Thread Number: 14203
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Post# 243277   10/18/2007 at 22:54 (6,031 days old) by jhducote ()        

Hola Amigos,
I am in the market for a new stackable, full size, front loading washer and dryer in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I tried to buy a TOL Whirlpool Duet pair on Monday, but just as I was ready to purchase, the salesman at Meublerias Rodriguez told me that the dryer only comes in a gas model. He said that Whirlpool in Mexico only makes its newer models in gas. Alas, my condo has an electric connection only.

Can anyone verify this for me? I find it hard to believe. (or maybe just don't want to believe it!)

Does anyone have a contact at Whirlpool or in Puerto Vallarta that may have more information?

Do any of you have a recommendation for another manufacturer of comparable quality that will sell, and more importantly, service, a front loading washer and dryer in PVR?

I recognize that these are very specific questions, but I can't think of a more qualified group of people to help me with my acquisition down south. I promise to post pictures once they are installed.

I am testing my ability to post pics by enclosing one of our new bath tub in the guest bathroom. The tub fills by water rising through an inlet below the "rock grotto". I guess I could beat clothes clean over the rocks until I can get a new washer. ;-0

Muchas gracias,
Saludos,
John.




Post# 243356 , Reply# 1   10/19/2007 at 12:22 (6,030 days old) by andrewinorlando ()        

The Whirlpool Duets definitely come in electric models, just don't know if they sell them in Mexico or not.

Post# 243432 , Reply# 2   10/19/2007 at 22:17 (6,030 days old) by jhducote ()        
...yes, that is the issue

 I was told by an appliance salesperson that Whirlpool does not make electric model Duet dryers for sale in Mexico. Can that possibly be true? I would like to speak with someone at Whirlpool to make sure of this and have left a message, but so far, no call back. I am reaching out to this group to see if anyone has any experience buying a full sized, stackable, front load washer and electric dryer in Mexico, especially Puerto Vallarta.

Mexico is such a wonderful place, and sometimes the things we take for granted in the USA just aren't easily available there. It can be frustrating, but I have to believe there is a good solution to this issue waiting to unfold.

Post# 243459 , Reply# 3   10/20/2007 at 01:38 (6,030 days old) by ultramatic52 (Mexico City)        
Hello!!!

 As a mexican I can tell you that Duet just comes here in the gas version. As a fact it will be really difficult that you find an electric dryer of any brand here in Mexico. The best thing you can do is call a plumber and make him put a gas conection so that you can get a gas dryer. After buying it you should call the customer service of the brand and ask them to convert the dryer from natural gas to LP gas if you donīt want your clothes to get ruinned and your gas bills go up to heaven. I hope this work.

Post# 243484 , Reply# 4   10/20/2007 at 06:43 (6,029 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Where are you exactly from jhducote? Your profile says Oakland California but you say you come from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Also, what kind of Duet is the set exactly? The original Duet set came out in 2001 alongside the Calypso Top-Loader and can be recognized by its huge size. It is no longer being manufactured in the USA. The Duet Sport is the "Duet Jr.". It is entirely White but has a Black version.
The Duet Sport HT looks like the Duet Sport but the door is colored Gray and it has more options. The Duet HT is smaller in size than the original Duet and looks sleeker. According to Whirlpool, the Duet HT is "America's Most-Popular Front-Load Washer." The Duet Steam which has just come out in the USA but can be differentiated from the Duet HT in the following ways:

The washer and dryer have a color called "New Aspen" which is a shade of green.
The washer does not have a Sanitary cycle but the dryer does.
The "Extra Hot/Cold" setting is labled "Sanitize" and the other water level setting list only the wash temp. The Warm/Warm setting is lables as "Warm*".
The dryer uses a water line from the washer to produce steam.
The dryer exclusively uses steam in the "Quick Press" and "Enhanced Touch-Up" cycles.
The Sanitary cycle on the dryer uses steam and high heat temps to sanitize launndry.
The washer uses steam during the "Deep Clean With Steam" option which is the Catalyst option. It also uses steam during the"Clean Washer" Cycle to kill mold and mildew.

Post# 243485 , Reply# 5   10/20/2007 at 06:45 (6,029 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Here is the original Duet Washer & Dryer set.

Post# 243486 , Reply# 6   10/20/2007 at 06:46 (6,029 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Here is the Duet Sport washer.

Post# 243487 , Reply# 7   10/20/2007 at 06:46 (6,029 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Here is the Duet Sport HT washer.

Post# 243488 , Reply# 8   10/20/2007 at 06:48 (6,029 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Here is the Duet HT Washer & Dryer set. The color is "White with Blue Mettalic Water-Drop."

Post# 243489 , Reply# 9   10/20/2007 at 06:49 (6,029 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Here is the Duet Steam waher in "New Aspen". Like stated it looks exactly like the Duet HT.

