Talk to me about washing machines. Do you have one that you like? I need to get a new one this weekend preferably while they are on sale and I don't want to spend too much and I also don't need my washing machine to come with WiFi and free handjobs. Just a regular washing machine that washes clothes
Stay away from the ones that say they “measure “ the load and allow appropriate water level. They don’t work.
I rescued an old Maytag -- no electronic dashboard -- years ago and repaired it all by myself and it worked fabulous for 10 years. I gave it to a friend when I moved and I'd bet it's still going. I now have some brand no one's heard of and it looks strangely like the old Maytag. It works great.
We always buy GE. Ours is a front loader and we like it a lot. Having no agitator is important to me - clothes last longer. There’s a little overflow pan (I guess that’s what is) that we drain regularly - keeps the moldy smell away.
Wifi and what now?!
Speed Queen!
When my mom needed a new machine a couple years back, my smart and mechanically inclined brother suggested she call the guy who repairs appliances for us from time to time and ask what he recommends. IIRC, he was cool with Whirlpool and Maytag. His strongest advice was "Stay away from LG."
I see a few LG recommendations and I came to say the exact opposite about them. We have a front loader and for some reason it always freezes up in the middle of the cycle and just sits there. I have to unplug it and plug it back in just to open the door and the clothes are usually still soaked.
I too had a LG front loader and it had constant problems. Bought at Lowes. They had to have 3 repairs before they would replace it. Naturally after 1 yr warrantee a plastic part of door broke & would cost $300. Lowe’s response, “you should’ve bought a warranty”.
We bought ours at Lowe's too.
My step daughter has a big top loader with no agitator, and I am covetous. I have a Maytag front loader which is fine, but you have to leave the door open between uses or it will get very funky smelling.
We buy speed queen. Very sturdy. American made!
We just had to replace our 3 yr old Whirlpool after the repair guy said the brand went to shit and they all have a bad control boards now. We got an LG on sale at Home Depot at decent price with good recent reviews. No wifi or, sadly, handjobs.
Have an LG front load that I've had for 13 years and works great. Currently perusing new dishwashers. I am looking for the simplest, dumbest device, that doesn't require an app to use it.
Don't buy Samsung. People say they're hard to work on, which isn't true. The issue is that you will *always* be working on them.
We got a Samsung high efficiency top loader with matching dryer about 15 months ago. It can handle a king size comforter or five adults worth of laundry. No smart features and it’s survived a move with no issues.
I bought a Samsung washer after my 1 yr old LG front loader died. It was great & drum was huge.
Nothing specific as to make and model but measure the space you have very carefully and also the narrow spots on the pathway especially if you live in an older non-standardized home.
Speed Queen! Made in the US, with very limited computer involvement so repairs are easier. My folks just got a washer and dryer from them a few months ago and love them.
Speed Queen TC5. Knobs, limited digital components. This is the commercial version. I've read the residential ones are not as good (TR series).
Stay away from whirlpool. I have had a top loading machine for several years and it breaks constantly.
They aren't cheap, but if you want an old school type top loader that works great and has nothing fancy - speed queen. For a similar cheaper option - maytag or lg.
Pricey but I feel like ours will outlive me.
Our house came with one of the old-school Maytag mechanical ones, topload washer on bottom and front-load dryer on top. Apparently it can be fixed more easily than most newer models!! We’ve been advised not to replace it unless it starts leaking oil out the bottom
Yes yes yes. Those old Maytags only have about 5 parts and anyone can fix them. I salvaged an old one and did the repair easy- peasy.
Costco has a great selection of top loading and front loading options. They include delivery and basic installation and haul away of your old one.
This one, for example, is a top-loader with a 4.1 star rating based on 1551 reviews. It's on sale for $499: www.costco.com/whirlpool-38...
That’s basically the unit we have and it gets the job done. I think we’re on 7 years with it and no problems. With how tight the stairs are I don’t think we could even get one of those fancier front loaders into our basement.
My family has had several washers fail. The repair guy recommended speed queen. Compared to the speed queen, everything else is a cheap toy.
I asked the appliance guy which one will out live me Answer: Speed Queen
Without a doubt, Speed Queen top loader. You can open it and add more after you’ve started the load, it fills to the tippy top if you want it to, and it’s a tank.
Speed Queen. Period.
Huge fan, we got one and she’s a beast, no bells or whistles just does what it’s made to do.
