Thread Number: 60927  /  Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
advice on HE machines at sears
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Post# 835360   8/6/2015 at 10:08 (3,157 days old) by mamapinky (blairsville pa)        

Anyone know any FL'ers at Sears under 1, 000 $ that wouldn't be junk...has to have hot washes thank you cheryl




Post# 835375 , Reply# 1   8/6/2015 at 11:38 (3,157 days old) by cuffs054 (MONTICELLO, GA)        

Are you giving up on the GE TL?

Post# 835385 , Reply# 2   8/6/2015 at 12:39 (3,157 days old) by mamapinky (blairsville pa)        

I thought about it briefly lol the new ge will come Saturday, only problem I'm gonna have is water level hopefully there's a tweek for that and wow in order to get true hot I have to shut cold water valve off which is ok, but the hot trickles in so slow it takes about 40 minutes to get a half tub water..lol. hopefully these issues the government has caused can be bypassed..lol

Post# 835479 , Reply# 3   8/6/2015 at 23:19 (3,156 days old) by esty (New Jersey)        

Hi Cheryl, what did you do with your Roper? Did they haul it away when you got the GE? I honestly think that the way you describe the way you do laundry, especially your soaks, that you need an old school washer. I don't think anything out there will have all the features you have become accustomed to. Maybe look into getting an good old school washer second hand if you got rid of your roper. Do you have a second hand appliance shop in your area? Maybe if you are saying you are willing to spend under $1,000 get a top loader speed queen. They tend to be somewhat noisy, but you will get the features you are used to.
Good luck!


Post# 835484 , Reply# 4   8/6/2015 at 23:55 (3,156 days old) by golittlesport (California)        

golittlesport's profile picture
Most Kenmore Front loaders are made by LG -- excellent machines and top rated for fewest repairs of front load washers by consumers. You can probably find several models with "steam" feature which heats the water for about $800 or less. I love my LG 3570 --- awesome performance, fast, quiet and great features, like a magnetic door latch that keeps the door slightly ajar for airing but it looks like it is closed. When I bought it there was a very similar Kenmore model by LG that I considered, but I liked the cycles on the LG brand better.

Post# 835519 , Reply# 5   8/7/2015 at 07:16 (3,156 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
If you like long soaking, you might very well like the LG made front-loaders. Their long wash cycles and on some models, the heated "profile" washes should meet your needs. I know three or four who have the recent Kenmore/LG products and are very happy with them. A friend of mine bought an LG f/l washer & matching dryer at Best Buy, literally the weekend they were on the market in 2004 and replaced them both last year. I took the washer and after a couple of minor issues were resolved, used that washer with no trouble until the control board went out. Once I located that part, LG does not support parts past the 10 year mark, the washer worked fine and I sold it on CL. I presume it's still washing along fine.

Rich's recommendation ^^ above is a good one, he's as fussy about his laundry as the rest of us and if he's happy... :-)


Post# 835554 , Reply# 6   8/7/2015 at 11:42 (3,156 days old) by mamapinky (blairsville pa)        

Gan, and Rich. Thank you both, I know what to get if I decide on a FL I have decided to accepr and keep the new GE when the replacement comes tomorrow, providing it isn't broken also lol. I was for a brief time overcome with doubts, but I'm ok now. Hopefully someone knows if this GE can be tweaked into filling with more water and if there's a tweak for how slow the hot trickles in...lol. those are my only issues thanks to government regulations. But thank you all much.

