Maytag changed things a few years ago. The good old design looks like this:
The above is the classic Maytag, a great design.
Posted on 10/21/2014 4:44:18 AM PDT by IamConservative
5 years ago, I purchased an LG front load washer and dryer set. My expectations were as high as the price. About 2 years into it, the first washing machine failed and after many life intruding service calls, I got a new machine under the "lemon" provision of the warranty. This past Sunday, my "new" washer took a dump. Tub won't move. It will run an entire washing cycle and the tub never moves an inch. I have no warranty left and am not inclined to throw any more good money after bad.
We're gong back to a top loader and steering clear of LG and Samsung.
What say ye on the best top loader washer dryer combo today?
Aside from the inconvenience and expense, this experience has solved one problem for me. I now have a target for the family Thanksgiving Day shoot!
Love my Whirlpool W&D. Have had one repair to each in 15 years. The repairman we’ve used recommends sticking with more basic models as most of the extras are for marketing purposes.
Really like Bosch, but I heard they got out of the business a few years ago because they couldn’t compete in price with brands like LG.
Try to find something still made in America. Foreign made don’t seem to last. Kenmore (whirlpool) basic models will do just fine.
We too, and we have also had Sears. Wer not so bad, but to be honest I do not know how old each of the Sears were/are, and just now have a Whirpool drier.
Too bad Westinghouse doesn’t exist. Used to be good. I finally bought replacements for my parents after 30 years. They were still working, just other stuff made them not good. Bad thing? The machines i bought have been replaced just recently, meaning 10-15 years of service. I think it was Whirlpool, don’t remember. Not bad, but not like those ‘60s Westinghouse!
We just purchased a Maytag High Efficiency top-loader. Not near the issues that happen with the front loaders due to design differences. Woman at the store was getting one to replace her Neptune, had nothing but problems with it.
Love our new washer. Gets loads clean, will take a large comforter as there is no center agitator.
Maytag changed things a few years ago. The good old design looks like this:
The above is the classic Maytag, a great design.
I like the old gasoline powered wringer washers.
Maytag 1936:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rPqQIRzXyc
Easy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO38GMQZ68U
My dishwasher quit working about 20 years ago. We had it out and she’s working just fine now.
No, Sears is Kenmore. They may have an agreement, though, for slapping their name on it. Which they always did in the past.
I have a Miele front loader, expensive but worth it.
For shopping appliances, check out this forum: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/appl/
Pretty happy with the whirlpool set bought at Costco years ago.
As for the Maytag--and a lesson about class action lawsuits--within two weeks of cashing Maytag's $550 check, I was notified of a class action suit against Maytag due to the widespread mildew issue. The most any Maytag washer owner would get from the class action was $500 (for <1 year old machine), and I would have only received about $150.
Before spending another wad on a new washer, check to see if it’s something relatively simple. The big-money part on those washers is the control circuit, but the rest of it works pretty much like the old-fashioned washers i.e. a motor and the drum, and a pump. Since you’re out of warranty anyway, my advice would be:
First, call LG customer service, and tell them what happened. Make sure to point out that this is the washer they had to give you after the first one crapped out.
Second, open up the service panel on the back, and see if you can spot the problem. Sometimes, it’s as simple as something jammed the tub/belt/motor (I know those LGs use a direct-drive system). You might be able to fix it yourself.
Third, there are plenty of self-employed appliance repair guys who can probably fix it, and save you a lot of money.
I happen to like the front-loaders. I’ve bought two sets of the Kenmore Elites (the ex got the first set). I buy them at the Sears scratch-and-dent store, where I get them for just about half-price, and they still work great and come with the full warranty. I’ve never had cause to complain about my machines, and they do a great job cleaning my clothes. I particularly like the wide choice of cycles so I can wash everything they way it should be, including some things that a top-loader can’t.
Try to find one without a computer. The computer will fail and the machine will be fine, yet uneconomical to fix.
Mechanical timers are fine. However, do not get the Lowes bottom ender. It is noisy.
If you look into Kenmore, it is actually Whirlpool.
Ah yes...that was the model name of my M&M (mold & mildew) Maytag. See story above...
I SUFFERED for 5 years with a high-end, front-loader (don’t even remember which brand - it was a top Consumer Report rated machine!). It finally died and I bought a Speed Queen about 8 months ago. FANTASTIC! My clothes have never looked so clean. Short cycles, normal water levels, but a little noisier than fancier machines. I actually am more willing to do laundry because it doesn’t take a full day to get through a couple loads of laundry.
Couple things we have learned about the smell and mildew in HE machines.
- Leave the door open when not in use.
- Use very minimal detergent. We use 2 tablespoons of regular strength in a load. The HE detergents are enzyme based. Adding more is not better.
I’ll be a heretic and suggest you do the research on and buy the washer and dryer separately. They don’t really have to be matched.
I sold appliances for several years. Whenever I had a man who understood machines (engineer, mechanic) involved in the buying team I would take the machines apart and show how they were built and how they worked.
They ALWAYS bought Maytag.
The fact that Maytag gave the salesman a New York Steak with every sale had absolutely nothing to do with my respect for the brand.
Did you know that most airport fuel systems are made by Maytag?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.