Submitted by wecouldhaveitsogood t3_11av0bd in BuyItForLife
Edit: what a fantastic discussion! Thank you so much! I have a lot to think about when this baby dies, but we managed to fix her today, so she lives to see another day!
Comments
wecouldhaveitsogood OP t1_j9u7el9 wrote
I read that they tend to be pretty tough on clothes and contribute to faster wear and tear. Is that true?
Ohhellopickles t1_j9u8r9d wrote
A quick search on this sub may provide some insight, washing machines come up with some regularity. Speed Queen seems to be the favorite, but I don’t have experience personally.
BackgroundNoise222 t1_j9u9reb wrote
My research suggested the same thing.
If true it is unfortunate, but that did not deter me from buying a Speed Queen.
I took an inventory of the number of "delicate" items my family washes. I found that I was concerned about a very small percentage of my clothes.
I am not concerned with the washer being rough on jeans and t-shirts.
adventure_in_gnarnia t1_j9ua3zo wrote
A free old machine off Craigslist, lol. Survivorship bias.
Pink_RubberDucky t1_j9uehna wrote
So you bought one? I’m confused…
PabloX68 t1_j9ufd8o wrote
A lot of people recommend Speed Queen for this reason, but we've had an Electrolux front loader for about 12 years and it's still going strong. It replaced a Kenmore (Whirlpool) front loader that died after 7 years from the main bearing failing.
5spd4wd t1_j9ug43x wrote
I don't know about BIFL washing machines but if I was shopping for a replacement I'd look at older top loaders on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. When I say older I mean from not later than the 2000's. Brands: Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag.
Might as well try a used one that's in excellent condition for a not big investment. People got rid of ones that worked perfectly because they thought front loaders and electronic controls were better.
I've been using a older Kenmore 700 for several years that I bought used for $75. It does a perfect job.
ladz t1_j9ug5qz wrote
Washing machines are all pretty tough, I doubt you'd find a significantly greater difference in brand durability vs the variance in lifespan due to usage differences by each owner. They *have* to be tough because they manipulate dangerous amounts of energy so US consumer regulators look at safety problems with them. Nobody wants a recall.
ItsCalledDayTwa t1_j9ugucf wrote
>but that did not deter me from buying a Speed Queen.
CamelHairy t1_j9uhy9x wrote
Speed Queen made in Wisconsin since 1908. Longest warranty, all metal internals (all metal gears in transmission), same components in their homeowner units as are found in their commercial units. Cost more than most, but will last over 25 years. One of the brands most found in laundrymats. Only competition is Maytag Commercial (not Maytag homeowner).
We have their front loader washer and dryer going on 10 years.
If shopping stay away from the big box stores and search out a local independant appliance dealer, preferably one who offers repairs. They will best be able to guide you to the pros and cons of each manufacturer as well as what is available in your price range.
2cats2hats t1_j9ulk1t wrote
+1
Go refurb too. The less bells and whistles a washing machine has the better. You don't need WiFi or apps to wash clothes.
5spd4wd t1_j9uolaa wrote
Millions of people were laundering fabrics successfully for many decades in washing machines that only had knobs for controls. I can customize almost any function of it to suit what I'm washing. And I wouldn't trade my older, used, Kenmore 700 top loader for any that is new and supposedly better.
Gnarlodious t1_j9uolhx wrote
I’m just going to warn you that the new machines are trouble. Water miser mode means you can never get a good rinse. For chemical sensitives that is a nonstarter. Very hard to select a custom wash cycle because they are all programmed. Even getting a decent hot water wash is difficult since they are optimized to conserve energy and use cold water detergent. I’d recommend bending over backwards to repair your old clunker.
2cats2hats t1_j9uoz4a wrote
All my appliances are oldschool 90s and I can afford modern. I had a modern dishwasher that crapped out after a few years...logic board got wet, model design flaw. Had it repaired and it failed again. Went back to 90s stuff. Analog, no electronics. I will do this as long as I can. I don't care if it's a tad noisier than modern dishwashers.
