Advice for new washer and dryer?

I've owned an LG set w/ steam feature for 10 years w/o need for repair, if that helps. 
It's also interesting to research the manufacturers behind all the US brands we grew up with...Whirlpool owns virtually all the brands.

My LG's are great after 5 years. Don't buy anything Samsung

Another vote for LG. 12 years old and going strong.

I've heard over the last couple of years that there are delays getting parts for Korea-manufactured washers and dryers. I was told not to get LG or Samsung for that reason, but it sounds like (at least the older) LG's haven't needed parts.

Good luck.

This thread is right up my alley.  My washer took a dump in late November.  Had a repair guy come and look at it, he said it was toast. Paid him his 85.00 and he told me when I look for a new one, NOT to buy kenmoore, samsung or LG.  They are all made by LG and garbage. He said they typically last 5 yrs.  Said to buy Maytag or whirpool as they are both made by whirlpool and much superior. 

That said, I searched and found the best deal by far at Costco.   Ordered one on Dec 5th. It is supposed to be delivered this coming Thursday. Cost of living in the boonies I guess.   But they will install it and take away the old one.

I have a new used Washer which is a Canadian Whirlpool.  Dude who hunts Deer here on the Farm located it and brought over, $75.00 delivered.  Different brand-name but in the tiny print, it's a Whirlpool. It works just fine. Very clean interior and exterior.

Old one is a KitchenAid brand, lasted over 25 years.  Think it needs a Belt. It won't shift into spin cycle. Easy to repair,  once you drag it out of the house and find the belt or pulley to fix / replace.

So if you're handy and like to mess with wrenches,  the motors can be re-purposed for other projects -- belt sander,  tool grinder, whatever item.  Check the Yootubes and see.

Sides are nice painted sheet metal;  you can build a Gerbil shelter or Schnauzer home,  raised beds ?

I had a case where a new LG front loading washer with a missing gasket and a slow leak caused significant water damage to multiple levels of the house before the leak was discovered.  

Got my washer for free and paid $25 for the dryer off of Craigslist.   Both are Kenmore and have worked like champs for years (knock on wood).  

My W&D still work but are very old, but being retired now & living alone during a pandemic lockdown leaves me with very little reason to wash clothes.

There is an upside to everything.

Judit -- A appliance repair due had to fix the dishwasher recently and said the same thing about parts from Korea for LG + Samsung. 

He also said that dishwashers made by Whirlpool all have a similar issue w/ a pump part failing beginning at year 3... I was asking him about which brands he repairs the most.

However, we were not talking about laundry machines....

LLOLLO, funny you mention the dishwasher. I got my KitchenAid dishwasher new in 2003 from Sears and it's been a peach except about 10 or 12 years ago when the pump made screaming noises. It was easily fixed. Now it's starting to make some sort of cranky noise and I fear it's going... when I checked things out it seems like the whirling water thing isn't turning smoothly. I'm washing the dishes by hand for now.

oops, "dude" not "due" ;)

That is funny about your dishwasher, Judit!

Washing dishes by hand makes me appreciate minimalist recipes.

Our cheap GE dishwasher that came w/ the manufactured home died a few years back. It was never very good in the first place. Decided not to replace it, so we (usually me) do all the dishes by hand. I don't mind - only takes about 20 min. per day - what else have I got to do? Meanwhile. our Frigidaire washer and Maytag dryer have been truckin' along for years without a hitch.

Knock on wood.

maytags bought at home depot.

love them.

Front load LG

replaced H2O pump 4x in 6 years

That's a piece of shit in my book

I had ones that basically were a rubber band on a barrel and a motor with a manual on off switch and they lasted 20 years. I have had two new ones both lasted about one - two years. The dryer would shut down if too much lint was restricting the air flow. The washer gave out because my mil with dementia did 3-4 loads a day, same clothes. What can I say she liked doing laundry and kept her busy. We paid for two repairs the first year on that washer and then threw it out and got another when it needed service again

Have Electrolux appliances in my kitchen, all seven years old. I've repaired the dishwasher 3 or 4 times, the microwave 3 times, once for the oven, and the refrigerator has been tip top.

Washer/dryer... had a Kenmore washer that lasted 5 years, repaired twice.  New ge washer, top loader, has been good so far. Kenmore dryer is eight years old, replaced the igniter and now needs a timer, but good otherwise. 

I owned a Modern Front-load washer for about three days but returned it.  Great deal at one of the mega-hardware stores,  I think it had a scratch or dent.  Tried to like it, but it just did weird things -- half a gallon of water for a armful of T-shirts ??

Then it tumbled and stumbled and beeped and chimed. LED readout panel;  Had little R2D2 songs it sung.  Sorry, I'm not futuristic enough for you.  She failed the test program and went back.