100% Speed Queen is IT
I see the front loader hate here, but mine has been great. Just leave the door slightly ajar when you're done to air it out, at least in dry Southern California. It's important here to use less water. I use liquid detergent in it, not pods.
Also, open the detergent door a half inch or so. Let that dry out as well to minimize the possibility of mold forming.
I have had 2 different front loading models over 20 years and never had any mold or funny smells. I love the water efficiency.
I second this. I love our 15 year old front loader. Efficient and the only maintenance has been to replace the drain pump, which I easily did myself. However I have to check the door regularly because the rest of my family forgets to leave it open.
📌
We have the most basic Samsung washer. It's only claim to fame is that it's 15 years old and still works a trick and plays the Trout Aria when it finishes a cycle.
We have an LG top load that's like 12 years old and still works great. No agitator.
Have a newer LG that's no agitator and pretty basic and love it
I bought a 300 dollar top loader no name one about 8 years ago, rock solid.
Speed Queen- lasts forever
We’ve been very happy with Speed Queen top loader. We had a Maytag before it that was an unending nightmare.
When my top loader broke a couple of years ago I bought an LG front loader. It gets my makeup washcloths so much cleaner than the old machine. It doesn't smell but we leave it open in between washes.
I have an LG w/d combo and love it to bits. No more forgetting to swap over from the washer to the dryer for this girl! (Also, I can open the door onto my porch all the way now. My laundry space is too small for 2 machines!)
All washing machines can give a HJ. Just sit on top.
I love my Whirlpool top-loader (model WTW5057LW), which has a removable agitator. Easy to use, gets my clothes really clean, just the right number of settings & options, and no WiFi.
I agree on Whirlpool
We have a front loading LG washer. When it works, it works great. However, we have had service people out multiple times for hard to diagnose problems. Since that has been solved, it has worked well. That may be more than you want to deal with.
When they were on sale, I got a Hotpoint washer and dryer. They are no-frills but work very, very well.
We hav a front loader and like using less water (well water). We use white vinegar for softener. Works great. No static, and vinegar tends to keep everything cleaner, no build up. Prolly helps with mold too, never an issue.
I'm certain others have already said but, Speed Queen. The absolute best.
We got ours from lowes and it's a basic machine with no extras. It also pays to look at whatever website's scratch and dent section. Diff appliance, but when we got our new stove, they knocked off 300 bucks because of a tiny scratch that was barely noticeable.
Popping in to say some newer machines apparently have microplastic filtering (since a lot of it in our water comes from washing synthetic clothing) so you may want to check that out
I’ve had a very not-techy Maytag set for years and it’s still going strong, even after washing Carhartt overalls and comforters. Not fancy, but she gets it done.
I recently got a Maytag top loader at Costco with only knobs and I love it!
Don't get a fucking Samsung.
I hate my new Maytag top loader without the agitator. It is always going out of balance. My Samsung front loader lasted 10 years.
If I were buying a new one, I’d try to find one without the child lock feature. If you dropped a sock and wanted to add it to the load, oh well, too bad. Also, would you like to fill the tub with water, add oxiclean for a soak? That’s not an option with the child lock feature.
I hate my Speed Queen so much.
We have a large capacity no-agitator top-loader that does the trick. It replaced a leaky, moldy front-loader about 3 yrs ago. LG brand.
Do NOT get a front loader, they are awful, impossible to keep clean, get moldy and smelly.
YEP!!! I HATE MINE!!
Same
Dear lord.....some people!! At least I think it is a human foot.........
We have a GE Top Loader that came with our house when we bought it. I bought my house in 2016 and it still works perfectly. It has actual buttons and a knob too.
Speed Queen has machines that aren't digital, just a couple of knobs and buttons.
We got a speed queen when we opted to wash our own cloth diapers. We have four kids and it has gotten us through a lot of shit. Fantastic machine.
Speed Queen is the only right answer.
Speedqueen washers are work horses, but they can be very loud. Best warranty.
I've had LG, Samsung and Speed Queen and I haven't found the Speed Queen to really be any louder, ymmv.
This was the recommendation of our appliance repair guy. Two years later we’ve had no issues.