5spd4wd t1_j9upuag wrote
Amen. My dishwasher - a Kenmore Elite, stainless steel tub - is used too. Paid $70 for it several years ago. Does a fantastic job. It was manufactured in 2010.
Mr_Fraunces t1_j9us0mo wrote
I've has a Speed Queen top load for about 15 years now. It has not gone out of balance even once. The pump had to be replaced a couple of years ago but other than that there haven't been any problems.
Mr_Fraunces t1_j9uskwa wrote
Speed Queen doesn't sell through Big Box stores around here. You have to go to an authorized dealer which is normally a locally owned appliance store.
[deleted] t1_j9uux6i wrote
[removed]
zombienudist t1_j9uwsxe wrote
The bigger problem would be the size depending on what your needs are. Even their own page highlights this.
https://speedqueen.com/top-load-vs-front-load/
So if you are doing a load a week then it might not be a big deal. But a family doing lots of laundry that might become an issue. Then there is cost. Depending on where you are water costs might be very important or not at all. So you might need to make a choice based on that. There is no perfect machine only the one that will work best for you based on your needs.
CrispyBananaPeel t1_j9uxkvo wrote
Yes, the one people recommend most, the top loading TC5, has an old fashioned agitator and will accelerate wear and tear but that's the trade off for getting clothes really clean in about 35 minutes per load.
SweetAlyssumm t1_j9uybvd wrote
I have a Speed Queen. I've only had it about six years which is not long, but no repairs, works like a charm. Machines with no/few electronics are going to last longer in general.
SweetAlyssumm t1_j9uynt8 wrote
Completely untrue. Mine is as gentle as a lamb.
Electrical-Contest-1 t1_j9uz0mj wrote
Plus one on the Electrolux front loaders. Also you don’t know what you are missing out on until you see how clean the Electrolux cleans your cloths. Feels good quality solids glass door, simple clean settings and most importantly was like the only washer/dryer I was looking at that does not have wifi built in
Wolverlog t1_j9v4s47 wrote
Really, a lamb?
bmgdm t1_j9vb5db wrote
I got a set from someone on Craigslist, inspected it, it was clean & working... Brought it home & they were infested with German cockroaches! I will never get used appliance again from someones house, you never know where they're truly coming from.
Pink_RubberDucky t1_j9vb5qp wrote
That’s what it sounded like- so why do you not know if Speed Queens are tough on fabrics, then?
FlashyImprovement5 t1_j9vgcxy wrote
Speedqueen t5
Bowlerbeer t1_j9vhldi wrote
just to throw in a new machine option that isn't a speed queen - i bought a maytag commercial (MVWP575GW) about a year ago and really like it. very quick wash cycles, feels very well built, controls are all non-touchscreen. 10 year warranty for parts, 5 years service. only time will tell if it truly holds up, but its being sold as basically a speed queen alternative.
Big-Ad-5149 t1_j9vjkrv wrote
Lol I’ve had a whirlpool for 10 years now, my wife is hoping this thing dies so she can buy a prettier washer dryer set. The one we have is a basic white, no Wi-Fi or anything.
If anything breaks, I plan to fix it
your_Assholiness t1_j9vnhid wrote
all i know is they last forever and are still made in the US
NiGhTHaWk830 t1_j9vnqxz wrote
mieles are good. look for a local dealer. https://www.mieleusa.com/e/washing-machines-1015696-c
Professional_Show918 t1_j9vov6d wrote
Speed Queen if it’s in your budget.
Rd28T t1_j9vt3ye wrote
Yes. Compared to a quality front loader like a Miele, they wear out the clothes very quickly.
I did a big outback road trip, and using the coin laundries in caravan parks and like (almost all speed queen), pilled, faded and thinned my clothes drastically faster than my front loader at home.
It was an outback trip too, so it was 90% cotton shirts and shorts. I wasn’t washing fine silks or delicate synthetics.
I had a couple of sets of ‘nice’ clothes for the odd dinner in a town, and those speed queens flogged the shit out of them too.
