Washer Dryer Recommendations
- Thread starter LizC7
- Start date
aadams
Cathlete
Incredibly ironic.......my husband is trying to work on our dryer right now. I have consumer reports "Buying guide 2014" in front of me too. AAAHHHH.....just before the holidays
Do tell us what CR recommends.
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Consumer reports is saying Samsung, GE, Maytag and kenmore are the top. Its also saying to SKIP large capacity types because the differences are not meaningful to everyday use, skip the steam setting as it left shirts wrinkled but it did remove odors better than regular dryers. It say to look for moisture sensors to cut down on energy costs. Also to look for extended tumble setting without heat to prevent wrinkles when you don't remove the clothes immediately.
Kenmore rates pretty well and that's what we have so I think we'll stick with that. I'm also looking for free delivery AND take away of the old dryer. Frustrating!
The tv finally died last month....I think the dishwasher is next. Double FRIGG!!!
Kenmore rates pretty well and that's what we have so I think we'll stick with that. I'm also looking for free delivery AND take away of the old dryer. Frustrating!
The tv finally died last month....I think the dishwasher is next. Double FRIGG!!!
desertambrosia
Cathlete
I've had a Whirlpool Cabrio washer and dryer for about six years. Never had an issue. Love them.
We bought from Lowes a Samsung washer and dryer about 5 years ago with an extended warranty. The dryer broke down in its 4th year. The repair guy Lowes sent recommended Whirlpool. He said he hardly ever gets called to repair them and they are easier to take apart. He also said not to bother repairing the washing machine if it breaks because the labor cost will be too high. It would cost about $350 to repair the Samsung washer plus the cost of parts. Apparently it is a design issue that didn't take into account the amount of labor involved if repairs are needed. He said it is better to buy a new washer because of improved energy efficiency and just recycle the old. I would buy again from Lowes because of how well they handled the delivery/installation, and warranty repairs.
Our dryer stopped heating. I watched the repair guy take it all apart. Inside, the heat sensor was a piece of wire that wore out and broke into 2 pieces. For all the sleek looks on the outside, the interior controls were primitive. Had Samsung made the heat sensor easily accessible, it would have taken 15 minutes to replace.
Kenmore doesn't make its own appliances. You have to be careful what you buy from them. We used to get our appliances from Sears until a top of the line dishwasher we bought from them broke down within 3 years. We ended up replacing it instead of repairing.
Our dryer stopped heating. I watched the repair guy take it all apart. Inside, the heat sensor was a piece of wire that wore out and broke into 2 pieces. For all the sleek looks on the outside, the interior controls were primitive. Had Samsung made the heat sensor easily accessible, it would have taken 15 minutes to replace.
Kenmore doesn't make its own appliances. You have to be careful what you buy from them. We used to get our appliances from Sears until a top of the line dishwasher we bought from them broke down within 3 years. We ended up replacing it instead of repairing.
Fembot40
Cathlete
What type of washer/dryer sets are you looking for? Stackable or side-by-side? We have had the worst luck with washers and dryers. We have to stack ours. The first set we had, the dryer caught fire on the fourth year we had it. It was a Frigidaire set and of course when we Googled it, there were tons of other fire stories like ours. Our insurance company sent over a specialist to find a cause and they couldn't find one. Our venting was clean and up to code. Flames were licking up the ceiling and the smoke damage and extinguisher chemicals caused us to have to move out for two weeks. Frigidaire offered us a $200 coupon to purchase a new set. NOPE!
That was five years ago. We ended up buying a Maytag set and just two weeks ago, the washer started making a horrible noise. Of course it was no longer under warranty and the parts to fix it were going to cost $460 to repair the bearings, which the Maytag rep. said was a very common issue, and labor was an additional cost. A new washer is about $650, so it didn't make sense to repair it for that much. We were going to just replace with a new Maytag but the rubber gasket on the front loading machine at Best Buy was all folded back and showing the plastic hardware underneath. We went to Lowe's and we opened another Maytag, and just touching that rubber gasket caused it to fold in on itself. Our five year old model was of much better quality. Best Buy rep. said they only have issues with the Maytag. We ended up going with a LG, as my parent have had their set for 10 years without any issues. We sold our old set on Craigs List, even with the bearing issue. They were sure they could fix it on their own. Oh, and we had to sell our Maytag dryer because you can't stack different brands.
That was five years ago. We ended up buying a Maytag set and just two weeks ago, the washer started making a horrible noise. Of course it was no longer under warranty and the parts to fix it were going to cost $460 to repair the bearings, which the Maytag rep. said was a very common issue, and labor was an additional cost. A new washer is about $650, so it didn't make sense to repair it for that much. We were going to just replace with a new Maytag but the rubber gasket on the front loading machine at Best Buy was all folded back and showing the plastic hardware underneath. We went to Lowe's and we opened another Maytag, and just touching that rubber gasket caused it to fold in on itself. Our five year old model was of much better quality. Best Buy rep. said they only have issues with the Maytag. We ended up going with a LG, as my parent have had their set for 10 years without any issues. We sold our old set on Craigs List, even with the bearing issue. They were sure they could fix it on their own. Oh, and we had to sell our Maytag dryer because you can't stack different brands.
Has anyone ever bought a Bosch dryer? That's another brand that got good reviews from consumer reports. I know the brand is one that usually makes construction tools (my husband is a builder). It's difficult because you don't really know what it's like until you use it a handful of times, like buying a mattress......which I also need to get. Everything is falling apart!!!!
banana1255
Cathlete
I have a bosch washer and dryer. I love them both. Washer (front loader) is fairly new (3 years) no problems. Dryer is a lot older 7-8 years maybe and never had a problem works like the day I got it. These appliances are the bare bones models no fancy buttons or cycles. I feel like the more fancy the item the more likely it will break. Keep it simple is my motto with appliances.
firemedic
Cathlete
I always read reviews of other's experiences. I have had 2 GE washers over the last 15 or so years. I don't have kids but my husband is a firefighter/paramedic, so mine gets used a lot with some very dirty clothes. I just bought a new one 3 months ago. This one has an optional precision fill and my water bill has gone down $8/mo. since using this new fill. It weights out how much you need. I have a top loader, do not like front ones. I've had my dryer for about 10 yrs now. I also had to buy a new dishwasher 2 months ago. I always seems to go that way. Bought my second Whirlpool and like it better than my old. Both are so much quieter and water efficient. Just make sure you do plenty of research. I use Homedepot for mine. Free delivery and hallaway and good extended warranty. Best of luck.
lisa_la_machina
Cathlete
We have a LG front-loaders, purchased from Home Depot during a New Year's sale. Got an awesome deal. Had them for 5 years with no issues, and the sanitize function has saved many clothes and towels from being lost forever to the "joys" of parenthood (poop and throw-up).
Lisa
Lisa