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Thread Number: 30245
Recommend a modern/new washer & dryer please. |
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Post# 458688 , Reply# 1 8/23/2010 at 13:16 (4,993 days old) by Volvoguy87  (Cincinnati, OH) |
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Really?
Try removing the Maytag's agitator. Oftentimes, gunk builds up from liquid detergent and fabric softener and eventually it gets so thick that globs break off as black grease. Before you go to the trouble of a new set, see if this simple problem is your issue.
For new machines, my 1st place to look would be Speed Queen top loaders. Dave | ||
| Post# 458690 , Reply# 2 8/23/2010 at 13:19 (4,993 days old) by austinado16 () | ||
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Thanks Dave! If she wasn't in Peoria, IL I'd have gone over already and taken a look at it. Wonder if that's something she might be able to do? Or get done easily with a service call I guess. | ||
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Post# 458773 , Reply# 3 8/23/2010 at 19:27 (4,993 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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new machine recommendations | ||
| Post# 458781 , Reply# 4 8/23/2010 at 20:05 (4,992 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA) | ||
Club Member | ||
| Post# 458937 , Reply# 6 8/24/2010 at 16:11 (4,992 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
er...... | ||
| Post# 458942 , Reply# 7 8/24/2010 at 16:34 (4,992 days old) by JeffG () | ||
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Todd, for top loaders there's Speed Queen and then there's everything else. Compare the warranties. | ||
| Post# 458953 , Reply# 8 8/24/2010 at 18:19 (4,992 days old) by austinado16 () | ||
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Re: the pedestals, I think she wants the machines higher for whatever reason. Thanks for another SQ recommendation Jeff. I've told her to go look for them and so far, she's not finding a dealer for them...yet. | ||
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Post# 458980 , Reply# 10 8/24/2010 at 21:46 (4,991 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers) |
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huh? | ||
| Post# 458981 , Reply# 11 8/24/2010 at 21:47 (4,991 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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No...
....front loaders are great machines as someone has just posted with their results from their new Frigidaire - just don't expect to see water sloshing about...
Interestingly, we only got Speed Queen back to our market 12 or so months ago and Choice has just tested one. When tested to the Australian Standard at full capacity, Cold/Cold, Extra large load, Options-off, Regular/Heavy setting, it only removed 64% of dirt....which put it 3rd last out of the 12 top load machines tested yet it used more water than every other machine - a total of 40 US Gallons.... A Fisher and Paykel machine managed 79% - differences of more than about 5% can be seen without need of special equipment. A similar capacity Whirlpool tested the same way hit 76% and used similar amounts of water.... The SQ did rinse well though.....but I know what I would be choosing if I was determined to have a top load machine in the American market..... ...and it wouldn't be the expensive (but well built) SQ....I'd be going for the Whirlpool... ...and she can probably get one almost anywhere for half the price.... | ||
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Post# 458994 , Reply# 12 8/24/2010 at 22:37 (4,991 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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SQ TOP LOADING WASHERS | ||
| Post# 459030 , Reply# 15 8/25/2010 at 04:39 (4,991 days old) by dj-gabriele () | ||
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So the difference often isn't much, or anything. Way wrong! My front loader uses 39 litres for a full 12 LBS load, that's only 10,3 gallons! And for smaller loads, with adaptive fill this figure can only get lower | ||
| Post# 459176 , Reply# 16 8/25/2010 at 16:51 (4,991 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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So the difference often isn't much, or anything....
What????
