Washer/Dryer Recommendations

We have the kenmore front load washer & dryer. I really like them. We have had them since 2007 and only minor issues that have been taken care of by warranty, (latch had to be replaced on the dryer, door was popping open).
We also have a dyson vac, we have tried all different kinds and with two large dogs this one is the best. It has definately lasted the longest. Typically we need a new vac every year, we have had the dyson for about 4 years now. Little expensive but worth it.

i just purchased a GE proflie SAN and it is soooooo quite and efficient! and what i like best about it is you know how some times you have an itty bitty load and it just has to be washed and even on the lowest setting it's still to much water. well this washer lets wash whatever you need washed wheter it be a bra or a king sized down comfortor and it weighes it and puts EXACTLY the amount of water you need! I'm on a budget so wasting things is not a good look in my house so this was perfect! AND... alot of people don't know this yet but the government is doing CASH FOR CLUNKERS WITH APPLICIANCES!! if you purchase an energy star product you get a small rebate on a visa gift card! i recieved a $50 one for buying that washer. the rebte varies due to state but you can go to www.energystar.gov. i think that's it or you an call 866-596-1964 to get more info. good luck oh the washer i purchased was $595 from sears

As for vacuums...Dyson. They are a bit expensive but I've had the basic model since 2003 and it's going strong. It's the only vacuum that actually picks up dirt on bare floor instead of just spitting the dirt around. I LOVE my DYSON.

When it comes to washer and dryers make sure to shop around for the best price. I am a scratch and dent kind of gal. I like to shop the scratch and dents for models I like...since the units are usually not on display in your home and most dents on the sides and back are not noticeable to anyone. Also, if the scratches or dents are minimal but on exposed surfaces...there is appliance paints to touch up with. Models themselves...I yearned for the front loaders for a long time but now that I have them I would steer away from the front loading washer. The dryer is great and I like my whirlpool duet. But, we moved into a rental home that came with washer and dryer and are Maytag Neptunes...they are simple to use but I just don't like the front load washer. With a traditional top loading washer you can leave the door open or open when you want to add that last item you forgot, unlike the front loader. Once you push start the door locks and that last item will have to wait 'til next time. Outside of this one inconvenience the Neptune's are nice. Good luck...gotta love new appliances!

Those are hard questions to answer because everyone is so particular about different things.

But, here's what we have and what our experiences are:

Vacuum: Dyson animal
Though we've had it almost 5 years and it was close to $600 at the time, it's been worth every penny. Consumer Reports really blasted Dyson for poor ease of use. We've had no problems.

Washer/Dryer: Whirlpool Duet
We're just past the 5 year mark (and the extended warranty) on ours. We've had a lot of problems that have been really costly. The warranty covered all the costs, but servicing them has been time-consuming. Almost everything available is a front-loader these days, and from what 3 different Sears' stores told us, they've improved much.

One piece of advice: washers/dryers are really only made to last 5-8 years these days. Don't expect to get much more out of them without buying an extended warranty.

Hope you enjoy that new house.

Just got a Whirlpool Duet Front Load washer and dryer. LOVE it! If you go to the post office and get a change of address packet, there is a 10% off Lowes coupon. We got ours at Lowes. Check the ads for sales!
Also I just got a Electrolux vacuum and I love it as well. It is very heavy but it's so worth it. They're not cheap, but I've never had a vacuum that works better!

Also there is a Sears outlet in Mandrin and we got a fridge there with a scratch on the side. Always wise to check there!

My husband worked at Lowes in the appliances department for two years and swears up and down by Whirlpool, Bosch, Electrolux, and Samsung. When we bought a new washer and dryer, we got a front-loading Whirlpool washer and dryer, and it was WELL WORTH the extra money we spent! My neighbor has a similar lifestyle/schedule as we do and their water bill is $50 more a month. I know that a lot of that has to do with us having an energy saving front-loader and they have the traditional washer. In the end, it pays for itself in the first year! Anyways...we have a Dyson vacuum and will never go back to the "other" brands. It is AMAZING! (Even my mom, who thought they were a waste of money, went out and bought one after using ours once!) They pick up dirt like nothing else! Good luck!

For a great vacuum, I highly recommend the Kenmore Progressive with Intelliclean. This is an awesome vacuum. It's not cool looking and flashy like a Dyson, but it also doesn't have the pricetag of a Dyson! It works GREAT. As far as washers/dryers go, I have always stuck with Maytags and been very happy. Happy new home!

I'm not sure if Sears has a scratch and dent warehouse near you, but if they do I would go to Sears. We bought our washer and dryer at a Sears Scratch and Dent place near Miami and got a great deal on both washer and dryer. The scratches were very small and out of sight for us to see. We have Kenmore Elite and they are very quiet and I love these machines. For a vacum cleaner we have a Dyson and this is a great machine. I would look at some models that might be a year old. You may get a good deal on it.

Good luck in your new home.

We have Kenmore front loaders and they really saved on our water bill each month! We just moved and now had old washer and dryers and can't believe how much more our water is per month. And we swear by the Dyson, especially if you have pets.

I am VERY happy with my LG front loaders. had them for 3 yrs. I have the model with the sanitize feature- great for when members of the house are sick.

I have an electrolux vacuum- LOVE it. If you have carpet you need an upright. Hard floors (wood, tile, sealed concrete)- canister. I have hardwood so I have a canister vacuum.