Also the thought of the integrated circuit board failing made me a bit wary.

The $75.oo Canadian Whirlpool has worked just great so far.  All-analog controls,  and it's super-clean inside and out. Cheaper than a PCB board for the Techno-Bot model. Yes it takes more water,  but I'm not running it every day.

Go ask Alice, when your ten feet tall, great for you Atom. Those old machines are golden. 
 

I still remember taking that less than two year older washer into my garage and just beating the shit out of it with a sledge hammer and cutting it up with a sawsall. Carried to the road in pieces. I could of dragged it to the street in one piece, but what fun is that, and it was a cleansing that was needed. Sometimes my wife just does not understand why I do some of the shit I do, and I am alright with that. 

i repaired our old one, the burner elemet was out and was able to pirate one off of a neighbor's old one.

Plugged dryer vent = leading cause of House fires.  One of the top 5, anyway.

https://www.localdryerventcleaning.com/fire-stats

Check with your local Actuary.

Avoid the flimsy front loaders with loads of extraneous features, touch controls, and digital readouts. They look like cool spaceships nowadays but too much can go wrong. Do you really need a separate setting just for tablecloths?

I go with the ol fashioned top loaders with mechanical "clock" controls that can be repaired. Sturdy, simple and less expensive. 

I have a Roper washer. It's been chugging along for 25 years. I replaced the agitator dogs once. $5 part. It was a scratch and dent originally. Dryer is a Kirkland from Costco. Must be 20 years old. Both made by Whirlpool. 

It still is disappointing to know that after 100 years of making these things, no one is selling a line of washers / dryers that can be fixed quickly and easily by a homeowner using plug and play "standardized" components. I'm talking no tools required.

Every part connected together "Lego-style." Not even wires. With a sensor-based display that tells you which component is not functioning correctly or not at all. 

Timer out?  Order it online. Open an easily accessible panel and swap out the broken timer for a new one by just snapping it in place. Got a busted hose? Just snap it out and replace with a new one. Even a motor could be swapped out easily if the motor mounts were properly designed. 

(Sorry repairperson, but I'm sue you wil still get plenty of business. During pandemic times I don't really want you visiting anyhow.)

I've got a very basic washer and it's still a total hassle to clean or replace a simple discharge hose.

I don't buy junk nor glitter and I refuse to buy products I can't repair myself. Whirlpool. Like Alan said, stick with the basics and don't overthink it.

All kinds of products and machines have built-in obsolescence. They make more money that way.

Why has nobody ever created a good combination washer/dryer yet?

Each requires a drum capable of rotating at various speeds, and allows for introduction and drainage of fluids (water or air) of varying temperatures.

Should be a no-brainer.

GE top load washer/ maytag dryer. Basic models/ timer/components on both. Both were on a great sale 8 yrs ago. Never had to fix either, yet. Fuck the bells and whistles.

Laundry detergent chemistry is the most effective it's ever been, which makes even the most basic models of a clothes washer work more effectively

River > Rock > Tree Branch

I use vinegar as 'fabric softener' and our washer now sheds rust regularly.  newer models are just  not built to last or even built to be easily repaired, by design. The manufacturers want u to buy a new one every 8-10 years. It's true, they don't build them like they used to..

https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/how-long-will-your-appliances...

Front loaders are for the birds. Keep ur fabric softener too. Charlie's soap or stfu 

"...Why has nobody ever created a good combination washer/dryer yet?

Each requires a drum capable of rotating at various speeds, and allows for introduction and drainage of fluids (water or air) of varying temperatures..."

Actually someone did that,  maybe some European company.  I saw one on the Craiglist 'free' section the other week.

There's also the mini-Apartment sized combo unit that stacks, washer under top dryer, smaller size compared to ordinary USA appliance form-factor.  Again, a Euro device, but the versions that make it to North America have the dryer wired for 120 Volt AC power.

When we moved into our new house a few years ago, it had two "high end" LG front loaders in the laundry room. Programmable with smart technology blah blah blah. We kept our old kenmore appliances on a lark. Stuck em in the basement. Glad we did. Sure these front loaders seem nice with the bells/ whistles But what junk. And that disgusting rubber ring... who wants to clean that thing every 2 weeks . Sold em both for more then they were worth. I said have fun with them. They thought they got a deal

"...Every part connected together "Lego-style." Not even wires. With a sensor-based display that tells you which component is not functioning correctly or not at all. .."

You could do that with the controls which run the motors,  but like a motorized vehicle,  the moving parts have to be fastened with nuts and bolts,  due to the mechanical stresses of spinning laundry drums with 100 + lbs. of water and dirty clothes.

