Let me add a few details of Let me add a few details of what I expect:
1) top load washers only 🙂
– yes, I don’t care about the Euro design (this might eliminate Samsung & other brands)
2) my budget is around $1K – $1.2K for both washer & dryer
– don’t care about design etc
3) I care for best bang for the mighty buck.
My runner ups are LG and Maytag (a little concern about Maytag as it is now owned by Whirlpool)
UCGal
January 26, 2011 @
10:17 AM
I have a topload Kenmore I have a topload Kenmore Elite washer “Canyon Capacity”. Since I prefer to do super large loads – this works well for me.
My opinion on washers and dryers is to get the largest capacity you can afford. Especially for the dryer… the bigger the drum, the more air flow, the quicker the dry cycle. I can dry a LARGE load of jeans in 40 minutes. (On days I’m drying them on the line… I’m trying to do that more these days.)
I bought them in mid 2003 and they’re still reliably cleaning/drying with no issues. Considering most washer/dryers only last 5-7 years, we’re going strong.
bearishgurl
January 26, 2011 @
5:19 PM
UCGal wrote:I have a topload [quote=UCGal]I have a topload Kenmore Elite washer “Canyon Capacity”. Since I prefer to do super large loads – this works well for me.
My opinion on washers and dryers is to get the largest capacity you can afford. Especially for the dryer… the bigger the drum, the more air flow, the quicker the dry cycle. I can dry a LARGE load of jeans in 40 minutes. (On days I’m drying them on the line… I’m trying to do that more these days.)
I have this EXACT same washer as UCGal which I purchased “out-of-the-box” (display model) in 2002 for $221, incl tax. It is branded “GE” however but is the SAME machine.
These are GREAT machines and I have had no problems.
Edit: just went out and looked at it and it is the same but has 4 small dials (and one lg one) instead of 3. Hmmm, guess they don’t make those anymore, lol.
briansd1
January 26, 2011 @
11:11 AM
SD Transplant wrote:
1) top [quote=SD Transplant]
1) top load washers only 🙂
– yes, I don’t care about the Euro design (this might eliminate Samsung & other brands)
[/quote]
Top load washers waste a lot of water. Slow spin drying speeds also cause more drying time and wasted energy.
Top load washers are also noisier and generally inefficient. I would never go back to top load.
bearishgurl
January 26, 2011 @
4:37 PM
briansd1 wrote:SD Transplant [quote=briansd1][quote=SD Transplant]
1) top load washers only 🙂
– yes, I don’t care about the Euro design (this might eliminate Samsung & other brands)
[/quote]
Top load washers waste a lot of water. Slow spin drying speeds also cause more drying time and wasted energy.
Top load washers are also noisier and generally inefficient. I would never go back to top load.[/quote]
This is true brian, but side load washers take up more space and are harder on the back unless you spend MORE $$ for pedestals. A set with pedestals can be VERY pricey.
If the washer is in the garage, the noise doesn’t matter.
bearishgurl
January 26, 2011 @
4:40 PM
I would ABSOLUTELY NOT I would ABSOLUTELY NOT purchase a dryer with the lint filter on top. I can’t stand the mess. That cuts out Whirlpool and maybe regular Kenmore. Kenmore Elite is built by GE, I believe.
Also, it costs a bit more for a gas dryer but they are worth it if you have a gas hookup.
bearishgurl
January 26, 2011 @
4:47 PM
SD Transplant, correct me if SD Transplant, correct me if I’m wrong here, but I believe GE “Profile” only applies to kitchen appliances. “Profile” means they fit snugly into a kitchen cabinet depth and do not stick out. I don’t think GE laundry equipment is “Profile.”
Edit: Lol, I stand corrected. I just saw a GE “Profile” Titanium washer online. Do these washers/dryers have large-capacity drums?
briansd1
January 26, 2011 @
8:23 PM
bearishgurl wrote:
This is [quote=bearishgurl]
This is true brian, but side load washers take up more space and are harder on the back unless you spend MORE $$ for pedestals. A set with pedestals can be VERY pricey.
If the washer is in the garage, the noise doesn’t matter.[/quote]
If you stack the dryer on top of the washer, the two units take up less space. And the dryer is at a higher, comfortable loading and unloading level. That offsets the inconvenient loading level of the front load washer.
Esthetically, the front loads are prettier IMO. Some people say they enjoy doing chores more when they have pretty things.
paramount
January 26, 2011 @
9:14 PM
That we can discuss That we can discuss appliances just means that things are not all that bad.
Anyway, I suggest going to Costco buying the cheapest washer/dryer – and if it breaks recycle it and buy a new one.
I have had my Costco washer/dryer running for 10 years now with no problems.
