Thread Number: 22456
FriGEMore laundry center: experiences?
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Post# 351462   5/25/2009 at 09:19 (5,421 days old) by dnastrau (Lords Valley, PA)        

Greetings:

My parents are looking for a set to replace their tired 25-year-old Hotpoint tub ring Filter-Flo set (that may end up at our house!) They wanted a front load stacked unit to free up space in their cramped laundry room, so I did a little research and came up with the Frigidaire front load unit (see link below.) It seems to have gotten very good reviews and the price is great (which was a concern for them. Unfortunately $2K Speed Queens were not in the budget). Any thoughts or experiences?

Thanks in advance!

Andrew S.


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Post# 351464 , Reply# 1   5/25/2009 at 09:29 (5,421 days old) by ptcruiser51 (Boynton Beach, FL)        
Dryer capacity

ptcruiser51's profile picture
Should be twice what the washer capacity is. Unitized models always suffer from undersized dryers, but this is not a really big concern unless you do full loads all the time. Or if you regularly wash a lot of heavy articles: bath towels, jeans, outerwear.

The other consideration is that when one unit finally "goes", you're either stuck with an enormous repair cost, or junking the other unit that still works.

Good luck!


Post# 351466 , Reply# 2   5/25/2009 at 09:40 (5,421 days old) by golittlesport (California)        

golittlesport's profile picture
You may want to consider individual units stacked. I've had good luck with Frigidaire front loaders. My son has a nine year old washer with no repairs. The dryer does a good job and is fine for most loads. Frigidaire has a larger dryer out now, but the footprint may be bigger, somthing to consider in tight spaces.

Post# 351472 , Reply# 3   5/25/2009 at 10:09 (5,421 days old) by dnastrau (Lords Valley, PA)        
Dryer capacity; stacking individual units

Thanks for the fast replies!

The washer is a 3.1 cu ft and the dryer is a 5.7. The dryer size is the same as all of the stand alone Frigidaire dryers of recent years - a tad small compared to Whirlpool, etc. For my parents it should be fine since they do not wash a lot of bulky items.

Stacking individual units does solve the problem of one half of the one-piece laundry center dying prematurely forcing replacement of the whole thing, but the initial price will be higher. I'll have to look at this possibility as well.

Andrew S.



Post# 351474 , Reply# 4   5/25/2009 at 10:11 (5,421 days old) by fridgiman ()        

Definitely go for individual units that can be stacked. If one goes you can just replace it and don't have to junk the whole unit.
How much do they want to spend?
Look in the Consumer Reports latest review of washers. They rate a lower priced front load frigidaire as a "Best Buy" and it has a water heater. I think you can get both washer and matching dryer for around $1000.00 and they can be stacked.
Good Luck,
Jim


Post# 351482 , Reply# 5   5/25/2009 at 10:26 (5,421 days old) by dnastrau (Lords Valley, PA)        
FriGEmore Stacking kit is only $20

Well, after checking prices my assumption was incorrect. You can get the stand alone units along with the stacking kit for less than $20 more. The only negatives that I see with this is having the dryer controls at the top, and the loss of the shelf space on top of the washer. I'll let them know about this and we'll see...

My only reservation about the Frigidaires is the possible tub bearing/aluminum spider failure possibility. However, I know some people here have had very good luck with these machines. If they get these I'll make sure they avoid chlorine bleach and oversudsing.

Thanks again,

Andrew S.


Post# 351495 , Reply# 6   5/25/2009 at 11:10 (5,421 days old) by tristarcxl ()        
Tub Bearing / Spider

I've got one of the 3.1 cu. ft. Frigemore frontloaders that's less than 2 years old. I have babied that thing it's whole life, and it's already got the whine of a failing bearing in it on spin. I'm going to use it until it craps out then find something else to be my daily driver.

It washes well, but the fact that it's not used but 2-3x a week, cared for with the door left open after use, and the bearing noise makes me a little unhappy with it.

Since the bearing isn't dead yet, you can't call for warranty service either. How much you wanna bet it dies just after when the warranty ends?


Post# 351500 , Reply# 7   5/25/2009 at 11:33 (5,421 days old) by davek ()        
Whirlpool

The 27" Whirlpool stacked set doesn't compromise on capacity and uses dependable, proven parts already common to Whirlpool and Kenmore DD machines. Avoid the Kenmore larger stack pair as it's actually a Frigidaire top-loader. People around here don't think much of those, either (see the thread about a leaking GE on Imperial).

Though that link is a good price, I've read too much lately to trust a Frigidaire.


