New Washing Machine

[carolinarider09]

10 years ago, we purchased a Samsung top loading washing machine and associated dryer.  We thought it was a good brand name and would be just as reliable as our older machines which we had for 20 years.  Not true. 

The washing machine is really a crap machine.  It has rust around the bleach dispenser (which I sort of fixed with some clear spray paint).  It constantly has mold in the tub.  My wife has to vacuum the mold out but that still does not get it out of the innards and ends up on clothes in the next wash.

So, I want to buy a new one.  It has to be a top loader and have three or more settings.  What matters really is the ability to clean clothes and not have to vacuum the mold out of the bottom of the machine.

Any recommendations would be welcome.

Oh and it would be nice it if would last more than a few years.  Commercial machines might be an option but I know nothing about them. 

[Big Rig]

Yes STAY AWAY FROM SAMSUNG products....

We bought a drier, 3 months later, weld failed on the drum. Had the 1 year warranty. Called they sent a technician (2 weeks later). He ordered parts, told us that this was a known issue. Three weeks later, no parts, so I call the warranty number...they said they would not send the parts and if we wanted a refund, we need to supply them with a picture of the machine with the power line cut.

The sent us a check for what we paid for it, less taxes...just a check in an envelope.

At least we got our money back sort of...wont buy another machine from them.

Replaced with a maytag.

[scooperhsd]

Whirlpool makes most of the American name Brand appliances now - Maytag, Hot Point, Kitchen Aid, etc.  You can't go too far wrong with any of those (as opposed to LG and Samsung). If you want a commercial quality - look at Speed Queen - but you'll probably pay for it.

[carolinarider09]

I have considered a commercial unit and yes it will cost more but I hope it would last until.......

So I will give those brands a look see.  Thanks

[Patrick]

We have had good luck with Whirlpool/ Maytag. We are on our 2nd set after about 46 years.

I had them bought for the Florida place until JoAnn saw Bosch. I should know by now to not take her shopping with me.  The Bosch are only 4 years old.

One thing I still insist on with a top loader is an agitator. Most today don't have them anymore.

[Wizzard]

I too am on my second set of Maytags in 42 years. Cannot say enough good about them.

[3W-lonerider]

i won't buy anything but a speed queen. if you go to any laundromat in the country 9 out of 10 will have speed queens in them. why because they are very reliable and almost never any issues. bought the wife a speed queen set about 5 years ago and she loves them.

[..]

When not in use I leave the lid open on my top loader so it can air itself.

[bassman]

Two words....Speed Queen......when I was looking for top loading washer and dryer replacements a few years ago I called a couple of local appliance repair shops and asked them which washer and dryers do they get the LEAST amount of service calls for....both said Speed Queen hands down.  Latest issue of Consumer Reports (some like the magazine and some don't) rated Speed Queen #1.  The local store where we buy all of our appliances sell pretty much every brand out there and I asked our regular sales lady for recommendations she said Speed Queen hands down.  Asked her why more people don't know this or push SQ and she said most people are looking for "pretty" and not function and reliability .  SQ is one of the few that still have a full size agitator also.  As said above, check out many of the laundromats in your area and see what they use.  Was told ALL SQ's are made on the same assembly line with same insides. Only difference is the labeling at the end of the line as to where they will be shipped.  

[Valkorado]

Had to toss this one out.  Enjoy!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NnA9V-qqLGs#dialog

John Hartford -- Electric Washing Machine

[Oss]

Curious, Why a top loader?

A front loader you never have to worry about it getting unbalanced, uses less water too

  If you leave the door ajar when finished with the load no mold issue or smell.

Our Maytag went over 25 years but the pump died and left with dozen gallons of dirty water.

[carolinarider09]

Why a top loader, because that is what my significant other (wife) wants.  Since I don't do much laundry, I shall take her request as the only option.

I did ask her "top loader or front loader" and she replied "top loader".  I did not inquire as to why. 

I shall give the Speed Queen a look.  Just have to find a local sales place so we can also establish a relationship for service and support. 