My Junque - store Laptop Dell pc has a DVD drive which adheres to the Lego philosophy, no screws or bolts hold it in. Just a slider switch and ~poof~ it's out. However, it's not built for heavy loads of laundry.

I know this because it doesn't work anymore (the DVD / CD drive) and it was simple to remove.  Think about if you were polishing a slab of Marble or Granite with an angle grinder;  you want that equipment to be bolted together so it doesn't send a spinning projectile at your Head.

>Charlie's soap or stfu 
 

yes, I use Charlie's soap. But rarely use the dryer so vinegar is necessary in the rinse cycle so the clothes, towels etc stay soft

Some appliance manufacturers have discontinued parts for many of their 'older' models ( as young as 5 years). My neighbor's relatively new fridge needs a part which he found on eBay. Apparently big business to buy and refurbish these parts that are no longer sold new. He bought the new part and sent the seller his old part..

>Kitchen aid Refrigerator - Self repair. I have shared this with some of you on the prior group or via direct email before, as it would appear every one of these refrigerators are inevitably failing and the cure is relatively affordable if you're a bit of a do-it-yourself person, or could hire help to do a simple part replacement. 

Symptom is a clicking noise you'd start to hear every minute or two.. 

This person refurbishes/fixes boards and I have used it to repair ours before. Read through their description and feel free to try if you like. 

Disclaimer: I have no association with this person -- just sharing my experience of a DIY repair that's all.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kitchenaid-Whirlpool-Refrigerator-Control-Board...

My tip to young men or women that are going to live together 

fuck up the first load of laundry when you start to co-habitat, make sure both persons clothes ar involved

i am not allowed to touch that equipment, been like that for over 30 years

Mine is finally coming tomorrow.

"...fuck up the first load of laundry when you start to co-habitat, make sure both persons clothes ar involved..."

Lived with a Girl who helped me out by washing my Pendleton wool shirts -- which shrunk.
Actually,  she was just downsizing so they fit Her better.

Stu - I'm down with locking that sucker down, but instead of rusted metal bolts or plastic piece-o-shit fasteners, either requiring muscle power and tools -- what if that motor fit in a standardized sturdy socket (of sorts) and that receptacle was firmly closed shut with a geared lever or built in ratchet handle? Something that locks it in place easily. Opens with a swing of the lever, couple cranks, or turn of a wheel. 

Ya gotta think outside the washer. I've got a design in mind, but I better draw it soon or I might forget it. Especially if I keep seeing that plate of cookies over there....

Stu, sounds like my second wife. 

Stone --

I agree with you on this subject,  and I watched a few Yootoobs of the guys who take the old washers and remove the Good bits (Motor,  pulleys, sturdy mounting brackets) for repurposed Thangajiggies.

There was one German guy who advised finding some High-End Scrap euro washer brand because of the excellent motor, Cast-Iron bracket,  sealed bearings etc.  He was very German,  and showed how to trace each lead on the elaborate wire harness. I forget what he used all the parts for. Maybe I fell asleep.

So in theory one could find the Washing machine platform they like and Hot-Rod it with stainless plumbing, great pumps and motors, Kevlar belts, NASA-like control board, on and on.

Someone out there has time for that,  but I'm happy with the $75.oo garage sale machine that works well and is clean, no rust or sparks.

>Why has nobody ever created a good combination washer/dryer yet?<

Looks like they have. Easily to service, zero electrical problems, sturdy, and made in America. It even has an agitate cycle (that kicks in when the operator is pissed off).

I hear they also sell a solar power accessory that can be mounted between two poles that provides more complete drying and automatic air freshening, too.

Lol.

^^

Disco Stu Signature Model! 

I have 10 year old GE washer and dryer. The control board in the washer gets funky and will just stop mid cycle. Manually emptying the drum of water temporarily works, but it needed a hard reset from the repair guy. They don't make replacement boards for my model, and used ones are over $400 (if you can find one). When it goes I need to replace it.

I asked him about front vs top loading. He said that even new top loaders are super computerized, so it's a wash (no pun intended). I think that he suggested the most basic and cheapest Frigidaire front loader I could find.

I miss the days of self-repairs on appliances. I have a fancy dual heat GE oven that fluctuates up to 70 degrees. The whole point of dual heat is so that the electric oven doesn't fluctuate that much. For what it would cost to replace the computer system and have the repairman out, I can just get a new gas range/oven. It's stupid.

>Why has nobody ever created a good combination washer/dryer yet?<

I bought one a few years ago. Takes a long time for the full cycle, and wrinkles the fuck out of everything.

