washing machine recommendations
 

We're in the market for a new washing machine. I've had a Kenmore HE front-loader for the last 15 years and while I have been, for the most part, satisfied with it, I have told my husband that this time I want a top-loader that fills the tub with water.
I've looked in the archives for threads about washing machines and the only one I found is from 2014. So I'd like to hear from people who have top-loading machines that fill, what brand you have, approximately what you paid, and what you like/don't like about the machine.
Thanks!

I’m not sure any washer fills the tub anymore. Might be a water conservation thing. I can add more water to my Speed Queen manually but I must stand there to hold the button. It doesn’t take long, really. Speaking of that, my washer filled so slowly then I discovered the water inlet wasn’t turned on all the way and had been that way for 4-5 years. DIL’s washer has a nice big tub but mine is actually small compared to hers.

I have done some checking just in case I'll need a set. The person I talked to at Sears said there are no longer machines that fill "all the way". Rules from EPA, conservation ??? who knows but manufactures all have to comply with no extra water.

three years ago we got a GE GTW330, 3.8 cubic feet capacity top loader. this and my refrigerator took me awhile to get used to. they tend to be noisy. Now i don't notice it much at all. I prefer top loaders and am happy with this one.
the model is GTW330ASK0WW and model SG147290G . seems it cost just under $400.00. We had ordered different washer and dryer but they wouldn't fit out small laundry area evidently. This has many options on it too which is always nice. good luck.

Actually this isn't quite true. Some manufacturers have responded to consumer complaints and have started adding the full-tub feature back. This is one of the reasons why Speed Queen is at the top of my list.

From an article from The Washington Post, dated Jan 29, 2020: "The classic (Speed Queen) TC5 Washer “fills the tub full of water like what Grandma’s machine would do.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifes...mments-wrapper

The website of my local Speed Queen dealer lists 4 different models, 3 of which have as a top feature "Full Tub Wash & Rinse fills the entire tub with water to achieve maximum cleanliness". The 4th model has this as an optional feature.

My Kenmore recently died and I replaced it with a GE. While I don't really "need" a large tub, I did get it because I have a queen sized bed and might need the space for bedding. None of today's washers operate like the ones we have used for years--all electronic workings that think we don't know how much water to use or to keep your hands out of the tub when it's spinning. Locked lids and all. Frustration abounds! I have to figure out how to get into the thing when it gets out of balance with whatever is in it. I looked at the Speed Queen and recognize it is quality but I couldn't justify the price at this point. If I were younger and had a big family, maybe I'd have looked at it more seriously.
None of today's appliances are designed to last like the old ones did. Sure do miss all of the Kenmore products.

We purchased a mid range washer from Lowes about a year ago. I was determined to get a central agitator. My last one did not have an agitator. The agitator works better but it still doesn't work like the old models. It simply swishes, not really turning. I do like that it had a twice rinse setting. Just check it out and ask questions. My old one could wash a large quilt but it wouldn't spin it dry. I would have to dry it totally soaking wet. I haven't dared to wash large quilts in the new one.

I should say mine does swish the clothes but not all around like the agitators used to do. it swishes,stops, swishes,stops, swishes and then later spins forever. the clothes are almost dry when they get put into the dryer! also gets them very clean on cold water. I don't like buying products made in China but pretty much have no choice these days.

I am very happy with my SQ that I purchased several years ago. With just the 2 of us, I don't need the ExtraLarge water fill option, but I love the fact that I can pre soak MrOk's dirty farm jeans with hot water to ensure they get clean. I use the EL water fill when washing my Qsized quiltsme. This machine reminds of the classic Maytag washer I owned 45 years ago.

I recently bought a new washer. I like it a lot and it does fill up. It has a Deep Water wash selection. Top loading and no agitator. I didn't think I'd like no agitator but it's really nice and there is more room in the washer. Also there is a quick wash cycle. I use that a lot for my everyday clothes. It was on sale at Lowes for under $500. It's quiet too.
I have no complaints about it.
https://www.whirlpool.com/laundry/wa...wtw5000dw.html

I set the washer to spin several times and my quilts seem to be damp instead of wet wet. The selection is Drain and Spin.

t
This is exactly the one we bought last summer. Really like it. I use the Deep Water cycle quite a bit for very large loads. It has a Bulky items/Sheets cycle, several water temp options. My son uses the Quick Wash for his restaurant uniforms if there’s not a bigger load for them. I like that it’s straightforward and has easy to read dials, I like being able to add clothes after it starts. Only thing I wish it had is a delay option, but that’s not something I used all the time.