To run a small load....lets say half....in a top loader will use more than half the water because even if it only goes half way up the basket: - under the basket needs to be filled; - spray rinses don't take account of load size so use the same amount of water.... So at half load, a traditional top loader will use about 60% of the water when at its capacity. In the case of the SQ I mentioned in an earlier post, this would be around 100 litres/25 gallons.... Now, I can only speak from a European front loader perspective here but: - they work on a fill sensor too which, in its most basic form, will trip when the load stops absorbing and the level rises to trip it....less load, less absorbancy, less water. - most people will press the 'short' or 'quick' button OR use a dedicated short cycle which either reduces the rinses to 2, may reduce the wash water level, may reduce the rinse level or all three...... ....so please don't make assumptions that a traditional top loader will use the same amount of water as a modern front loader or even close to it - they don't, and they can't for the same quantity of washing for the same result. | ||
| Post# 459216 , Reply# 17 8/25/2010 at 19:01 (4,991 days old) by LordKenmore (The Laundry Room) | ||
Todd, given that your mother liked the older iron, she might well be happier in the long haul with the Speed Queen's quality.
Although, I will say that I was looking at Whirlpool machines at Home Depot and Lowe's recently, and didn't see much to complain about. Oh, yes, I'm sure it's not the quality of the 60s--but it looks decent for today's world. Of course, I'm assuming what I saw is typical of what comes straight out of the box. (Yes, I am cynical enough to think a store selling appliances might pick and choose, or even completely rebuild something so it looks good.) One word of warning that should be passed to your mother is the tendency of Whirlpool DD machines to wear/harm clothes. I don't know how much of a problem that is. There are those here calling them "Shredmores." I have had experience with only one DD machine, used for nearly 10 years. Nothing got dramatically killed, although I do think clothes wear might have been accelerated just a bit. | ||
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Post# 459218 , Reply# 18 8/25/2010 at 19:14 (4,991 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay) |
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$ .02
If she goes TL, then SQ would be nice, but Whirlpool will be a fine choice and less money. If her old machines lasted about 15 to 20 years, then that means she knows how to take care of them and a new TL could last her for a good 15 years too.
If she goes with FL, then I say SQ isn't necessarily the only make to be looking at. Whirlpool Duets (along with certain other Whirly FL's sold under different badges) are very capable machines and again, will cost less than SQ. Longevity, however, is a known issue with FL machines. Something to consider. Will the cumulative savings in water have made up the difference when a FL has to be replaced sooner than a TL would? Cycle times and water use are the two big differences between TL and FL machines after washing action. FL's use far less water, but take far longer to complete a cycle. TL's use far more water, but get the job done in less than half the time of a FL machine. Seeing as how TL machines are on the endangered species watch list, if she's on the fence at all she might want to get one while there's still some selection. | ||
| Post# 459268 , Reply# 19 8/25/2010 at 22:44 (4,990 days old) by austinado16 () | ||
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Thanks for giving more details guys. I really appreciate the input, as I know nothing about any of them. I'm guessing she'll go with the WP TL's because she's got that "I shop at Sears" thing going from back in the day. | ||
| Post# 459284 , Reply# 20 8/25/2010 at 23:48 (4,990 days old) by austinado16 () | ||
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She pulled the trigger...... ......on a set of GE's. LOL, you can lead a horse to water... Thanks for all the help anyway. Sheesh. | ||
| Post# 459394 , Reply# 21 8/26/2010 at 19:18 (4,990 days old) by deedub (Melbourne, Australia) | ||
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TL vs FL Give me a German (or Swiss!) product any day of the week. But they don't make TL. Enough said. | ||
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Post# 460895 , Reply# 22 9/2/2010 at 18:19 (4,983 days old) by paulg (My sweet home... Chicago) |
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Speed Queen
I bought a SQ Top load and matching dryer literally as they were being placed on the showroom floor during their re-introduction over five years ago.