Post# 351511 , Reply# 8   5/25/2009 at 13:08 (5,421 days old) by toploader1984 ()        

tell them they SHOULD deffinately spend the extra money and get the SPEED QUEEN stackable front loader, all the problems frigidaires have with the bearings and spider arm assemblies... the average life span is 5 to 7 years, on most front loaders for that matter, the speed queen will outlast any front loader on the market today hands down, and it is made in america, not mexico like most front loaders, it also comes with a 3 year parts AND labor warranty. go to www.speedqueen.com... and check it out.

Post# 351512 , Reply# 9   5/25/2009 at 13:16 (5,421 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
Question: WHY does everyone call these "Fridgemores&quo

revvinkevin's profile picture
Is there some thought they are made by Kenmore for Frigidaire, or vis versa? What's the story? As far as I know they are made by Electrolux primarily for Frigidaire, but are also sold under the Sears/Kenmore and GE names.

I have had this same Frigidaire individual stacking units (3.1 cu ft washer, 5.7 dryer) for 12 years now and have had only very minimal problems with them! In the last year one of the tub shocks for the washer physically broke and the timer knob came off in my hand one day about 5 months ago. I ordered the parts online and replaced them myself, very easy repairs!

I have always used chlorine bleach when I do the whites and in the last 12 years it has only had an oversuds issue twice and then completely by accident.

So far 12 years and 2600+ loads of laundry later..... they are still going strong!




Post# 351535 , Reply# 10   5/25/2009 at 14:12 (5,421 days old) by dnastrau (Lords Valley, PA)        
Bearing failures

Hi tristarcxl:

Wow - that is pretty extreme. I wonder if the bearing was defective from the start. I would think that if the bearing is whining you should be able to make a warranty claim now. I would certainly try.

We purchased a Maytag Epic (Whirlpool Duet clone) two years ago. One of the reasons for picking it over the Frigidaires was the lack of complaints regarding bearing failures. Guess what? I now see reports on the Internet of bearing failures with Duet/clone machines too! Very disappointing.

You would think that by now the bread and butter manufacturers could make (or be willing to produce) a bearing that would last. It is interesting that some people's front loader Frigidaires/clones and Whirlpools/clones go for years with no bearing issues and others fail very early even when they have been well cared for. It seems that most everything has become disposable today unless you buy high-end like Miele or Speed Queen.

I am going to recommend that my parents get an extended warranty on whatever they end up buying.

Andrew S.


Post# 351537 , Reply# 11   5/25/2009 at 14:17 (5,421 days old) by dnastrau (Lords Valley, PA)        
FriGEmores

Hi Kevin:

Yes, my understanding is that the same machine was made by Electrolux and sold under the Frigidaire, GE, Kenmore (and Gibson) brand names. That is where the nickname originated.

I am glad to hear that your stack unit is going strong after 12 years. Excellent!

Andrew S.


Post# 351538 , Reply# 12   5/25/2009 at 14:21 (5,421 days old) by tristarcxl ()        

Don't get me wrong, it's a decent washer. My only complaint is the eternity-long cycle and the roaring bearing. Yes, I've complained, but they say that if they replace it when it hasn't failed, they may charge me for the repair.

Considering that I paid around $400 for the machine, when it dies, it's gone. I'll haul one of the vintage machines down from the garage and use it. I bought the Frigidaire because it actually used enough water to cause a "slosh". I'm not a fan of the modern iterations that use like 2 tablespoons of water......they're terrible on pet hair!

The only modern appliance I've got in this house is the dishwasher which came with the house. It's a 1999 Whirlpool Gold with the electronic push buttons. I've never used a better dishwasher.....and that includes the vintage Kitchen-Aids. I've never pre-rinsed a single dish that went in there and in the 3 years I've owned this house, I have NEVER had a single dish come out with so much as a spot! It's a shame they don't make them like that anymore.


Post# 351539 , Reply# 13   5/25/2009 at 14:26 (5,421 days old) by dnastrau (Lords Valley, PA)        
Whirlpool DD and Speed Queen

Wow - thanks for all of the replies! I will also mention the Whirlpool top load stack as well as the Speed Queen front load stack to them. The Speed Queen is almost $2K so I don't know if they can go that high. I know going cheap can sometimes be false economy but $2K may simply be too high for them at this point. We'll see.

Andrew S.