Cannot wait to hear the horror stories when these new ones that connect to the internet are up and running. You know every sixth month they will be reminding you to schedule a maintenance check with a service technician, Maybe they will also shut down when they alert you of that call. People hacking in and turning machines on in the middle of the night. Or will they all be running with the Service Engine light on like you see in a lot of cars. 
 

Combo stackable unit, I bet they take a few hours to service

"...hear the horror stories when these new ones that connect to the internet are up and running..."

Some clever hacker has already managed to hack into the "Internet of Things" and steal whatever info,  wish I recalled more details but just something I heard on the radio some months ago.

I believe the exploit was based upon most people never resetting the factory password for their fridge or whatever.

Mine arrived yesterday. Finally.  Been washing loads ever since.    Liked the old one much better.

Thanks to this thread I went outside and cleared a bunch of packed lint out of the dryer exhaust pipe. I couldn't reach all the way in but it's a start. The pipe wasn't filled but the lint was sort of wadded into hard patties. Hmmm.

Mark - watch out -- once the locals see that machine they are going to wanna come over every Saturday night to do some lines off the top and watch the laundry go around

>Thanks to this thread..

I pulled out the owner's manual for our machines and ordered some replacement inlet hoses and a drainage hose - supposed to be replaced every 8-10 years before they start cracking/leaking. And there's some other routine maintenance like cleaning the inlet water filters and  drain filter that will be performed when the new hoses arrive. We've had our dryer vent professionally cleaned about 5 years again but haven't used the dryer much since. will check it again, the lint tents to build up behind the dryer by the connection to the wall. That part is easy to clean ourselves. Probably time to invest in some good extension gizmos to get all the lint out. It's a very long exhaust hose that vents up through the roof (terrible design)

^if you have a canister vacuum, you can put the hose on the exhaust and blow air through the duct. Although, up through the roof? bad design for sure

We have a leaf blower, but to get the job done right, it really requires the use of an extension brush, and getting up on the roof. 

Could be a problem Alan, but most of the speedfreaks live on the other side of the lake.

^ I dunno Mark, better check the latch on the basement door --- word on the street is that a new Whiff & Wash just opened

I guess this means that Tide pods should be seen as a gateway drug now.

My advice for a washer and dryer is not to get too spun out.

load of wash:  $1

powder "detergent" for load of wash: $400

.

OK. So I read above where whirpool dishwashers give out after 3 + yrs.   This explains why my 4 yr old isn't washing my dishes anymore.   Worked really well for the first 3-1/2 yrs but has been insufficient the last couple months.

Anyone have any suggestions on dishwashers? Brands to look for/brands to avoid.  Obviously not the same as washers.

And please no jokes about child labor laws......

For the most part I Hand Wash and Hang Dry fine by me.

Wanna drive someone crazy ? -- Install a dishwasher just tilted a teeny tiny bit -- barely just enough so the top drawer slides out slowly but constantly.

Fill it up (or empty it out), push it in, start working on the bottom level and damn -- it slowly slides right out. Push it back in... repeat. Push it back in... repeat.

Trust me on this one.

Good afternoon... gentlemen. I am a HAL 9000... computer. I became operational at the H.A.L. plant [voice becomes lower & slower] in Urbana, Illinois... on the 12th of January 1992. [voice becomes even more lower & slower] My instructor was Mr. Langley... and he taught me to sing a song. If you'd like to hear it I can sing it for you.

I know I've made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my work will be back to normal. I've still got the greatest enthusiasm and confidence in the mission. And I want to help you.

Just bought a Maytag 1639519 washer and 1639520 dryer:

These are the commercial grade residential? units, not cheap but supposed to last longer, and the warranty is decent too. On sale at Lowes for ~$850 each and opened up a Lowes card for an extra $100 off. Delivery slated for tomorrow!

The dryer definitely still has a rotary relay control, the washer control is a dial that just triggers electronics, it is not a rotary relay assembly itself.

Replacing old Kenmore stuff from 1995? I think, so I got my $$$$ worth out of the beasts. Was Sears Canada equipment and I hobbled them along for the last 10 years, finally the washer was getting anemic on the spin cycle, and had replaced the drum seal and belt on the dryer years ago.

I really hope the new stuff lasts, hence the commercial upgrade. 

I have an old one (Kenmore? ) my sister left in the Barn. {{ Can't interest her in hauling it away. }}

When I tried it,  wouldn't engage the wash cycle, so it's probably an easy fix if you want to spend ten hours fooling with it.  Not really interested in playing around,  but I'll cut it up with a Sawzall just to see which blades I like for that application.

My guess is about 80 - 100 pounds of 'Light Iron' at scrapyard,  and I can use the motor for some Farm project.

Tons of yootoob viddies of people turning them into sanders or ???  Maybe it can become a Solar irrigation pump system for the Cabbage field.