Reason: I wanted something durable and simple to use as my partner was used to the laundromat in the condo. I also told the salesman that I wanted a washer that would never go off-balance during spin (unlike the 1998 Maytag I had at the old house). Salesman said that the Speed Queen would not go off balance. He was right. The Speed Queen never went off-balance during spin except once when I stupidly put a heavy robe in there to wash and nothing else. User error! So with no bells and whistles, they have kept our clothes clean without a hitch since we bought them in 2005. My next washer or dryer will be a Speed Queen again - no questions asked. I might go for a FL though... not sure.. | ||
| Post# 461210 , Reply# 23 9/4/2010 at 00:41 (4,981 days old) by austinado16 () | ||
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It'll be interesting to see how the GE's last... ...she's very easy on stuff, so they'll either last her 20 years, or grenade in the next 18mos. | ||
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Post# 461289 , Reply# 24 9/4/2010 at 12:49 (4,981 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay) |
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Gee, if she consulted with you only a little bit you'd think GE would have been off her list completely.
I am not optimistic, no matter how well she may care for her new machines. SQ seems to be the way to for for TL's these days. Even my belt-eating Raytheon Amana spun first time every time and never had an unbalanced load. Quite the opposite of my Affinity that can't balance its way out of a paper bag. | ||
| Post# 461312 , Reply# 25 9/4/2010 at 15:32 (4,981 days old) by rudin1969 (Italy) | ||
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Swiss machines Hi Deedub have you the results of the latest Choice dishwasher tests? Apparently, the VZug Adora SL dishwasher is much louder (and not as energy-efficient) as claimed by the manufacturer. Are those Choice tests at all reliable??? | ||
| Post# 462301 , Reply# 27 9/8/2010 at 23:15 (4,976 days old) by retropia () | ||
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Oh, dear Only two weeks? That's not good. | ||
| Post# 462303 , Reply# 28 9/8/2010 at 23:22 (4,976 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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Are those Choice tests at all reliable???
In a word...Yes.
Noise as such can be subjective in that certain noises 'loud' may not sound it to certain ears, whilst others will....take classical music and heavy metal....play both at the same dB reading and you will get people saying one is louder than the other.... BUT, from a scientific point of view, Choice will measure the noise made as a dB reading at the same distance and under the same test conditions for each machine... Soooo....here is their testing method for dishwashers... Overall score CHOICE testing indicates that more dishwashers are sacrificing good washing and drying performance for better energy and water efficiency. So, to bring the spotlight back to the basic function of a dishwasher – washing dishes clean – we’ve revised our rating scale, and increased the soil removal weighting. The overall score is a combination of the washing, drying, energy and water efficiency scores for the ‘normal’ or 'sensor' wash program weighted as follows: Washing performance: 55% Water efficiency: 15% Drying performance: 15% Energy efficiency: 15% Washing score We assessed how well the machines could remove food such as spinach, egg yolk, baby cereal, butter, and tea stains that had been dried on overnight, and without being rinsed first. This is based on the current Australian standard. Drying score This score reflects how dry the dishes were 30 minutes after the ‘normal’ cycle finished. During that time the doors were left closed. Energy usage / score This is based on the amount of energy used by the dishwasher on the tested program. The less energy used, the higher the score. Water usage /score This is based on the amount of water used per place setting by the dishwasher on the tested program. The less water used per place setting, the higher the score. Note: The energy and water usage may differ from those given on the energy label because we often use a different program for our tests. In a recent CHOICE survey, members told us they mostly use the "normal" or "auto" program, so this is what we use for our tests. Running costs This is an estimate of how much it’ll cost you over 10 years (the average life of a dishwasher) for water and electricity if you wash one full load every day using a ‘normal’ cycle. The calculations are based on 17 cents per kWh for electricity and $1 per 1000 L for water. For simplicity, we’ve excluded depreciation and any interest costs, as well as the cost of detergent – people use different amounts and the price varies considerably between brands. Noise level These are the maximum noise levels recorded during the normal program, measured 1 m away from the machine and 1 m above the ground. You’d be aware of all these dishwashers in the background. | ||
| Post# 462517 , Reply# 30 9/10/2010 at 01:02 (4,975 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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David,
According to the Choice website, they test here for both the Austalian and NZ markets....