I don’t think appliances from one brand to another are really that different. It’s mostly about status…
UCGal
January 27, 2011 @
8:57 AM
briansd1 wrote:
Esthetically, [quote=briansd1]
Esthetically, the front loads are prettier IMO. Some people say they enjoy doing chores more when they have pretty things.[/quote]
LOL – that has to be the most shallow reason to buy a large purchase… not functionallity – but because it’s “pretty”.
I can’t even wrap my head around this. It’s a flippin’ washing machine, not a piece of art, not a piece of furniture. Chances are it will be in a closet or garage…. not on view.
Coronita
January 27, 2011 @
9:17 AM
UCGal wrote:briansd1 [quote=UCGal][quote=briansd1]
Esthetically, the front loads are prettier IMO. Some people say they enjoy doing chores more when they have pretty things.[/quote]
LOL – that has to be the most shallow reason to buy a large purchase… not functionallity – but because it’s “pretty”.
I can’t even wrap my head around this. It’s a flippin’ washing machine, not a piece of art, not a piece of furniture. Chances are it will be in a closet or garage…. not on view.[/quote]
I have to agree with you on this one ucgal….
There are things I can see why aethetics or features matters…But in this case…..
It’s a freaking washing machine and dryer folks…
Food for thought, do any of you really use the 10+ different spin cycles or 10+ different dry cycles? On a dishwasher, do you really use all 10 different wash cycles? I have a feeling the answer is no…So why buy something so darn fancy if you don’t end up using it and if it just opens the door up for failure?
And it’s in a basement/washroom/garage…And it’s not like when friends/family come over, you’re going to be like “hey, check out my cool washer and dryer…”
Buy the cheapest, most simple (and hence most reliable) thing you can get, save the rest of your cash on other bling, and be done with it…It can’t get much more simple than that 🙂
Word of advice..A lot of older appliances were much more reliable than the latest generation ones… And the reason is simple. Older appliances didn’t stick so much electronic junk in them…so..The same rule that you would apply to buying a german car applies to buying applies. Don’t buy appliances with a lot of fancy electronics…Chances are you don’t need them, and those things fail more frequently….
(Bryan, save your money for that cool HDTV …And tell us what you end up getting 🙂 )
briansd1
January 27, 2011 @
11:59 AM
flu wrote:UCGal [quote=flu][quote=UCGal][quote=briansd1]
Esthetically, the front loads are prettier IMO. Some people say they enjoy doing chores more when they have pretty things.[/quote]
LOL – that has to be the most shallow reason to buy a large purchase… not functionallity – but because it’s “pretty”.
I can’t even wrap my head around this. It’s a flippin’ washing machine, not a piece of art, not a piece of furniture. Chances are it will be in a closet or garage…. not on view.[/quote]
I have to agree with you on this one ucgal….
There are things I can see why aethetics or features matters…But in this case…..
It’s a freaking washing machine and dryer folks…
Food for thought, do any of you really use the 10+ different spin cycles or 10+ different dry cycles? On a dishwasher, do you really use all 10 different wash cycles? I have a feeling the answer is no…So why buy something so darn fancy if you don’t end up using it and if it just opens the door up for failure?
And it’s in a basement/washroom/garage…And it’s not like when friends/family come over, you’re going to be like “hey, check out my cool washer and dryer…”
Buy the cheapest, most simple (and hence most reliable) thing you can get, save the rest of your cash on other bling, and be done with it…It can’t get much more simple than that 🙂
Word of advice..A lot of older appliances were much more reliable than the latest generation ones… And the reason is simple. Older appliances didn’t stick so much electronic junk in them…so..The same rule that you would apply to buying a german car applies to buying applies. Don’t buy appliances with a lot of fancy electronics…Chances are you don’t need them, and those things fail more frequently….
(Bryan, save your money for that cool HDTV …And tell us what you end up getting 🙂 )[/quote]
The Whirlpool front-load set I ended up getting was only about $850.
I kinda agree with you both. But pretty is better than ugly — it’s even better if pretty is the same price.
Have said that, product design is very important. Apple proved that design can get people to pay huge mark-ups.
Notice that since Samsung and LG entered the appliance market in America, the products are cheaper, better and prettier.
I think that design is a key element of real estate. In Europe and Japan, people buy smaller well-designed appliances to fit their small spaces.
I once helped a friend retrofit the kitchen of his Chicago condo to fit an LG washer/dryer combo. Looks good and obviates the need to schlep down to the coin laundry room in the basement.
Maybe it’s just me, but I pay attention to design elements such as the thickness of bezels on TVs. I would never buy a Vizio TV because I find them plain ugly.
UCGal
January 27, 2011 @
2:06 PM
briansd1 wrote:
Have said [quote=briansd1]
Have said that, product design is very important. Apple proved that design can get people to pay huge mark-ups.