Post# 243545 , Reply# 10   10/20/2007 at 13:02 (6,029 days old) by jhducote ()        
More detail about the situation...

Thanks to both Ultramatic52 and Funguy10 for your responses. My name is John, and I live with my partner in Oakland, Ca. We also maintain a condominium on Playa Los Muertos (beach on the southside of the old town) in Puerto Vallarta. We have recently renovated the condo and converted half of a hallway closet into a laundry area. Unfortunately during construction we were not able to run a gas line to this closet without jackhammering through about 20 feet of concrete. This seemed impractical, so we settled for an electric connection. Although I was disappointed not to have gas, I did not anticipate that electric dryers would be so hard to find. The Mexican Whirlpool Duet models I would like to have are
Lavadora 7MWFM9999 PP (washer)
Secadora 7MWGM9999 PP (dryer)
and they can be seen in the attached weblink.

If Whirlpool does not make electric dryers for sale in Mexico, can you recommend another full sized and stackable brand that is available in Mexico?
Thanks again.
John.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO jhducote's LINK
Post# 243563 , Reply# 11   10/20/2007 at 14:02 (6,029 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Are the pictured washer & dryer the ones you are buying? I think those are the mexican versions of the original Duets. Am I right?

Post# 243568 , Reply# 12   10/20/2007 at 14:46 (6,029 days old) by jhducote ()        

These are the models I would like to get, but since the dryer is not available in an electric model, that's not going to work. The picture contains the latest versions of the original Duets available in Mexico. You can go to the weblink in my response above for more information.

Post# 243696 , Reply# 13   10/21/2007 at 06:45 (6,028 days old) by funguy10 ()        

How about the Duet HT washer & dryer? They are "America's Best-Selling Front-Load Washer & Dryer Pair." Your words have confused me into not being sure whwther you want the electric or gas model but the Duet HT model comes in electric and gas models. Here is the link to the Duet HT Washer. I don't know what "HT" stands for but someone told me it was "High Technology". I think thought the "T" could mean "Thermal" because the Duet HT is the Whirlpool version of Sears' Kenmore Elite HE5t.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO funguy10's LINK
Post# 243698 , Reply# 14   10/21/2007 at 06:48 (6,028 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Here is the link to the electric version of the dryer.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO funguy10's LINK
Post# 243699 , Reply# 15   10/21/2007 at 06:50 (6,028 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Here is the Gas Dryer. Identical except for the fuel form and the price.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO funguy10's LINK
Post# 243700 , Reply# 16   10/21/2007 at 06:53 (6,028 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
I think you should check the Mexican website for the availability of electric dryers in Mexico. It looks like there are only gas models on that website.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO foraloysius's LINK
Post# 243937 , Reply# 17   10/22/2007 at 10:24 (6,027 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        
As far as I know Cuba does not allow electric cooking...

 toggleswitch's profile picture
But I am blissfully unaware of any other restrictions in the Americas.


Is there a Mexican local or national restriction against electric dryers? If so, why would builders add an electrical outlet for dryers (or even know what type of line/socket was needed)?

I could swear my ex-in-laws had an electric one in Mexico City while they were living and working there.

IIRC they were Regular MOL Whirlpools, with an electric dryer.









Post# 244092 , Reply# 18   10/23/2007 at 01:09 (6,027 days old) by ultramatic52 (Mexico City)        
Mexican Dryers!!!

 Hi everyone!!!

I believe that only LG has an electric dryer but in the combo design (2 in 1 washer/dryer). It's almost impossible to get an electric dryer here since everyone uses gas to dry clothes because electric dryers throw the electric bills to sky and take longer time. I am remembering that Bosch has a tiny washer and an electric dryer which can be stackable but they are a 9 pound capacity and dryer takes for ever to dry clothes. Beside this I really don't think you find an electric dryer of any model. I really resuggest to ask a plummer to bring from the nearest place available around your condo a gas conection using a tube or maybe a gas hose on to the closet so you can buy a gas dryer.

I hope this opinion helps since I constantly check the web pages and look at appliances at stores and no one carries an electric version dryer that doesn't comes in a combo.

Post# 244093 , Reply# 19   10/23/2007 at 01:33 (6,027 days old) by jhducote ()        
Aaarrrggghhhh!

 Everyone here is so helpful, but everything that I am reading is soooooo frustrating. It is impractical for me to run a gas line to the laundry closet. I would have to remove the gas stove and then chop through about 30 feet of (expensive) floor tile and jackhammer concrete to make a trough between the stove and the laudry closet to lay down a gas line. It just doesn't seem worth it.

