Let's talk about washers & dryers

[Hugh Jahrmes]

Originally Posted by PIMking

no one mentioned that the top loads dont have to buy the pedestal for them

Great point. Was a few years ago, but the price difference definjtely factored in

[PIMking]

Originally Posted by Hugh Jahrmes

Great point. Was a few years ago, but the price difference definjtely factored in

Those things are like $250 here. I'd make em myself out of 2x4's just to get it off the ground but I think the top load is the way to go.

[Titan]

Another vote for the Samsung front load with steam. We spent just under $2000 at Sears and with the warranty and other cash back promotions it was a pretty good deal.

The steam in the washer is awesome for white ball pants to get the red dust/dirt and grass stains out of. Have been pretty happy and have not noticed the ranks smell others have commented on.

[bigtmac19]

I have an LG stackable set that I bought in 2011. So far everything has been great. No mildew problems, the dryer (electric) is really fast, I'm very happy with them.

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by bigtmac19

I have an LG stackable set that I bought in 2011. So far everything has been great. No mildew problems, the dryer (electric) is really fast, I'm very happy with them.

Does stacking make it difficult to get stuff in to and out of the dryer? I have contemplated this before, just to free up some extra space in the laundry room.

[bigtmac19]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stang

Does stacking make it difficult to get stuff in to and out of the dryer? I have contemplated this before, just to free up some extra space in the laundry room.

It does save a lot of room, my laundry room is small, which is why I have them stacked. I'm pretty short, so I do have to stand on tiptoe to reach stuff that might be at the back of the dryer. My son is 5'10" and he has no problem.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

Bumping and old thread.

I'm in the market to replace a 30ish year old pair.

I've made up my mind on a top load washer. The steam feature looks good too.

I'm looking in the $1000 range or so for a pair. Might be asking too much but I can't justify paying $3k on a washer and dryer.

Recommendations on a set or website to read reviews of models currently on the market.

[squiggs96]

Although you said you like the top load, if you ever change your mind and want a front load, I really enjoy Samsung, and will vouch for everything Jimmy Stang said above. When I bought my house last year (it's a tear down) the washer and dryer they left were almost new and were Samsung models. They are fantastic. I gave the pair to my inlaws, and will be installing the new versions in my house once it is constructed. I'm going with WF42H5600AP and DV42H5600EP as of now, but the appliance store said they might upgrade them when we take possession. You can find them in a few places for about $1,000 each (not for the pair), and there are often sales at places like Home Depot where they are reduced by 15% or so. They are the best washer and dryer I've used in a house.

One thing I really like in the dryer is the wrinkle resistance feature. Once the cycle is complete, it keeps fluffing the clothes until you get them. It shuts off eventually, so it wouldn't go for a week if you forgot about them. I've also pulled out clothes in the morning after forgetting them in the dryer, and there are very few wrinkles, if any. This is a big advantage over several dryers I've used in the past.

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

Originally Posted by Maritime Q-Scout

Bumping and old thread.

I'm in the market to replace a 30ish year old pair.

I've made up my mind on a top load washer. The steam feature looks good too.

I'm looking in the $1000 range or so for a pair. Might be asking too much but I can't justify paying $3k on a washer and dryer.

Recommendations on a set or website to read reviews of models currently on the market.

We got a Samsung pair a year or so ago after our 4 year old LG crapped out.

They seem fine. The only thing I'd add is we have not used the steam features even once.

I don't see how it would not shrink anything that is dry clean only, so maybe that's just nerves keeping us from using it. But it any case if you are looking to keep costs down we don't use it and could probably have gotten a lower model. (Not knocking anything, just food for thought)

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by squiggs96

I've also pulled out clothes in the morning after forgetting them in the dryer, and there are very few wrinkles, if any. This is a big advantage over several dryers I've used in the past.

The Samsung steam cycle IIRC is 15 minutes. Anti Wrinkle is 20. You can turn it on for 3-5 minutes and it's wrinkle free. However, it will be toasty and not air cooled (later half of the cycle) like the end of a regular refresh or anti-wrinkle cycle.

I've never shrunk anything using the refresh or anti-wrinkle feature. I have accidentally thrown wool sweaters into the dryer which obviously shrank the sweaters, but not as bad as in those old school dryers which make me wonder if the heat usage design/technology has improved a lot to save clothing from extreme shrinkage. By shrink I mean maybe half to a full size. Not adult large to 8 month toddler size.

Tip for all: Use the wrinkle/refresh function for 3-4 minutes during winter for toasty blankets to wrap yourself in. 7-9 mins I find is a colder due to the air cooling cycle starting.

[Table 5]

We also have a Samsung and so far it's been really solid...but previous to this we were using crappy shared condo machines, so the bar wasn't that high. Apparently the Samsungs use the same style of drum that you get in a Miele (a high end German brand), which apparently is better than what you get in some other brands. I've found the steam feature is actually quite nice too.

I also love the jingle it plays at the end of a cycle (I know, hugely important in a washer).