Linda Renfro

I have a LG front load and I would never buy another. I've repaired it so many times I probably have built a new machine in my laundry room, kind of Johnny Cash's song, one piece at a time. I was told that the Speed Queen is the best washing machine to buy, get the plain Jane model with no bells or whistles and it will last forever. So the next time mine goes up if I can afford to buy another machine I'll buy the Speed Queen.

Battle Axe

I own a laundromat. I bought it from a guy who had gotten all of the life out of the washers and dryers he could. They were all 35 years old and older. The Maytag front loaders were in a constant state of needing repair. Each repair, which was usually bearings deep in the machine was at least $500.00. Finally I gave up and ordered 8 Wascomat front loaders, (because that is what they had) and 4 of the larger commercial 50 pound washers, some new dryers and even had to buy a new change machine.

When the gumint became involved with how much water a washer could or should use, we all lost. My 4 fifty pound machine do the best job washing. I'm not thrilled with the front loading Wascomats as the rubber seal becomes discolored rather early on. I've had the new machines a little over 4 years now. Nine more payments and they are mine. The mother boards are failing now on the front loaders.

At home I have a horrible Maytag top loader. I've never heard such sounds out of a machine. When you first start it there is a "sensing" function. Bangity bang bang it goes. It seems to take forever and never seems to take the softner. These are all commercial grade coin operated and about the only thing I can do is take the coin mechanism apart and fix it, take a sock out of a pump and then call the repair man.

The 35 year old stuff seemed to work, until it broke and then you could not get parts-- too old. Despite making a living 25 cents at a time, the little laundromat is profitable and this little old lady can clean it every day.

coopah

I think the Speed Queen is the only washer made in the USA, if that makes a difference to you. My nephew had one and loved it. Gave it to his mother when he moved and she hates it. (She doesn't like me, either.) It's such an individual choice. We have an Amana front loader and are on year 9. Ssshhh! It doesn't need to know it's age. It does not allow for a presoak or any kind of soak cycle. If you forget an item and try to put it in after the machine has begun, it drains out everything (which makes sense, but can be aggravating). I use my mother's machine for large items like queen sized mattress covers. That machine was gifted to her as a well-used machine in the 1980's! It's a Whirlpool top loader, and we don't discuss it's age in front of it, either! Enjoy your search. I hope you find one that's exactly right for you!

Edited for sentence clarity.

Fizzle

Recently replaced mine with a Whirlpool set (only ones that vented the way we are set up). Wanted an LG. My repairman also recommended Speedqueen.

Onebyone

I have a top loader GE and it cleans okay. I don't like the lid lock feature or the water sensor but that is on most brands now. DH disconnected the lid lock thank goodness. I turn it to super load and still get what I call a med water level. I asked for a non digital washer and there wasn't one in the store. The newer ones gets worse and worse so pick your poison. LOL

MaggieLou

I've had two Whirlpool Duet front loaders. I never had a problem with either one. The newer one does take longer to wash than the first one though.

gramajo

Front loaders are a problem for me. I have a bad back and do not bend over without a lot of pain. Something to consider.

Rennie

I had a frontloader...didnotlike it...when it went bad after only 3 years, bought a used LG from a friend. Works fine,but i I do not like the non..agitator and the use of less water. I am getting ready to replace with a top loader that agitates and let's me have more control of water.



QUOTE=gramajo;8236695]Front loaders are a problem for me. I have a bad back and do not bend over without a lot of pain. Something to consider.[/QUOTE]

Waal

Our repairman also recommended a Speed Queen. That will be my next one if I ever need to replace my old Maytag top washer. It has been good, but the new ones are not like the old ones. I want one with an agitator. My daughter does not like her new one which has no agitator. I do not know what brand she has as she lives over 600 miles from me.

Iceblossom

I much prefer a top loader, for one thing I am always finding one dropped/missed sock after the load has started. With a top loader you can just throw it in. Also, while I don't do a lot of it, sometimes I do treat my fabric in various ways, whether with dyes or bleach or what have you. Again, works better if you can open it up mid-cycle.

I also want extra large capacity so I don't have to take my quilts to the Laundromat. Mostly our laundry is done on the regular size, but especially when it is towels and sheets and such we go extra large.

I have also heard of Speed Queens recommended. My friend in Arizona's Maytag washer was going out and her repairman really encouraged/convinced her to pay for the costly but cheaper than a new washer repair, telling her that she was just not going to be happy with any current machine but to go Speed Queen if she felt she had to.

Modern appliances simply are not made to last like they used to be. Pretty much everything is designed for planned obsolescence and to be replaced every 10-12 years now, cheap/expensive what have you. Big business doesn't want you to have a washing machine that lasts 50 years any more.