I understand that gas dryers are preferable, heck, I would prefer to have one, but in this case my only practical option is electric. The electrician did not hesistate to install a 220 volt electrical outlet for the dryer, he even suggested it, which led me to believe that such a beast exists in Mexico. But then again, maybe not.

How about shipping an electric dryer from the USA? Does anyone have ideas or experience about how I might do that?

I am aware of the LG Tromm combo washer/dryers, but I suspect that they are not so energy efficient, and I am not aware of an official LG repair shop in PVR. I have also been frightened by some of the LG repair horror stories on this site. Puerto Vallarta is not the place to experiment with a machine that might break, because you might never get it repaired.

Thanks to all for your continued commentary.

Muchas gracias,
John.

Post# 244148 , Reply# 20   10/23/2007 at 10:16 (6,026 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture
John, it's not like I've paid much attention during my many trips to PV and other parts of Mexico, but is there even such a thing as a 220 volt electrical supply down there? I'm thinking the gas-only situation my stem from circumstances where 220 isn't an option for most households.

I don't know what to tell you. It sounds like maybe your best bet would be a washer/dryer combo unit where the dryer part runs on 110 volts. Either that or buy the dryer up here, throw it on a truck and make a road trip to PV. Great location for your condo, by the way. South of the river is the only place to be in PV.

Ralph

Post# 244318 , Reply# 21   10/24/2007 at 07:24 (6,025 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
~How about shipping an electric dryer from the USA? Does anyone have ideas or experience about how I might do that?

Have you tried Sears?

When I worked there selling appliances, I had customers come to me in the NY area to buy appliances for their home in Maine. The order can be taken anywhere and the warehouse nearest the delivery address ships the goods.

Perhaps this works with US/Mexico.

Post# 244348 , Reply# 22   10/24/2007 at 10:26 (6,025 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture
I think the problem with getting an electric dryer from here to Mexico isn't the shipping or hauling but instead would be getting the thing repaired if it was ever necessary. If all they have in Mexico is gas dryers, then they probably don't have many people who can repair electrics and parts that are exclusive to electrics wouldn't be readily available.

John, maybe you need to get a gas grill-type propane tank wedged into your laundry room somehow and make the necessary tweaks to a gas dryer to work with that type of fuel.

Post# 244434 , Reply# 23   10/24/2007 at 20:29 (6,025 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        
Cuidate Mucho! Fuego, Fuego, Fuego!

toggleswitch's profile picture
~Maybe you need to get a gas grill-type propane tank wedged into your laundry room somehow and make the necessary tweaks to a gas dryer to work with that type of fuel.

To tweak a dryer from natural gas to propane it will need to have the gas orifice adjusted or replaced. A natural gas dryer used on propane gas will throw a huge and yellow (incomplete combustion) flame; the carbon will soot-up the clothing and the dryer.


[My sister paid to have an addtional propane pipe/outlet installed in her house for the dryer, where the builder priovided an electrical outlet "standard" (i.e. without additional cost) for an electric dryer. If the builider were even one drop concerned about the environment, he would have had a propane connection and NO outlet, but that is entirely another story! --The house uses propane for heat, hot water and a gas cooktop, so another connection would have been no big deal.]

When her gas dryer came from Sears, that company had neglected to convert it for propane, yet conected it anyway.
I realized there was a problem in that there ws a great deal of LIGHT coming out of the machine and the flame cycled off nearly immediately after igniting, time after time.]

Anyhoo back to our scheduled programme.--- Also please be careful with a propane bottle in the house. This is an invitation for trouble and NOT ALLOWED in many jurisdictons. BE CAREFUL! Your fire insurance MAY also be cancelled immediately. INVESTIGATE!

Outside this country I have seen propane conected via vinyl hose and hose clamps. May I suggest metal pipe/tubing, TWO pressure regulators and accessible/visible shut-off ("cut-off")valves for safety, if this is the way you choose to go....

BEST OF LUCK!

Post# 244549 , Reply# 24   10/25/2007 at 09:15 (6,024 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture
Oh, I absolutely agree that all mechanical and safety measures need to be followed for a conversion to propane. I suspect in Mexico you can get away with a lot more than you can in the U.S. where the building codes are concerned. Based on what I've seen in my many trips to various parts of that country.

Post# 244552 , Reply# 25   10/25/2007 at 09:21 (6,024 days old) by jhducote ()        
No fuego por favor!

 Thanks again for the continued posts.

No fire please! Safety is a primary concern, so don't worry, I won't install anything that presents an unreasonable risk to myself or my neighbors.

A propane tank is theorectically an option, but our new laundry closet is constructed with just enough space for the laundry equipment and outfitted with custom shelves. I'd rather not have to tear all of that out to made space for a propane tank.
But I must keep an open mind about this, so never say never.