[/quote]
Have said that, product design is very important to people with too much money to spend, others prefer functionality for less money. Apple proved that design can get people to pay huge mark-ups.
Fixed that for you.
Maybe it’s just that I’ve got the engineer mindset – but functionality matters much more than “pretty”. And price is always a factor in my world.
Clean/simple design should not be more expensive. Agree with flu that the simpler the design, the more reliable.
Note – I don’t own apple products because I’m too darn cheap. And I won’t be buying a mot Xoom because it’s too darn expensive.
Coronita
January 27, 2011 @
2:14 PM
UCGal wrote:
Note – I don’t [quote=UCGal]
Note – I don’t own apple products because I’m too darn cheap. And I won’t be buying a mot Xoom because it’s too darn expensive.[/quote]
Oh come on now. We know the real reason is because either
1) You are one of the people who don’t feel you don’t need a smartphone (or possibly even a cell phone)
or
2) Even if you feel you want a smartphone, you would get a Mot Droid product before touching apple….
(Judging by how MMI did today, Sanjay could use all the help he can get…. Hey I know….Believe it or not, I like Droids and can’t stand iphones)… and today was as painful as a day for me as I’m sure all the other MMI fans out there… 🙁
UCGal
January 27, 2011 @
2:28 PM
flu wrote:
Oh come on now. We [quote=flu]
Oh come on now. We know the real reason is because either
1) You are one of the people who don’t feel you don’t need a smartphone (or possibly even a cell phone)
or
2) Even if you feel you want a smartphone, you would get a Mot Droid product before touching apple….
(Judging by how MMI did today, Sanjay could use all the help he can get…. Hey I know….Believe it or not, I like Droids and can’t stand iphones)… and today was as painful as a day for me as I’m sure all the other MMI fans out there… :([/quote]
A little of both. I’m too cheap to pay for a data plan. I have internet at work and home… don’t need it in the car, at my kids ball game, etc…
And – I’d get a droid before an iphone because I’m too cheap to pay for apps. The apple model doesn’t work for cheapskates like me.
I was excited about the xoom till they announced the price. Ouch.
Don’t talk to me about MMI share prices… it’s painful.
Djshakes
January 27, 2011 @
3:15 PM
No real man should use the No real man should use the word “pretty” to describe anything other than a human of the female gender. So far brainsd has used “pretty” to describe dryers/washers and the toyota prius.
Coronita
January 27, 2011 @
3:23 PM
Djshakes wrote:No real man [quote=Djshakes]No real man should use the word “pretty” to describe anything other than a human of the female gender. So far brainsd has used “pretty” to describe dryers/washers and the toyota prius.[/quote]
Oh, cut briansd some slack… I’m pretty sure he just likes the way things look. It’s pretty fine by me. I like nice things too. I think that pretty awesome…
As far as washers are concerned, one additional thing to think about if it is going to be located on a second floor laundry room…Think twice about getting front loading versus top loading…Because just saying if the seals ever go bad on the front loading washer when you’re not watching or home, better hope you got a decent overflow drain……
briansd1
January 27, 2011 @
3:39 PM
flu wrote:
As far as washers [quote=flu]
As far as washers are concerned, one additional thing to think about if it is going to be located on a second floor laundry room…Think twice about getting front loading versus top loading…Because just saying if the seals ever go bad on the front loading washer when you’re not watching or home, better hope you got a decent overflow drain……[/quote]
I heard the front loaders are best placed on a concrete floor or a very solid wood floor. A weak wood floor might cause vibration and wobbling issues.
Coronita
January 27, 2011 @
3:43 PM
briansd1 wrote:flu wrote:
As [quote=briansd1][quote=flu]
As far as washers are concerned, one additional thing to think about if it is going to be located on a second floor laundry room…Think twice about getting front loading versus top loading…Because just saying if the seals ever go bad on the front loading washer when you’re not watching or home, better hope you got a decent overflow drain……[/quote]
I heard the front loaders are best placed on a concrete floor or a very solid wood floor. A weak wood floor might cause vibration and wobbling issues.[/quote]
My point was if the front seals leak and your washer is upstairs, you’re screwed because the water ends up on the floor. Haven’t had that happen (yet), but did witness this during my old college days…(Then again, those washers were abused)…
CDMA ENG
January 27, 2011 @
8:08 PM
flu wrote:briansd1 wrote:flu [quote=flu][quote=briansd1][quote=flu]
As far as washers are concerned, one additional thing to think about if it is going to be located on a second floor laundry room…Think twice about getting front loading versus top loading…Because just saying if the seals ever go bad on the front loading washer when you’re not watching or home, better hope you got a decent overflow drain……[/quote]
I heard the front loaders are best placed on a concrete floor or a very solid wood floor. A weak wood floor might cause vibration and wobbling issues.[/quote]
My point was if the front seals leak and your washer is upstairs, you’re screwed because the water ends up on the floor. Haven’t had that happen (yet), but did witness this during my old college days…(Then again, those washers were abused)…[/quote]
My front loader probably doesn’t rotate faster than 1 Hz so I find it hard to believe that vibration is a problem.