Yes! We got Speed Queen for its simplicity
Ours are Samsung, both top loader, none of that other crap
I am on my second Maytag Centennial (bought one in a past residence, inherited one in the current) and I have been very happy with them. Enough settings (I’m particular about laundry), but no weird nonsense. Really good capacity, too.
www.lowes.com/pd/Whirlpool... Love it. Just make sure the folks install it remove the cardboard protection outside the drum (accessed underneath).
consumer reports say the best overall washer models are LG top loads and the best front loads are also LG i will say that paying for CR is worth it
Agree. I love my LG top load washer and front load dryer. ~10 yrs & still going strong. The fanciest tricks they do are water savings, delayed start, and wrinkle guard.
Depending on your library you can access Consumer Reports online with other magazines, sometimes thru Libby
HATED our Samsung for 8 years until it finally died a couple of weeks ago. Got a basic Whirlpool set here in Denver for a pretty great price with delivery bundled only two days later at Appliance Factory.
LG WT7900 we bought three years ago. Solid machine, top load, no impeller. We got it with WiFi so we get notified when the cycle is done. Saves going up and down the stairs to the basement.
Joining the Speed Queen chorus.
📌
Speed queen top loader nothing new washes clothes with water temperature and type of load settings (eg delicate) and knobs not any on board computer
I found an Electrolux on sale, no wifi, and have been very pleased.
We hate Samsung.
No freaking kidding. I just installed the third set of suspension rods in a washer, and the second heating element, thermostat, and thermistor in a dryer. The machine are only three years old.
When we got our LG the delivery guy said it was a great one. He also said the one he had to pick up for returns the most was Samsung.
Samsung is the epitome of enshitification in all their products.
I like my LG. I bought it 10 year ago still works great.
LG front loader. As long as you run the “tub clean” cycle once a month, and open the detergent drawer and washer door when you’re not using the machine, you won’t have a mold problem with a front loader. Good luck with your search!
Kenmore. from Sears.
I and several other family members have been quite happy with Samsung front loaders, for the last ten years or so.
i need wifi on my washing machine so it can harass me to unload it and not let it get stinky
I almost fall into my top loader but I don't like the front loader because it smells kind of moldy
Front loader door should be kept open for 12 hours after use. Then you can close it and no smells.
NOW you tell me! 🤣
Electrolux bottom-of-the-line front loader. 🩷 I keep the door open.
front loader seems more gentle on clothes if that's a concern. maybe improvements have been made in top loaders, but the tangle of sleeves and pant legs sometimes makes me fear for my clothes lifespan 😳
Yeah, I'm not a fan of front loaders. I guess they use less water, which is good, and I'm sure they're more accessible for some people, which is even better, but top loading washers air out much better.
We got a GE front loader that has a post wash vent cycle which stops the mildew issue. If you can, springing for the pedestals means your don't have to lean over. I'm glad we did.
Since I'm currently doing laundry, I'll weigh in: Maytag Top Loader, no agitator. Lots of different choices of cycle. I use the quick cycle 90% of the time. It works great. USA made. No more front loader for me cuz same reason.
We have the same kind, with just a bigger wash basket. I agree it is the best! I don’t miss my front loader at all.
They're great for water saving. I've never had one that didn't stink! 👃
I have this exact one and I love it. It does get unbalanced a bit more often that I’d prefer, but other than that it’s perfect.
Literally my only complaint about this machine. Not a deal breaker by any means.
Big fan of this portable top loading washer! We put a wheeled cart under it so we just whip it out when we need to. BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Portable Washer, 6.6 lb. Capacity Washing Machine BPWM09W The slight bump in water use is still much less than we were paying at the community washers.
This is the wheeled cart/stand we have under it - VEVOR Mini Fridge Stand, 16’’-25'' Adjustable Dolly
We have a top loader. Front loaders are more water efficient and you have to use cleaning pods on them. We use them on our top loader too. It’s a pretty basic whirlpool, and we’re happy with it
One to consider is a combination washer/dryer. I put in the load, program it, and the app tells me when the whole thing is done. Don’t have to worry about when the washer is done and getting everything into the dryer. For me it was a life changer.
THIS IS CORRECT! Top loader is the way to go. I have a Maytag Bravos X which is about 12 years old now, but it has been a workhorse and I have not had one issue with it.
With you on the not loving a front loader. I have a zillion year-old Maytag, bottom of the line, one of the lid hinges rusted out, still works like a champ. If I were buying now, I'd probably go LG, but again, bottom of the line - fewer gadgets = fewer things to break.
