2nd floor approved washers

18 years ago

Hello,

We have just purchased and returned 2 new front load washers. The first one, Kenmore HE2 Plus, was touted as 2nd floor approved but nearly tore our floor joists apart for only about 6-8 seconds when load was not evened out. It literally shook the pictures on an adjacent wall and items on a dresser nearby. (It was leveled perfectly). Sears didn't charge the 15% restocking fee because we found dents after taking off the packaging and calling even before we installed it completely.

Next, we bought the Whirlpool Duet Sport 8300 based on Lowe's personnel not only suggesting it, but basically telling us not to get the Samsung VRT. They said all Whirlpool's were 2nd floor approved; that direct drive and the ball bearings in Samsung's didn't have anything to do with the vibration issue. They said it was the shock absorbers and this was a great buy. So, we got it this weekend.

Now, we realize it is basically the same as the HE2 Plus except has fewer options and isn't quiet. We know we can take back to Lowe's (what a hassle though).

We have heard so many different opinions from all the sales staff at all the appliance stores. None of them say the same thing. We are learning lots from this site but would like a recommendation at this point for one of the newer washers. We didn't want to spend a fortune on one and will get another warranty based on the history of all front loaders. (Lowe's is only $159 for 2 appliances for 4 years after initial year and Sears is a whopping $268 for 3 years for only the washer). That is why we won't buy from Sears.

Help. Any reputable washers under $1000 out there? We don't need steam as a wet rag tossed in for 5 minutes does that for me. We just want something that won't eventually cause the joists and the rest of the house to weaken.

Thanks,

Mary

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Comments (9)

jerrod6
18 years ago
I didn't think any FL washers were "2nd floor approved" so that is something I have not heard about. Is this fact stated in the user manuals or some line the sales people are saying? I would go to the manufacturers web site download the installation and user manual and see what what types of installations are suggested.

Even then your experience will depend on how well your house is constructed on the upper floors.
fahrenheit_451
18 years ago
Samsung does tout that they make a quieter and better suited second floor machine: Press Release

But I am with Jerrod about there being no second floor designed machines.

I am a bit tired of hearing about Samung's revolutionary VRT which was discovered decades ago, and not by Samsung; Samsung is the first to apply to washer drums.
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oregpsnow
18 years ago
I have the Duet Sport 8500 on a wood floor over a crawl space and it is fine - no vibration that is noticeable. If you have had 2 machines that were bad it might be your floor. There are posters here who could not find a FL that would work on their floor and had to go to a HE TL. They have their issues, too, but vibration is not one of them.
asolo
18 years ago
"Second floor approved" is nonsense. Too many variables.

Your particular install-site may be troublesome. No mfgr would know that.

Notwithstanding that possibility, failure to install carefully is the single most frequent cause of complaint regardless of location. Careful equal weighting of the units' feet is what's needed before evaluation. Not hard to do. Sometimes 1/4 or 1/8 turn of a single foot can make all the difference. Don't know about your particular location, but unless this is accomplished you really won't know what you're dealing with.
linkay42
18 years ago
VRT in mobile home and have had over a year with no shaking..LOVE it!
leo874m
18 years ago
The duet sport 8300 demo video (directed though lowes website) states it is 2nd floor approved. I hope so I am recieving mine tomorrow. I live in a doublewide home.
plumbly22
18 years ago
I think this all depends on your construction and 'luck of the draw'... I have a bosch on the 2nd floor (with a full basement under, so 'technically' on the 3rd floor of the structure. My installation is fine with regard to vibration... but others here will tellyou tehy've had problems with the same machine on the 1st and 2nd floors... why??? who knows for sure... I thin kconstruction and actual placement in the house (what's underneath??) factor in... I have a wall that runs under where my washer/dryer are installed... I'm sure this must help "shore up: the floor under my machine.

Good luck...
heimert
18 years ago
It's top load, but HE. Our Maytag Bravos 6600 has created *no* problems for us on the second floor an 80 y.o. house (which was renovated, but not in this part).
cynic
18 years ago
Well, there's lots of reputable washers out there for under $1k, but there's no guarantee it's going to work on your construction. It's worth your time to peruse the many threads on this very topic in the forum. There's a lot of things that enter into the calculation on whether you'll have problems or not. You might be able to reinforce the floor to help. I'd venture a guess that if a person were to turn the washer 90Â° it may well work just fine, but of course that's not always possible. But the point is that the construction is more the issue.

Yes, you essentially tried two of the same unit. Which probably means the Maytag Epic would give the same result. You'll likely not have the issues with a top loader but that too isn't a guarantee. Just be sure that you have it in writing that you can return it if it doesn't work for you.

Second floor approved... I can't say I can think of any machine that wouldn't be "approved" to be used on a second floor! Now whether it'll shake your fillings out or not is another issue! Sounds like a catch phrase only. What standards do they use? I'm sure there's none.

Good luck. And of course, caveat emptor!