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Buy a discontinued LG model?

17 years ago

In the 35 yrs we've been married we have had only 2 sets of washer/dryers. Our current 2nd set Maytag w/Kitchenaid dryer are about 15/10 yrs old and still running. So I'm wondering if it's worth (for green reasons and saving some money on energy) upgrading to a front loader.

On the one hand LG has the most market share and JD Power awards but on the other hand there are all these people complaining about mold/smell and poor service, even recently. Are these still issues with LG?

I have one dealer who has the LG 2233 set to sell at a higher price than Home Depot who has the LG 2101 (at a lower price!!!). I see that the 2233 is dicontinued. Any advice would be appreciated from current LG owners.

The last alternative is the Samsung 218ANW which we would consider for better anti-vibration.

Finally is it possible that Maytag/Whirlpool are better choices because they are coming back? Thanks for any advice for someone who can afford to wait to buy.

Comments (11)

  • 17 years ago

    I have the Samsung 218. They are going to be replaced with the 219. The same machine but with the diamond tub. The 218 is the same machine as the 328 but without the silvercare, a few extra options, and the diamond tub. They run great deals on this pair at various times. I would say Labor Day weekend might be a good time to check out the deals. They clean and perform so much better than my old FL Neptunes. As of right now, I would definitely recommend them. I really wanted the VRT technology and it does work. And if you get this pair, be aware that the dryer does get hot. So use the correct settings if you don't want wrinkles in your permanent press.

    After my run in about a new Maytag refrigerator, with Whirlpool customer service, I won't buy anything made by them.

    I also was looking at the LG's. Like you I had time to purchase as my old FL was on it's last legs, but still working. I also wouldn't be concerned about a discontinued model. They all eventually are tweaked and the model numbers change. I will say my Mother purchased an over the stove microwave/fan combo. The thing quit in less than two months. LG did send out another unit and covered the cost of reinstalling.

    One more thing, since you are coming from a top loader, realise that it takes these machines longer to run. To run the sanitize option you are looking at two hours. There are delay starts on these machines so you can have the load waiting for you when you get up. And mold can always be an issue. These machines seal, unlike an upright, so you need to let them air out. I am on my second FL and I have never had an odor/mold problem. I also haven't run cleaning products through the machine. But I do use hot water, powdered detergent, bleach, and oxiclean which probably keeps the tub clean. And I also use diluted liquid fabric softener. It might be something you have to be more diligent about depending on where the machine is stored and how high the humidity and heat is in the area you live.

  • 17 years ago

    Thanks housefairy, I'm moving towards the Samsung too. Would you recommend keeping my KitchenAid dryer (maybe 10 yrs old - quiet, sensor dry, porcelain top)since the wash on the new machines might give it less moisture to remove?

  • 17 years ago

    We've had our LG's for 2 years with no problems..

    All FL's are prone to mold depending on location.

    Before buying any appliance, check the service manuals online to see how itÂs built, diagnostics, etc.
    Find out who will service it in your area

    and if you ever plan to repair it yourself, check if service manuals and parts are available online.

    many of the LG models are similar (if not listed)

    link: LG Sevice Manuals PDFÂs

  • 17 years ago

    Axg as far as keeping the dryer, if you are happy with it, keep it. Be aware that they will be different heights and the washer will stick out more. Go on Samsungs website and you can get the specs on the units.

    I purchased the pedestals so I wanted them the same height. They are considerably deeper and I didn't want to stand on my head in order to retrieve a sock out of the back of a unit. I also wanted mine to match. My laundry room is between the family room and garage. So you can see the room when you come in through the garage.

    Also, whichever FL you get make sure to check for all applicable rebates. Energy trust, possibly your water company, state rebates, etc.

  • 17 years ago

    Again, I have LG set over 2 years old and very happy w/ it.
    Never ever had a problem in my machines- using FLs since 1980.
    Proper detergent dosing w/proper rinsing and regular use of hot ant sanitary cycles will keep everything clean.
    I would buy discontinued model. There will be parts available. Just make sure you have repair company in your area servicing the brand you choose. Get extra warranty too , just in case.

  • 17 years ago

    Finally decided to get the 218 W/D set! Didn't get as good a deal as some of you here but got tired of researching this. It seems like there were fewer people complaining of vibration with Samsung than with LG and CR gave better marks for the Samsung entry level machines when compared to LG, so Samsung it was.

    HOUSEFAIRY: If you happened to read this, I think you stated in another thread that you did manage to wash your King comforter in the 218. We have one too, rather thick and wondering if we would be able to get that done. We'll find out this weekend. Thanks for your advice on the 218

  • 17 years ago

    Axg I started with a used set, then a cheap TL GE, a nice TL Whirlpool, a Maytag FL Neptune, and now the Samsungs. By far the best set I've owned. I was very hesitant to purchase since I had little experience with Samsung products. And originally I was wanting the 328 but just couldn't pass up the great deal I got on the 218. Now I am glad I didn't spend the extra to purchase the 328. I only use so many settings and I really don't have a need for the silvercare. So I keep waiting for something to go wrong since as soon as you are pleased with a product it seems to quit. LOL.

    On the king comforter I first ran it through a rinse/spin cycle. I wanted it to get good and wet and see if it would be able to spin it. I figured if it couldn't then I would only have to deal with a wet comforter, not a wet SOAPY comforter. However, it seemed to have no problem.

  • 17 years ago

    I have the 328s and really like them. This weekend I washed my son's king microfiber comforter and it fit and was clean. When it came to drying it, the sensor dryer kept shutting off and I'd take it out and rearrange it, the restart it. After a couple times I put in on time dry (40 min) and it finally dried.

    never thought to have it rinsed first to make sure it was good and wet before washing, but a good idea.

  • 17 years ago

    Good idea (rinse and spin), I believe we will follow that advice. This is a very thick and heavy comforter though, we launder it (infrequently) at a cost of around $30.

    I had narrowed my choices to the 218 or the 448 (extremes). Everything in between didn't seem to add value till you got to the higher capacity of the 448. Like someone else noted on this board, they seem to option these like cars, you need to accumulate options you don't need to get the one you do need. Now I know there are a lot of intermediate models (like 419) and I haven't looked at them, but dealers don't carry the entire line, Gregg for instance only sells 3 models. So since higher capacity was ruled out we settled on the 218. The uncertainty over long term durability of these machines nowadays, I think, makes it a good idea to start with an entry level machine till the market has had some time to establish track records. Unless you have money to burn and I don't

  • 4 years ago

    Hi. Can somebody guide me if I wish to buy a discontinued LG washing machine (only washer) model WM2050CW, where to buy from. I am in Scarborough, Toronto


  • 2 years ago

    Good luck, ive sesrched high and low for a matching LG DLEX8500V Dryer to ho with my washer. its been discontinued and they sell the updated version which is black steel color and a tiny difference in height. ive searched everywhere. i even tried facebook marketplace but i dont trust that too much as we dont really know if its good idea. Also, you can bring unwanted bugs into your house. let me know if you are succesful.