Hi Beth, I have the old roper in the shed I'm not getting rid of him. I did get to do a few loads in the new GE and I really like the more gentle agitation, the roper was fast and whipped up the suds. Actually once I thought about it the GE will give me all the same features, after I tweak a few things or run a hose lol.since thankfully this has no locking lid I can open it if I want and I can stop it and have my soaks which was really important to me, I never did think a under 20 minute wash is long enough for enzymes and sodium percarbonate to do its job. I think in the end once I adjust it will be a great washer...I have a vintage automatic and wringer comming my way I don't know what brand they are, I only know they work and are rust free and have been kept inside. The farmer giving them to me has issues with a wife that been very sick so I'm not calling to go get them until the wife is well. How are you and the kids enjoying the summer? Take care and thank you for the advice


Post# 835576 , Reply# 7   8/7/2015 at 14:39 (3,155 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)        

laundromat's profile picture
Hey Cheryl
I have LGs. Four different models. One top loader (WT1101CW) that uses just the correct amount of water automatically. It senses the load size by oscillating the entire tub as it fills to use enough water to be able to freely move the laundry top to bottom to top to get clothes really clean and rinsed. It has a recirculating spray and some nice features on different cycles or programs like a twenty one minute long final eleven hundred RPM spin. Clothes come out almost dry. HUGE CAPACITY. $599 @Home Depot


Post# 835674 , Reply# 8   8/8/2015 at 11:00 (3,155 days old) by mamapinky (blairsville pa)        

The new GE was delivered this morning, wait did I say new?? Cobwebs stuck to bottom, large scratches on top front and bottom left, the back is horriably scratched as if it rubbed against a cement wall..dried waxy stuff in fabric softener cup, stainless steel tub dull with a ring mid way up..white agitator filthy, up under tub where the lip is crud..should I go on...this is a damn used washer.if they thought to snowball someone they should have cleaned it. Im furious, I called and told them to cancel my order and I want no restocking or other charges..I'm to go up later today and they will make it worth my while, ya well they better do better than they've done so far..no wonder sears is suffering. This is unacceptable .I'll let you know what happens.

Post# 835696 , Reply# 9   8/8/2015 at 14:03 (3,154 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
Cheryl, First of all I'm sorry to hear that you are having so many problems with getting a new washer. Second, I hope you didn't accept delivery of this "new" washer that was obviously used. Now, and this is just my advice, if it were me, I would request that Sears give me a COMPLETE refund, and once I had received it I would part company with Sears and look elsewhere for my new washer. I'm also sad to hear that GE has monkeyed around with this machine since we purchased ours in 2012. I never had to wait more that 10 mins for a complete hot water fill and it was tap hot as my water heater provided. Sounds like GE has installed more restrictive flow restrrictors and ATC, too bad. There are many other washers to choose from and you should be able to find another that will meet most of your needs, especially if you are willing to spend up to $1,000 as you have previously stated. I'm happy with my new LG front loader, but if you like to do extended soaks this probably won't work for you. Good luck with the ultimate outcome. And I completely agree with you, if this is what Sears believes to be be good customer service, no wonder they are having problems. I've bought used washers in the past that were in better condition than this alleged "new" washer you received.
Eddie


Post# 835742 , Reply# 10   8/8/2015 at 22:52 (3,154 days old) by mamapinky (blairsville pa)        

Eddie, its been a busy day, this morning when I talked to a sears manager I ask him, I almost demanded he come to my house to see the washer, I accepted it before I actually seen what I was getting...well the manager did come here, I wish I could have taken a picture of him, his face turned red, I could see he didn't know what to say, I almost felt bad for him.I than met him at the store several hours later and given a full refund. Than I was offered the 5% they are giving now and another 20% which equils 25% and zero interest for 24 months and a 100 $ gift card...I couldn't resist the offer lol..I refused another GE probably a mistake, and I hate the locking lids on the others ( is there a fix for those) the manager heard all my reasons for not wanting a FL'er and made another deal, if I'd agree to try one if I don't like it I can return it for a full refund no questions asked...how could I refuse...I got the Kenmore FL model 79641382410 I've never used a FL I'm going into this blind lol. They expedited delivery so it will be here monday. I have no idea what I'm getting into but I'm about to find out.any advice on this? Or words of wisdom lol..thank you Eddie

Post# 835763 , Reply# 11   8/9/2015 at 05:35 (3,154 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Your Kenmore-branded machine is sourced from LG (796. leading characters on the model number).