Until you have owned a quality front loader, you don’t realise how long clothes can actually last.
Sad_Frosting1670 t1_j9vtgyr wrote
By last legs, what do you mean? Most washing machines can be repaired. If you can do it yourself, part prices are usually not too expensive.
malingator13 t1_j9vyzjs wrote
Speed Queen
harda_toenail t1_j9vziwh wrote
Speed Queen and Miele
PabloX68 t1_j9w8eoo wrote
I'd say the Kenmore did just as well when it was working correctly. However, after about 5 years, the suspension on the drum failed. I literally had to replace the shocks and springs like it was a car. However, I guess I didn't do it quickly enough because after about another year, we started finding beige plastic shavings in our clothes and it started making more noise.
The main bearing failed so the tub was wobbling within the drum. The plastic bits were the drum being shaved away by the stainless tub. It wasn't worth fixing.
t3hs4v4g3 t1_j9w9clx wrote
Just purchased the speed queen classic models. I had been looking into new machines for years because I knew my old ones would eventually wear out. My research overwhelming suggested speed queens (especially asking around my “mom groups”). I found this sub maybe a year and a half ago and unsurprisingly, everyone here mostly suggests speed queens as well. So when my last one finally stopped agitating, I decided to go with SQ. I got it earlier this week and I absolutely love it. The only thing I noticed that I don’t love is I cannot select a load size, there’s only regular fill and deep fill. But that was in no way a deal breaker, for me, we have a large family so it’s not hard to get a full load.
The price was steep, so I called around looking for scratch and dent, found a place that had a sale and offered to deliver but I was too far away so they ended up giving me an extra $150 off each if I could pick up. so I got them for 1150 each. Reg price I think was 1459 ea.
t3hs4v4g3 t1_j9w9n4x wrote
Also when my mom asked which brand I was getting, I told her speed Queen. She said that’s what her mom had (probably 60-70+ years ago) and she said it lasted ages and IIRC she had it when she died in 2001.
Odd_Goat6728 t1_j9wcyez wrote
Fix your current model. My 10yr old kenmore elite washer needed a new bearing and the only option was an entire new assembly with install would have prob been $800. I bought new GE profile units instead of fixing. (The blue ones) Huge mistake. If you care about how loud they are DO NOT BUY. They are incredibly loud on spin. Almost 90db. Ge visited to observe and said this is just how loud they are. New units offer zero value over old units and they are 3x as loud. I’d strongly consider keeping you old unit.
UnluckyRandomGuy t1_j9wf3ht wrote
Speed queens are overrated, they beat clothes up pretty badly and are awful for power consumption
FriendshipSome6014 t1_j9wzxjp wrote
Appliance repair guy told me GE Profile series is best by far
petron5000 t1_j9x1dzp wrote
This. Maytag 575!
irritated_engineer t1_j9x67xr wrote
That's easy. Speedqueen. You can only find them being sold by smaller mom & pip appliance shops. Mine is 5 years old and still going strong
irritated_engineer t1_j9x6mrn wrote
Just curious. How do you find a 1990s dishwasher??
merrymayhem t1_j9x7r57 wrote
I had a Staber, have to order it and have it delivered, kinda pricy. It was 12 when we had to change the bearings. My middle child has it now, 15-16 years old. It loads from the top but washes like a front loader. They’re designed to be fixed by the owner, pretty simple knob controls. I’d have brought it with us when we moved but my husband wasn’t as big of a fan as I was and he’s the one that does laundry. One minor complaint is you can’t fit king sized heavy blankets in the basket.
pan567 t1_j9x8l1r wrote
This is good to hear as we are planning to buy this (and the corresponding dryer). The price seems great and the simplicity of the machine suggests it will last a long time and be relatively easy to repair. I don't need a touch screen on my washing machine and I see that is one more thing to break.
13mind t1_j9xdw1l wrote
German brands: Miele, Bosch.