I have a Whirlpool top loading washer that I got about 15 years ago the most it has ever needed was a $2.00 part about a years ago. It works fine. I like Whirlpool appliances a great deal as all my kitchen appliances are Whirlpool. Good reputation and easy to service.

When our machine started to leak, we bought a new -- top of the line water saver Maytag. I am so sorry since. Water saver means washing in about an inch of water. So I use the bulky sheets mode for everything -- at least I can get 6 inches of water. I think the low water saver beats the fabrics to death. Think of the Hindu ladies beating the clothes on rocks by the river. I would never buy a water saver again.

I can't wait till my HE front loader dies!!! Worst decision I ever made. It cleans the clothes but I can't soak anything.
I have to use the washtub.

I've had a water saver Maytag for a number of years now and like it. I'm pleased with the results. I have to say though I didn't like the small water used for most loads so I always have the extra rinse option on. Not having an agitator has been fine. I even feel the clothes are softer somehow without one.

I bought a Speed Queen in 2015 at the recommendation of a service repair person. It's a very simple top loading machine that fills up to the top. It cost $800. I love the fact that I can pick the water level and can soak things in it. That feature saved a quilt that had bled. The only complaint I have is that the water stops filling when I raise the door.

After replacing a Whirlpool and then a Maytag that were less than 8 years old, we bought a Speed Queen Commercial Heavy Duty (model AWNE9RSN115TW01) in 2018. With this machine I can let the washer choose how much water to use (Eco button) or I can choose the amount of water I want the washer to use. It has several buttons that allow me to select the type of load (e.g. bulky, delicates, permanent press, etc.); water temperature; dirt level, etc. It's a top loader with an agitator and does a much better job washing the clothes than the top loader Maytag without the agitator ever did. I opted for the Speed Queen after asking 2 washer repairmen what the best washing machine was. Both immediately recommended Speed Queen as a washer that is likely to last 20 years or more without problems. We paid $1047 for it in 2018.

I’m happy with my GE top loader with an agitator. I can lift the lid during all but the spin cycle in case I forget something. I can hold a button and fill it. It has a speed wash I use most of the time. I can wash a big quilt in it and presoak if I want to get the basting glue and markings out. So far I’m pleased with it. It is almost 3 years old.

Last year my Maytag washer of 33 years died! I was so upset. It was a top loader, agitator, multi-water level machine. I wanted just the same thing but couldn't find it. We got a Speed Queen Commercial Heavy Duty washer, model AWN632SP226TWO1. It basically has two water levels. One medium and one which is a full fill (like my old washer). I don't have to hold down a button to fill, I just press the 'Deep Fill' button. It sounds very much like the one Bonnie JP has. We also paid a little over $1000. We thought about the Maytag (more water level options) but my husband was sold on the 25 year warranty. This should last us until we are well into our 90's!!! It has several different cycle options. If the Eco cycle is chosen it only uses cold water and doesn't fill all the way---so I don't use it. I have been very satisfied. The agitator seems to do a good job. There are two different kind of agitation systems and we got the one that was like the old, traditional one. It is louder, but now I don't even think about it. Hopefully I won't have to buy a new one anytime soon. Good luck on your choice.
Jean

Here is a discussion from Nov. 2018
https://www.quiltingboard.com/genera...s-t301187.html

A lot of the comments then remain the same now.

Just like Tartan, mine is old, and I'm hoping I won't need a new one very soon. If / when I do, I may just go to the local used appliance store and get one from there. As long as parts are still available, I like the old ones. For now, I'm liking my very old top loading Kenmore set.

