Buying a New Washing/Dryer Combo
Hi, We are replacing our existing washer/dryer combo unit and are considering the following: http://www.pcrichard.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=55471&parentCategoryId=1&categoryId=10000&subCategoryId=10110 or http://www.pcrichard.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=56260&parentCategoryId=1&categoryId=10000&subCategoryId=10110 The Frigidaire is a good $400 cheaper and if it does the job I’ll go with that. I know next to nothing about this sort of thing, so any feedback/suggestions much appreciated. Thanks!
Hi,
We are replacing our existing washer/dryer combo unit and are considering the following:
http://www.pcrichard.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=55471&parentCategoryId=1&categoryId=10000&subCategoryId=10110
or
http://www.pcrichard.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=56260&parentCategoryId=1&categoryId=10000&subCategoryId=10110
The Frigidaire is a good $400 cheaper and if it does the job I’ll go with that. I know next to nothing about this sort of thing, so any feedback/suggestions much appreciated.
Thanks!
When I went through all of this last year I found that the width and depth of combo units was the same as a lot of the separate washer/dryer stackable units. The main difference was height. Once I realized I have a separate washer and dryer in the closet I decided to go that route and have been really happy I did.
To answer a couple of your questions, you can probably tell if your dryer is electric or gas when it turns on. If it’s gas you should be able to hear the burners fire up after it’s been going for a minute or two. You can also google the model # on the internet if you’re not sure, that should be somewhere on the front or around the door to the dryer or washer.
Lastly, I know PC Richards will offer a service of having someone come over and check out your space and measure for you to let you know what size unit you can get in there. I think they charge around $25 for it but it’ll go toward the purchase of your w/d if you do ultimately buy from them.
I’m looking at some of the front load models on Lowes.com and the reviews are awful! Is the build quality for washers these days really that bad? Any suggestions much appreciated.
Landlord, it is really hard for me to get to the back of our current w/d unit as it is wedged tight in the closet (people here before us had it built that way). Is there any way I can tell whether the w/d unit is gas or electric? There appears to be a silver tube thing that runs from it and there is a bucket that attaches to the dryer that we have to keep filled with water.
Thanks!
Of the two combo listed by you, one has a gas dryer, the other electric. Gas units are more expensive and, if you are replacing an existing unit, only one of the two will work (you either have 220 plug, or a gas line.)
Also keep in mind that Gas dryer must have proper a vent.
If you are installing a WD for the first time… first thing to do is find out what hook ups you have available.
As cmu pointed out, front loads are the way of the future and you can get a decent combo for $1200 + $50 for staking kit. Right now many large stores (bestbuy/sears/lowe’s/HD etc) are offering good discounts because they need to unload 2010 models and make room for the new arrivals.
If you are buying from HD or Loew’s, don’t forget to pick up a lowe’s 10% discount card from the post office (mover’s package). Home Depot honors Lowe’s coupons.
No such thing as ‘not catering’ to a front loader. It’s like the ones you see in laundromats, the door’s in front & there’s no agitator. One caveat: certain cheaper brands of American FLs are subject to self-destruction after 6-9 years, hence my preference for Bosch (other Euro brands like Asko are way more expensive, as is eg, Maytag Duo)
cmu, thanks for the input. I guess my next question is how do I know if our current set up will cater to a front loader? My plumbing knowledge is pretty non existent, so gerry-rigging might be a bit tricky!
Those combo machines are not the way to go. Less capacity and not as good specs. Look for ‘stackable’ washer/dryers. Get a Front loader, it uses less water, soap, and is gentler on your clothes. Bosch WFVC5400UC for example. Any dryer will stack on top with a little gerry-rigging. Up to a point you get what you pay for, Bosch has higher reliability standard than Frig, GE, Maytag, etc.