new washing machine suggestion

[huffmuds9320]

The washing machine in the house is on its way out. It is a Whirlpool top loading which is more than 10 years old. Started having this banging noise and is getting worse, seems like the springs is not balancing the load anymore. You can actually see the washer kind of jump. Don't think its worth fixing it.

So guess its time to get a new washer. I think the front/side loading ones are more efficient so will look at those. The only preference is less electronic computer features, I don't like stuff that has too many computer controls. Back then we had a stove that had problems with the digital oven temp control and malfunctioned. So the simpler the better as my household is not very into high tech stuff. I don't really care about the brand. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Shannow]

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So the simpler the better as my household is not very into high tech stuff.

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[TooManyWheels]

A while back there was a pretty good discussion on here about a brand called Stabler, which sounded like it might fit your needs.

 

[dwendt44]

Apartently, the newest generation of washing machines(top loaders) aren't so hot. CU doesn't recommend any of them.
A good used (recent) unit would be better.
The front loaders are expensive but work well and save water as well.
My 2¢

 

[Dominic]

As efficient as front loaders are, I tend to like the high efficiency top loaders that are pole-free for bigger capacity. They work well and can't have a gasket leak like the front loaders.

 

[Not the Autorx Frank]

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As efficient as front loaders are, I tend to like the high efficiency top loaders that are pole-free for bigger capacity. They work well and can't have a gasket leak like the front loaders.

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I had nightmare problems w/ "non pole" top loader. I finally gave it away because the repair bills were so often and so expensive. Since we have went with a set of front loading LG units. So far so good 3 years in. I used to swear by Kenmore but I'm done w/ them after the horrendous experience and terrible service.

 

[sprintman]

Miele front loader, the best of the best

 

[oilyriser]

adjust leg, stop noise

 

[rjundi]

I am doing well with a $100 inc delivery used washer I purchased from a used appliance place 6 years.

Its a maytag and the vintage is 1982 apparently a good for washers

 

[Lonnie]

The machine is a Staber http://www.staber.com/

I've had one for several years and it works great. I switched from a Neptune that Maytag could not keep running. The Staber uses less water and electricity than the Neptune and after washing a load there is less time in the dryer because it spins out more water. I do have one warning. If you get a Staber, be sure to get used to using less soap and don't use the more expensive HE soap required by many front loaders like the Neptune. Also, when you first start washing with the Staber you might want to do the first cycle of washing with very little or no soap because the Staber will get the soap left behind by other less efficient machines and if you have added a full dose of soap you will have too many suds and they will come out the top of the machine. It happened to me a couple of times until I called the factory and found out what was happening. Also the Staber is one of the few washing machines that us US made, parts and labor, if that makes any difference to you.

 

[1sttruck]

We're happy so far with a front loading Kenmore. It was a bit over $500 with a local energy saving rebate combined with a sale, cleans clothes better than the top loader that it replaced, and hasn't given us any trouble.

 

[eljefino]

Happy with a neptune front loader, but I unplug it every thunderstorm as I understand the elecronics are delicate.

Any front loader will amaze you; whatever brand you get will be icing on the cake.

 

[Gary Allan]

Now that we've paid for our Maytag Neptune twice (a machine that will live in infamy) ..it's the best washer we've ever had. Performance-wise, it always was. They finally got the replacement control boards to last more than 6 months.

 

[JohnBrowning]

My family has always gotten great use out of Kenmore. I know Sears does not make them but they always last a long long time. My Mother has a series 60 and I love it! I do not rember what series mine is but mine is an ecconomy model and so far so good. Between my wife,me and my three boys that washer and dryer get used more in a month then most people's get used in a year!

 

[Greggy_D]

The only thing I do not like about the Stabers is the small capacity.

 

[JHZR2]

Staber is what we will be buying next, for both washer and dryer. Interesting point about small capacity, but that tends to be the optimal way to operate a lot of different things, e.g. air conditioner units.

The staber washer is only 2.0 ft^3, compared to my top loader I have now, which is 3.0 ft^3. However, the top loader has an agitator, which takes up some space and creates imbalance. Staber claims that the typical top loader can handle 8-10 standard bath towels while their unit can handle 16. They dont claim how big their example top loader is, but I wouldnt doubt that there is some packing factor efficiency.

The operating efficiency is what appeals to me...

Arent most front loaders pretty small? What is the cubiuc foot capacity of a typical front loader???

Thanks,

JMH

 

[Lonnie]

I run the same large quilts in the Staber that I ran in the Neptune. I don't see a capacity problem in our use. I do like the idea of using a small amount of soap and the fact that it get the clothes we use doing yard work cleaner. The best thing about the Staber is that it is simple inside and has no expensive circuit boards that kept failing in the Neptune. If you remove the front cover, not the rear, you can get to everything inside without moving the machine. The Maytag repair guy had to move the machine out from the wall and dismantle everything to make the smallest repair. Replacing the drum bearing on the Neptune took him a lot of parts and over an hour. The repair guy also had to have special tools, none of which are needed for the Staber. As soon as I had to start paying for the circuit boards in the Neptune I quit. That machine is a repairman's dream, steady employment.

 

[benjamming]

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The staber washer is only 2.0 ft^3, compared to my top loader I have now, which is 3.0 ft^3. However, the top loader has an agitator, which takes up some space and creates imbalance. Staber claims that the typical top loader can handle 8-10 standard bath towels while their unit can handle 16. They dont claim how big their example top loader is, but I wouldnt doubt that there is some packing factor efficiency.

Arent most front loaders pretty small? What is the cubiuc foot capacity of a typical front loader???

Thanks,

JMH

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Our Whirlpool Duet front loader model 9400 claims 3.8 IEC-equivalent ft^3.

 

[JohnBrowning]

I have never had to have a repair man out for any washer I have owned or that my parents have owned. I have been lucky enough to be able to fix them myself. Now my mother did have to have a repair guy out for their Kenmore Dryer once becuase dad was gone but it was under warranty. It too though had to have way to many parts replaced. I think the guy had to replace a lot of parts that were plastic and failure prone with diecast parts. It was something to do with the drum and it's rollers!

 

[williar]

Our year-old Frigidare washer/dryer front loader has worked flawlessly. Quiet, easy to use, and cleans/drys well. At a much lower price than many others. Requires special front-loader detergent, though.