Anyone want to recommend a washing machine?

[spinbaby]

The downside of those front-loading washers: Yes, they save water, but if our experience is any indication, they invariably blow their little computerized brains out a month or so after the extended warranty runs out. :-(

So we're trying to decide what to do about our latest dead washer. Call in a repairman at great expense? Buy another at over $700 a shot? Buy a cheap washer that uses more water? Screw it all and use the laundromat (not really an option for very long when you live out in the country)?

Anyone have a super reliable washer to recommend?

[Gormy Cuss]

1. I have an older front loader with no little computerized brain.

Nine year old Frigidaire and the only repair so far was a $5 door latch. Since they've changed quite a bit in that time the brand and model aren't relevant but if I had to replace it I'd go for the front loader because they're just so much better in terms of energy and water use.

[spinbaby]

2. I'd prefer a brainless washer myself

But they're all fancy computerized things now. I'd prefer a microwave with a simple dial timer, too, but have to take the computerized model.

[Gormy Cuss]

5. I hate the computerized "improvement" trend.

It's one thing when they're well designed and likely to last as long as the motor but it's quite another when they're cheaply done and cost a fortune to repair. Microwaves are always cheaper to replace than repair and that bugs me to no end. Microwaves need special handling in disposal because they're hazardous waste.

spinbaby -- with that name you should know everything about washing machines. :D

[Speck Tater]

3. A tried and true energy saving model.

[Kali]

4. Staber - made in usa, really saves water, expensive

http://www.staber.com/

[spinbaby]

7. They're very nice

But too expensive for our budget.

[Kali]

12. too much for mine too

but I'm dreaming of one. my last "new" washer is a used whirlpool top loader lint generator, but it only cost $50 so that has to make up for some of the water use. Also I have a nice lawn where my clothes line is from the water.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

6. Yes, I do recommend you occasionally use one.

Cleanliness, ya knows... :evilgrin:

[Crazy Dave]

8. Just about all of them have the same parts

I haven't researched any though since the China boom started but fifteen years ago over 90% of washers were made by Whirlpool. I remember buying the one I had before the current one. It was called an Estate and it was the cheapest one Circuit City had. On the washer it said Estate, on the cover of the manual it said Estate, but all the manufacture tags on the machine and warranty papers said Whirlpool. It lasted seven years even with hard water.

[The empressof all]

9. I have a Maytag front loader

I have a small laundry space and must be able to stack. I absolutely HATE HATE HATE front loading machines. They do save water and I am able to put a king sized comforter in mine but I personally don't think it gets the clothing as clean. I also really like the ability to soak clothing that you lose if you don't have a top loader. I miss being able to give dirty things a good long soak before washing.

[Midlodemocrat]

10. I had a Maytag top of the line front loader.

It was a complete piece of crap. My laundry room is on the second floor of my house and the vibration from that damned thing nearly tore the walls down.

Have a relatively inexpensive Whirlpool right now that is doing the job just fine. I could buy three more of them for what that Maytag cost.

Never again.

[LostinVA]

13. I learned on those "home shows" that you're not supposed to put front loaders on the 2nd floor

We got a front loader recently, and we love it. It actually said in the manual that it wasn't for use on the 2nd floor. The house we're buying has the laundry room in the kitchen, so we're good.

[Midlodemocrat]

14. Yup. I wish I had known that.

I was just looking for enormous capacity.

[LostinVA]

15. We got a pretty small Fridgidaire one (it can be stacked)

But it actually has a larger capacity than much larger top-loaders. We seem to generate an enormous amount of laundry for two people.

Haruka's mom has the same problem with her front-loader washer. It's huge and it's on the 2nd floor. Shakes the whole house.

[likesmountains 52]

11. Well, if spinbaby doesn't know which one's best..who would? Spincycle?

:rofl:

[yellowdogintexas]

16. I have this one. It is 5 years old. I still love it. Basic Bare Bones, dial controls

no electronic stuff. Uses less water, gets my clothes cleaner, is kinder to my clothes and they are nearly dry when they come out of the washer.
The stand is sold separately, I bought it because I have back issues and with the stand I don't have to bend and stoop. I got the dryer 2 years ago and I love it too.
I believe this is made by Frigidaire, as Sears carries both and they are essentially identical.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02640412000P?mv=rr

[AlCzervik]

17. I have a Bosch front loader, i should have bought the pedestals at the time, i did not, i have since

purchased the 15 inch ones for both washer and dryer and life and my back are much happier.

Another thing with the washer, i always reduce the spin to it's not at 80,000 rpm, damn thing sounded like it was leaving the runway so now it's on reduced spin.