Washing Machine Died - Suggestions for Replacement Brand / Model

[Ramsker]

When our 20-something-year-old washer and dryer started giving up the ghost, we replaced with Kenmore Elite HE front loaders. They've been flawlees for about 6 years now.

[Gman]

Too bad Sears is barely hanging on. Kenmore isn't what it used to be...for a while now.

[Bailey Guns]

I got a GE 4.2 cu ft top loader with agitator at Home Depot last fall. I chose it because it's a plain Jane old school type washer. Choose type of load (whites, colors) and water temp and level, hit start. You can also open the lid during operation (not during spin) if you need to toss something in. Seems to work great though it's a little noisy. I bought it as a pair with the matching dryer and they were $373 each.

I hate these damn new HE washers with impellers instead of agitators. I've done loads where some of the clothes didn't even get wet. This cheap one will fill that tub to the very top if that's what you want.

Another thing I like is no computer boards (or very little computer control). All old school mechanical dials. And, the hot water isn't tempered with cold. When you choose "Hot", that's what you get. Great for cleaning whites.

With all the choices out there it's a PITA to pick one. I chose mostly on the $$ and the reviews.

ETA: I just looked at the price...$566 now. Black Friday deal saved me a bunch of money. Plus the kid in the appliance dept gave me an extra $50 off the pair because I told him I'd pick them up at the store rather than have them delivered.

[Eric P]

My 2005 LG front load I got is still running strong. Big dent on side from forklift had it discounted to $300.

It's a tool in a closet who cares what it looks like.

[MrPrena]

I have a Frigidaire FS series washer and dryer which I purchased from 2008 (when i moved to thornton). Got 150 water rebate, and using it since.
Still working great, but I had to replace few parts:

-Dryer door latch Door Latch for Electrolux Frigidaire Dryer 5366021400 131658800
-Washer Door Latch Strike Frigidaire Part 131763302
-Frigidaire Electrolux 134515300 Bellow 134515300-FR

I had to replace the bellow , because I bought those stupid organic natural green detergent from Costco. Used that, and mold was building up. I used bleach and brush, and it would not disappear. I even let bleach sit on it for a day, and area was getting bigger and bigger over time. I got so grossed out and bought a new bellow.

Washer door latch strike is known part which breaks on Fridaire washer. It was fairly urgent, and bought it from Appliance factory outlet part store on 74th and I-25.
Dryer latch also broke, but bought that on ebay for under $5.

Washer does make some noise (my guess is lints) but still running strong. Planning to replace it on my 15th year or earlier.

If I pay less taxes this year (maybe even get refund), i might think of buying a new washer dryer set. If so, my 1st choice to look at would be LG.

[SSChameleon]

Look up Speed Queen Washers. They are expensive, but they have a 25 year warranty. They are a company that makes machines for laundromats and other industrial applications. A few years ago they learned people would pay more (their basic washers are 2 or 3 times the price of the basic model at your local hardware store) if it meant the washer lasted forever, so they now make consumer models.

[def90]

Bosch or Miele..

[Duman]

Picked up a good, used, Maytag on Craigslist. Less than 2-years old for <$350, price new >$750.

[Gman]

[Duman]

Thanks everyone for the input. It helped a lot. First load successfully launched, no leaks.