[carolinarider09]

When not in use I leave the lid open on my top loader so it can air itself.

So does my wife but the mold appears to accumulate in the water supply or drain part of the machine.  So while it will dry out, the mold dries and when water enters the machine it washes he mold off the offending orifices or whatever and into the wash water.

[hubcapsc]

Speed Queen

[carolinarider09]

So, I thought I'd do a search using DuckDuckgo for washing machines.  

The results were interesting.  Kenmore (not any more since their quality has gone), Electrolux,  GE, Maytag, LG,

Just one website.  

No Speed Queen

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-washing-machines,review-6208.html

[carolinarider09]

A search for Speed Queen models turns up four models.  I picked this one (have not looked at the price yet) because it has a seven year warranty. 

TR7003WN

There are several local "dealers" I will investigate next.

[cookiedough]

AS most have said SPEED QUEEN.  I  have done the research as well past few years since my old Whirlpool washer/dryer both are 27 years old now and am guessing my whirlpool fridge as well 27 years old now will be biting the dust anytime now.  My Whirlpool side by side fridge was showing some wear for sure past few years my wife said either we re-paint the entire front starting to rust specks all over in front or we buy new is white.  That enamel fridge paint works GREAT looked near new again except for the gasket inside is ripped but still seals.   WE have had last year turn it up though 1 mark to colder since milk was spoiling 3-4 days prior to expiration date vs. 1-2 days AFTER exp. date in the past so is probably going to go out soon.

Anywho,  went to appliance stores all say they may not be the fanciest with most gadgets,  but SPEED QUEEN is the ONLY mfg. washer  for sure and possibly dryer that will last 20+ years and much more commercial duty vs. 7-12 years for the rest of mfgs.  Even whirlpool and tried and true maytag are not made like they use to be ONLY SPEED QUEEN nowadays.

Here is what I did.  I tried moving around the speed queen washer and took a similarly priced fancier other mfg. washer both top load and BIG time weight difference moving them around.  SPEED QUEEN MUCH heavier duty for sure made to last.

If you think even whirlpool or maytag or LG or GE or Samsung, etc. will last over 15 years again, you just tossing your money out the door.  ONLY SPEED QUEEN!  

When my washer/dryer clunk out,  will both be Speed Queen middle of the road model and when I looked at them awhile ago, they only make I think 3 variations top load:   base, mid-level, and top of the line and for my needs,  the mid-level washer is fine for our needs.  

[pais]

When we purchased our Kenmore front loader, 19 years ago it was being made by Whirlpool. Knock on wood, it has been trouble free. It has washed clothes for a family of 4 including a wife that washes neurotically.
I had to repair our dryer or so I thought, a couple years ago. While I was at work I had a friend doing some remodeling and he hit a water line. Little did I know, in his panic he turned the gas valve off to the dryer. Couple days later wife says the dryer is not heating up. So I check it out and sure enough no heat. Youtube says for this check the solenoid on the gas valve. So I buy a solenoid and change it out, no heat. Im leaning on the dryer getting pissed and I see said valve in the corner. Just for sh**s and giggles I check it and sure enough off it was. Turned it on and had heat. Switched back to old solenoid and still had heat. Yea, saved $35.00. Dryer is a Maytag, 20yo.
The point of that dryer story is. When I checked with the appliance parts store for the part. I asked him if I was to buy a new dryer what would he suggest. He told me what he would not buy, LG and Samsung. Cant keep up with the orders for parts and they are hard to get. Takes a long time. He said that applies to all home appliances from those 2 companies, FWIW.

[carolinarider09]

Ok,  I found a local dealer which appears to have good reviews from customers.  Its Wessinger Appliances and its not far away.  The price for the one I think is top line residential is not that bad, just a little over $1,000.  Of course the front loader is over $2,000 but she does not want a front loader (not sure why but....).

https://www.wessingerappliancesc.com/catalog/washers?manufacturer=8815

I will contact them tomorrow.  

[RP#62]

Let me know if you need help on replacing bearings on a Whirlpool front end loader.



