What’s a good washing machine/dryer combo for easy repairs down the road?

Submitted by rosabonita t3_ymzbhp in BuyItForLife

I currently have a kenmore series 700 and it keeps throwing the SD error even when I don’t use detergent or run it empty. It also needs the gear under the agitator changed, but for the life of me I can’t loosen the bolt to get to it. I’m hoping to replace it in the next six months. What brand is a good value and easy to repair?

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WarrenCluck t1_iv6mtbc wrote

SpeedQueen ! DR7 and TR7

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regaphysics t1_iv7m40j wrote

Speed queen isn’t really any mechanically easier to repair. Just a bit less electronics than average.

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5spd4wd t1_iv6jt5x wrote

I have a Kenmore 700 set and it does not have electronic controls, which I avoid like the plague. Or the Covid. I bought it used many years ago and it's still performing wonderfully. Never a single issue. I bought the matching set for $150 from an elderly couple that was going into assisted living.

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DogeTrainer2 t1_ivavgc3 wrote

The cheaper GE line with an agitator and knobs instead of a digital board. I’ve had to work on both our washer and dryer within 5 years of purchase and both were incredibly simple. No digital control board eliminates 90% of the headache.

Washer wasn’t filling completely, thought it was the fill level sensor, ended up being the inlet line screen was clogged.

Dryer the belt broke. Replacement was super easy and only $18. Then the timer seized and that was super easy and only $90.

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UnholyWardenG t1_ivm7pcw wrote

There's a specific spanner type wrench to remove the agitator. As many here have stated, machines with minimal electronics are the better option for down the road repair.

I'm the current caretaker of a Maytag set from the late 70's that came with the house. They are decidedly not pretty, but I had zero issues finding affordable parts, and performing general maintenance on either of them. The dryer needed a new tension roller and belt, the washers main bearing was, for lack of a better descriptor, grenadeded. It cost around $90 for parts, and a few hours of my time. It also allowed me to deep clean both appliances, which both desperately needed. 😅

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dzkrf t1_iv6bt2t wrote

Often it's the cheaper ones without digital displays and simple dials. My $350 Hotpoint is going on 5 years now without any issues.

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Muncie4 t1_iv8fno9 wrote

This is not nor is there an easy to repair subreddit. Do you want to know which brands shouldlast a long ass time?

All Speed Queens.

Maytag 575.

Full stop.

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rosabonita OP t1_iv9dc00 wrote

Well I take into consideration whether or not I can fix something when deciding to buy it for life.

Obviously that’s beyond you

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Muncie4 t1_ival3mu wrote

And you can. But this is not nor is there a subreddit for getting the answer you want. I respect your question, respect the answer.

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rosabonita OP t1_ivalnk9 wrote

A lot of people take repairability into account when deciding what to buy for life. It’s part of the criteria.

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Muncie4 t1_ivcvsks wrote

I don't disagree but again, this ain't a repairabiliy sub nor is there one. And we can't account for the end user's skill as repairs are variable....I can do the brakes in my car but have zero chance of repairing my turbo charger while Internet User Joe thinks rebuilding a turbo is child's play. You can't put a metric of repair on any item. Proper can disagree, but this is where I plant my flag.

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