The time is coming...

9 years ago

I am using the washer and dryer my mother bought in 1986 when she moved to an apt and her previous W & D wouldn't fit in the laundry closet. I inherited them in 1993 when she died. Both are Kenmore and have been true workhorses.

Of course, in my house, no washer is a workhorse! When my mother died, it was just my husband and me - son was out of college; daughter was away at college. My husband died 12 years ago, so it's been just me since. It is a rare week that I do more than 2 loads - often just one load.

This summer, our rental house had a new washer (hooray!), but it was not easy for me to use. I've shrunk with age and am now about 5'4". Reaching all the way down in these enormous washers today is a challenge! And the size! I could wash a month's worth in one load (but don't have that much underwear to wait that long!).

I've always had a top load machine and like them - easy to add something later. The one I have does tangle the sheet horribly - I could use them to climb down from the 2nd story, they are so tightly wound.

I've hear good things about Miele but just looked at the price. No way I'm paying over $6000 for a washer/dryer set! I can use either gas or electric for the dryer - both have the necessary plugs/pipes.

Remember, I'm 74 and don't do much washing so I don't need anything deluxe. Any recommendations? Any washers that do NOT have giant tubs?

Featured Answer

Alex Chicago

9 years ago

Anglophilia -- I appreciate the way you write and your subtle humor. You remind me in many ways of my own mother.

In your position, I would be very tempted by the Euro-sized (read: "compact" in US lingo) washers sold by Electrolux and Bosch. The smaller tubs might be just perfect. The only downside is that they are low to the ground. You might wish to mount them on stands or pour a concrete plinth like Larsi has done.

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Comments (7)

mamapinky0
9 years ago
Well lets see, with having a hard time reaching into the bottoms of the big guys..hmm...what about Speed Queen top loaders? They are about standard sized and quite like the older traditional top loaders....if you decide to go with a Front loader your going to absolutly need pedestals because of having to bend low to the ground removing things from the back this will for sure complicate your breathing Anglo. Are you considering front loaders or do you prefer a standard traditional top loader?
Anglophilia thanked mamapinky0
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Miranda33
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
The problem with the Speed Queen top loaders is there is no onboard heater. Once you have a washer with an onboard heater--a good one, that is--you won't be able to live without it, believe me. I'd take a look at the Electrolux, the 517 in particular. Also, get the stands which raise them up.
Anglophilia thanked Miranda33
pcweary
9 years ago
Anglophillia....our stories are almost identical. You are 5'4", I'm 5'3 (and shrinking) Your husband died 12 yrs ago, mine-9 yrs. You're 74..I'm 78. My wash loads are minimal in size and frequency and I was accustomed to a top loader. All your needs were mine as well when I purchased in July 2016. What did I do?...well, thanks to the fine people on this forum, it became clear which way to go.....Electrolux 617 w/d on pedestals. I have never looked back!! Yes, you can pause and add something you forgot easily, The doors are reversible and mine were reversed as the dryer must be on left. It also seems to accommodate smaller loads quite well.

The 517, as Miranda suggested, might fit your needs just as well as 617. Google and compare the 2 models. Love the delay start on mine. I set a load up at 8:00 last night to start at 8:00 this morning. Had coffee, "supervised" landscapers early and by 8:45 my washing was done. If I had not done that, I probably, in my lazy morning fashion, would not have put the load in till much, much later.

Evertything is clean, clean, clean.

Good luck on your search.
Anglophilia thanked pcweary
rococogurl
9 years ago
I have a small top load now and I don't like reaching down in there at all. Would definitely go with a front loader -- easier. Alex makes a good suggestion with the Euro compacts. Bosch is what I would go for next time around. There also is Electrolux, Blomberg and a few others. Googling compact front load washer should give you the choices.
mamapinky0
9 years ago
Miranda doesn't it depend how far into the wash cycle is and the water temp whether you can open your machine to add a garment?
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Anglophilia
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you ALL your recommendations! To say I had "sticker shock" when I looked at the prices of Bosch, Electrolux, and Speed Queen just shows you how long it's been since I bought a washer or dryer! It's been about 40 years!

At least I have some good recommendations when mine finally die. Until their last gasp (both still work just fine!), I'll stick with what I have, but I don't want to be in a bind to find something quickly that I later deeply regret. I will print out the recommendations and put them in my files.