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Old 02-05-2015, 09:09 PM   #21
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The speed queen washer new out of the box would only fill the tub to about 3/4s full even on the extra large mode. This was due to the federal regulations on water usage. Found on youtube how to adjust the fill switch so that it would fill to full capacity on extra large modes (think bedding). First thing I did was adjust the fill switch immediately after it was delivered/installed. Wife thought I was crazy. Now we have the ability to set exactly how much water is needed for the size of the load. All of these HE washers are garbage as far as I'm concerned. Special low suds soap, minimal water, subject to mil dewing if you close them after use. What was wrong with the old style top load washers? I'll tell you - nothing. We got rid of a working hot point (ge) washer to get a fancy high efficiency front load washer that had more bells and whistles that we did not need. Used to get a drainage blocked error about 5% of the time we used the he washer. Funny thing was to clear the error, you had to rerun/restart the washer which used more water. Why on earth would you need a drainage blocked sensor on a washer? More crap to break, just keep it simple. Lots of people are going back to the old reliable top load washers.
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Old 02-05-2015, 09:11 PM   #22
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If the govt wants to regulate the energy / water usage, rather than let the consumer decide, then they should do like they did with emissions systems on cars - manufacturer needs to warranty them for 8 years / 80,000 miles (or equivalent wash cycles).

-ERD50
I'm with you on that ! An appliance is supposed to be " Consumer durable goods" If they can't back the appliance for at least 5 years, they shouldn't be in the appliance business.
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Old 02-05-2015, 09:46 PM   #23
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An obligatory update on our unique Staber washing machine: I had to replace a bearing a couple of years ago (it took a couple of hours, but no special tools and no drama), other than that it keeps soldiering on. Gets the clothes clean without tearing them up, doesn't use a lot of water, and the design is very smart. I especially like the extensive use of simple mechanical timers/switches and that it is designed to be easily repaired when the time comes.
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Old 02-06-2015, 08:22 AM   #24
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Chiming in. Great to get the latest info, what to avoid, what to seek out as far as washer/driers. Just for another datapoint, I have a 29 year old Hotpoint washer which came new with the house. Only repair needed was water pump at around year 20, which I was able to replace myself, and part was cheap ($40 ? ). Also have Hotpoint drier also 29 years old. Never had to do anything to it!! Knock on wood.
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Old 02-06-2015, 10:58 AM   #25
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In 2013 I bought a GE top-loader with an agitator. I didn't want a front loader because I had read about so many problems. The top loaders without an agitator all had the lid locking mechanism and the water level sensing thing that you can't control.

The one I bought has the automatic water level sensing or you can set a dial for the water level. It's still an Energy Star rated machine and is designed to save water per the government standards. http://products.geappliances.com/App...ku=GTWN4250DWS

It took me a while to trust the automatic water sensing thing. I used a magnet on the lid interlock so that I could leave the lid open and watch how the it operates. Once I understood how the new machines are not like the old machines I learned to love the new washer. It really does use a lot less water and we see the difference in our water usage. The laundry gets just as clean.

Reading reviews on my new washer people either love it or hate it. I love it now but I had to adjust to the new way of washing machines.
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Old 02-06-2015, 11:15 AM   #26
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We have a Maytag Bravo 300 series top loader HE. No issues - about 9 yrs. old.
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Old 02-06-2015, 12:23 PM   #27
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We just replaced a 20+ year old Kenmore with a Whirlpool WTW5000 top loader (no agitator) with the latest gizmos.

So far very mixed reactions. On the plus side, most clothes come out cleaner than they did before.

On the minus side (big minus), If the load is not perfectly balanced, particularly with big bulky items (towels, Blue Jeans, heavy jackets) it will go into a seemingly endless cycle where the computer tries to balance the load by adding water, swirling things around and then tries to spin again- nope it's not balanced - so it goes thru the cycle over and over. I finally stopped it, took out about half the dripping wet stuff, put into a drain and spin cycle and then it worked OK. Frustrating.