Same, it's like doing yoga reaching in to get the stuff at the bottom but so much better than a front loader
Our last two front load machines have had a steam wash setting. Running a quick steam cycle makes cleaning the stinky door seal easy. Was my biggest complaint with our first front load machines
We just got a new one, from Costco. It’s made by LG. Not many bells and whistles but it holds a ton and seems to work well. Delivery from Costco was super easy.
It is a top loader, for what it’s worth.
I prop the door open on my front loader till it dries out to avoid the mold smell. However, if you go front loader get the pedestal storage. Having to dig in the front loader at ground level is murder on my back some days.
We got an LG tower washer and dryer. Got the mildew/mold smell and ran the cleaning cycles until we realized there was a hidden reservoir that wasn't the filter that needed to be drained as part of the cleaning process. After that, no issues at all. Fully recommend.
Get a washer with a dial you turn, instead of electric buttons because replacing the dial is $ and replacing the electrics is $$$
Front loaders have gotten better about smell issues. We have had ours a few years with no problems. My main complaint is they are awkward to load and unload unless you have them raised up.
LG has top loaders without the agitator that are high efficiency and get really good ratings for cleaning and reliability. We got one 14 years ago and recently replaced it with another. It began to rust near the top. They have replaced that metal with plastic in the newest version.
Some of the newer front loaders have a venting system that turns on after the load is finished that seems to work well. Renee the appliance repair tech on insta also has a good rundown on how to care for them to prevent that. I do think front loaders produce a superior clean.
Keep the front-loader door open for eight to ten hours after a load. No smells. If no price point, Miele or Bosch. Maytag does a nice machine also.
You can also get little magnetic doohickies that hold the door at the magic “open enough to circulate air/dry the seal, but closed enough to walk past easily” angle
I have a stacked set that I really like. It’s not so big that you nearly fall in the wash, and not so tall that getting your clothes out of the dryer is difficult.
we fixed the mildew smell by changing detergents and cleaning the filter. it’s a solvable problem. but if you want the best you can get, speed queen is where it’s at. $$$ tho.
Which detergent do you use?
i use meliora, a powder, bc i have 8 million chemical allergies, and no mildew smell at all. but i remember we got rid of the mildew smell before i had to start using that. i think we switched first to all free & clear?
Thanks! Our new one smelled before we ever used it and has only gotten worse over time. I have to find the filter and drain systems to help excise the machine or get rid of it. It makes our clothes stink.
definitely locate the filter before giving up on it! ours was… well, i'll spare you the details. it was bad.
😬🥺🤮
how'd you get this photo of my poor husband (who handled it)? 😂😩 he told me, "don't come in here" bc i'm a puker. in our defense, we'd never lived anywhere longer than 2 years with a front-load before. it hadn't ever had time to become an issue until now. had no clue!!
We had a front loader for 15+ years and never “cleaned” it or drained anything and never had smell issues. We had to replace it last year and it’s wonderful except for the smell. I thought it would go away after we used it, it’s only gotten worse. How can I pawn the job off on someone else???
must depend on the design/model, then! huh. can't help with your 2nd question, unless you want to hire a repair person 😭
they do make washing machine cleaner powder, it does help with odor IME ex. www.walmart.com/ip/Tide-Wash...
before that, i didn't even know it HAD a filter.
just whatever you do, do not buy samsung appliances.
Oh my god yes. I do not absolutely hate the Samsung washer in my rental — I merely dislike it — but I do absolutely hate the Samsung dryer. I expect the washer to start behaving weird to match, eventually.
we had an amazing samsung induction range in our last house and i wish we’d moved it bc i got a new one from them and it was horrific. damaged inside the undamaged box, sparked and almost caught fire (explosion, smoke) and they claimed it was our fault! a nightmare to get my money back
Interesting. I sometimes have to flip the breaker to get my dryer to stop. Turning it off is not enough!
YES! Samsung has taken a complete nosedive in quality!
seconded.
I found a top loader with an agitator and it was cheap because everyone wanted the front load or no agitator. I think this is it. (Leave the lid or door open whichever one you buy so the water evaporates and doesnt get stinky and mildewy) www.geappliances.com/appliance/GE...
I just got the inexpensive Whirlpool and I love it!
gotta leave door open all the time
great tips and advice. thanks, y'all!