I just got a new Maytag washer and dryer. I always buy a set. Jan.15.2020. They replace ones we bought 13 yrs. ago. Even on deep water setting it uses very little water. The clothes do come out cleaner and smells fresh. No soap residue.

They are made by Whirpool as are Whirpool, GE, Amana and one other. They are made in Ohio. I always buy made in U.S.A. when possible.

Thanks for this info. The checking I did was a few yrs ago. Thankfully my old set is still going but will keep the Speed Queen in mind.

We ended up getting the Speed Queen TC5000. One of the first things the salesman started with was "highest ratings" and I stopped him right there. I said "I'm not at all interested in ratings because ratings include items I'm not interested in, such as energy efficiency and water-saving features. I want a tub that will fill." He immediately said he knew exactly what I wanted and took us directly to the SQ. We looked at all the SQ models and a couple of Maytags, but I had done a ton of research last night and was pretty set on the SQ. This is one of the areas where YouTube shines - there are a lot of videos out there where people film an entire wash cycle of their washing machine, so you can see how full it gets, how it agitates, etc.

I was involved last week on replacing a door seal for a front loader Whirplool. $150. for the part. It was a huge and compicated part so I don't fault them for that ,But not a cheap repair at all.

I bought an Amana top loader set from Lowe's 2 years ago..fills up, rinses well, and the clothes are almost dry when you take them out it spins so well. It's made in the USA, so that's a plus. The only thing that I dislike about it is there is no way to add fabric softener without watching it for the rinse cycle, then stopping the machine and add it manually, but I've adapted. Other than that, I'm very happy with mine.

I laughed at this one. Must be the same salesperson that told me years ago, you can't do just a cold water wash on any of our machines. This was at Sears, also. I looked at the 20 year old and said, just don't turn your water faucet on. He turned beet red, probably didn't sort colors either. So if machines don't give you an extra large load to the top, how does it save water when you have to do another load or maybe two, of clothes? My first machine set were Westinghouse front loaders W/D, bought them used. Loved them.

But when we moved south they were old so, bought top loader here and have had them 49 years, 3 different ones. We have a 10 yr old Whirlpool now. No complaints except for the fact they have no removable lint traps. Makes things difficult when I want to make raggedy quilts. Other that that, I like it, does a great job, has 5 levels (1 is extra large). It's an inexpensive model but does have a porcelain tub, which I wanted. Am hoping one day they will put a lint trap back in machines. Had 2 GE's with large ones that sat on top of the agitator. They even had mini baskets that fit over the agitator, to do very tiny loads.

Exactly my thoughts! The people who come up with these rules never consider the unintended consequences.

Lol this reminded me of a great story told by the wonderfully funny Jeanne Robertson. It's 5 minutes long and well worth your time, I promise you will laugh!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLmQEOZOqTU

Thank you, I love to watch her and hadn't seen that one. I have to admit, I've done the same thing after certain 'events' happen. Doing change, for one. Yes, since I may even be older than her, we do need to 'teach' at times.

loading Whirlpool. Love them. Has a detergent dispenser that you fill and it runs about 10 loads. Nice not to have to fill each time. Liked the LG sets as they had easier access to front where the “change cup” is but dryer venting wouldn't work for my set up...
Had a dishwasher repair out and he recommends Speed Queen. Says he never has to work on them!

Maytag
 

I need a new dryer for a tenant. I talked with a teacher for a class for appliance repairman and was told not to buy Samsung. I think that would apply to washers too. The teacher said to buy Speed Queen, so I am looking. The dryer the tenant has is a Kenmore, and is mechanical (repairable) rather than computerized, it has been repaired a few times, but not drying well. My set is Maytag, mechanical, and about 20 years old. Love them, still working, only one repair. So I think, even though it is now made by Whirlpool, I will get a Maytag dryer, and later a washer with all your info in mind for the tenant. Thanks for the reviews!

You might try cleaning out the vent of the dryer. My dryer wasn't working well at all when the repairman suggested cleaning the vent, and it started drying like new again.

not a problem for many I guess, but try reaching the bottom of the tub when you are out shopping. Picture that last sock or hanky down there. I can't reach the bottom of the tub with my feet still on the floor...something to think about. Let us know what you get!