-RP

[Hook#3287]

I spoke to 2 different appliance store owners.

One, a speed queen dealer among other brands, stated speed queen all the way for durability.

Showed me where SQ uses metal pieces whereas all the others use plastic.

The other dealer said buy the least expensive one and replace when broken.

My Hotpoint I bought in 1988 lasted 22 years.  Next one, Whirlpool, lasted 5.  Next one, GE, 5 years and it's got a bad bearing.   All top loaders.  New ones suck.

I friend of mine was getting rid of his newfangled $$$$ HE front loader cause it was making noises and bouncing around.  I took apart and found it had a balancing block that had disintegrated.   I replaced that, the gasket between the door & tub and the door lock latch.  About $150.00 in parts.

Runs good, but I don't expect it to last that long.

When/if the time comes, I'm getting a SQ.

[carolinarider09]

I shall do that.  My wife just said if we purchase the Speed Queen they have to take the Samsung out of here.  


Regarding the story about the gas line being turned off, not the same thing, but....

We have a deal with a local plumbing service to review or plumbing and septic system.  Last gentleman that was here was checking the shower.  The shower has a two vales on the wall (one for temp and one for volume) and on the other wall (180 degrees from the shower head) are to valve like things on the wall that are used for hanging wash clothes.  They are glued in place with silicon cement.  After the inspector left, I noted that one of the devices was laying on the wooden bench inside the shower.  Apparently the gentlemen thought it was a shower valve and turned it hard enough to take it off the wall.  I was not pleased he did not tells us.  Next time I will fully brief the inspector just in case.  

[F6Dave]

I still have a Maytag washer I bought in 1982.  I've replaced the belts and nothing else has gone wrong.  I've also had great luck with Whirlpool kitchen appliances.  Since they're all the same company now I hope they still make quality products.

However, I have multiple friends who had both LG and Samsung appliances fail in a very short time.  Samsung makes good TVs and phones but I wouldn't touch their appliances.

[..]

When not in use I leave the lid open on my top loader so it can air itself.

So does my wife but the mold appears to accumulate in the water supply or drain part of the machine.  So while it will dry out, the mold dries and when water enters the machine it washes he mold off the offending orifices or whatever and into the wash water.

Eeeek.

[..]

A Google search reveals Samsung has had major problems with a lot of its laundry products.

[carolinarider09]

I still have a Maytag washer I bought in 1982.  I've replaced the belts and nothing else has gone wrong.  I've also had great luck with Whirlpool kitchen appliances.  Since they're all the same company now I hope they still make quality products.

However, I have multiple friends who had both LG and Samsung appliances fail in a very short time.  Samsung makes good TVs and phones but I wouldn't touch their appliances.

Same for us when we moved here from Michigan in 1979 and bought a home in Irmo, SC in 1980.  We purchased a Maytag washer and it remained in use until we left the house in 2010 or so.  Well at least it was the last one we purchased before we left.  We may have purchased in a few years after moving in. 

[bassman]

Ok,  I found a local dealer which appears to have good reviews from customers.  Its Wessinger Appliances and its not far away.  The price for the one I think is top line residential is not that bad, just a little over $1,000.  Of course the front loader is over $2,000 but she does not want a front loader (not sure why but....).

https://www.wessingerappliancesc.com/catalog/washers?manufacturer=8815

I will contact them tomorrow.  

Believe the one you are looking at is the touchpad model with a 7 year warranty versus knobs and 5 year warranty.  We got the 7 year touchpad version but not at MSRP.  Should be able to get a little $ deal on it if a decent dealer.  Spousal unit VERY happy with it.

[G-Man]

When not in use I leave the lid open on my top loader so it can air itself.

We were told to do this with our front loader.  The big rubber door gasket developed that "black stuff" around and behind the gasket.  After I cleaned and replaced the gasket, a friend told me to leave the door open when not in use.

[Alpha Dog]

Let me know if you need help on replacing bearings on a Whirlpool front end loader.