CE
bearishgurl
January 27, 2011 @
2:17 PM
My (gas) dryer is also a GE, My (gas) dryer is also a GE, circa 1988 – a “fancy model” with 3 cycles that I never used. It’s “almond” in color with brown “woodgrain” trim :=].
Yes, I am the original owner. It cost $158 brand new (incl tax), lol. Yeah, it’s a little scratched and rusty now … been moved a few times, but runs GREAT!
It’s in the garage too, so why replace it if it ain’t broke??
HAIL to GE Appls!!
briansd1
January 27, 2011 @
3:36 PM
UCGal wrote:
Maybe it’s just [quote=UCGal]
Maybe it’s just that I’ve got the engineer mindset – but functionality matters much more than “pretty”. And price is always a factor in my world.[/quote]
I’m with you on the price thing UCGal. Price is always a factor in my world too. And I’ve been accused of being a cheap bastard before.
But I do have an interest in product design and architecture. I appreciate good design and “pretty”, well-designed, cheap as well as expensive things.
I think that consumer goods are fairly commoditized these days. The difference is how a whole (like a house) is put together. For example, it’s not how much someone spends on a individual items in a house’s interior that matters as much as the final overall look/result that’s achieved. Some people manage to achieve great results at low prices.
CA renter
January 27, 2011 @
11:28 PM
UCGal wrote:briansd1 [quote=UCGal][quote=briansd1]
Have said that, product design is very important. Apple proved that design can get people to pay huge mark-ups.
[/quote]
Have said that, product design is very important to people with too much money to spend, others prefer functionality for less money. Apple proved that design can get people to pay huge mark-ups.
Fixed that for you.
Maybe it’s just that I’ve got the engineer mindset – but functionality matters much more than “pretty”. And price is always a factor in my world.
Clean/simple design should not be more expensive. Agree with flu that the simpler the design, the more reliable.
Note – I don’t own apple products because I’m too darn cheap. And I won’t be buying a mot Xoom because it’s too darn expensive.[/quote]
Amen, UCGal! 🙂
CDMA ENG
January 27, 2011 @
12:47 PM
UCGal wrote:briansd1 [quote=UCGal][quote=briansd1]
Esthetically, the front loads are prettier IMO. Some people say they enjoy doing chores more when they have pretty things.[/quote]
LOL – that has to be the most shallow reason to buy a large purchase… not functionallity – but because it’s “pretty”.
I can’t even wrap my head around this. It’s a flippin’ washing machine, not a piece of art, not a piece of furniture. Chances are it will be in a closet or garage…. not on view.[/quote]
UC… You just don’t understand… 😛
I like to load up my front load washer and play “Wheels on the bus” at full volume.
One thing that sells me on Whirlpool is the fact my mother replaced hers around 2005. Purchased in 1970.
I really like the efficiency of my front loaders but it takes FOREVER to wash clothes in.
So Front Load or Top Load come down to Time or Money respectively… For the reasons stated above.
Just my 1.98 Cents (adjusted for inflation).
CE
P.S. I guess in Brian’s defense the asthetics are becoming equally important as more and more of these actually end up IN the house as opposed to the garage.
Mine are pin stripped… Kidding
DataAgent
January 26, 2011 @
11:46 AM
Whirlpool owns more than just Whirlpool owns more than just Maytag. It also owns: KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Roper, Estate, Admiral, Magic Chef, Amana, Inglis, Acros, KIC, Ignis, Bauknecht, Brastemp, Consul, Eslabon de Lujo, Laden, Polar, and Supermatic.
We own a Maytag washer (top-loader) and dryer. Zero problems in 7 years.
ljinvestor
January 27, 2011 @
9:27 AM
Purchase an Amana front load Purchase an Amana front load set. Should be able to get the pair for around $800. If you can’t find deal at HD, Lowes, or Sears then visit Pacific Sales and they might give you the price your looking for.
Coronita
January 26, 2011 @
10:37 AM
I really like I really like whirpool….
I’ve had good experiences with them in terms of quality and durability….
Added bonus is that they are the ONLY appliance company left that still manufactures in the U.S.A.
briansd1
January 26, 2011 @
11:19 AM
flu wrote:I really like [quote=flu]I really like whirpool….
I’ve had good experiences with them in terms of quality and durability….
