It is time to replace our WASHING MACHINE. Which make/model is BEST?

Question

We know we will have to say goodbye to our front loading Kenmore. It only lasted 6 years, but we think the problem is that we moved it 4-5 times and it was just too much stress on the system. We have already replaced a fair number of parts ourselves and had a work order on it. This is a huge purchase for our money strapped little family, we do not want to make a mistake here.

We have 2 small children and do a lot of laundry: we want something that cleans well, is energy effiicient, and WILL LAST A LONG TIME! We are not moving again for a decade, at least.

Holla back with your favorite machine reccomendations- and even with machines you think we should steer clear from.

Answer 1

I would stay away from Maytag, they are just to sensitive to out of balance loads and you know with kids that's nearly impossible. I am a true believer in Kenmore or Whirlpool, plus you can interchange parts because they are made at the same factory.

Answer 2

Well I bought a top loading Whirlpool (Model WTW5590ST) beige in color. I had it for about 8 months and it's going strong. Whirlpool is supposed to be a good brand. You can check them out on other sites.

http://www.insideadvantage.com/catalog/p...

My previous Magic Chef model, built in 1986 eventually got so old that it started to generate oil into the wash water and destroyed some of my clothes. Don't wait that long before buying something new.

Answer 3

www.consumerreports.com for a comparison of brands

Answer 4

I went through this little mess myself about 2-3 months ago.  I know this, Maytag has the WORST reputation in the business, and in Consumer Reports for repairs, even though their ads state different!  Whirlpool (my former brand and ONLY 2 1/2 years old when it gave it up) is owned, along with Maytag, Roper, Kenmore, by Whirlpool now.  They are slowly but surely, buying up all the brands.  Whirlpool is useless when it comes to customer service, or so it was my experience with them.  I have to say, after dealing with their customer service, I not only would not purchase another washer from them, I would not purchase ANY product made by them or their subsidiaries, thats how mad they made me, and believe me, it atakes a lot to make me mad!  I know this, one thing I did while looking for another washing machine, is to read not only Consumer Reports, but read ACTUAL CUSTOMER REVIEWS of any and all models you are THINKING of getting, because Consumer Reports, even though they are unbiased, and really try and give you a fair report, don't necessarily go into the day to day living with a product.  Go to some of the appliance sites where you can purchase your particular model, and READ the reviews,  I avoided a lot of the ones after reading them, as I learned stuff I didn't even know to ask, or consider, (ease of use, adding bleach, stopping a cycle, stinky gaskets, moldy laundry smell, not being able to add water for larger load) and added bells and whistles that sound good, but are useless, or costly to repair and make the appliance costs way more for something you won't or will RARELY actually use!  I ended up with a newer front loader and dryer sold as a set on craigslist by a guy who was getting married and had used his, when home, to wash jeans and tennis shoes and no longer needed.  I made out, cause he was asking like $250 for the set and honestly, its a Kenmore, and their cheaper front loader, but with a few little perk on it that work PERFECT for me.  Key word WORKS!  LOL!  Look for good repair record, energy star compliant, and other things that you actually need for you and your family!  My needs are simple, cold, hot and warm.  I need to use bleach occasionally (on my other one, bleach voided the warranty) adding bluing, and softener).  I like to stop the cycle and let it soak for dirty loads, which I can do on this on and have immediate access to the tub (the other one made me wait 5 minutes before releasing the latch, certainly something to consider if one of the kids locks his brother up in the tub and starts it!).  I have used mine to retrieve a red sock from certain pinked whites, or what would have been pinked whites, had I not gotten it out in time!  Little things, that make the difference to me and my level of satisfaction.  Would I buy a new one....?  Hmmmmmm.....if I could get over giving a nickel to Whirlpool, yes.......but I am STILL mad......LOL!  So it would be hard.....but I do like the one I now have, its no trouble at all, cleans VERY WELL!  Ok, now you have my two cents!  Hope this helps you!  Good luck!