-RP

Same happened to our front loader ( forget the name ) it was a popular name, bought from Sears 10 or 12 years ago.  Warranty six years, at 6.5 years bearing goes out.  Sears repair man comes out and says bearing and $ 600 dollars.  I did research and found this to be very very common from box store brands.  We went with top loader as suposedly less stress.  When this one goes in a few years, I am sure it will be a Speed Queen, and I do not give a rats ass how it looks, hope the wife feels the same.

[gordonv]

Speed Queen (SQ).

I work in the laundry business. Maytag got sued and Whirlpool bought them out, what 15 yrs ago? Since then, the Lonely Maytag Repair Man disappeared, and so did Maytag. It exists only in name. Prior to that, Maytag ALL the way. So unless you want to get a free used one, and repair it (most parts are now obsolete) I wouldn't take one for free.

All our "other" machines (Whirlpool/Maytag/LG) are being replaced with Alliance assembled SQ. Remember, nothing is truly Made in American. Of course, our machines are commercial models. Get a model which is not digital.

Do you pay for water? Yes, get the front load. 13L per load, compared to 35L for the top load, plus drier cloths coming out into the dryer, along with less damage to your cloths.

It's all been said in the above. The front load needs to leave the door open, or mold will form. Most claim a 1/2 cup of vinegar once a week is enough to keep it clean. Doesn't hurt cleaning it once in a while, there is a drain hole in the rubber boot between the front panel and the tub (look first, needle/toothpicks/sharp things end up there), it needs to be kept clear to drain.

I think we sell a commercial TL for around $1200, and the FL for $1800 CAD. Maybe find a used?

[carolinarider09]

Gordonv,

Question. 

 The model I am looking at has a 7 year warranty and it appears the only difference between it and the next version down (5 year warranty) is that the 7 year warranty model  (TR7) is digital and the 5 year one  (TR5) is not.  Why should I not get a digital model?

My wife is not really into the front loader.  I will pass you water usage on to her.  We do pay for water but its not a major issue as far as cost. 

[Jess from VA]

Warranty is not always relevant (for me).

My last new washer was a good Whirlpool top loader.  Within a year (in warranty), it broke.  It took me a while to find the warranty center closest to me.  It was a hundred miles away, and they said I had to bring my washer to them.  And they were were swamped, and it would be weeks before they could get to it anyway.  I had no way to get the washer to them (short of hiring it done or renting a trailer).  So as far as I was concerned this was no warranty at all. 

So I got Moe and Curly to come fix mine for $125 at my house (with some small plastic part), and it's been good ever since (10+ years).  (Larry had the day off)

I never heard of washers getting mold in them.  Not only do I always leave the top open after each wash, I always use a Clorox wipe on the agitator and drum after each use.  As a bachelor, I only do a load every 3 to 4 weeks (a big one and everything goes in).  I've found having enough socks and underwear to last a month cuts down on laundry. 

[cookiedough]

I would not get the SQ digital one either just good old turn knob.  Knob breaking is far cheaper than electronic digital.   Upfront SQ is going to cost more few hundred bucks,  but heavy duty and lasting 20+ years and more importantly probably will be in business still then for parts, etc.  is key and more than make up for in longevity.  AS far as water usage,  I would not worry about it top load old school would be for me as well.   My techy ex-neighbor who always had to have the latest and greatest TV's etc. I remember is on his 3rd set of high tech LG, etc. washers in past 20 years none last more than 7 years and with all the fancy digital crap he showed me front load washers was not for me.

Yah,  Maytag from long ago was the way to go back in the 80s and 90s, even earlier than that.  I think my moms Maytag I still vaguely remember my Dad bought it in late 1970s when I was a kid for my mom (homemaker) and boy oh boy, was she happy.  Prior to that we had an old ancient wringer washer with tub also made by Maytag  and when I was in high school in the 80s I still remember since worked fine someone came up and gave my parents 100 bucks for it still going strong.  Whirlpool was good back in the day rated in the tops as well back when we bought all new appliances for our new house in 1993. 

