New top loading washer/dryer

8 years ago

Hello all. New homeowner here, and we need to get a washer/electric dryer. Wife wants a top loader and we don't need any fancy options or digital buttons. Would also like to keep it decently cheap. The ones I have been looking at online were from GE, Maytag, and Whirlpool. Multiple models from each brand ranging from $400 to $550 (big box store prices not retail). We are going to look at some in person but are any brands/models in that range better than the others?

If it helps I can list all the model numbers.

TIA

Featured Answer

dadoes

8 years ago

DanniRose,

Maytag Centennial is a marketing name. The brand belongs to Whirlpool since 2006. There are many machines of the same mechanical design under the Maytag, Kenmore, and Whirlpool labels, and other brands of the Whirlpool family.

Be advised that the presence of rotary knobs does not mean the machine has an "old-style" mechanical timer and switches. Your machine bought at that time is probably of a design that requires a computer board to control the motor and other components. Clues to that are 1) cycle progress lights, and 2) the cycle knob is a selector that does not move along during operation to a labeled Off position.

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Comments (12)

dadoes
8 years ago
There are very few machines nowadays that don't have electronic controls. Lack of buttons and fancy options does not mean no electronics. Many with rotary knobs have a computer board, the knobs are just selectors to set the options on it.
Frank
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Thanks dadoes. Was trying to keep it simple in the event of a fix, but I guess it doesn't matter these days. Any recommendations on which one is better?
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Jerrod
8 years ago
Not crazy about top loaders but if your wife wants one, that's it. For me I would avoid any top loader that does not have a full agitator. Avoid the one with the wash plate. The wash plates just don't do it for me. It seems to take too long to get the clothes turned over. They will use less water but I am not sure if they really clean as well as the washers with the full agitators. I think Maytag has released what they call the commercial washer and it looks like it is not too fancy but can wash clothes. I think the washer comes with a decent warranty too.
mjfreije89
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I will be watching this thread. When we moved I decided to go with a front load washer and I dislike it very much. I read reviews and I went all LG for everything, i.e., washer, dryer, microwave, stove and fridge. The dryer is the only appliance I do not complain about. When I move again, I will be looking at the new energy efficient top load washers. I would not recommend an LG anything, not even a cell phone.
mamapinky0
8 years ago
Mjfreije, Maybe a different brand of front loader since you want energy efficient. I wouldn't take a top load HE machine if it was given to me. Read up on them as there's tons of complaints.
wdccruise
8 years ago
Check Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/join) for recommendations and ratings. Then check consumers' anecdotal reviews at sites such as Home Depot, Best Buy, and Lowes. CR tested both top-load HE and agitator washers. You don't have to spend $$$; there were recommended models $600+.
ci_lantro
8 years ago
Top load/ agitator/ full fill/ no computer--I would shop for a used Speed Queen.
Babs Fla
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Speed Queen.....I love mine...did lots of research before I bought it. You get what you pay for.
dan1888
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
The new current SQ is not recommended. It's out of your budget anyway. Not worth the price. There are comparative videos on YouTube

I'd look for a used one. The previous gen is not digital, washes well and will last a long time.
Larisa Batchelor
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
You can still find 2017 speed queen machines. I’ve found many near me both new and used. Wouldn’t hestitate to buy a used speed queen. Call your local speed queen dealer you may be surprised and still have brand new ones. I found both last years top loaders and front load machines very close to me. They have people driving from two states away to get these machines. They are out there.
dannirose
8 years ago
About five years ago, I wanted the same thing as you, simple mechanical knobs with simple settings. We ended up with a Maytag Centennial with “commercial technology”. WORST Choice ever!!!! It tears the clothes up, the drum fell off one of the hooks and pieces of the drum broke off. At that point hubby was able to fix it well enough to keep using it. But recently, it randomly starts sounding like an airplane is taking off and shaking the whole house. Sometimes it stops after about 2O seconds, but a few days ago it didn’t stop and I had to run upstairs and turn it off. It’s actually scary. On line reviews about this machine are absolutely terrible. We plan to purchase a new machine this month during the Black Friday sales. So, my advice is to stay away from Maytag Centennial!