Yes there is. Whirlpool direct drive top loader. Basic, reliable, no frills, gets the job done without a whimper. No stupid dimestore electronic controls that fail. No complex mechanics. If you are the slightest bit mechanically inclined, you can fix these machines yourself.

I guessing it'll very soon that I'll be jumped on for not being "environmentally conscious".

Good luck with your purchase.

Everything from the WTW5800 on down will do the same thing - wash your clothes.

Here is a link that might be useful: whirlpool washers

Hi,

Don't be too discouraged, there are still some very good basic top loaders about. Kenmore and Whirlpool are still a pretty good buy. When you consider the volume of washers that are manufactured and sold, the failure rate of new machines within the first 5 years is in the low single digit percentile. Quality control is pretty good that way. Whilst a lot of concerns on this site are legitimate, they do not necessarily represent the broader consumer experience.

Just remember that when you pay two or three hundred dollars for a washer, you are paying a very reasonable price. You can't expect the kind of construction quality that you got 20 or 30 years ago for the same cost. Yet, you may still be lucky enough to get a washer that might give you more than 10 years of trouble-free use.

Top dollar doesn't guarantee longevity either and probably never has. Getting a machine that will go the distance and beyond depends on so many other variables besides construction quality. How a washer is used (or abused), where and how it is housed, whether or not it gets some regular basic maintenance and cleaning, to the quality of the water and detergent that are used in it, all these factors determine trouble-free operation as well as durability.

My personal recommendation would be Speed Queen. I've just replaced one that ran for 20 trouble-free years with a brand new SQ washer. They are still constructed with lots of heavy metal gears, good quality materials and standard non-electronic dials. They are a little pricier though than most other US brands. Then again, this new washer of mine may not see out 10 years of operation. I certainly hope that it will.

The biggest problem is to actually make a choice. There are so many products out there. Lots of them identical, others quite different - so it really all comes down to the agony of choice.

Another matter to consider is a company's product support and customer service reputation. Also, purchase your washer from a store that has a money-back policy or a reputation for giving excellent customer satisfaction.

Enough already, this post is longer than originally intended. Good luck and let us know what you are buying.

Here is a link that might be useful: Speed Queen Appliances

Everyone,

Thanks for your help. Will check out your recommendations and let you know.

I would also go with the Speed Queen. They are so well built and notice they have the longest warranty of ANY brand-3 Full years parts and Labor.

I think you would love these.

sarasotalady, try looking at Desears on Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, just below Bee Ridge. We had good experiences purchasing appliances there for a rental. They have very good prices, a lot of selection and good service. Plus there is a large scratch and dent area.