My grandma before I was born long long ago having 11 kids to feed all my aunts/uncles (god bless her soul dealing with those knowing them now can only imagine the little terrors they were as young kids) my mom the oldest raising half her siblings growing up,  must have had an old wringer washer since I always remember her with her left arm bent inward crushed from getting stuck guessing in the 1940's or 1950's.  Never seemed to bother her knowing her into her 50s and 60's age range but always was weird shaped short of useless left arm except she always came to my moms house lived in same town with her purse hanging from her bent/crushed inward forearm.  I guess it was good for something?  to hang her purse from? 

[gordonv]

Why should I not get a digital model?

The digital SQ control board, that we replace quite often, went from $400 to $800. I love digital, for a charged washer. But home style (free), all you need is a timer. You may also be able to get a generic one  to work in your machine, if it was ever to require one.

When I changed from a TL (lid doesn't lock, so you can throw more socks in when you find them, unlike the FL) to a FL, I was able to wash more cloths, they came out of the washer drier, took 1/2 the time to dry, and I had 1/2 the lint in the screen after it was done. 1/2 the lint means 1/2 the damage of the fibers of your cloths. They last longer.

I never heard of washers getting mold in them.  Not only do I always leave the top open after each wash, I always use a Clorox wipe on the agitator and drum after each use.

The TL are usually left open when you're done, so they dry out. Also, all water goes down, to the bottom of the stainless steel drum, under the basket (which you can see), and into the drain. So it also usually dries up nicely.

In the FL, the door is wet, the rubber is wet, it sits on a shallow angel, and seems to keep a little more water in it, and then you close the washer door so you can walk by it/close the closet door/ or? so it never dries out.

I've been using FL washer personally for over 17 years now (3rd one, Frigidaire/Maytag/IPSO (SQ)), never have I smelled mold. I clean the boot about every 3 months, nothing much, a wet cloth with soap, and inspect that drain hole I mentioned.

Remember, I work in commercial laundry, so on site I see it all, from turds in the washer/dryer, to rusted/corroded machines, caused from hot water and the corrosive soap (think of a car from the salt belt, only 3 years old and threw it away).

TL, are a little simpler machines, less to go wrong and less costly repairs and fairly easy to repair. ex: springs (last a life time).

FL, a little more complicated (as compared to the TL), with more expensive parts. ex: shocks (wear out).

[carolinarider09]

Wife went shopping today (as usual) and she stopped by the local SQ vendor. Small mom and pop shop in Chapin, SC.  Spoke with the owner, asked some questions and put in an order for the T7. 

Price was a few hundred less than "retail" and there is a $55 delivery charge but they will install and take away the old one. 

Thirty day wait time (then don't keep them in stock)  Our machine will keep working that long.  Just knowing it will be replaced with a quality product makes me feel better, even if I have to wait 30 days. 

[Jess from VA]

Hey, it beats taking the laundry down to the creek and pounding it on a rock.

(which is what the Whirlpool warranty would have had me doing)

[carolinarider09]

Yes it does. It also shows how frustrated the wife was with the current machine.  I don't think she has just spent $1,000 before without more research. 

[Patrick]

Cmon guys ! Talk about luck ! JoAnn just put in a load and guess what ! Bearing now howling !  I'll have to try and find the manual but I think this washer is still a pup, only about 20 years old.

So I guess we are off to see the wizard. I hadn't considered Speed Queen in the past, I guess thats one more to consider.

[carolinarider09]

Sorry to hear that Patrick. 

Hope the fix is simple and easy, but a bearing, not sure if I would even consider a DYI for that.  But then thats me. 

[3W-lonerider]

Sorry to hear that Patrick. 

Hope the fix is simple and easy, but a bearing, not sure if I would even consider a DYI for that.  But then thats me. 

we have the t7. and we've had it for 3 years now. have not had one lick of trouble from it and no problems with the board. when we bought ours they showed us the difference. between the speed queen board and the other peoples. and the sq board was thicker, so less flexing  when you push the buttons..