Post# 351551 , Reply# 14   5/25/2009 at 16:14 (5,421 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)        
FIGIDAIRE Affinity

laundromat's profile picture
The Affinity washer and dryer are the ones I recomend for those on a "budget"They are pretty much "tried and trued" and I have heard verry few (if any) issues regarding them.They are a good size in capacity and I think the dryers come equiped with a stacking kit?? I could be wrong but the stacking is nothing but a couple brackets that mount in the rear section of the set and will be more secure than most other stacking kits with other brands.I just installed a new set made for Crosley that are identical to the 8,000 model Frigidaire set.Those sold for $1399 + $250 S&H from Kent,Washington.The buyer, who is a dental hygenist localy,came in to get some propane and marveled over,bragged about and thanked me for talking her into a front loader.She said that she originaly was going to allow the tenants to use it but she now does their wash for them to be sure nobody abuses them. I laughed because most people really don't give a rat's ass about how to maintain and take care of appliances. She uses Windex and leaves her door ajar after finished for the day in doing the wash.She also cleans her dispenser tray and uses WiskHE detergent.She was verry disturbed at first because her friends told her if she got the front loader,she would not be able to open it during the cycle. I showed her they were wrong and all she needed to do was open the dispenser tray to dissengage the door lock. She was then sold and bought the pair. Her's has the drawers to store all her additives.

Post# 351644 , Reply# 15   5/25/2009 at 22:07 (5,421 days old) by volvoguy87 (Cincinnati, OH)        
Speed Queen.

volvoguy87's profile picture
Check CL and see if any Speed Queen front loaders are for sale. You can save a whole lot on a very high quality machine by getting it slightly used. Also check for floor models and previous year models.
Dave


Post# 351715 , Reply# 16   5/26/2009 at 01:07 (5,421 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)        

mark_wpduet's profile picture
I wonder if the folks that have had these units for 9 or 10 years, are these even made as well as they were then. I guess there's no way to know.

Post# 351853 , Reply# 17   5/26/2009 at 11:10 (5,420 days old) by passatdoc (Orange County, California)        

Based on golittlesport's experience, you should be safe with the combined unit. His original 3.1 cu ft FL is going on ten years and now resides at his son's home where it is still giving excellent service. The only downside is, as others have mentioned, what if the washer dies in 12 years but the dryer still works? Then the buyer might wish there were separate, stacking machines. I have a 2140 stacked on the matching gas dryer. If the washer dies in ten years, hopefully I can replace it with a washer of the same footprint.

Btw, the frigdaire stacking kit consists of three brackets (two small ones on each front corner, one long piece along the rear) that bolt into the top of the washer. The brackets have recessed holes that accomodate the feet of the dryer. The kit comes free with Affinity models. For 2140 and 2940, you have to buy it for about $20. I don't know about the kit for the 3.1 washer but one must exist since it is billed as being stackable.


Post# 352047 , Reply# 18   5/26/2009 at 22:17 (5,420 days old) by dnastrau (Lords Valley, PA)        
Affinity, Speed Queen, stacked vs. separates

Hi Laundromat:

Yep, they know about the Affinity too. That is what we almost bought (and the 2140/2940) before our Maytag Epic two years ago. They are still leaning toward the smaller stacked set though.

Hi Dave:

No Speed Queens to be had used/cheap in their area (Hudson Valley, NY or ours - Poconos, PA) on Craigslist at the moment (sadly.)

Hi Passatdoc:

Yes, I spoke with my parents yesterday and they will probably go for the stacked set instead of the separates stacked with the kit. My dad's rationale is that they do not do a high volume of wash, and by the time one unit fails there is no guarantee that you could still replace it with the same one. The FriGEmore design has been around for a long time and will likely be changed eventually.

My mom likes the "shelf" area that is on top of the washer and the fact that the controls are consolidated into the center of the unit. That is swaying the decision as well.

Thanks again for all of the replies.

Andrew S.


Post# 352121 , Reply# 19   5/27/2009 at 02:11 (5,420 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)        
About the Affinity

mark_wpduet's profile picture
I wonder if it has the aluminum spider like the FriGEMores?

Post# 353225 , Reply# 20   5/29/2009 at 22:54 (5,417 days old) by dnastrau (Lords Valley, PA)        
Affinity: aluminum spider; galvanic corrosion

Hi Mark:

Based on this photo the answer appears to be yes (see link).

Someone on Youtube actually put sacrificial anodes made of zinc under their FriGEmore's tub paddles to help make the replacement spider last longer than the original. Apparently alkaline water attacks the spider bracket eventually causing it to fracture. Others say it is the reaction that the aluminum has in the water with the stainless steel tub called galvanic corrosion.

