-p
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Goemans

:laughing3: Overpriced and overrated place.

Try Tasco or Appliance Canada. They beat Goemans hands down.
 
We bought Whirlpool Duet Hi volume front load because it uses a lot less water per cycle and the high speed spin leaves the clothes nearly dry, the matching gas dryer has too many settings for me, but two years in they are terrific.
I had the advice of a buddy that owns an appliance repair service that they were as good as any and should last a minimum of 10-12yrs with usual volume loads.
We've been happy so far, and wash king comforters often (two big dogs...)
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