We have a Whirlpool front loader that has a “prop the door open” tab and it never smells or gets moldy, love it. This one replaced the five year old LG that was horrid, was always gross and broke. We’ve had the Whirlpool for 8 years, no issues.
front loaders are great but leave the door open when not in use.
Same. I love my front loader but I always leave the door open between washes.
You can also run a tub clean cycle with either bleach or vinegar every so many loads/weeks.
just saw ---had to replace one last year. Old one had too many bells/etc I don't want wifi enabled either.. got the basic front loader LG..plain white think it was this one..it's great
I do a quick wipe of rubber gasket after washes.. also most people don't know or drain the little under washer cache of water every couple of weeks
I always end up with whatever's cheapest, and that's a top loader. I won't get a front loader bc of the issues they have with the door gaskets collecting crap and getting moldy. Get one with an agitator if you can. My understanding is they get your clothes cleaner. Wish they still made speed queens!
Speed Queen is still around 🙂 speedqueen.com/pet-plus/
And is what I always saw recommended as built to last and be repairable when I was looking a few years ago (have not owned one myself)
As long as you keep the door open after use, occasionally wipe down the rubber seal, it won't smell. But yeah, Top Loaders are great because they will last til the sun goes out.
I’ve had mine since 2002. The repair guy told me to cherish it because they don’t make ‘em like that anymore
How often is the washer really getting dried? That's why it smells moldy. Every so often, there's a self-clean option. Let it clean the washer. After every wash? Leave the washer open to dry out. And take a rag to the part that stays WET.
We love our Speed Queen washer and dryer. Basically zero features, they just wash and dry and theoretically will live forever.
same...I just replaced the 15 year old front loader with a top loader. While I got all the tech on mine (mostly because I need a huge drum for quilts and gas dryer with the steam cycle - only came in the tech versions,) we got the non-tech ones for my MIL and she loves them. LG from Costco.
Honestly can't stand my front loader. It always smells moldy. Mold grows easily, even though I keep the door open after running (which is also annoying I just want to CLOSE IT!) I'm CONSTANTLY scrubbing it. Really plan on going back to a top loader when this one breaks.
and I just check current ratings on consumerreports and LGs are the top rated these days
the trick with front loaders is that the rubber seal can collect a bit of water and thus eventually some mildew. Easily prevented by leaving the door open awhile and also using a rag to make sure there's no water left towards the bottom of the seal. I love my front loaders
Always wipe out the door seal after every wash and prop the door open That should stop the moldy odor
I do like my Bosch wat28401uc. It is a front loader, but wiping out the door gasket and the inside of the front door after every load keeps the moldy smell away (I also leave it open after the final load until to let it dry further.)
Pro of the top loader is the soak feature.
to keep mold at bay in a front loader, wipe down the rubber gasket with a disinfecting wipe after each load, leave the door cracked when not in use, and run the clean setting with a sanitizing pod once a month good luck in your washer quest!
I haven't shopped for a while, used to rely on Consumer Reports. I think the front-loaders are supposed to be more efficient on energy and water usage. I would concur with the advice to leave the door open when it's not in use.
We just had our 12 year old machine repaired and talking to him about replacement he advised to avoid Samsung
🤣
My advice is to buy the largest capacity machine that will fit through the door. You’ll never regret being able to wash as many clothes as possible. Brands… we have an LG which is nice, but largest capacity name brand is my recommendation.
We had to replace our washer a few years ago and after a lot of research went with Speed Queen. Basic top loader that a lot of commercial laundromats use. Affordable, durable, works great.
Genius
It’s rated for something ridiculous like 20 loads a day over 15 years. We do 3 loads every 10 or so days.
they make them that give hand jobs?😀
Get a big front loader without an agitator. Big enough for any blankets/sleeping bags you have.
Forgot to say: it has a heat pump so uses way, way less electricity.
We got a GE Profile duo that washes and dries the clothes. Since it's just the 2 of us now and I don't have to do umpteen loads at a time it's great. Set it and forget it. You still have to fold though, which sucks.
Gotta say that Samsung front loading washers are terrible and break way too easily. (My 2nd one died this week) Can you find like an old Maytag one from the 70s/80s? Those will outlast time itself haha.
I have a Samsung front loader that we bought in 2015 from Appliance Warehouse when we moved in (this house had a top loader and I am 5 feet and small change and a top loader is bad for me) and it has never given me even one day of problem. Not an hour. It’s reliable and behaves well and no wifi.