Added bonus is that they are the ONLY appliance company left that still manufactures in the U.S.A.[/quote]
January 26, 2011 @ 9:32 AM
Let me add a few details of
Let me add a few details of what I expect:
1) top load washers only 🙂
– yes, I don’t care about the Euro design (this might eliminate Samsung & other brands)
2) my budget is around $1K – $1.2K for both washer & dryer
– don’t care about design etc
3) I care for best bang for the mighty buck.
My runner ups are LG and Maytag (a little concern about Maytag as it is now owned by Whirlpool)
January 26, 2011 @ 10:17 AM
I have a topload Kenmore
I have a topload Kenmore Elite washer “Canyon Capacity”. Since I prefer to do super large loads – this works well for me.
My opinion on washers and dryers is to get the largest capacity you can afford. Especially for the dryer… the bigger the drum, the more air flow, the quicker the dry cycle. I can dry a LARGE load of jeans in 40 minutes. (On days I’m drying them on the line… I’m trying to do that more these days.)
Also – look for energy star.
The washer I have is the older version of this one.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02634122000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=L4
The dryer I have is the older version of this
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02668002000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=L4
I bought them in mid 2003 and they’re still reliably cleaning/drying with no issues. Considering most washer/dryers only last 5-7 years, we’re going strong.
January 26, 2011 @ 5:19 PM
UCGal wrote:I have a topload
[quote=UCGal]I have a topload Kenmore Elite washer “Canyon Capacity”. Since I prefer to do super large loads – this works well for me.
My opinion on washers and dryers is to get the largest capacity you can afford. Especially for the dryer… the bigger the drum, the more air flow, the quicker the dry cycle. I can dry a LARGE load of jeans in 40 minutes. (On days I’m drying them on the line… I’m trying to do that more these days.)
Also – look for energy star.
The washer I have is the older version of this one.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02634122000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=L4
. . . [/quote]
I have this EXACT same washer as UCGal which I purchased “out-of-the-box” (display model) in 2002 for $221, incl tax. It is branded “GE” however but is the SAME machine.
These are GREAT machines and I have had no problems.
Edit: just went out and looked at it and it is the same but has 4 small dials (and one lg one) instead of 3. Hmmm, guess they don’t make those anymore, lol.
January 26, 2011 @ 11:11 AM
SD Transplant wrote:
1) top
[quote=SD Transplant]
1) top load washers only 🙂
– yes, I don’t care about the Euro design (this might eliminate Samsung & other brands)
[/quote]
Top load washers waste a lot of water. Slow spin drying speeds also cause more drying time and wasted energy.
Top load washers are also noisier and generally inefficient. I would never go back to top load.
January 26, 2011 @ 4:37 PM
briansd1 wrote:SD Transplant
[quote=briansd1][quote=SD Transplant]
1) top load washers only 🙂
– yes, I don’t care about the Euro design (this might eliminate Samsung & other brands)
[/quote]
Top load washers waste a lot of water. Slow spin drying speeds also cause more drying time and wasted energy.
Top load washers are also noisier and generally inefficient. I would never go back to top load.[/quote]
This is true brian, but side load washers take up more space and are harder on the back unless you spend MORE $$ for pedestals. A set with pedestals can be VERY pricey.
If the washer is in the garage, the noise doesn’t matter.
January 26, 2011 @ 4:40 PM
I would ABSOLUTELY NOT
I would ABSOLUTELY NOT purchase a dryer with the lint filter on top. I can’t stand the mess. That cuts out Whirlpool and maybe regular Kenmore. Kenmore Elite is built by GE, I believe.
Also, it costs a bit more for a gas dryer but they are worth it if you have a gas hookup.
January 26, 2011 @ 4:47 PM
SD Transplant, correct me if
SD Transplant, correct me if I’m wrong here, but I believe GE “Profile” only applies to kitchen appliances. “Profile” means they fit snugly into a kitchen cabinet depth and do not stick out. I don’t think GE laundry equipment is “Profile.”
Edit: Lol, I stand corrected. I just saw a GE “Profile” Titanium washer online. Do these washers/dryers have large-capacity drums?
January 26, 2011 @ 8:23 PM
bearishgurl wrote:
This is
[quote=bearishgurl]
This is true brian, but side load washers take up more space and are harder on the back unless you spend MORE $$ for pedestals. A set with pedestals can be VERY pricey.
If the washer is in the garage, the noise doesn’t matter.[/quote]
If you stack the dryer on top of the washer, the two units take up less space. And the dryer is at a higher, comfortable loading and unloading level. That offsets the inconvenient loading level of the front load washer.
Esthetically, the front loads are prettier IMO. Some people say they enjoy doing chores more when they have pretty things.
January 26, 2011 @ 9:14 PM
That we can discuss
That we can discuss appliances just means that things are not all that bad.
Anyway, I suggest going to Costco buying the cheapest washer/dryer – and if it breaks recycle it and buy a new one.
I have had my Costco washer/dryer running for 10 years now with no problems.
