Need a new machine

19 years ago

I've read through FAQ and searched through old posts and now would love input as I look for a new washer. Features that matter most to me: cleaning, capacity, noise, reliability...

1) Clothes need to come out of the washer clean. I thought this was a no-brainer, but apparently some machines are better at this than others. Sounds like FL might be better than TL

2) Capacity. I have five children who generate an enormous amount of dirty clothes. The washer should be able to clean a load of jeans or a sleeping bag or a king-sized comforter. Sounds like FL hold more than TL

3) Noise. Our laundry room is directly above the family room. We're hoping that a FL will be quieter than our about-to-die TL. I've also read here that putting the new machine on a rubber mat can reduce the noise from machine vibration. What type of mat? Where could I obtain one?

4) FL vs TL

dh thinks FL will reduce electric bill by shortening clothes time in the dryer. I already bend over to put clothes into the dryer, so don't think that will be an issue with a FL washer. I am a bit hesitant about the difference in price.

5) Reliability. I was considering an LG Tromm SteamWasher. Consumer Reports rates them highly, however CR didn't have enough data to rate their repair history, and it sounds from posts here like I don't want to have to deal with them if repairs are needed.

6) Hard water. We have very hard water. VERY HARD water. Even with a water softener, everyone around here has iron and copper stains in dishwashers, sinks, stools... I read a few posts about having to clean mineral scales off heating elements. Maybe that should be a different thread. Anyhow, we live in an area where substances that actually get laundry clean (and also help soften the water) are banned. Are there machines that cope with hard water better than others? Or are there things I can do to protect my investment?

TIA

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Comments (6)

kenmorewasher
19 years ago
Kenmore HE5T washer and matching Kenmore HE5 electric/gas dryer.
Quixtar/Amway SA8 with BioQuest HE soap powder.
dross
19 years ago
Get a FL that has an onboard heater, and preferably can heat from cold (this will help overcome detergent deficiencies). Don't buy any brand unless you are sure there is service for that brand in your area. If the intended upstairl floor is not firm - for example, you can put a glass of water in the middle, jump near where the machines will go, and the water splashes - then consider a high-capacity TL and just put up with the higher water use and decreased cleaning flexibility. - DR
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laudryforseven
Original Author
19 years ago
Dross: Thank you. That is helpful.
Kenmorewasher: Any particular reasons for Kenmore HE5t over all the others out there? A few years ago an Amway person told me that they're not supposed to sell BioQuest in my state - we have a lot of dirty clothes, but I'm not a commercial laundry. Have they reformulated this product? Thanks again.
cantdecide
19 years ago
You may also want to consider the Oasis/Cabrio especially if there's question about 2nd floor vibration. I've been very pleased with the Oasis for my family of 6. The huge capacity has really decreased the number of loads I have to do and everything comes out very clean.

It does use more water than a FL, but not as much as a traditional TL. It's very quiet...our laundry is next to the master and I can barely hear it at all even if it's still running when we go to bed.
rosecmd
19 years ago
I have had my new Cabrio for over a week now and really like it. It has a huge capacity and is very quiet and handles large loads with ease. I usually just use the normal cycle and it takes 50 minutes. Mine is on a concrete floor, but the spin is very controlled. I had two new Harmony's recently (same no agitator TL) and it was not as solid a machine and both leaked. So, Bray & Scarff replaced them with a Cabrio. Third time's a charm! I think for a large family with a lot of wash that you would really like the Whirlpool Cabrio.
kenmorewasher
19 years ago
SA8 with BioQuest is phosphate free. :)
The Kenmore HE3/4/5 washers and dryers has been out since 2001 and proven themselves to be reliable and also perform well.