I think you're being a tad unfair towards Choice to be honest. They have always held that they cannot test long term reliability but instead rely on feedback from the end user which they include as a seperate page on their tests. So it is hardly up to them to see into the future as to if a dishwasher is going to be recalled or not... Additionally, I would kill to have a Zug washer, but in our market they are something of an unknown entity at a rather high price. Like many things though, it can be good to 'get in now' and get solid and reliable service out of a brand apparently known in its home land as top quality.... Are they actually better than a Miele of the same price? I have no idea. But Miele is at least a known brand and I can get service on a Miele almost anywhere in the country, including most rural areas should I require it....But only time will tell if Zug can compete and earn a slice of our market which is known to be notoriously tough. | ||
| Post# 462601 , Reply# 31 9/10/2010 at 15:02 (4,975 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii) | ||
grease or wax?????
In my experiences in retail and service on washers,I found that many times when these spots are found on the clothes they come from one of two sources other than the oil of the washer's trans.
1. The newfangled laundry detergents with "built in fabric softener" cause a serious build up of wax in between the inner and outer tubs.This eventually loosens and deposits onto the clothes. It looks like black tar or oil spots and can be easily removed using a bar of soap and rewashing the effected laundry. 2. Most consumers who use fabric softener do not dilute it as they should and it winds up leaving a severe residue in the agitator's dispenser cup and down the post. This build up will also leave black deposits on the clothes which can be removed the same way using a bar of soap.The downy ball is a good solution to that. I do not recommend dryer sheets if you dry clothes in a dryer. it too leaves a wax deposit not on the clothes but on the lint screen.That can become a serious fire hazard because it blocks the air flow needed to allow the heat in the dryer to escape via the exhaust.Blocking the airflow causes the dryer to overheat an eventually catch on fire Front loaders do not have this as an issue because the dispenser they have automatically dilutes the softener prior to its entering the tub.This flushes all of it through and cleans the line of water flow completely out.Some of the top loading machines i.e.GE Harmony, Kenmore Oasis, L.G.and Whirlpool Cabrio now have this feature in their dispensers. | ||
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Post# 462640 , Reply# 32 9/10/2010 at 19:11 (4,975 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay) |
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Todd, I presume you are biting your tongue on this whole debacle, and I'm sure "I told you so" has coursed through your mind countless times.
I am still floored that out of all possible makes, she went with GE anyway. Let's hope she tells all of her friends to steer clear of GE. Even if the panel gets fixed and never fails again, the mechanical parts will take up the slack, I promise her. | ||
| Post# 462674 , Reply# 34 9/10/2010 at 22:47 (4,974 days old) by JeffG () | ||
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Natural selection is often brutal. | ||
| Post# 462688 , Reply# 35 9/11/2010 at 00:18 (4,974 days old) by austinado16 () | ||
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lol......true that! | ||
| Post# 462693 , Reply# 36 9/11/2010 at 00:52 (4,974 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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Unfortunately...
....there comes a time when we need to step back and let our folks make their own mistakes....just like they used to let us do when we were younger....
I maintain that my folks may give the impression of listening to me, but they certainly don't hear what I say very often. It seems that no matter how old we get, we'll always be a child to a greater or lesser degree in their eyes.... | ||
| Post# 462808 , Reply# 37 9/11/2010 at 15:25 (4,974 days old) by austinado16 () | ||
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Yep, it's her $ She earned it and she can spend it on whatever she wants! | ||
| Post# 463163 , Reply# 39 9/13/2010 at 00:39 (4,972 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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At least they fitted 8kg's into the Speedqueen....
Agreed...