WhiteOak77 t1_j9y4oiw wrote
Our Maytag Signature series has been a good purchase but they dont make them anymore. Going on 10 years of reliable service for a big family. I did replace a $25 hose assembly and a $75 pump about a year ago.
oliverismyspiritdog t1_j9yj18b wrote
What's the efficiency like? Tia
Bowlerbeer t1_j9yqhgl wrote
probably about as good as any other top loader. if you wash your clothes in cold water, the washer probably isn't a huge energy hog. the dryer on the other hand...
2cats2hats t1_j9ysgi7 wrote
A place in town sells refurb appliances. Luckily they still have older ones available(last I checked).
IKnewThisYearsAgo t1_j9z4ema wrote
Front loader spins faster, it gets more water out so you get faster drying.
wheelsonhell t1_ja10eu7 wrote
Speed queen. The simpler the better. Friends don't let friends buy fancy appliances.
tastycatpuke t1_ja1uksi wrote
Bosch has been amazing, it’s about 9 years old working a load a day. Had to change the sump pump because of neglect and the gasket seal for the same reason, mostly due to my wife’s neglect. Most parts can be sourced and repairs are relatively simple.
Kind of going against all the comments but I’ve bought a couple of LGs recently and they’ve been great. One is a top load and the other is a hybrid which is not so spectacular. Top load one is washing 3-4 loads a day, every day for the past three years. The app works great for the dehumidifier, washer, dryer, wash+dry hybrid, microwave oven but I think the app and the microwave is exclusive to certain SEA countries.
SeaworthinessTop1419 t1_ja5xprq wrote
i've actually been a user since 2003 branded as a Sears Kenmore HE3t. I think it is Miele, it was made in Germany. Very high quality machine that has served my large family very well. Issue for me is its capacity is 3.5 cubic feet and the Mieles sold in the USA now seem to be much much smaller.
Nobody_special1980 t1_ja5yfo2 wrote
Overrated is your single opinion only…..and counts as zero. Hard to argue with the non stop overwhelming support, reviews, and history of Speed Queen. They do not “beat clothes up”. They do however get clothes clean. Something most people don’t understand anymore. If you actually work (as in do something that gets you dirty) these modern washing machines do a very poor job of cleaning your clothes. Especially those without an agitator in the middle. As for power consumption…..I assure you for me personally, that is the dead last thing I’m worried about when it comes to a washing machine. Or any other appliance to be honest. I have electricity….I pay for it. I’m perfectly ok with that.
Bowlerbeer t1_ja7v5zz wrote
just make sure you buy from an appliance dealer not a big box store. the warranty is different (even though i think the machines are the same)
NiGhTHaWk830 t1_jaa0jfz wrote
yea mine is only 2.26 cu ft, which is definitely small. oddly enough the companion dryer i have is 4.02 cu ft.
Quick_Comfortable_30 t1_jaac476 wrote
He lied to you. Everything GE makes is garbage.
Owned a GE Dryer - needed new motor within first 12 months
Owned a GE Fridge - has needed one repair within first 24 months. The GE Tech came out and “repaired” it. We are 26 days from that date and I just scheduled our next repair (which happens to be for the original problem they “fixed” 26 days ago).
I wouldn’t put anymore GE appliances in my house even if they were free.
Quick_Comfortable_30 t1_jaacofx wrote
He lied to you. Everything GE makes is garbage.
Owned a GE Dryer - needed new motor within first 12 months
Owned a GE Fridge - has needed one repair within first 24 months. The GE Tech came out and “repaired” it. We are 26 days from that date and I just scheduled our next repair (which happens to be for the original problem they “fixed” 26 days ago). Also, while they were doing the “repair,” water came pouring out of the fridge and ruined our hardwood floors. They are $8,900 to repair!
I wouldn’t put anymore GE appliances in my house even if they were free.
ShotFish7 t1_jaaemhu wrote
Wow! Thanks for letting me know - what a maddening time of it you've had! Sorry to hear it and thank you for sharing your experience.
MoveAlongChandler t1_jae0tbo wrote
This guy is the best for this question.
your_Assholiness t1_j9u6lim wrote
A Speed Queen