washers & dryers

[azpapillion]

Yes, we need to get a set for the house and I'm starting to shop around, but would love to find out from all of you what you have, your experiences and if you've heard something about another model/brand.

We're looking I'm looking for a front loading, energy efficient machine that has a larger capacity (for those bolts of fabric we buy)... :)

Your

Comments

[isenglass]

I like my Kenmore stacked front-loader. It has an extra-large capacity and a stainless steel drum. The dryer has a larger capacity than the washer so dries in the same amount of time as a wash load takes. We've had them since 1995 and only had to replace the pump last year. It's a real workhorse. We run about 16 loads of laundry a week.

[azpapillion]

Great news. Thanks!

From Consumer Reports

[thornbury]

Washers and dryers: Performance for less

Re: From Consumer Reports

[azpapillion]

2nd nod towards a Kenmore... Thanks!

Re: From Consumer Reports

[jillwheezul]

I have Kenmores from 1993 still going strong without any breakdowns. I have a Kenmore sewing machine too that has been very reliable as well.

I was looking at the new steam machines and I think the salesman gave it to me pretty straight. He said that you get the same result putting in a damp towel into the dryer for de-wrinkling, and that the washing results on the top vs. front loaders was not appreciable for the money. I don't have much experience with the front loader, but I did get the top of the line large capacity top loader that takes king size comforters plus.

[thornbury]

CR Quick Recommendations Washing machines

[azpapillion]

I take it you are a member... Thanks for the insider info into CR.

[thornbury]

Yep. You're welcome; that's how I roll.

(And though we haven't yet replaced our W/D, the three new appliances I have purchased recently have all been Kenmore.)

[spikywheel]

I've heard that the new washers also do not get "hot". They increased their energy effency by lowering the "hot" temp.

If you plan on dyeing any fabric you have to have a top loader and water temp is a big issue.

Just say'n.

[spikywheel]

This came up on the Costumer's mailing list last week. Someone has been fighting with Kenmore/Maytag on the new settings.

I'm betting it is the 2007 and forward models.

[azpapillion]

Will have to check into it. Most of the ones I'm seeing have their own water heater and 5 heat settings.

We don't usually dye fabric, but thanks for the heads up!

[jaine_parr]

I've got a GE Profile, top loading washer with no agitator that talks to the front loading dryer and tells it what the dryer should do for the load just washed. They both have touch screens. I can program the washer to remember special settings, so I've got a 'prewash linen' cycle programmed in. The washer takes a whole heap of fabric at once and does a great job. The dryer handles what the washer can.

[azpapillion]

The rest of our appliances are GE. How much water do you think yours uses comparatively?

Thanks!

[jaine_parr]

There is a load sensing phase that starts off the cycle. It only adds enough water to wash the clothes that it has in it. If I have a load that is eight pairs of socks, it only fills enough to cover eight pairs of socks. If it's 8 pairs of jeans, there's water enough for 8 pairs of jeans. There is also fluid built in the rim of the basket that auto balances the load. One quilted jacket isn't a horribly unbalanced load. Stainless steel basket.

[jaine_parr]

I forgot, you can program in pre-soak cycles and I think you can even tell it how long you want things to soak for. Water temperature can be very hot, because it's right next to the hot water heater, which is set higher than normal.