Forum

« Incredible Views of New York Pocket Doors »

November 11, 2007

help! need washer/dryer advice

hi Brownstoners,

I'm having a really hard time deciding on what kind of washer and dryer to buy. Consumer Reports is no help; they'll rate something very high, but then the reviews are terrible. Here's my criteria:
1) gas dryer
2) vented to outdoors (no ventless!)
3) prefer stackable
4) don't care at all what they look like
5) large-ish capacity

Hoping for your recommendations and opinions. Also, the criteria you used to decide which units to buy.

Comments

i decided to seriously invest in my washer and dryer. i asked everyone i know and several sales people.

i narrowed it down to bosch, lg and miele. ruled out bosch (less consistent raves) so it was between the lg and the miele.

i ended up chosing the miele, the washer has huge (4.1) capacity (as does the lg) and great delicate functions - you can put many things you would otherwise handwash or even dry clean - but they are not stackable.

two very particular friends of mine have the lg and both absolutely love it, especially the steam feature.

Posted by: guest at November 11, 2007 8:40 PM

Maytag

Posted by: guest at November 11, 2007 9:38 PM

get a kenmore. I've never had any problems with my all-in-one unit; washer on bottom, dryer on top. I bought if from Sears online.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 10:00 AM

We have a Frigidaire Gallery front loading washer and gas dryer. It meets all of your criteria. We've had it for over 6 years without any issues. Plus, the front-loading washer uses less water and soap.

Posted by: tinarina at November 12, 2007 10:12 AM

I also looked for a long time, read all reports and reviews. I ended up with a Whirlpool Duet front loading washer and gas dryer. They are large capacity and there was a kit to have them stacked. Sears brand is also made by Whirlpool - so if you can get a better $$ deal from Sears - go for it. I have been very happy with the front loader: uses FAR less water, FAR less detergent needed, and it has cut the drying time down substantially (because there isnt that much water used). I saw the difference in my energy bills right away. One issue: make sure replacement parts, etc are easy and reasonable. One problem with other Miele and Bosch appliances I bought was they were a pain and expensive to repair. Whirlpool,. Sears, etc., are a snap.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 10:30 AM

I bought a whirlpool duet too, and have found it sturdy and efficient. Watch out for the kenmore ones - they're almost the same as the whilrpool, but if you read customer reviews there are some serious issues with them breaking and poor service. The whirlpool was my "cheap" choice after going bosch on all other appliances, and it has been great.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 12:51 PM

Bosch!

The best without a doubt. You pay more up front, but these German engineered things are worth it.

I'm out!

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:46 PM

I'm the one with the Miele. My parents have the Whirlpool Duet so I've used that plenty, too. It's great, and they haven't had problems, but I thought I'd look at others. Have to say Miele is even better - dingy things get so so clean. My mom is envious.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 4:29 PM

Bosch seconded. Got a great deal from PC Richard. Opened up a PC Credit Card and got a no interest deal... paid a little over the minimum every payment statement so that I wouldn't ever end the full 1 year short. And as of last month, they're ours!

Gas drier and washer. Not stackable. The washer's spin is so rapid, it shakes and quakes, but the clothes come out feeling only slightly damp.

Definitely a winner.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 5:33 PM

wow, thanks everyone for the great advice. I considered the Duet, but so many of the reviews I read weren't good. I'll definitely reconsider as it's more in my price range. Though Miele and Bosch will definitely get a close look. If anyone else wants to weigh in please do!

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 7:58 PM

Maytag Neptune stacked unit with gas dryer, vented to the outside.
Energy efficient front loading and does a load much more quickly than the Miele, Bosch or Asko.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 8:15 PM

I checked out several front-load stackables and chose Maytag. A lot of the new HE front loaders seem very similar. All wash 50 pair of jeans - who ever does that? LG seemed to charge an extra $1k for the steam feature alone. You said you don't care about the look, but the industrial design of the Duets seamed both unattractive and ill-advised. I could just see all the little buttons getting gummed up with lint and soap.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 8:21 PM

7 years ago we installed a Whirpool Thin Twin 24" stacking unit in our rental and a 27" in our part of the house. PROS: They are both completely reliable work-horses. We love the quick cycles and that friends and family who stay with us can use them w/o instructions -- they are totally idiot-proof. Not expensive. CONS: They are absolutely butt ugly and best boxed in or hidden by a curtain. They have none of the fancy gizmos of expensive European machines and probably use more energy.

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 1:24 PM

If you are still in the market, I am selling a great condition used Maytag Stackable:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/hsh/489031813.html

Seems to fit all your criteria and I dry tons of things in it- loads of towels, jeans, small rugs- never a problem.
Could be a good deal on something that works like new.

Posted by: newatthis at November 25, 2007 3:46 PM

Read posts on Miele and Whirlpool steam.

We had an Asko that lasted 12 years it was great except its small size didn't allow for comforters wash and it vibrated a lot on the 2nd floor.

I want to know is the steam feature as great as it sounds on the Whirlpool duet steam? I also want to know is the quality of the new Miele built to last 20 years worth the x price and does it clean well?

Which performs 'the' best Miele or Whirlpool duet steam?

Posted by: guest at April 23, 2008 11:55 AM