clothes washer that works well [Archive]

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nswef

6-15-17, 5:04pm

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.

ToomuchStuff

6-15-17, 5:13pm

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.

razz

6-15-17, 5:22pm

Go basic with a soak option as mine does not have but otherwise perfect for me

catherine

6-15-17, 5:40pm

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.

Tybee

6-15-17, 5:44pm

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-cu-ft-High-Efficiency-Top-Load-Washer-White/1000070587

freshstart

6-15-17, 6:17pm

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.

Sad Eyed Lady

6-15-17, 6:36pm

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.

nswef

6-15-17, 8:41pm

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.

catherine

6-15-17, 9:07pm

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

iris lilies

6-15-17, 9:52pm

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.

JaneV2.0

6-16-17, 12:16am

I'd be leaning toward a refurbished old-school machine, I think.

catherine

6-16-17, 5:44am

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 tet rid of that stuff and I can have a normal washing machine.

I don't know what mandates you mean, and what government regulations are messing with washing machines?

IshbelRobertson

6-16-17, 7:20am

I swear by my Bosch front-loading washing machine. I also have had Miele machines, but they are so pricey, and I don't think they are any better than Bosch.

catherine

6-16-17, 7:54am

I swear by my Bosch front-loading washing machine. I also have had Miele machines, but they are so pricey, and I don't think they are any better than Bosch.

Those are great manufacturers--I have a Miele vacuum cleaner which is the best I've ever had--but they are pricey!

iris lilies

6-16-17, 9:42am

I don't know what mandates you mean, and what government regulations are messing with washing machines?
Water levels. Safety requirements re:open top,while spinning.agitator required. Etc.

Edited t add: the Wall Stret Joirnal has a good summary of the ergulations that went into effect 2012-ish, but it is behind a paywall. There are many many articles bemoaning ng the new designs.

Big govenment at its worst. Because California has a water problem, I (here in the land of free flowing water) have to compensate. Because some small children and adult,idiots apparently have been injuredmby spinning barrels of washing machnes,
i have to have a lock on mine.

CathyA

6-16-17, 10:40am

Can you buy a used 38 year old Maytag? lol. My washer and dryer are still going strong (knock on wood really hard!!). I'm thinking it won't last me the rest of my life and I dread ever finding anything as good again. I think I might have to shell out a lot of money for the "best" one.....whichever that ends up being........if there are any out there then.

pinkytoe

6-16-17, 10:54am

I would look into the Speed Queen. Their reputation is solid though you may pay more than for a Kenmore.

razz

6-16-17, 12:04pm

I would look into the Speed Queen. Their reputation is solid though you may pay more than for a Kenmore.
I think Speed Queen makes the Kenore washers these days. I believe the manufacturers have to submit proposals of cost with modifications that will guarantee a profit for the retail outlet. This goes for everything these days from mowers, groceries to washer and dryers.

nswef

6-16-17, 12:57pm

Thanks Catherine for the list. IrisLilies- My husband and I were talking about the locked lid....did you ever hear of anyone getting hurt in a washer????? I'm looking...and looking. The washer worked fine today, maybe I'll wait.

BikingLady

6-16-17, 1:36pm

Speed Queen

iris lilies

6-16-17, 3:27pm

pinkytoe

6-16-17, 5:29pm

We ended up buying a mid-priced top loading Kenmore about four years ago. The locking lid is very irritating and if you don't do it just right, the settings have to be started over. Have already had one repair done to it that cost about $100.

iris lilies

6-16-17, 7:19pm

razz

6-16-17, 8:04pm

yep, they suck. Thanks, Nanny G.
Seems as though you are blaming the wrong party, IL. When companies get sued or suffer some kind of consequences for an unusual event occurring, they clamour for some form of correction.
EG a neighbour sells gas fireplaces. Just recently after stocking up on inventory, the design changed. Lawsuits triggered by a child falling against the fireplace door forced the companies to alter the design by adding a screen in front. The gov't entered the picture to set a standard that companies could meet thereby protecting or reducing the manufacturers' liabilities.

The antipathy to gov't sometimes is misguided. Do you want continual lawsuits by many indidividuals that cost everyone a lot of money or develop laws that reduce the lawsuits, hopefully.
The d

frugal-one

6-16-17, 9:04pm

There was another thread on this here. I cannot locate it but replied at that time. We purchased a Speed Queen. It has no locking lid and has stainless steel drums. It is very easy to use. Supposedly, it is to last 25 years but will probably make 15. The other models say they last (if I remember correctly) 6-7 years. The Speed Queen is a little more money but the irritation factor of a locking lid sold me! It is basic... which is what I wanted.

iris lilies

6-16-17, 9:20pm

iris lilies

6-16-17, 9:24pm

Seems as though you are blaming the wrong party, IL. When companies get sued or suffer some kind of consequences for an unusual event occurring, they clamour for some form of correction.
EG a neighbour sells gas fireplaces. Just recently after stocking up on inventory, the design changed. Lawsuits triggered by a child falling against the fireplace door forced the companies to alter the design by adding a screen in front. The gov't entered the picture to set a standard that companies could meet thereby protecting or reducing the manufacturers' liabilities.

The antipathy to gov't sometimes is misguided. Do you want continual lawsuits by many indidividuals that cost everyone a lot of money or develop laws that reduce the lawsuits, hopefully.
The d

http://instituteforenergyresearch.org/analysis/if-you-like-your-washer-you-should-be-able-to-keep-it/

This article summarizes a few of the changes made to washing machines innrecent years. Trigger warning: the authoring Organization is not an objective source!

Razz, the locking lid issue may not be dictated by the government, I am not sure. But it seems that all new machines have this feature. Yet frugal – one has a machine without it so at this point I don't know who is requiring it, but I don't like it nor do I like any of the energy saving features that definitely are mandated.

Your question above is an either or situation and life is not that simple. In general I like to see less government intervention, and if the government must step in to lock washing machine lids then we are in sad shape in deed.

Gardenarian

6-17-17, 12:51pm

I don't like the new machines. I bought an older washer at the Habitat Restore. Our local Restore has the machines tested and they come with as warrantee.

As for saving water, we have our machine hooked up to water the garden. Of course, we have to switch that off in winter.

beckyliz

6-19-17, 5:11pm

I have an LG High Efficiency top loading machine and really like it. It's probably 4-5 years old now and no problems whatsoever. yes, the lid locks, but if you need to add something, you press the pause button and after 2-3 seconds it unlocks.