I don’t think appliances from one brand to another are really that different. It’s mostly about status…
January 27, 2011 @ 8:57 AM
briansd1 wrote:
Esthetically,
[quote=briansd1]
Esthetically, the front loads are prettier IMO. Some people say they enjoy doing chores more when they have pretty things.[/quote]
LOL – that has to be the most shallow reason to buy a large purchase… not functionallity – but because it’s “pretty”.
I can’t even wrap my head around this. It’s a flippin’ washing machine, not a piece of art, not a piece of furniture. Chances are it will be in a closet or garage…. not on view.
January 27, 2011 @ 9:17 AM
UCGal wrote:briansd1
[quote=UCGal][quote=briansd1]
Esthetically, the front loads are prettier IMO. Some people say they enjoy doing chores more when they have pretty things.[/quote]
LOL – that has to be the most shallow reason to buy a large purchase… not functionallity – but because it’s “pretty”.
I can’t even wrap my head around this. It’s a flippin’ washing machine, not a piece of art, not a piece of furniture. Chances are it will be in a closet or garage…. not on view.[/quote]
I have to agree with you on this one ucgal….
There are things I can see why aethetics or features matters…But in this case…..
It’s a freaking washing machine and dryer folks…
Food for thought, do any of you really use the 10+ different spin cycles or 10+ different dry cycles? On a dishwasher, do you really use all 10 different wash cycles? I have a feeling the answer is no…So why buy something so darn fancy if you don’t end up using it and if it just opens the door up for failure?
And it’s in a basement/washroom/garage…And it’s not like when friends/family come over, you’re going to be like “hey, check out my cool washer and dryer…”
Buy the cheapest, most simple (and hence most reliable) thing you can get, save the rest of your cash on other bling, and be done with it…It can’t get much more simple than that 🙂
Word of advice..A lot of older appliances were much more reliable than the latest generation ones… And the reason is simple. Older appliances didn’t stick so much electronic junk in them…so..The same rule that you would apply to buying a german car applies to buying applies. Don’t buy appliances with a lot of fancy electronics…Chances are you don’t need them, and those things fail more frequently….
(Bryan, save your money for that cool HDTV …And tell us what you end up getting 🙂 )
January 27, 2011 @ 11:59 AM
flu wrote:UCGal
[quote=flu][quote=UCGal][quote=briansd1]
Esthetically, the front loads are prettier IMO. Some people say they enjoy doing chores more when they have pretty things.[/quote]
LOL – that has to be the most shallow reason to buy a large purchase… not functionallity – but because it’s “pretty”.
I can’t even wrap my head around this. It’s a flippin’ washing machine, not a piece of art, not a piece of furniture. Chances are it will be in a closet or garage…. not on view.[/quote]
I have to agree with you on this one ucgal….
There are things I can see why aethetics or features matters…But in this case…..
It’s a freaking washing machine and dryer folks…
Food for thought, do any of you really use the 10+ different spin cycles or 10+ different dry cycles? On a dishwasher, do you really use all 10 different wash cycles? I have a feeling the answer is no…So why buy something so darn fancy if you don’t end up using it and if it just opens the door up for failure?
And it’s in a basement/washroom/garage…And it’s not like when friends/family come over, you’re going to be like “hey, check out my cool washer and dryer…”
Buy the cheapest, most simple (and hence most reliable) thing you can get, save the rest of your cash on other bling, and be done with it…It can’t get much more simple than that 🙂
Word of advice..A lot of older appliances were much more reliable than the latest generation ones… And the reason is simple. Older appliances didn’t stick so much electronic junk in them…so..The same rule that you would apply to buying a german car applies to buying applies. Don’t buy appliances with a lot of fancy electronics…Chances are you don’t need them, and those things fail more frequently….
(Bryan, save your money for that cool HDTV …And tell us what you end up getting 🙂 )[/quote]
The Whirlpool front-load set I ended up getting was only about $850.
I kinda agree with you both. But pretty is better than ugly — it’s even better if pretty is the same price.
Have said that, product design is very important. Apple proved that design can get people to pay huge mark-ups.
Notice that since Samsung and LG entered the appliance market in America, the products are cheaper, better and prettier.
I think that design is a key element of real estate. In Europe and Japan, people buy smaller well-designed appliances to fit their small spaces.
I once helped a friend retrofit the kitchen of his Chicago condo to fit an LG washer/dryer combo. Looks good and obviates the need to schlep down to the coin laundry room in the basement.
Maybe it’s just me, but I pay attention to design elements such as the thickness of bezels on TVs. I would never buy a Vizio TV because I find them plain ugly.
January 27, 2011 @ 2:06 PM
briansd1 wrote:
Have said
[quote=briansd1]
Have said that, product design is very important. Apple proved that design can get people to pay huge mark-ups.