But then there are shoppers out there who will buy a machine on total capacity...some might call them 'size queens'... I remember years ago, Choice tested machines (could have been Hoover top loaders) that were rated at 4.0kg, 5.0kg and 5.5kg...the larger the capacity, the dearer they were...only the drum size was the same on each. Which do you think people bought? Ultimately, knowing how Choice tests - at capacity - manufacturers seem only too willing to overstate the capacity in order to get a better water and power efficiency rating even though Mr and/or Ms average will never a)use the stated capacity and b)achieve the economy promised by the label. .....and this applies equally to top and front load machines....though at least with a front load machine that is over-loaded, they are still gentle.... | ||
| Post# 463181 , Reply# 40 9/13/2010 at 07:42 (4,972 days old) by rudin1969 (Italy) | ||
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Choice and VZug The VZug Adora SLQ is featured in the latest Choice Washing machine report. Only 59% for dirt removal!! But they used the short programme (around 75 minutes) designed for light soiling... | ||
| Post# 463660 , Reply# 42 9/15/2010 at 22:50 (4,969 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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er....
....they've used a cold version of the programme that aligns to that used for the energy label.
Maybe one of you needs to contact them and suggest they re-run the test on a cold 'cottons' cycle rather than a 'coloureds' cycle.... But, much as I like the look of V-Zug and want them to be 'hewn from stone' quality wise, if that is what you get at full capacity, I'll stick to Electrolux, Fisher and Paykel, ASKO or Miele....and update... I can almost get 5 Fisher and Paykel machines for one V-Zug... | ||
| Post# 463678 , Reply# 43 9/16/2010 at 02:14 (4,969 days old) by deedub (Melbourne, Australia) | ||
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soiling you can adjust the level of soiling, regardless of the wash program or temperature. it increases the time (and I assume the consumption) but gets the job done. couple of the staff have them, will see how they go after a few weeks/months of washing. | ||
| Post# 463785 , Reply# 45 9/16/2010 at 17:07 (4,969 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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Now...
....I just wish that Choice would test the quick wash capability on machines based on the 'average' load of 4.5kg that people actually put in their machines...
If this had happened, I have no doubt that the Zug would have performed well, as would Bosch machines which are programmed for 'light' soiling for our market... It is one thing for Choice to test at capacity given that this is often one of the deciding factors for the great unwashed to use as a purchase guide, but it is another to decide to use a programme other than that required for energy/water consumption ratings to perform the tests on.... Personally, I would like to see them test machines on reduced loads and use the quick or light soil options given this is how soooo many people wash. | ||
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Post# 463801 , Reply# 46 9/16/2010 at 19:22 (4,969 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney) |
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though at least with a front load machine that is over-loade ...or they stop working altogether. Then it's fun and games getting the door open to remove the sopping wet clothes. | ||
| Post# 463835 , Reply# 47 9/17/2010 at 06:30 (4,968 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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Post# 463842 , Reply# 48 9/17/2010 at 08:25 (4,968 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney) |
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So I gather you've managed to do it Olav? You bet I did. I stuffed a king sized doona into a standard 4.5 kilo machine. It was hard work getting it in and even harder work getting it out again. | ||
| Post# 463920 , Reply# 49 9/17/2010 at 17:05 (4,968 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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You bet I did. I stuffed a king sized doona into a standard | ||
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Post# 463986 , Reply# 50 9/18/2010 at 07:29 (4,967 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney) |
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Well serves you right....it had no place being in a machine I was a determined kid and it was going to fit; no matter what. | ||
| Post# 463995 , Reply# 51 9/18/2010 at 08:59 (4,967 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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I was a determined kid and it was going to fit; no matter wh | ||
| Post# 464308 , Reply# 53 9/19/2010 at 16:57 (4,966 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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Post# 464390 , Reply# 54 9/20/2010 at 07:24 (4,965 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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GE? Depends...
I hear the GE Harmony is a good set. Top loader and high efficiency as well. I seem to recall our Webmaster has a set.
Maytag Bravos would be my guess, as long as your Mom is willing to change her detergent choice over to an HE formula (also needed for the Harmony). Although I don't care for LG as a brand, they do have a machine similar to the Harmony and Bravos that also features a built in water heater... Personally I'd go for a front loader, though. Anything but LG and probably Affinity as well. My current faves are the big Mieles and the even bigger Electrolux models. But that's because I swing that way (right hand hinges rule). | ||
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