Next I'm going to try mixing light and heavy stuff since the just heavy stuff loads are not working so well.
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Old 02-06-2015, 12:42 PM   #28
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At this point I will consider buying used via Craigslist or local ad from somebody moving. It doesn't seem that anyone makes good solid reliable appliances anymore. Even the $2k washers crap out in five years or so.
When we moved last year it came with 15+ year old appliances. DH keeps saying we need to replace him. I told him they will get replaced when we are no longer able to repair them. I like the idea of buying used.
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Old 02-06-2015, 03:50 PM   #29
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I subscribed to the on-line version of Consumer Reports (about $25-$30/year). It is a great way to compare features and get their recommendations. I've had very good luck with their recommendations on everything from cars to appliances. If you don't want to subscribe, most public library have the magazines.


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Old 02-06-2015, 04:29 PM   #30
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Appliance thoughts:

Washers: Have had used that lasted until we tired of them, now have an LG HE front loader about 8 yo. No problems other than the mildew even if leave door open. After 40 years can't complain about washers or dryers; have been able to fix a few things that went wrong

Dryers: No problems I can recall.

Refrigerators: Had two in last 30 years, never a problem and the second one was just a style decision with a remodel. For what they do, refrigerators seem pretty reliable to me.

Stove: Only problem in long past was a heating element in oven. Then 10 years ago got Maytag range in a remodel. Have replaced spark igniter module for burners, and igniter bar for both oven and broiler. Not too impressed.

Dishwasher: In remodel took out an Asco that was without a doubt quietest dw have ever witnessed. Unfortunately it didn't make the remodel cut. Maytag unit was LOUD (most expensive model) and it quit so out it went. Impressed with daughters Bosch, but had problems with it, under warranty. It's OK, but not as quiet at the Asco. If ever replace, whatever it costs that's what I'll get.

Microwave: never had a problems with any of em!

Interesting that IMO cars are becoming incredibly reliable (remember when highways had signs for "mechanic on duty!"? Can't recall last time a car left me in lurch other than dead battery. On the other hand, IMO appliances are becoming crap!
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Old 02-06-2015, 04:36 PM   #31
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HO, your general thoughts above would mirror mine exactly, with the exception that I have an electric stove, and I wouldn't be surprised if it outlives me.


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Old 02-06-2015, 04:50 PM   #32
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On the other hand, IMO appliances are becoming crap!
No question in my mind. We bought a new house 12 years ago furnished with GE appliances by the builder. Dishwasher was very loud and quit in 8-9 years, replaced with a quiet KitchenAid. Kenmore top loading washer quit in 18 months, needed a circuit board that was going to cost more than half the cost of the washer, so replaced it with a Maytag. I offered Sears the opportunity to do a least a partial adjustment and their only question was "Did you buy the service contract?" No, I don't buy those and since you sold me a lemon, refused to even discuss, I will never spend a nickel in a Sears store again.

(I'm good on that promise. In 1970 my mother bought me an electric typewriter made by Brother, and the price was a stretch for her but she wanted me to have that advantage for school. It was a royal pita to own and to this day I will not even consider anything made by Brother. Now that's holding a grudge!)

The GE microwave also quit in 8-9 years, replaced with a Maytag. The GE garbage disposal was incredibly loud, replaced when DW wanted a porcelain sink because the stainless was getting pretty ugly.

The GE refrigerator, while not replaced, did need a new $150 circuit board in about 2 or 3 years.

To say that I am disappointed with appliance quality is understatement.
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Whirlpool washer is dying
Old 02-06-2015, 04:56 PM   #33
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Whirlpool washer is dying

Gee Walt, that is some bad luck! My house was built for me about a dozen years ago too. Contractor bought me a fridge, stove, and dishwasher for $900 total. That fake stainless steel stuff. Only the dishwasher quit on me and that was after 11 years. All other appliances including over stove microwave and washer/dryer have not had a problem. You need to quit buying quality and buy the cheap stuff as it never seems to break down!


