Need washer and dryer

Old 05-17-2025, 07:43 AM
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Default Need washer and dryer

I need to buy a new washer and dryer. Do you have ones you love or hate or have suggestions about features to look for or avoid? It has been many years since I bought mine and the features have changed so much.
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Old 05-17-2025, 08:32 AM
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I want top loading large capacity washers, and front loading large capacity dryers. I always manage to drop just a sock or whatever and don't see it until I turn around, so I like being able to put them in the current load instead of the next load. Although I want large capacity, I also like to be able to run small loads as needed.

With this washer, I got the impeller model -- that is no agitator. I've been pretty happy so far. We got the GE Profile set which has a lot of options I don't use. I don't use any of the auto-dispense options, I throw my (liquid) soap on top. I will use the bleach option the few times I use direct bleach.

With all of these new appliances, some of us are having problems with "money saving by water saving??". I want more water than the machine thinks it needs -- so I use the Quick Wash + Deep Fill option almost all the time. Sometimes, especially with things like my microfiber bathrobe, I need an extra spin cycle.

The dryer has a slight squeak that started about 6 months in... we didn't get it looked at and now we are about 18 months in. No problems other than the slight squeak (which is too soft to hear upstairs with the laundry downstairs).

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Old 05-17-2025, 08:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Iceblossom
I want top loading large capacity washers, and front loading large capacity dryers. I always manage to drop just a sock or whatever and don't see it until I turn around, so I like being able to put them in the current load instead of the next load. Although I want large capacity, I also like to be able to run small loads as needed.

With this washer, I got the impeller model -- that is no agitator. I've been pretty happy so far. We got the GE Profile set which has a lot of options I don't use. I don't use any of the auto-dispense options, I throw my (liquid) soap on top. I will use the bleach option the few times I use direct bleach.

With all of these new appliances, some of us are having problems with "money saving by water saving??". I want more water than the machine thinks it needs -- so I use the Quick Wash + Deep Fill option almost all the time. Sometimes, especially with things like my microfiber bathrobe, I need an extra spin cycle.

The dryer has a slight squeak that started about 6 months in... we didn't get it looked at and now we are about 18 months in. No problems other than the slight squeak (which is too soft to hear upstairs with the laundry downstairs).
I too have the GE set but the one with the agitator. I also use the quick wash deep fill most of the time. So far I am happy with it

that being said if I ever needed a new one I would go with Soeed Queen. I haven't heard of anyone dissatisfied with theirs
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Old 05-17-2025, 12:09 PM
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I bought the one that let me set the water level not the machine. I wanted a short cycle that I could set on delicate wash for washing fabric. I didn't want the silly settings such as for waterproof load, I wanted a top loader with agitator. I bought a GE not the most expensive but I guess toward the low end of price. Works fine. Washers change features faster than Iphones. And my husband by passed the annoying lid lock.

I looked at the new Speed Queen but wasn't impressed for the price. The reviews for the new models are not that great. I'd buy a used older one if I had the chance.

Last edited by Onebyone; 05-17-2025 at 12:13 PM.
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Old 05-17-2025, 12:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Onebyone
I bought the one that let me set the water level not the machine. I wanted a short cycle that I could set on delicate wash for washing fabric. I didn't want the silly settings such as for waterproof load, I wanted a top loader with agitator. I bought a GE not the most expensive but I guess toward the low end of price. Works fine. Washers change features faster than Iphones. And my husband by passed the annoying lid lock.

I looked at the new Speed Queen but wasn't impressed for the price. The reviews for the new models are not that great. I'd buy a used older one if I had the chance.
Yes mine has that setting. I can fill the tub. My friend and my cousin have the newer speed queen and both of them are beyond satisfied. So that's what I am going by.
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Old 05-17-2025, 12:33 PM
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We had to replace two new washers (Maytag and Whirlpool) in less than 14 years. When the last one needed $$$ repairs, I asked two service technicians which is the best quality washing machine. Both technicians immediately said "Speed Queen" so we bought that. When the Maytag dryer died, we replaced it with a Speed Queen dryer. We've had the machines several years now and have had zero problems.

The washer is a top loading machine with an agitator. I prefer a top loading machine because I have the option to soak items and there are no mold issues like with the front load machines. The washing machine allows me to select the temperature and amount of water, level of dirt, size and type of load (e.g. handwash, regular, bulky, etc.).

The dryer allows me to select timed or sensor drying (e.g. damp, less dry, dry), the temperature and type of load (delicate, permanent press, bulky, etc.). It even has options for pet items, steam refresh, steam sanitize, etc. The door swings open to the side, not downward like on my previous dryer. Because I'm short, that makes it much easier to reach into the back and grab that one sock always hiding there. The lint trap has a very fine screen so it does an excellent job catching every bit of lint and dog hair from our two collies.

When I made a rag quilt a couple of years ago, everyone told me to wash it the first time at the laundromat and not at home. I was surprised to see the laundromat had my identical Speed Queen washer. Considering how much abuse laundromat machines are subject to, I think that says a lot about the quality of the Speed Queens. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a Speed Queen washer and dryer again and highly recommend them. I love both machines.

Last edited by BonnieJP; 05-17-2025 at 12:36 PM.
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Old 05-17-2025, 04:41 PM
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We have had 2 sets of front loaders in the last 20+ years. The first were Whirlpool Duet. When the laundry/bathroom was being remodeled, we took them out and gave them away - 16 years old and working perfectly. Current set is Samsung. They are okay, but pump in washer had to be replaced at about 4 years. They really have more features on them than I use or need.

Our daughter has a top load, water saving Maytag. I hate it. I am 5'6", and struggle to reach the bottom. Clothes often come out with spots that are completely dry. Worse yet, it stinks to high heaven. I've never had that happen with either of my front loaders. My guess (and that's all it is) is that with so little water, soap builds up in the drum outside of the tub. Mold loves soap.
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Old 05-18-2025, 04:10 AM
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Only because the subject is about washers and dryers but my neighbor decided to reuse her's when she replaced them by taking out the inner drum, having legs welded on and then spray painting them with that engine heat type paint. She's using them as firepits. I thought that was a great idea and now they won't be heading for the dump. Just thought I'd throw that idea in for those wanting to know what to do with the old ones especially if they're totally dead or close to it.
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Old 05-18-2025, 04:48 AM
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Family members bought a motel in the late 1960’s and ran it for 30+ years. They liked Speed Queens because they were something they could repair themselves, they said. My basic Speed Queen set is getting some age on it but works great. If I could change anything I would get larger capacity and deep fill feature. I can add more water but I have to hold the knob until it’s got enough water for my taste.
My daughter said they had this laundry appliance discussion at work and the young gals were dissatisfied with the models without agitators.
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Old 05-18-2025, 05:54 AM
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while shopping reach in and touch the bottom of the bowl. If you are short you know what I mean...
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