Post# 835768 , Reply# 12   8/9/2015 at 07:04 (3,154 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

As far as I read about your laundry habbits, you wil really like your new washer.

The cycles take a bit longer, but as we heared, you won't have to mess with soaks then anymore.
Use warm and hot temperatures for everyday loads. Not only are temperatures
ATCed on this model, but as it uses a fraction of the water a regular TL uses, you will still save a lot.
Steam is good for those more grumpy loads.
Your model features the option of a prewash and a presoak. Both automatic, the prewash is better if your load contains lots of dirt, like sand or mud or flour. Presoak (called AutoSoak on yours, activated by pressing the Steam button for 5 seconds) is better if you have those set in stains. But I guess you knew that your self.
Use HE detergent, and follow the dosage recomandations. There are tons of people that use less (some only use a teaspoon for a full load) because they think less water means less detergent needed. But if you buy HE detergent, you just dose it as recomended.
And, last advice from me, don't be scared to load it up. It will take a lot. Usually, you are more the fine if you can fit your fist between top of the load and drum. But don't start mixing loads because you could now.


Post# 835793 , Reply# 13   8/9/2015 at 12:25 (3,154 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
Hi Cheryl,
Well at least it sounds like Sears recognized that it really dropped the ball on this sale and they are trying to make it right. As the FL that you have ordered is an LG based machine as others have said then I believe that you will be happy with it. There will be a learning curve for you, but if you are patient and give it a change you will probably be very happy in the end. These machines use way less water than you have been used to, but amazingly they really do get the clothes very clean. If you want more water select the Water Plus option. You will find that you will be saving a lot on your water and power bills. Even using hot water for most all of our loads we still are saving $. The spin on these machines makes the dry times much shorter. Our power bill has gone down $20.00 per mo. You will also be using much less detergent, bleach, oxi and other additives, again saving. The wash times are longer, but since the capacity is larger you will likely be doing fewer loads. In the end I finish our weekly laundry in about an hr. less time than before. In addition, being able to wash large items like kingsize comforters, ect. is welcome too, since you won't need to go to the laundromat for these larger items. I did find that on loads of very heavy bath towels, jeans, throw rugs, ect. using the Bulky Cycle is best since the spin speed is med. and the machine won't be hunting around for the "sweet spot" for going into the spin. This is necessary for us because we never have enough of these larger items to really fill the larger capacity tub, so using the Bulky cycle prevents an unbalanced load. Then when the cycle is complete and the majority of the water weight is now gone I run a spin only at extra high to reduce the dry times. This works out very well. READ the owners manual and keep it handy until you are familar with the machine and you will have success.
Eddie




This post was last edited 08/09/2015 at 15:02
Post# 835807 , Reply# 14   8/9/2015 at 15:26 (3,153 days old) by golittlesport (California)        
Good luck with your new washer!

golittlesport's profile picture
If it's built by LG you should be happy with it. Hopefully it has the turbo wash and steam features. When I set mine on normal turbo wash and one extra rinse (total of two spray rinses and two deep rinses) it takes about 40 minutes. Not bad, about the same as a TL with two rinses....maybe even faster. I almost always select hot water, which gives what I consider a warm wash. The steam feature when selected gives you heated HOT water...you won't believe how white your whites will be. But of course, heating the water makes for a longer cycle.

Post# 835837 , Reply# 15   8/9/2015 at 22:10 (3,153 days old) by mamapinky (blairsville pa)        

Many thanks to all of you for all of the great advice you've given me. I'm keeping a journal of all the advice I'm sure it will come in handy.
Eddie, I think I've figurex out how a used washer could have been delivered. .this is pure speculation. .when the 1'st GE was delivered with issues, I called and spoke with the salesman that sold it to me, I bet he ordered a reconditioned one to be sent to me thinking I'd never know, whoever took the order grabbed one that was supposed to be reconditioned and sold at sears outlet, not realizing it wasn't reconditioned yet, and sent it to me..I just can't think of any other way I was given a used washer.and it was defently used, it had a ring around the stainless steel tub lol. I think I'm going to like the Kenmore, it will take some time learning a new way of washing, but I will learn.I do intend to read the manual lol. I'm looking forward to lower utility bills, that's a big plus. Anyway it will be here in the morning between 11&1 I will be outside when they pull in, I've watched them unload them twice now, those guys don't seem to care how they treat other peoples property.I like my things taken care of, and we all know how easily appliances can scratch.
I will let uou all know what I think of the Kenmore, and thank you all for the great advice, its all been very helpful...Cheryl


