Help: large capacity mid-range vs. compact high-end machine W+D

8 years ago

We're moving back to the US and couldn't WAIT to get a large, fast American washer + dryer. After reviews, I had totally settled on a Miele but missed 2 big points: 1) capacity -they're small! And 2) no vented dryer! Overseas, we've only had the option of condenser dryers and I hate how looooong it takes. Well over 2 hours for a normal, non-packed, double spun load of towels. I spend all day waiting for a few loads of laundry.

So now my dilemma- we had the budget ready for Miele, but the small capacity/long dry times are a total turn off. It feels like our option is either get a small high quality machine or a large machine and be okay with them dying in 7 years or so.

What's the next best option? We don't want "smart" appliances with fancy options, we want something that works well. No Samsung.

Featured Answer

SEA SEA

8 years ago

I couldn't quite determine if you are willing to go with a top load washing machine or are set on a front loader from your opening post. If you wanted to go top load washer, yes, the opinions of the 2018 Speed Queens are not rosy. However, the reviews of the commercial top loading Maytag are quite positive. Someone more studious on this topic than me hopefully will come along and provide a link to video and comments about this commercial Maytag machine for you. You might be interested in it. Conversely, I would suspect that coming from european FL washers, you might find a top load washer to be not quite up to snuff or speed regarding spin speeds. I would definitely not want to use a ventless or condenser dryer with a top loading washing though. It would take weeks to get a load dry, due to the lower spin speeds a TL can offer. For me, a vented traditional dryer would be a must in that scenario.

Speed Queen, from what I understand is still manufacturing a front load model for residential use, but it's the unitized washer/dryer stacked model. If you didn't mind having the units attached such as this, it might be of interest to you. We have one or a couple members here with the unitized SQ FL seem to be pleased with them, minus a minor glitch or two. Most machines have their "glitch" issue.

Not wishing for too much 'tech' on your machines, maybe looking into the unitized SQ FL would be worth your while. They are pricey, but you have the Miele budget already in hand, and these are not as costly as Miele. Close, but not that high.

Good luck, and welcome back to the states.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (13)

HKO HKO
8 years ago
Speed queen?

We had Miele in our old house. I loved them, husband hated small capacity. We got Samsung for the new house and they’re fine, about 1.5 yrs old now.
Schadenfreude J
Original Author
8 years ago
Re: SQ, that was my first choice but once the 2018 models came out, the reviews are terrible. So I'd have to hunt down an older model and so far no luck.

And definite no on Samsung. They may work fine, but once things go wrong there is absolutely no recourse. My mom's brand new machines started rusting from under the detergent spout after about a year of one-person use. Nothing. No fix. No help. Couldn't get anyone to respond to her much less come look at it. And online, this seems normal for Samsung service.
Related Professionals
Lexington Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Southaven Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Charleston Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · La Grande Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Miami Bathroom Remodelers · Salisbury Bathroom Remodelers · Amherst Bathroom Remodelers · Palm Desert Bathroom Remodelers · Lagrange Bathroom Remodelers · Little Rock Cabinets & Cabinetry · Atlantic City Cabinets & Cabinetry · Fredericksburg Cabinets & Cabinetry · Beatrice Cabinets & Cabinetry · Buffalo Cabinets & Cabinetry · Idaho Falls Cabinets & Cabinetry
mrb6228
8 years ago
If you simply must have an old-style top loader with a transmission, seek out a SQ commercial dealer. The older models are style being made through commercial sales only. Otherwise, it appears that most of the negative reviews on the newer models come from individuals that don't own one, but are simply disappointed that the design has changed. I wouldn't rule them out just yet.

MRB
Schadenfreude J
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks! Actually not looking at TL's at all - the SpeedQueen was an outlier in my first batch of contenders. I haven't seen the unitized yet so off to google it is :)
delray33483
8 years ago
how much laundry are you actually doing every day? these days there are small, medium and big laundry units. look at what you normally wash at that time frame and see what is the right size.
littlegreeny
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I'd go with a front load LG washer. They have the best reliability of the US front load washers and have fast cycles, especially if you choose a model with the Turbo Wash system. The models with Turbo Wash have a built in recirculation pump and spray rinses during the spin portions of the cycles. You can still get old-school cycles like pre-wash too. Last year, my mother in law purchased the WM4370HKA/DLEX4370K set along with the innovative Sidekick washer (WD100CK) for small/delicate loads and she absolutely loves them. I had numerous opportunities to use her set and am impressed with the quality and wash action.

There is a guy named Eugene on youtube that owns a furniture/appliance store and he loves the LGs also:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGY8fSrgm6A&t=2s

The one he talks about is one model lower than the one I recommend above. His lacks one delicate cycle and a LED drum light.
Schadenfreude J
Original Author
8 years ago
littlegreey - thanks for the link! I haven't checked his channel in a month and what a great review! Of course my mind focused on the "this is not the highest/best of the best, but is great across all categories/top 5 washer". Makes me want to know what his #1 is...hahaha. But definitely pretty sold on this - and will need a delicate cycle.
littlegreeny
8 years ago
You’re welcome! I’m also curious as to what he considers “the best” washer. The washer in his review does have a delicate cycle. The one I recommended has a delicate cycle plus a gentler handwash/knit cycle.
Schadenfreude J thanked littlegreeny
MizLizzie
8 years ago
I have the SQ unitized set. The model has not changed, AFAIK, since we bought it 3 years ago. It is an awesome machine with a tiny footprint — a true 400 pound workhorse that sits nearly flush to the cabinetry. Like most US machines, however, it does not have an onboard heater with a true sanitize wash like an allergen rated machine would have. I find it dispenses fabric softener poorly. And it dumps bleach straight in at the start of the cycle — again, most machines do. It can handle a queen comforter or a king quilt, no worries. The dryer tangles more than a Miele with standard reverse tumble would. If you are interested in this machine and mean to place it on a second floor, speak frankly with your dealer about the warranty. There was a lot of question on this when the machine first came out, with SQ stating that they would not warranty it for anything above first floor installation. If I had it to do over again, I would’ve spent the money on a Miele, but this machine has served me well. It needs very little babying, and no servicing so far. If budget is no constraint, the Miele LiGi might be a great option.
Schadenfreude J thanked MizLizzie
Jerrod
8 years ago
I think most new machines dispense bleach during the last 5 or 10 minutes of the wash. I think that If the bleach goes into the wash at the beginning it will kill or limit any enzymes found in today's detergents.
robinhome
8 years ago
Did you make a decision yet? https://www.houzz.com/user/overanalysisparalysis
Schadenfreude J
Original Author
8 years ago
Yep - We're gonna go with the LG WM4370HWA and dryer.