washing machine broke..any recommendations

[trisha]

My theory is keep appliances until they die, then replace with the best I can. Ive had this dumb Sears washing machine for 16 years and it cant be fixed so I want to get the best washer I can for the next 16 to 50 years. I ve heard some negatives about front loaders . It seems they get moldy smells quickly. My friend said if she leaves her clothes in for a whole day she has to rewash. I leave my clothes in for 1 1/2 days on occasion with no problem so I dont want to get a fancy washer that I am slave to. I have also heard you can alleviate the problem if you put bleach in the rim every week. Again, I want it working for me, not reverse. So I would love imput ffrom those of you who have a washer you love and those of you who have one you hate and would steer away from.

Thanks
Trisha

[Robyn1007]

Start with this thread:

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=110812&highlight=washing+machine+rec%2A

and this one

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=109876&highlight=washer+rec%2A

and this one

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=96721&highlight=washer+rec%2A

:)

[krhm]

We just spent $450 to have our 7 year old frontloader repaired (circuit board), and I would do it again in a heartbeat. It only uses four gallons of water per load as opposed to regular washers that can use 30+, so to me, the environmental benefits outweigh the need to get the clothes out within a day. Can you tell I live near Atlanta? :D

[Beth]

Ater reading a lot on Gardenweb's Laundry forum, it seems no one expects machines bought now to last more than 7-10 years. The life expectancy keeps dropping. Meile seemed to have a longer-lastng reputation, but it seems they have changed their way of doing things now and folks aren't too sure that will continue. I'm looking too but I still have some time. Mine aren't dead yet, but I will probably have to remodel to fit newer machines in.

I don't have an answer for you, but I would look at gardemweb.com -- home forums under laundry. You'll get more info from people who get way more into washing machines than I do.

[charley]

Beth is right. You'll be lucky to get 10 years out of a new machine ... no matter how much you spend.

[Hammster]

Hi Trisha,
You say the washer can't be fixed? What is wrong with it? Or is it just a part you can't get any more for that washer?

Anyway, we have Kenmore washer and dryer. We are totally happy with ours. Washer is top loader and the clothes don't get funky smelling as DW also will let them stay in the tub for a day or so.

Dryer is a gas dryer and works very well.

[merley]

I bought a new washer and dryer in August. I bought a top load Maytag and I am really happy with it. I don't need a big machine only 3 of us are at home right now. This machine has a hand wash cycle which I use alot, other than that it is pretty standard. This machine is doing a great job for us. I am happy that I chose this machine.

[barbara-cook]

I just had my 6 year old Kenmore dryer fixed a few weeks ago. I always call the same repair man and he always tells me the same thing.

Any appliance, nowadays, is built to last maybe 10-12 years. So if you're going to buy an appliance, the one with the FEWEST bells and whistles, a really basic machine in other words, is the one to buy. That one has fewer things to wear out, fewer things to replace.

Anything with electronics in the control panel will be h**l to repair. Some of those take months to replace.

My 2 cents (or his!) for what it's worth. Good luck!

[moon]

I have a top loading Maytag that I am very happy with.It has a large
capacity and is so quiet. I think I bought the mid range model 4 years ago.
Good luck in your search!