Has never given me mold smell, but I realized early on with my previous front loader at the previous house that it needed a door prop when it’s empty. There are some great ones that are magnetic and they, plus climate, prevent mildew.
strongly consider getting the extended warranty. New machines have so many "features" that can go astray. One good break and the EW pays for itself. Note: this is really the only thing I'll get and EW on...
I got rid of my LG washer only because the dryer went out and I wanted a matching set. It was over 12 years old and survived multiple moves. I looked at the Speed Queen but the cubic feet/capacity is limiting for me, so I have another LG.
Expensive but worth it. Speed Queen. No fancy electronics, no touchscreen, and you don't have to worry about it breaking down. Bought one for myself and for my tenant. Washer dryer combo but if you can hang your clothes, super worthwhile. No issues whatsoever for going on three years.
My only input is that we like our LG front loader OK, but it’s prone to mold growth in the detergent drawer if we aren’t careful to leave it (and the main door) open to dry after each load. I think if we had it to do over we’d get a top loader instead (though this one does use a lot less water).
Recently had to replace washer, got reasonably priced top loader Whirlpool. I like that the agitator is easily removable for bed linens etc. Has a good variety of settings, including pre soak & extra rinse
I had a repair guy say not to buy LG or Samsung and I listen to the repair guys.
Also wanting to resist a washing machine that would come with Wifi or want to be my sexual partner, I got a very basic GE top loader about 1.5-2 years ago. I put a 1.5" little platform by it, which I stand on, bc, well, I'm short. You know what the machine does really well & simply: washes clothes.
Check Consumer Reports to see what they recommend. After that? Get something Costco sells.
I had the same desires you had; I did not want front loaders because mold. We got, from costco (highly rec that), a pair of Samsung machines - top loader wash, front load dry. Model WA50R5200AW washer. Feb 2021, no problems yet.
Speed Queen is the only way to go
Trust Consumer Reports, sis. They NEVER steer hour wrong about appliances (and someone upthread posted that LG is preferred).
Last year I got a LG front load washer and dryer and have been very happy with them. People tease me about them being smart appliances with WiFi but honestly as an ADHD person it is nice having them alert me when they are done washing or drying and reminding me when it is time to clean them.
Having them connect to the WiFi is nice because they have different wash and dry settings in the app that you can set on the “downloaded” dial option. They will also alert me if they detect any issues or errors with either machine, and I can monitor electric usage.
To keep the washer from the mildew smell I keep the detergent tray and door slightly open so that they can dry and aired out.
A top loader with hot and cold wash settings and and a delicates setting is pretty much all you need. 20+ years ago my uncle paid $$$ for a washer without an agitator that was supposed to be *super* gentle. It tied *all* their clothes in knots. 🙃
No matter what you do, do NOT buy one of those Samsung toploaders that doesn't have the central agitator/spindle inside the tub. The bearings go bad so fast in those things and they barely work again. I'm currently stuck with one and I /hate/ it.
If it’s an option for you where you live, there are places that sell reliable refurbished appliances. We bought our last washer (bare-bones Amana) for a couple hundred dollars ten years ago. community-appliances.com
Top loaders are far more durable and less likely to leak. I love our LG
Top loaders only darling. Longer agitator life but consume more water. Front loaders have better spin cycles but mold heavy! Maytag, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung are just rebranded Kenmore (Electrolux) post 2009. Speed Queen and Miele are worth the money. Buy Speed Queen once or the others twice.
You're right on the money. Excellent advice.
I know wifi connectivity sounds superfluous, but you can start your laundry when coming home, or getting notifications when it's ready and you're doing something else... I'd find that feature quite useful (though I'm in a condo where the laundry room is shared for all residents).
But poster just said that she did not want wifi. So why are you centering yourself and what you would want?
I can’t recommend mine, due to the WiFi, but we do love that it’s a combo unit, a heat pump, and the footprint. GE Profile ventless combo.
I have a Maytag impeller type of washer and I love it I didn’t think I’d want the wifi feature, but it’s honestly been great for my phone to ding when the cycle is done- helps me remember to put it in the dryer Wanted either Maytag or whirlpool bc repair parts are easier to get.
Maytag is a good brand. I tried to have my washing machine fixed a week ago and turns out repair more expensive than replace. Repair guy suggested Maytag as a reasonably priced, long lasting workhorse .
