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Message |
    
Deidra
Citizen
Username: Deidralynn
Post Number: 550
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 9:47 pm: | 
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The old Kenmore dryer we inherited from the previous owner died, so we are going to get another W/D set. As much as I would love the front loading model, they are just too much $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$! With a husband (who travels) and two boys (who are stain magnets  ), our laundry is a major ordeal. Sooooooo, does anyone have a recommendation for a great brand/model? |
mayflower2258
Citizen
Username: Mayflower2258
Post Number: 104
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 10:09 pm: |
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There are tons of very affordable models out there w/o going the front loading model style. Rather than waiting for an MOL reply, if you just go to Home Depot or Lowe's you can get suggestions and options within an hour, in person, without all the online bias and arguments about whose got the better/greener/cheaper appliance. However, if you want to start WW III, then you can spend another 10 days reading all of our towns opinions about this. It's really your call. And you know that. |
Former Cowgirl
Citizen
Username: Formercowgirl
Post Number: 50
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 10:26 pm: |
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also try epinions.com |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1917
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 2:16 pm: |
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Definitive --
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/laundry/
That said -- the best is almost certainly Miele or Asko -- you need to be more specific -- how much laundry, types of clothes, kids or not, whats important to you -- highest energy efficiency, most gentle on clothes, shortest cycles? How much room do you have? Where is the plumbing, vent, gas (or electric?).
I just bought a new Kenmore -- it'll last long enough, do a decent enough job, isn't too complex (both my 18 yo daughter and 82 yo mother can easily figure out the controls), and has good reliability ratings. Its not a state of the art front loader, not particularly energy efficient, or anything. Wasn't too expensive, and was delivered 2 days after the last one died.
But if money were no object, and it would fit in my space (that was an issue, too, Miele, Asko, maybe Bosch, LG.
/p |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1918
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 2:17 pm: |
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BTW -- the new GE front loaders are a very good price, getting good reviews.
/p |
Deidra
Citizen
Username: Deidralynn
Post Number: 551
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 2:28 pm: |
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Mayflower, your post had me cracking up. That is the risk you run when you ask for this type of advise. Our W/D is in the basement and it's a big open space currently, as we are renovating down there to have a wall installed to make a laundry room. My husband is leaning toward getting another Kenmore set. However, our kitchen appliances we just got from GE are great! I may check them out. Too many options make decisions like this a real pain in the butt! |
Lydia
Supporter
Username: Lydial
Post Number: 1794
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 6:45 pm: |
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Deidra -
Our washer/dryer that we inherited with our house conked out this winter, as much as it hurt financially, I bit the bullet and went to Karl's in WO and bought front-loaders.
Front-loaders are so superior to the top-loaders, I know the extra $800 I spent was worth it. I use about a tablespoon of detergent, our water bill went down, I can wash queen-size comforters instead of going to a coin-op place, but best of all our clothes are much cleaner.
Karl's will negotiate without much prodding, you can get a new washer/dryer for around $1,400 if you quibble a bit. I'm not much of a quibbler, so if you are you can probably do better.
I hate thumbing through Consumer Reports and making umpteen comparisons, I just went with a middle-of-the-line Maytag and paid 80 bucks for an extended 5-year warranty.
If I consider 20 washers, I'm always second-guessing myself and what-ifing and I'll never be happy.
Good luck - I hope I didn't complicate your decision too much with my vote for a front-loader!
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peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1919
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 6:55 pm: |
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I really hate to post this given the last post, but the one brand to absolutely avoid is Maytag. Not only has the brand deteriorated -- Consumer Reports ranks them low (in terms of reliability) and if look at the forums I noted above, you'll see there is even a sub forum about the horrendous Maytags. Note that several class action suits have been filed and settled, more sure to come.
Also, Maytag is essentially kaput now that Whirlpool has bought them. Its expected that the brand name will live, but luckily for consumers the miserable products wrought over the past few years will die.
Of course, my Mom's Maytag lasted some 40 years. Too bad the accountants screwed up the brand.
Pete |
Lydia
Supporter
Username: Lydial
Post Number: 1795
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 7:39 pm: |
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Pete,
Good thing I got the extended warranty!
So far so good, but now I'll keep re-newing the warrantees - thanks for the heads up.
OK - so nix the Maytag and go with GE or one of those high-falutin' Swedish brands.
Happy cleaning with whatever you choose.
Lydia |
sbenois
Supporter
Username: Sbenois
Post Number: 14983
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 8:30 pm: |
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Deidra,
Sorry I didn't see this sooner. I had a 20% off coupon for virtually all purchases at Home Depot up to $400 off $2000. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13950
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 11:38 pm: |
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Three years ago, we bought a Kenmore front-loader from Sears for $750. It was the least expensive front loader. They let us open a credit card with them to pay it off. No payments due for twelve months. So I divided the payment up into twelve monthly payments and didn't pay a cent of interest.
