I need to buy my first washer and dryer. Any advice?

Question

I'm moving into my first home--a condo and need to buy a good washer and dryer. I went to the store yesterday and they all looked alike to me. Can you recommend some good brands and models and let me know what to avoid?

Answer 1

Yes, I agree, Kenmore is the way to go.

Answer 2

sears sells good ones

the best brand is kenmore

Answer 3

I have always preferred Maytag washers and dryers. I have replaced them only to change the color of the existing one I had. I rarely have had any problem with mine, except a timer replaced once on the electric dryer. That was after years of use. I think the ones I have now I bought in 1978 and "knock on wood" they still work! Remember the old ads on TV about the Maytag repairman being lonely? Well, that has been true for me. I'm not sure they make anything today as well as they did in days of old.

My daughter has a Kenmore from Sears that she purchased about 5 years ago and has had numerous problems with both the washer and dryer.

Good luck with your choice.

Answer 4

Although Mojos the appliance sales person gives some good tips, I recommend checking the Consumer Reports recent issue (Feb 08) on reliability as reported by their readers who own them and their ratings.  Some of the newer models have surprisingly high numbers of repairs early on in their usage history.  The other thing you have to consider is your own laundering habits.  Look at the features available and make a list of those you cannot do without, those which would be used occasionally and those you probably will never use.  Also, though everyone touts the front loaders for energy savings, you have to consider what you do with your machine.  If you dye fabrics or garments a lot, do loads that need to soak or be checked for spotting while soaking, a front loader may not be for you because you cannot open the door once the drum is filled with water.  Also, would a stacking system be a better use of space for your application?  

Answer 5

A regular top load washer will use 42 gallons of water, wash and rinse and will spin out at about 600 rpms..

A front load will use about 16 gallons of water (and 1/3 the detergent etc.) and spins out at about 1,000 rpms..

The spin speed is important because by getting your clothes dryer BEFORE they get to the dryer, you can cut your dry time by almost 1/2...Dryers are sucking down 30 amps..Energy hogs !

The pair will cost about $900 for a good middle of the line top load set, and about $1,300 for a descent front load set...The front load set will save you a minimum of $200 a year in water, detergent, and energy...Do the math.. :-)

Oh, and front loaders are much easier on your clothes...Jeans stay darker much longer etc...

Just go to Sears.. :-)

ps...Please stay away from the low priced Frigidaires...The dryers are way too small and will wrinkle a large load..

Answer 6

Kenmore does not make any appliances they buy from other manufactures and put the Kenmore name on it. You have to look at the prefix in the model number, some Kenmore's are GE, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, and Kitchen Aid. I Have fixed appliances for 25 years and find the Whirlpool/ Kitchen Aid appliances well made. Now the question of top loader or front loader, front loader are the best machines all around but they cost more. And many times you can stack the washer/dryer to save space.