Need FL Washing Machine Recommendations Please

9 years ago

After 12 years, Whirlpool Duet washing machine rear bearing has broken and appliance repair people say it's not worth fixing. (Once I figured out we needed to leave the door open, clean inside the drum occasionally, and use powdered detergent with periodic empty deodorizing cycles, the Duet has worked well for us.)

I've scoured all the major review sites (CR, My SweetHome, Consumer Search, CNN, Good Housekeeping, etc. plus read reviews at Best Buy, Home Depot) and am more confused than ever!

Repair person is telling me to avoid LG because of poor support; he says they stop making parts for machines 2-3 years old. People complain about leaks also. Electrolux seems to be a pretty long wait time (I'd like to get a new machine within a few days), and also according to SweetHome is hard on clothing. CR rates Maytag highly but SweetHome says quality and reliability have gone down. Whirlpool models are not highly rated by anyone it seems. Looked at SpeedQueen but I'd like to stay under $1,000 (but in the 4.2+ capacity range; not looking to go smaller than the Duet).

Noise is not an issue. Just want a machine that will work reliably, clean well, require no more maintenance than the Duet did, and hopefully last as long as the last one. Any advice appreciated! Thanks so much!

Featured Answer

Cedric Owens

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

The Electrolux fans here are going to tell you to buy an Electrolux 517 or 617. I'm one of them and I'm going to tell you to do the same. Wash clothes at a laundromat if you have to until they're delivered. I got my titanium ones in 2 business days.

Also check www.reviewed.com on why to go Electrolux.

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Comments (12)

georgect
9 years ago
I vote Electrolux. Mine is coming up on two years old and working great with no issues and NOT hard on clothes.
mohom315 thanked georgect
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mohom315
Original Author
9 years ago
So you don't agree with Consumer Reports rating Electrolux "fair" on gentleness? (SweetHome cited that as one reason they didn't recommend Electrolux as their top choice.) Thanks again!
mohom315
Original Author
9 years ago
Also - I just read the article at the reviewed.com site and it is very impressive but wow --the comments are almost entirely negative (albeit largely one very unhappy person). Can you use Charlie's HE soap powder in the Electrolux (that's the soap that did away with any odor issues in the Duet), or do you have to use liquid? And can you wash pet beds and rugs, etc. with dog hair and not have problems? Does water collect in the soap dispenser? Thanks again - very much appreciate your taking the time to help!
mamapinky0
9 years ago
I would think dog hairs over time would cause problems with all washers. I could be wrong but washers are not really designed to remove and filter out foreign materials on a regular basis..but maybe I'm wrong??
mohom315 thanked mamapinky0
elpaso1
9 years ago
Love my E lux 517's.
mohom315 thanked elpaso1
pcweary
9 years ago
I hug mine daily...((((((617)))))).......have had none of the negative issues described. In fact, it has been just the opposite. Water in soap dispenser, at most, a 1/8 of a tsp. No pilling, gentle on fabrics, no vibrations. Fantastic machines.
mohom315 thanked pcweary
mohom315
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks everyone. I've ordered the 617. Appreciate the advice!
mohom315
Original Author
9 years ago
Also - for what it's worth to others shopping: the salesperson (Hawthorne Appliance) told me he recommends Electrolux above all the other brands, that he's sold them to all his relatives, and that it's the only brand he doesn't get complaints about from customers after their purchase. Thanks again for steering me in the right direction!
loves2read
9 years ago
How are older models holding up? I can buy 3 brands via Costco and get extra 2 yrs warranty parts AND labor--if I use Costco credit card...

LG, Samsung (not if they were free), and Whirlpool...not Electrolux though
Cedric Owens
9 years ago
loves2read with this being a large appliance and not a TV or cellphone, I'd recommend not limiting your options to only what Costco offers.
loves2read
9 years ago
I understand why you would say that--but I have researched various brands of washers and there are plenty of negative about any brand--I think it is a crap shoot depending on the day/place a washer is made to a certain extent as to whether you get a partial or whole lemon or maybe lemonade...

And labor is such an expensive part of repairs that getting an extra 2 yrs of parts/labor seem a positive option. I just wish Electrolux was offered.