[/quote]
Have said that, product design is very important to people with too much money to spend, others prefer functionality for less money. Apple proved that design can get people to pay huge mark-ups.
Fixed that for you.
Maybe it’s just that I’ve got the engineer mindset – but functionality matters much more than “pretty”. And price is always a factor in my world.
Clean/simple design should not be more expensive. Agree with flu that the simpler the design, the more reliable.
Note – I don’t own apple products because I’m too darn cheap. And I won’t be buying a mot Xoom because it’s too darn expensive.
January 27, 2011 @ 2:14 PM
UCGal wrote:
Note – I don’t
[quote=UCGal]
Note – I don’t own apple products because I’m too darn cheap. And I won’t be buying a mot Xoom because it’s too darn expensive.[/quote]
Oh come on now. We know the real reason is because either
1) You are one of the people who don’t feel you don’t need a smartphone (or possibly even a cell phone)
or
2) Even if you feel you want a smartphone, you would get a Mot Droid product before touching apple….
(Judging by how MMI did today, Sanjay could use all the help he can get…. Hey I know….Believe it or not, I like Droids and can’t stand iphones)… and today was as painful as a day for me as I’m sure all the other MMI fans out there… 🙁
January 27, 2011 @ 2:28 PM
flu wrote:
Oh come on now. We
[quote=flu]
Oh come on now. We know the real reason is because either
1) You are one of the people who don’t feel you don’t need a smartphone (or possibly even a cell phone)
or
2) Even if you feel you want a smartphone, you would get a Mot Droid product before touching apple….
(Judging by how MMI did today, Sanjay could use all the help he can get…. Hey I know….Believe it or not, I like Droids and can’t stand iphones)… and today was as painful as a day for me as I’m sure all the other MMI fans out there… :([/quote]
A little of both. I’m too cheap to pay for a data plan. I have internet at work and home… don’t need it in the car, at my kids ball game, etc…
And – I’d get a droid before an iphone because I’m too cheap to pay for apps. The apple model doesn’t work for cheapskates like me.
I was excited about the xoom till they announced the price. Ouch.
Don’t talk to me about MMI share prices… it’s painful.
January 27, 2011 @ 3:15 PM
No real man should use the
No real man should use the word “pretty” to describe anything other than a human of the female gender. So far brainsd has used “pretty” to describe dryers/washers and the toyota prius.
January 27, 2011 @ 3:23 PM
Djshakes wrote:No real man
[quote=Djshakes]No real man should use the word “pretty” to describe anything other than a human of the female gender. So far brainsd has used “pretty” to describe dryers/washers and the toyota prius.[/quote]
Oh, cut briansd some slack… I’m pretty sure he just likes the way things look. It’s pretty fine by me. I like nice things too. I think that pretty awesome…
As far as washers are concerned, one additional thing to think about if it is going to be located on a second floor laundry room…Think twice about getting front loading versus top loading…Because just saying if the seals ever go bad on the front loading washer when you’re not watching or home, better hope you got a decent overflow drain……
January 27, 2011 @ 3:39 PM
flu wrote:
As far as washers
[quote=flu]
As far as washers are concerned, one additional thing to think about if it is going to be located on a second floor laundry room…Think twice about getting front loading versus top loading…Because just saying if the seals ever go bad on the front loading washer when you’re not watching or home, better hope you got a decent overflow drain……[/quote]
I heard the front loaders are best placed on a concrete floor or a very solid wood floor. A weak wood floor might cause vibration and wobbling issues.
January 27, 2011 @ 3:43 PM
briansd1 wrote:flu wrote:
As
[quote=briansd1][quote=flu]
As far as washers are concerned, one additional thing to think about if it is going to be located on a second floor laundry room…Think twice about getting front loading versus top loading…Because just saying if the seals ever go bad on the front loading washer when you’re not watching or home, better hope you got a decent overflow drain……[/quote]
I heard the front loaders are best placed on a concrete floor or a very solid wood floor. A weak wood floor might cause vibration and wobbling issues.[/quote]
My point was if the front seals leak and your washer is upstairs, you’re screwed because the water ends up on the floor. Haven’t had that happen (yet), but did witness this during my old college days…(Then again, those washers were abused)…
January 27, 2011 @ 8:08 PM
flu wrote:briansd1 wrote:flu
[quote=flu][quote=briansd1][quote=flu]
As far as washers are concerned, one additional thing to think about if it is going to be located on a second floor laundry room…Think twice about getting front loading versus top loading…Because just saying if the seals ever go bad on the front loading washer when you’re not watching or home, better hope you got a decent overflow drain……[/quote]
I heard the front loaders are best placed on a concrete floor or a very solid wood floor. A weak wood floor might cause vibration and wobbling issues.[/quote]
My point was if the front seals leak and your washer is upstairs, you’re screwed because the water ends up on the floor. Haven’t had that happen (yet), but did witness this during my old college days…(Then again, those washers were abused)…[/quote]
My front loader probably doesn’t rotate faster than 1 Hz so I find it hard to believe that vibration is a problem.
