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5spd4wd t1_j8jmk8m wrote

Look on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist in your area for a used top loader, an older one of a good brand. Buying one that way means you haven't invested a lot of money to see if one does the job well.

True story: I bought a Kenmore Elite 700 set that way, $150 for the set, from an elderly couple going into assisted living. I've been using the washer for several years and for $75 it's performed like a champ.

Haven't needed the dryer yet because the Whirlpool Gold dryer I bought in 2001 is still working perfectly.

New/newer doesn't necessarily mean best, or even good.

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Rawrsomesausage t1_j8jt6q8 wrote

Going to second this. My current combo washer/dryer is a heavy duty White-Westinghouse that came with the apartment. It's from 1999 and (knock on wood), works like a champ. The dryer is noisy at times (needs some lube), but apart from needing a new dryer belt it's been good in the 5 years it's washed my stuff. I think old Maytag is a good brand, and I'm sure there's many more.

My parents had some digital GE front loaders and surprisingly issue free over 10ish years. But I'm wary of all these newer machines. Awesome cycle selection and tailoring but I fear for their longevity in general.

E: I'll add, I haven't overloaded my machine but sometimes too many towels will impede the draining. The few times it's happened I caught it after the cycle ended, meaning it tried to do the spin cycle with all the water still in it. So definitely no nylon parts in there.

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