Front loader or Top loader? Apartment sized or full sized? I have had GE, Maytag, and maybe a Samsung... Currently using a Front loader GE 4.x cubic ft. Don't have the WiFi enabled on it...
Consistency, durability, and reliability = Speed Queen prosumer top loader.
This is how I learned your avatar is surprisingly close to @techconnectify.bsky.social 's avatar if I just look at it peripherally
Heh
The free handjobs would be nice but not essential, otherwise i also skip all the extra nonsense beyond washing my clothes. Our Duet is too old to be a good comp, but I'm here to pimp for side loaders. I didn't know how great that feature was until we bought this one 20 yrs ago. It's still kicking.
We have had LG machines for 25 years in three houses - can’t beat them. Never had one problem. Just bought a new set last month for our new house.
I also don’t agree with the anti-front loaders - all of ours have been front loaders and they’ve been flawless. No smells or mold. Not sure what these people are doing to their washing machines…
Our LG front loader was crap, unfixable by the five year mark.
That’s too bad. Even Lexus can make a lemon.
If you have a costco near you, buy from them. Curated selection, costco warranty, delivery + haul away.
I’ll second the Costco vote. And it’s having a “holiday” sale on major appliances this weekend. FWIW, my front-loading Lg has been a workhorse and mildew-free for 9 years. I lay a dry dishrag over the gasket to keep the door ajar & absorb moisture.
oh yeah, forgot to mention what we got. We just bought a Maytag for around $500. It's only a few months old, but it's been rock solid and is huge. It's a top loader. We just wanted something simple with lower chance of failure.
My 30+year-old Kenmore works great. So, of course, they're not made anymore.
My parents also have a 30+ Kenmore washer/dryer. I have a 16yo Kenmore washer/dryer that I purchased from the Sears outlet as a scratch n dent set. I miss having that option.
One of the great things is they are made so simply. Need a belt? Watch a YouTube video and you are in bidness. I am not "handy" but have also replaced worn parts on the dryer.
I got this one last year on an installment plan, it's great (and sometimes on sale) www.bestbuy.com/product/lg-5...
We have a top load w/out agitator (I guess they’re called impellers?) - love it.
Got my LG mid-range washer and dryer last year, love them. They are not smart. Just gotta leave the front loader door open to let it dry out to avoid mildew if you get one. And run a drum cleaning tablet through a cycle every couple of months.
We got an LG set, so deep I can’t even reach the bottom in the back. No front loaders- leaks and mold. Anything with a big tub has WiFi and ours has ai. We will not be turning on that feature.
We are planning on getting GE - GTW485ASWWB Top loading; not too many bells and whistles; on sale with dryer total cost less than $1500 and reviews are good.
Speed Queen. They are made in Wisconsin. Their biggest market is probably colleges and other institutions. Which means they are almost indestructible. My whirlpool washer died about 2 years ago and the local appliance store talked me into a Speed Queen washer and dryer. I love them
After years of second hand machines, we bought a top-loading Maytag. Very pleased with it.
The GE front loader I have is very well-made. It does have WiFi crap, but I just never set it up. As an aside, my trick for keeping the interior mold-free is leaving the door open for at least an hour after using it, so it has time to dry fully.
My brother fixes appliances and we just had this chat. For top loaders, the cheapest GEs. “Has to be the cheapest though” for longevity
Front load & top load product ratings. Can’t go wrong with Consumer Reports.
Got a basic Whirlpool energy efficient top loader from Best Buy 6 years ago and I love it. Not so deep that I fall into it. The two rinse setting option is great for managing dog hair in my three dog household. Deep Water Wash cycle works for dog beds.
We have an 8ish-year-old Maytag that has KNOBS, not digital, and I love how reliable and issue-free it's been. Do not buy Whirlpool. Speed Queen is worth the price, imo, but it's not cheap.
And mine has no agitator! Love it!
My home’s previous owner left a Bosch washer and dryer, and I’ve been happy with both. I leave the door open on the washer to avoid it getting smelly.
Our front loader broke down more than once and when the repairman came we asked him for recommendations and he basically just said don't get a front loader. All I work on are front loaders.
Our LG apparently connects to wifi if we want it too but we don’t have to connect it to use all the features. So it remains dumb.
I just bought a GE stacked set, because my previous GE set lasted 25 years
My GE has lasted almost 10 years at least. I don't know when the previous owner of my house (who left the washer and dryer) bought it.