CE
January 27, 2011 @ 2:17 PM
My (gas) dryer is also a GE,
My (gas) dryer is also a GE, circa 1988 – a “fancy model” with 3 cycles that I never used. It’s “almond” in color with brown “woodgrain” trim :=].
Yes, I am the original owner. It cost $158 brand new (incl tax), lol. Yeah, it’s a little scratched and rusty now … been moved a few times, but runs GREAT!
It’s in the garage too, so why replace it if it ain’t broke??
HAIL to GE Appls!!
January 27, 2011 @ 3:36 PM
UCGal wrote:
Maybe it’s just
[quote=UCGal]
Maybe it’s just that I’ve got the engineer mindset – but functionality matters much more than “pretty”. And price is always a factor in my world.[/quote]
I’m with you on the price thing UCGal. Price is always a factor in my world too. And I’ve been accused of being a cheap bastard before.
But I do have an interest in product design and architecture. I appreciate good design and “pretty”, well-designed, cheap as well as expensive things.
I think that consumer goods are fairly commoditized these days. The difference is how a whole (like a house) is put together. For example, it’s not how much someone spends on a individual items in a house’s interior that matters as much as the final overall look/result that’s achieved. Some people manage to achieve great results at low prices.
January 27, 2011 @ 11:28 PM
UCGal wrote:briansd1
[quote=UCGal][quote=briansd1]
Have said that, product design is very important. Apple proved that design can get people to pay huge mark-ups.
[/quote]
Have said that, product design is very important to people with too much money to spend, others prefer functionality for less money. Apple proved that design can get people to pay huge mark-ups.
Fixed that for you.
Maybe it’s just that I’ve got the engineer mindset – but functionality matters much more than “pretty”. And price is always a factor in my world.
Clean/simple design should not be more expensive. Agree with flu that the simpler the design, the more reliable.
Note – I don’t own apple products because I’m too darn cheap. And I won’t be buying a mot Xoom because it’s too darn expensive.[/quote]
Amen, UCGal! 🙂
January 27, 2011 @ 12:47 PM
UCGal wrote:briansd1
[quote=UCGal][quote=briansd1]
Esthetically, the front loads are prettier IMO. Some people say they enjoy doing chores more when they have pretty things.[/quote]
LOL – that has to be the most shallow reason to buy a large purchase… not functionallity – but because it’s “pretty”.
I can’t even wrap my head around this. It’s a flippin’ washing machine, not a piece of art, not a piece of furniture. Chances are it will be in a closet or garage…. not on view.[/quote]
UC… You just don’t understand… 😛
I like to load up my front load washer and play “Wheels on the bus” at full volume.
One thing that sells me on Whirlpool is the fact my mother replaced hers around 2005. Purchased in 1970.
I really like the efficiency of my front loaders but it takes FOREVER to wash clothes in.
So Front Load or Top Load come down to Time or Money respectively… For the reasons stated above.
Just my 1.98 Cents (adjusted for inflation).
CE
P.S. I guess in Brian’s defense the asthetics are becoming equally important as more and more of these actually end up IN the house as opposed to the garage.
Mine are pin stripped… Kidding
January 26, 2011 @ 11:46 AM
Whirlpool owns more than just
Whirlpool owns more than just Maytag. It also owns: KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Roper, Estate, Admiral, Magic Chef, Amana, Inglis, Acros, KIC, Ignis, Bauknecht, Brastemp, Consul, Eslabon de Lujo, Laden, Polar, and Supermatic.
We own a Maytag washer (top-loader) and dryer. Zero problems in 7 years.
January 27, 2011 @ 9:27 AM
Purchase an Amana front load
Purchase an Amana front load set. Should be able to get the pair for around $800. If you can’t find deal at HD, Lowes, or Sears then visit Pacific Sales and they might give you the price your looking for.
January 26, 2011 @ 10:37 AM
I really like
I really like whirpool….
I’ve had good experiences with them in terms of quality and durability….
Added bonus is that they are the ONLY appliance company left that still manufactures in the U.S.A.
January 26, 2011 @ 11:19 AM
flu wrote:I really like
[quote=flu]I really like whirpool….
I’ve had good experiences with them in terms of quality and durability….
Added bonus is that they are the ONLY appliance company left that still manufactures in the U.S.A.[/quote]
I recently got this deal at Lowes. Never checked if they were made in USA. But they are cheap and work well.
http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=2542711
I should also mention that most utilities companies give rebates for purchasing front-load washers. I got $100 back.