I bet any appliance store would offer you a similar deal. Just be sure to read the fine print.
One nice thing about a front loader is that you can jam the clothes in really full. If it fits, it will work. You have to load a top loader gently.
And you save on electricity and water. This could justify the extra expense in three or four years.
But the wash takes longer. Our wash takes about an hour.
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mayflower2258
Citizen
Username: Mayflower2258
Post Number: 105
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Monday, May 1, 2006 - 12:02 am: |
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Well, with my previous advice about median-priced appliances not-with-standing, we did get the Whirlpool front loader washer and dryer style-machines in Jan. The good thing is...they do save on water usage, they do rinse better, and they do dry better...but, they are more expensive, so any savings you will realize will have to pan out over a 5 or 6 year time span.
We had a previous "washer" issue (used to fill the tub with sooooo much water, that it leaked onto our floor and other non-water areas), so then we replaced both b/c of course you can't not have "Matching" washers and dryers. It's a "Catch-22." Oh, and you do have to buy special/easy-to-find laundry detergent. Not hard....called HE.
Well, you could have non-matching appliances, but, then your home value goes down. Go figure, but it's true.
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Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13955
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 1, 2006 - 12:09 am: |
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I wouldn't consider getting rid of an appliance that works, unless I had money to burn. On second thought, I wouldn't do it even if I had money to burn. Our dryer is probably at least 20 years old and works like a champ.
If it really affects house resale value, then I'll buy appliances when it's time to sell the house. Buying them before I need them will not save money.
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Me2
Citizen
Username: Me2
Post Number: 241
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 1, 2006 - 8:56 am: |
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Deidra, if you are interested in the Consumer Reports ratings, I can PL them to you. |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 1190
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 1, 2006 - 9:27 am: |
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Pete;
I believe that it was the front loading Maytags that received the poor rating. The top loaders are still very good. I had my last Maytag top loader for 20 years, and I bought another one two years ago. So far, it's been working perfectly, with no problems. |
Zoesky1
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 1459
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 1, 2006 - 10:41 am: |
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The washer/dryer that I inherited with my new house (as of August) are really, really ancient, and I am chomping at the bit to replace them. I may wait until I renovate the entire laundry room/utility room that they're in (it's kind of gross) and do it all at once. But I have my eye on those big front loading washers and matching dryers...in cool colors, to boot. I know it's dopey to care about the color of your washing machine, but ever since letting my nanny go three weeks ago, we're in a whole new world...it's all about LAUNDRY, baby. She used to do all the kids' laundry, including folding and putting away. I had no idea how much time she was spending on wash. So I may, like Lydia, spend the extra bucks and make my laundry time go a little better. I can't help it -- I want a blue washing machine! |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 3043
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, May 1, 2006 - 10:51 am: |
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My dad just told me that Karl's store in Madison is closing ("relocating") and all of the floor models have big discounts. He got a Bosch dw for about 40% off.
I would never buy a top loader again. Just trying to wash my quilt in it this weekend was painful. Doesn't help that I am under 5' so I have to use a stool to reach into the bottom. When I was preggers I needed to use tongs because I couldn't bend enough to reach anything!
But unfortunately our washer is working fine so I have no reason to get a new one! |
Deidra
Citizen
Username: Deidralynn
Post Number: 553
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 1, 2006 - 11:09 am: |
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Me2, you can PL me with it. I'm sure my husband would love to look at that. I did like the information about fitting more into the front loaders because I don't wash everyday and pile really adds up with multiple loads.
I am going wander around Home Depot, Sears and Karl's (in Montclair) and let you all know what we decide.
Thanks everyone. |
Me2
Citizen
Username: Me2
Post Number: 242
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 1, 2006 - 3:17 pm: |
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Sent you a PL  |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1121
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - 1:27 pm: |
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Our washer just died too -- must be something in the air! I really should buy a new set this week but I have a lot on my plate right now and do not feel like starting any massive research, so I'm thinking I might check out Karl's in Orange (lower tax!) and see if they can help me out. Greenetree, didn't you have a good experience there? Do you remember your salesperson's name, perchance? |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 886
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - 1:41 pm: |
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I used Robert at Karls (973) 395-5555 for the purchase of my Whirpool Duet front loader washer (love it and have seen a dramatic reduction in water consumption on our quarterly bill compared to same quarters in prior years!) and my Bosch DW (was going to get the Duet dryer, but when our DW went, we decided to get some more life out of our good old Maytag dryer!)
I had a reasonably good experience w/Robert although I had done a lot of homework and knew exactly what I wanted and what other places were charging etc., so I felt I got a good deal b/c of that knowledge. (I made the entire purchase over the phone and have never even personally met Robert!)