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Old 02-06-2015, 05:14 PM   #34
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Gee Walt, that is some bad luck! My house was built for me about a dozen years ago too. Contractor bought me a fridge, stove, and dishwasher for $900 total. That fake stainless steel stuff. Only the dishwasher quit on me and that was after 11 years. All other appliances including over stove microwave and washer/dryer have not had a problem. You need to quit buying quality and buy the cheap stuff as it never seems to break down!
+1
... dishwasher the only problem, and that only because after 11 years, the plastic coating on the racks is starting to get rust spots where we wash the long knives. Replacement $135 for the lower rack... We're learning to like rust spots.
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Old 02-07-2015, 07:13 AM   #35
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+1
... dishwasher the only problem, and that only because after 11 years, the plastic coating on the racks is starting to get rust spots where we wash the long knives. Replacement $135 for the lower rack... We're learning to like rust spots.
This stuff gets great reviews, I think it was also mentioned on this forum:

Amazon.com: Uber Goop WHITE Dishwasher Rack Paint & Glue w/40 caps: Everything Else


-ERD50
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Old 02-07-2015, 08:56 AM   #36
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I bought a new Kenmore washer about 7 years ago to replace a 20+ year old washer that endured multiple daily uses for decades thanks to having kids. The old washer had one problem, early on, a broken timer fixed under warranty. Then no problems.

When I was talking to the sales person, she agree with me that buying a Kenmore for their reliability was a great idea. When the decision was made and I was paying for the machine, she tried to sell me an extended warranty by arguing that the newer machines were not as well made as the older ones. I wonder if she even cared just how goofy she sounded. Or that her statement triggered immediate second thoughts about my purchase. Thankfully, the new machine has had no problems, though it does get far less use than the one it replaced.
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Old 02-07-2015, 09:26 AM   #37
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My Hotpoint w/d set, as I recall about two notches above the cheapest set, cost ~ $700 in 1996, is still chugging along.

Bought all Whirlpool/Kitchen Aid appliances after a kitchen remodel in 2009; no problems so far.


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Old 02-07-2015, 11:50 AM   #38
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I bought a new Kenmore washer about 7 years ago to replace a 20+ year old washer that endured multiple daily uses for decades thanks to having kids. The old washer had one problem, early on, a broken timer fixed under warranty. Then no problems.

When I was talking to the sales person, she agree with me that buying a Kenmore for their reliability was a great idea. When the decision was made and I was paying for the machine, she tried to sell me an extended warranty by arguing that the newer machines were not as well made as the older ones. I wonder if she even cared just how goofy she sounded. Or that her statement triggered immediate second thoughts about my purchase. Thankfully, the new machine has had no problems, though it does get far less use than the one it replaced.
The service contract pressure goes back to the 1950's when I was a management trainee with Sears.
You cannot, in your wildest dreams imagine the amount of stress appliance salespeople went through... jobs on the line, totally dependent on attaining the service contract sale percent to total sales. Acceptable was supposed to be 60%.... 50% got you a warning, Less than 50% was probation, and two months in a row, under 50%... dismissal. This was back when HR was "Personnel".

The situation was so bad that salepeople "on the brink" would turn away certain sales, because it would cost them their livelihood. For all of my 30 years in retail, this was the higest profit margin of any department, any product, including fashion clothing and paint.
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Old 02-07-2015, 10:54 PM   #39
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A big Thanks to Tandem Lover, jimbee, prudent one, and Yellow Jacket for all the Speed Queen info!

We have a Kenmore (made by Whirlpool) that is almost 26 years old, and eventually one day I know I will have to replace it. Totally turned off by all of the new machines I have been seeing, and a lot of the horror stories.

So I looked at the Speed Queen website, and at the website of a local appliance dealer that has a good name in the area (though I have never use them). They are a SQ dealer, and list the AWN 412, 432, and 542 with prices of 769, 799, and 839 respectively. I watched a couple of youtube videos on raising the water level by adjusting the preload on the pressure sensor... childs play!

So when the old Kenmore finally decides to die in a method I can't fix, I'll get an SQ if they still are the same all electro-mechanical.

The death of a washing machine usually is a major event, that requires one to make a decision pretty quick, so now at least I have a good candidate in mind!
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Old 02-07-2015, 11:23 PM   #40
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I had a top load washing machine stop agitating. But since I didn't like the mold/smell issues of the new front load ones, I checked into fixing my old one.
Turns out, its really easy and only cost a $6 part that goes under the agitator.
So if your dependable washer stops agitating, google about it with model # and you could have a cheap repair available.
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