In late breaking news, I may have made contact with a company that can get a Maytag Epic electric dryer in Mexico for me. I'll share more information as this possibility develops.

I would like to have a matching washer and dryer. Does anyone have experience with the Maytag Epic line? Are these good quality machines? I'm pretty sure that they are manufactured by Whirlpool. What else should I know before buying them?

Saludos,
John.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO jhducote's LINK
Post# 244583 , Reply# 26   10/25/2007 at 12:54 (6,024 days old) by ultramatic52 (Mexico City)        
Hello!!!

 Hi jhducote. Guess what? Today I was doing some research for you and found that Samsung have several full size combo machines which carry 14 kg for washing and 8 kg for drying (I donīt know that weights in pounds). Direct drive motor, silver nano function, 1200 rpm spin. they are really nice for me. Iīll post some pictures. The thing is I donīt know if they are sold all over the country since some appliances are just sold in specific department stores like Liverpool or El Palacio de Hierro and Sears. If you find any of this stores in PVR youīve made it. I think Liverpool is the cheapest place to buy and have excellent warraties. These are all new combos so maybe you will have to ask for them through a brochure at the store or contact Samsung to see what you can do about it. I think they are 110 volts which is the need in PVR.

I hope this helps.

Post# 244584 , Reply# 27   10/25/2007 at 12:56 (6,024 days old) by ultramatic52 (Mexico City)        
Samsung Combos Models

 More...

Post# 244585 , Reply# 28   10/25/2007 at 12:57 (6,024 days old) by ultramatic52 (Mexico City)        
More

 Samsung

Post# 244587 , Reply# 29   10/25/2007 at 13:00 (6,024 days old) by ultramatic52 (Mexico City)        
Last one

 By the way, if you need any other information go to the Samsung webpage here in Mexico to get the additional information.

Here is the link, just copy it into your browser:
www.samsung.com/mx/products/washi...

Post# 244599 , Reply# 30   10/25/2007 at 14:54 (6,024 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Is that first red one the Samsung AirWash Wsaher/Dryer that just came out? Someone made a thread about the AirWash right here at the Modern Forum.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO funguy10's LINK
Post# 244603 , Reply# 31   10/25/2007 at 15:44 (6,024 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Samsung Combos

 peteski50's profile picture
These Samsung combos look awsome. I don't know if they are comming to America. But again even if they do what about the service. Believe me I learned from my LG experiences.
Peter

Post# 244606 , Reply# 32   10/25/2007 at 16:04 (6,024 days old) by ultramatic52 (Mexico City)        
Air Wash!!!

 It is the Airwash washer or at least that is mentioned in the page. They are sold here in Mexico. I have the past model and have had very good experiences with the service staff.

Post# 244711 , Reply# 33   10/26/2007 at 09:29 (6,023 days old) by jhducote ()        
the Maytag Epic?...

 Wow, looks like very cool technology in the Samsungs. Thanks for the link. They are building a big new Liverpool store in PVR. Don't know when it will open. As I have not seen these models in the local market, I wonder if anyone would be able to service them. I want to avoid a situation where I would need to fly someone in from Mexico City to performs repairs if needed.

It seems that the Maytag Epic line is available in PVR, including a model with an electric dryer. This leads me to ask...
Does anyone have experience with the Maytag Epic line? Are these good quality machines? I'm pretty sure that they are manufactured by Whirlpool. Are they of higher quality than the Whirlpool brand? What else should I know before buying them?

Post# 244753 , Reply# 34   10/26/2007 at 13:34 (6,023 days old) by funguy10 ()        

Yes, the Maytag Epic washer and dryer are made by Whirlpool. They are the Maytag-Branded version of the Whirlpool Duet.

Post# 244755 , Reply# 35   10/26/2007 at 13:41 (6,023 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
maybe these will help

 pierreandreply4's profile picture
hello

maybe these will help here is a picture and a link.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO pierreandreply4's LINK
Post# 244934 , Reply# 36   10/28/2007 at 07:03 (6,021 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Here are some reviews on Maytag frontloaders including the Epic.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO foraloysius's LINK
Post# 244941 , Reply# 37   10/28/2007 at 09:11 (6,021 days old) by jhducote ()        
Is Maytag Epic quality better than its predecessors?

 After reading the reviews in the link that "foraloysius" kindly provided, it seems that the Maytag Epic is well-liked by the people who have them; but I noted that the reviews are recent (mostly written in 2007). I also read the reviews for the Maytags that preceeded the Epic, and many of them are negative. Has Maytag recently undertaken an initiative to improve quality? Is the Epic a symbol of the company's re-commitment to quality products? Maytag's quality "skeletons in the closet" have me a little spooked. I am guessing that the new owners, Whirlpool, have improved quality to mitigate perceptions that Maytags are an inferior product. Any other thoughts??


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