The tax break for buying in Orange was very nice - I think they charge 3% only. They had both my items in stock and when the DW arrived dented they took it right back and redelivered/installed another one the same day!
When I bought the Duet had a rebate and Robert was kind enough to include extra receipts to make sending in the rebate easier.
(I'd avoid Sears - check them out for price compairson only, but I've heard/read many horror stories about Sears and their washing machine installation and bad customer service nightmares.) |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1928
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - 1:48 pm: |
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I was at the Karl's in Madison -- at least what I saw, the only real bargains were on scratch and dent items.
Anything new -- no special discounts, anything on the floor -- if it looked 100%, not much of a discount.
That said -- they day I was there they were bringing in some very high end scratch & dent stuff from the other stores to sell. Subzeros, Wolf, etc -- at huge discounts.
/p
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amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1122
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - 9:02 pm: |
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How about the Whirlpool Duet washer & dryer sold at Costco? Good model/good price? I can't find a model # on their website so it's hard to compare . . .
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11007533&whse=BC&topnav=&browse = |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1929
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - 9:56 pm: |
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Try appliancesbuyphone.com. Someone on MOL mentioned them a while back. I just used them -- beat the competition by a wide margin. Great customer service and delivery (guys were on time, unboxed, cleaned, up, took box, etc.). You'll deal with Steve, I think he's the owner. He's in the Neptune area -- they also have a store.
http://www.appliancesbuyphone.com
Whirlpool washer GHW9150P $885, dryer GEW9250PW $689. Delivery free in CT/Ny/Nj area.
if they don't have your model listed, email him -- believe me, they have everything!
I have a quote from him for all my kitchen appliances -- really can't beat the price.
BTW -- I was at Karls in Madison. Some great deals on scratch and dent, but the stuff on the showroom floor was barely discounted if brand new. Only worth the trip for very high end stuff -- the day I was there -- they were bringing in Subzero, Wolf, etc. from other stores -- all scratch and dent.
Pete
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amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1123
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - 10:31 pm: |
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Ohmigod Pete, THANK YOU for that website -- their prices are EXCELLENT! I think I might be placing an order with them very soon . . .
I'm leaning towards the GE frontloaders, washer WCVH6260FWW & dryer DCVH515GFWW. Cheaper than the Whirlpools by over $100 each & full of good features. Anyone have any experience with these models?
Also, just how necessary are the pedestals do you think? My husband has offered to build a plywood platform for them instead, to save the $280; is that crazy? I should mention our basement is completely unfinished and sightly yucky looking, so aesthetics are not as big an issue as they might otherwise be. Matter of fact, we're feeling like we should build a nice new addition just for the washer & dryer, as they outclass pretty much everything else in the house by a mile! |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1124
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - 10:33 pm: |
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Also, Sben, do you still have that HD coupon? |
Spqr
Citizen
Username: Spqr
Post Number: 84
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 11:15 am: |
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amandacat - I actually bought the pedestals for both my washer and dryer. I had questions about their necessity as well but really wanted the machines to be raised for ease of use and had considered building platforms to save the money. In the end, I decided I couldn't deal with it and decided to buy the pedestals without storage which cost half as much as the pedestals with drawers. So in buying the pedestals and seeing the delivery guys set the machines up, I realized that the machines end up being bolted to the platforms - which makes sense but I just hadn't considered this prior to seeing them. So the upshot of all of this information is just to say that if you decide to build platforms on your own make sure you design them so they can be bolted to the underside of each machine. Otherwise, vibrations could cause the machines to shift and fall off the platforms which could cause serious damage to the machines or worse, injure someone. |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1126
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 9:35 pm: |
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Thanks, SPQR. We just ordered our fancy new washer & dryer sans pedestals from Karl's (they beat the online price, woo hoo!) for delivery on Saturday, so hubby better get to stepping with his homemade platform! Turns out he's built such things before (he's in construction) so he knows all about the bolts, but thanks for the heads up -- it was certainly news to me. |
combustion
Citizen
Username: Spontaneous
Post Number: 17
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 5, 2006 - 3:42 am: |
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Maytag's aren't a good brand anymore? I'm heartbroken! My 30+ year old washer (came w/the house) is starting to go and needs to be replaced and I figured if it lasted that long I'd buy the same brand again. Guess I'll have to buy something else. |
snowmom
Citizen
Username: Snowmom
Post Number: 372
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 5, 2006 - 8:24 pm: |
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I was at Karl's in Madison today (thanks to an MOL tip!) and bought a Whirlpool Duet Front Loader (GHW9150PW) for 775$. I thought I got a good deal on a floor model. |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 1127
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 5, 2006 - 9:27 pm: |
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I'd say you DID get a good deal, Snowmom; we're paying $730 for our GE (coming tomorrow, I am sooooo excited), & its MSRP is $100 less than the Whirlpool. Congratulations!!! |
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