A new washer and dryer set, which direction would you go?

Currently I have a set of 2004 model Maytag Neptunes. Despite the reviews, these machines have soldiered on since new without issue.

The issue with new appliances seems to be the 12-15 year life cycle as opposed to the old time machines that would last 25 years and 2+ generations of families.

So, if you were looking, what would you shop for, brand name and style of machine?

 

Tim, are you looking for the HE front loader type for the washer?

How large load capacity?

 

I would be checking out the front loader washing machines...use much less water...better for the environment.

 

I love the stackable washers and dryers. I'm my laundry room I built a shelving space for junk where the dryer was at. I will never go back to traditional washers/dryers.

 

My Neptunes are front loading and I love them. I'm not really convinced that my water bill is any lower but I know the dryer doesn't run as long as the front load washer spins better.

The price range seems to be all over the place. And now I'm seeing that there are HE top loaders but they cost a pretty penny.

 

We have the Maytag, Bravos quiet series 300 washer and matching Dryer.
They are twice as big as the ones they replaced.
Washer is HE. Dryer is L.P. Gas
Got them in 2010 and really like them.
Buddy that I ride Snowmobiles with is the dealer and service man.
Guess that helps me decide where and what to buy.

 

Is this your buddy?

 

I've always been a fan of Kenmore.

 

I'm more partial to the new top load HE machines. Look at us truck guys discussin what washer and dryer we prefer hahaha

 

Not GE, trust me....

 

I did my homework and bought a Whirlpool Duet front loader setup six years ago. Aside from it not having enough weight to the drum, the washer has been great. It just thrashes around a bit at the lower spin speeds. In this family these things get used like a laundromat- Two to three loads a day thanks to the kids, every single day. With the craptastic well here a front loader is the only way to go, otherwise there wouldn't be enough water.

 

We have some LG frot loads and they are solid. Goind on 4-5 years now. Never hear any complaints from the wife. Be sure to check all of the stores for pricing, we lucked out and they left the old sale price on top saving us a couple hundred bucks at Best Buy.

 

Good one Mark !
Not quite but he gets a lot of crap about it from everyone.

 

My wife is a fan of "Kenmore" or "Kenmore Elite".

We do BIG loads, often.

The washing machine that we have now, sounds like the transmission is going bad. It still runs like crazy, though.
The washer is about 15 years old.
The one we had before that was a Kenmore. It lasted over 20 years.


The availability of parts is one major issue. IF something goes bad, I want to be able to get parts and get it back online, quickly.

The worst issue we've had with the dryer is the control module (circuit board).
There is a resistor on the board that was 1/4 watt rated. It FRIED.

I replaced that resistor on one circuit board, with a 1/2 watt rated resistor, and it's been 100% for 10 years+.

 

Top load washers are cheaper, last longer, and require less maintenance than front load washers. But front loaders you can watch your wife's unmentionables going through the spin cycle. Tough call.