Washer/Dryer Reccomendations

Updated on April 14, 2009
J.B. asks from Alameda, CA
20 answers

Hi Mamas!

We need to get a new washer and gas dryer. I'd really appreciate some suggestions on less expensive and more efficient brands. I think I'd like front loading machines, to save water and energy, but what brands are best? Thanks so much in advance!

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So What Happened?

Thank you Mamas! You really steered me away from being overwhelmed. We're going to look for LG frontloading machines. Thanks a bunch!

Featured Answers

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J.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I can tell you what NOT to get. Don't get the Whirlpool Casio washer or dryer. The washer doesn't clean the clothes that well, and they are both very loud!! compared to the other two I had. I've also never owned a dryer where every load comes out wrinkled. I have to iron every load now. Steer clear of the Casio series.

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C.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I never liked the front loading washers I had -- too much bending over and occassionally leaking from the door!

I like my Fisher and Paykel top loading washer. Its from New Zealand. It has a very fast spin like front loaders and is rated very good for water and energy use.

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C.L.

answers from Fresno on

I would definitely go with Front loaders and I have the LG brand and I am very happy with it.

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B.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I have the Maytag Neputne front loader with matching dryer. I've had them about 4yrs and love them. The front loaders are so worth the cost. My only regret is that I didn't purchase the washer with the larger inside, but I will next time.
I do leave the door open after washing so it doesn't get that musty smell.

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F.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I have always had Sears Kenmore. My old washing machine, 15 years old. is still going strong. We bought a front loader five years ago and gave her our old washer and dryer.
Our dryer last until a few months ago. They have alot of models to choose from.
Using Kenmore for 42 years,
F.

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I.S.

answers from Sacramento on

We own an apartment complex and each unit has a W/D - we have been exceptionally happy with GE Hotpoints! Durable, and very little problems.

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S.H.

answers from San Francisco on

we recently purchased a new washing machine- we researched on Consumer Reports.org- and found the one we wanted. then we checked with PGE and our water company and found that certain washers and dryers qualify for rebates. The one we bought,a GE is an energy star rated, front loader and we got a $200 rebate from PGE/water PLUS a shipping rebate from Home Depot. We were able to get a much nicer washer for the price of a regular one that way. I have found that our water bill went way down since we have gotten it, and since it spins so well, the drying time was cut in half. I am very happy with it!!

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A.A.

answers from San Francisco on

I love my Maytag front loader and gas dryer!! Saves so much money and water.

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I.T.

answers from San Francisco on

We love our LG Washer and Dryer front load and it's stackable too. We got a really great deal from Home Depot. It was 20% off store sale on appliances and then additional 20% for opening an account with them and then we got rebate from PG&E for being energy effient and another rebate from our water utility company since it's water saver. So basically, we spent less than $1200 on everything(including deliver and setup) and our water bill is so low. I specifically told my husband I wanted front load since I'm a petite person. Hope this helps!

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G.B.

answers from San Francisco on

I have the front load Kenmore and like it very much. I wish I would have spent the few extra hundred and got the larger capacity. Purchase the dwarers on the front loaders so they sit up higher.

I think it is about 5 yrs old, recently it started leaking inside (under tte washer.) will have to get someone to repair it.

I don't think any appliances last like they used to. All my kitchen appliances (kitchenaid, GE, whirlpool)needed repairs after 1-5 yrs.

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C.M.

answers from Chico on

We absolutely LOVE our LG front loader washer, which we purchased from Best Buy. It was the best priced front loading washer we found at $650. We didn't buy the matching dryer, but it was priced well and had good reviews too. I wanted the dryer, but we couldn't afford it at the time and just needed to replace our broken washer. Good luck finding your machines.

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A.T.

answers from Stockton on

We - meaning I 'cuz hubby doesn't know WHERE the laundry room is let alone what goes on in there---- LOVE my LG Tromm washer & dryer. We got the gas dryer and washer with the storage pedestals - mainly because I'm tall - but I do like the storage drawer under the dryer to keep hangers so I can hang up shirts while they're still warm to avoid ironing. The set was about mid-range for price.
I checked consumer reports and they were considered a Best Buy. We bought them at Best Buy they installed them and even made sure they were level. I got the biggest drum size and it's great - I can cram a ton of stuff in and it calculates how much water to use so you aren't wasting any. The washer is Energy Star.
Also - don't pay extra for a colored set - just get white - it'll never go out of style. I highly reccommend going on consumer reports to compare brands and features - of course the model numbers will differ from store to store to keep you guessing so jot down the features and description to take shopping and then watch for sales! We always shop Best Buy 'cuz the salespeople aren't on commission so they tell the truth about what is better for your needs not their wallet. ;)
www.consumerreports.org it's worth the membership fee!

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A.C.

answers from Sacramento on

We have the Whirlpool Duet and they've been great - very quiet.

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W.M.

answers from Sacramento on

J.,
We bought the sears kenmore brand and they work great.
Be informed though, the tub sizes are different. They range from normal to king size quilt, so you don't have to do so many loads. We have also had a hard time selling our old set. If I did the set again I would probably get the ones with the steam feature also, so I would not have to iron so much. You can also try consumer reports for ratings.
W. m.

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D.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Hello J.: I spent 6 months going to the laundromat or hanging clothes until I could decide which machine to buy. I found that the front load washer and dryer really are what they say and I am amazed at how quiet mine are. I found mine at Sears. My daughter bought hers at Lowes. We are both thrilled with our washers and dryers. Good Luck; Nana G.

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M.N.

answers from San Francisco on

We've had our Kenmore He3 washer for about three years now and LOVE it. My folks have the same set (including the dryer) and my neighbors have the same set as well. Absolutely love them. Check with your water district--when we bought ours CCWD gave us money back for buying a water-efficient washer. Check with PG&E, too, for rebates for the dryer.

One thing about the front load--I run my white load last (with the bleach) and after I put the whites in the dryer I leave the door open--this has stopped the washer from developing a musty smell. The front door closes so tight that any moisture left in the washer stays there until you use it again and gets to smelling funky.

Have fun! New washers are GREAT!

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C.N.

answers from Sacramento on

I used to have a Sears Kenmore HE front loader and after 3 years sold it for a top loader set. The rubber seals in the front loader grew lots of mildew and would stink really bad. Even my attempts to keep it clean were unsuccseful. I also had to call Sears out several times to repair both the washer and the dryer for various reasons so if you went with any of the front loaders I would advise an extended warranty protection plan. They seem to be high maintenance. I am much happier with out top loader.

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A.G.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi J.,

In Jan we bought a Kenmore front loading washer, model 4751, for $719 + $70 installation fee (we then got a $75 rebate from Sears and $75 from PG&E). So far I'm really happy with the washer. It's pretty quiet and I've been able to cut the dryer time on most loads by about 10 mins. I mention the installation fee because with a front-loader you need to make sure it's level, so I felt paying for Sears to do it was worth it. I would definitely recommend it.

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S.B.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi J., I am a fan of GE products. We have never had a problem with ours. I have had Maytag before, which is supposed to be one of the top of the lines, but always had problems with that brand. We used to have Maytag, washer, dryer, and dishwasher. Never Again Good Luck

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N.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I love my LG front loaders, and they stack to take up less floor space. They are not among the lowest price, but we were able to get great energy rebates on the washer. And you might find a good deal on Craigslist.

ps--I always leave the washer door open also, and haven't had any smell or mildew.

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