This problem is actually making me second guess recommending a Frigidaire to my parents. I am going to let them know about this issue. The accounts of this part failing on Frigidaires are all over the 'net with some failing on machines that are only two years old. Frigidaire should have solved this by now - it seems to be far too common. A fallback choice for a stacked machine may be the tried-and-true Whirlpool/Maytag "Thin Twin" direct drive top loading unit. At least the biggest headache with those seems to be the occasional drive coupler failure.

Andrew S.




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Post# 353364 , Reply# 21   5/30/2009 at 13:55 (5,416 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)        
I looked at your link

mark_wpduet's profile picture
it inspired me to look for the Whirlpool Duet part to see if I could tell if it was aluminum, the spider is much larger that the one of the Frigidaire but it looks like it is Aluminum as well! Tisk Tisk!

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Post# 353481 , Reply# 22   5/30/2009 at 23:01 (5,416 days old) by dnastrau (Lords Valley, PA)        
Duet aluminum spider

Thanks for the link Mark!

As the owner of a Duet clone (Maytag Epic) this news does not make me happy. I guess time will tell as far as durability goes.

Andrew S.


Post# 353528 , Reply# 23   5/31/2009 at 08:29 (5,415 days old) by passatdoc (Orange County, California)        
controls

You bring up a good point about the convenience of centralized controls, particularly for an older couple. My Frigidaire 2140 stack is 73" tall with the stacking backet, so the dryer controls are only a few inches lower. I am 5'11" and the controls are fine for me. Someone closer to five feet tall would likely find the controls inconveniently high. I had considered Duets, which can be stacked, but because those units are 40" tall instead of 36" tall, the top of the stack is 6'8" and thus dryer controls are very high off the floor. My stack is in the garage and space is not an issue (plenty of lateral room and depth), the overall height would be a factor. Right now the dryer door is right at chest level, very convenient, but I wouldn't like it six or seven inches higher.

Post# 353631 , Reply# 24   5/31/2009 at 15:41 (5,415 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)        
Speaking of height

mark_wpduet's profile picture
Something that has always puzzled me. When the FL washers started taking off in the US, I've read a lot of people speaking of how they didn't want a FL washer because of the "bending over" to load/unload. But the DRYERS have always been front loading and NOT on a pedestal, and you had to bend to unload/load it. What's the difference? LOL

Post# 353681 , Reply# 25   5/31/2009 at 19:50 (5,415 days old) by dnastrau (Lords Valley, PA)        
Control height; parents looking at Samsungs now

Dryer control height is a problem with many of the individual stacked sets... I guess that really can't be helped since those machines can also be stand-alone. A stepstool could help alleviate the problem.

Just an update on my parents' washer/dryer search:

The Frigidaires are probably out now as well as the Whirlpool top load laundry center "Thin Twin." One of my dad's former students is the appliance manager at their local Lowes and they have been talking... They are looking at a Samsung set that can be stacked (see link.) I saw them yesterday and they look like nice, simple machines with decent capacity and good build quality.

Andrew S.


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Post# 353686 , Reply# 26   5/31/2009 at 20:05 (5,415 days old) by suburbanmd (Maryland, USA)        
Load/unload FL dryer vs FL washer

Loading: The dryer drum is big enough so you can drop or toss items into it. In contrast, you have to "stuff" items into an FL washer, if you're using more than a fraction of the capacity.

Unloading: Bigger drum and door on dryer makes it easier to reach in from above.


Post# 353763 , Reply# 27   5/31/2009 at 21:59 (5,415 days old) by passatdoc (Orange County, California)        

The Samsungs are 38" high, so the top of stack will be 6'4", i.e. controls about six feet off the ground. Should work as long as your mother isn't just five feet or so.

Post# 353837 , Reply# 28   6/1/2009 at 09:52 (5,414 days old) by dnastrau (Lords Valley, PA)        
Stacked Samsungs

Thanks Passatdoc - Mom's about 5'4" so it should be OK of they go that route...

Andrew S.


Post# 353912 , Reply# 29   6/1/2009 at 15:30 (5,414 days old) by golittlesport (California)        
loading, unloading

golittlesport's profile picture
I don't see much difference between a front load washer or dryer as far as loading/unloading go. On the newer large capacity washers, the port is rather large and I just toss in the clothes. But, getting that last sock out of the back of the dryer drum usually has me on hands and knees. Ha!

Also, I found it more of a pain in the neck trying to pull a tangled mass of clothes out of a top loading washer, especially large capacity models with deep tubs. There is not that much space between the big auger agitator and the tub opening on many models. When I switched from top loading to front loading, I found unloading much easier. I think the front loader's fluff cycle at the end that untangles the clothes has me spoiled. Just my opinion. I know many people cannot touch their toes and do not like to bend.



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