After 30 years or so the Kenmore is struggling. Any suggestions? I want top loader, not too big as there are only 2 of us, ability to soak clothing.
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After 30 years or so the Kenmore is struggling. Any suggestions? I want top loader, not too big as there are only 2 of us, ability to soak clothing.
My view tends to be look for the size you want and options you know you need. I looked for what I had and was used to when my early 1960's model died. (most basic model now) My discussions with others, tends to make me want to avoid the middle models and go for basic, or high end, or some of the commercial brands (Speed Queen), or garage/marriage sale, where couples are moving or becoming one.
Go basic with a soak option as mine does not have but otherwise perfect for me
I don't think the mechanics of a basic washing machine are that sophisticated unless you get a high end digital one. So that means, any of them basically work fine. We replaced our Kenmore top-loader with another Kenmore top-loader. I can't speak as to whether one manufacturer is more trustworthy than another, although I heard that LG is NOT a good brand, and I think Westinghouse/Maytag had trouble years ago, but I think Maytag has recouped its reputation.
We bought a Maytag centennial about 7 years ago and love it. I am not sure if they still make it, but this is very close:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Maytag-4-2-...ite/1000070587
I had an LG that my brother used for three yrs, then I used for 8 and it was still going strong when I sold my house. It was their entry level model. Our washer just broke two weeks ago so we shopped around. All the places told us there are only a few brands actually making the machines, they just own the naming rights to call it a Maytag, Whirlpool, etc. The only thin we heard all the time was stay away from Samsung for the moment, they are having issues. We wanted a very basic front loader but because we needed to reverse the door we were limited to only 2 brands and had to go middle of the line price wise. We got the Electrolux front loader and it has been put through it's paces catching up on laundry the past week and seems to work fine.
If your library has Flipster, an online way to read magazines for free, you can easily access the Consumer Reports buying guide for free.
There is a scratch and dent place in my little town with great deals. Also, the guy there has a lot of knowledge about appliances and never tries to "sell" you anything. Maybe you could look for this kind of place. The people I know who have bought from him have been happy with their purchases, and when my very old washer or fridge bites the dust I will be visiting him first.
Thank you all! I KNEW I would get some clear advice here. Unfortunately our library's emagazines does not include Consumer Reports, but I can go to the library.
I get Consumer Reports. Looks like the recommended top-loaders are:
Kenmore 22242 ($480) Best ratings for Water efficiency and vibration
Maytag MVWB765RW ($800) Best ratings for energy efficiency, noise, and vibration
Maytag MVWB766FW ($770) Best ratings for energy efficiency, noise, and vibration
Maytag MVWC415FW ($400) Best ratings for washing performance, water efficiency, and vibration
Kenmore 22352 ($450) Best ratings for water efficiency and vibration
I guess you could Google the model numbers to see if they have the soak feature
The smallest ones are the Kenmore 22242 and the Maytag MVWC416FW
They all suck. Take too long, make moaning,whining noises while they are "assessing" the situation, you cant open the lid without ounchig s button and waiting a required time, you cant set water level (the beast evaulates and senses what is needed) and on and on.
I soulda grabbed one of those new Speed Queen machines and squirrelled it away before that maker adopted the gubmnt's mandates.
Maybe Trumpster will get rid of that stuff and I can have a normal washing machine.