Post# 835840 , Reply# 16   8/9/2015 at 22:25 (3,153 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
Cheryl, Two thing to make sure they do tomorrow, 1. remove the shipping bolts and 2. make sure they level the washer. If these things aren't done properly you will not be happy with the vibration when the machine spins. Good luck!!
Eddie


Post# 835874 , Reply# 17   8/10/2015 at 09:26 (3,153 days old) by mamapinky (blairsville pa)        

I will be outside when the truck arrives, I hope they didn't remove box and shipping bolts before they loaded to save time, I plan to tell them to level it and run a rinse and spin. They will try to tell me all new washers are self leveling. Also Eddie its been recommended to get hammer arrestors, do you have an opinion on these ? Thanks a lot Eddie. Cheryl

Post# 835882 , Reply# 18   8/10/2015 at 10:41 (3,153 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
Hi Cheryl,
Yes, we have very high water pressure, so the 2nd day we had the new LG I bought hammer arrestors at Home Depot and installed them on the inlet valves at the back of the washer, water hammer gone. It is well worth the $20 to prevent potential damage to the plumbling. I look forward to hearing how you like your new LG.
Eddie


Post# 836332 , Reply# 19   8/12/2015 at 23:17 (3,150 days old) by mamapinky (blairsville pa)        

Sorry for the late response, the kenmore (lg) fl'er came monday, I met delivery out front, they unloaded from truck and removed from box, never speaking a word except to glare, than the attempted to remove shipping bolts I kindly ask if they could wait till it was out back, they tban attempted to shimmy it thru the gravel driveway, I said excuse me but can you use the straps to transport it..by now they are visably annoyed, finally its in the laundry room, bolts were removed outside door.they hook it up to my used hoses and I ask where are the new hoses I bought, no hoses they said besides these are better..after hoses are hooked up they ask me to sign a release I refused and ask them to please level the machine, they said its self leveling, I pushed on the corner it wobbled down..they played with the front legs and said there its level, I said now can you run a rinse and spin and check for leaks and balance, they hit some buttons and the machine made some noises that's about it. See the guy said no leaks, I ask how do you know that the inlet valves are shut off..suddenly they had to get something from the truck and would be right back, but outside they had hubs sign the release. I finally get a load of sheets going I'm very excited now...you can't even imagine ...it goes into action and I hear water off and on going in, than it stops than the drum starts rocking gently from right to left baybe 2inches up the right side and 2 inches up left side, I opened it removed some sheet tried again same thing, so I put the soaked sheets back in redistributed them try again, this went on for 12 hours..in the meantime I call for service I'm told someone will come 8/19 not acceptable..I removed sheets and ran empty load nothing..I'm really mad now. I called the sears salesmen in the morning and said come get your lemon, cancel my order and thanks but no thanks I don't want another washer from sears. I can't believe this has happened 3 times.no wonder sears is dying.this has been a terrible experience. I won't step foot in that store again. And they don't even seem to care, but I bet they will when this store closes .

Post# 836335 , Reply# 20   8/12/2015 at 23:34 (3,150 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
Holy mackrel Cheryl, what a nightmare!! When you hadn't posted on the day delivery was expected I had a feeling it didn't go well, but I could have never imagined what you have related. I have never heard of anything like this in my life. I've bought 16 washing machines over the last 45 years, I know thats a lot, but I like change. Only one of them actually broke down. Anyway, I've never had an experience like the one you've been having with Sears. Once you get your $ back try Home Depot or Lowes, I've never had bad service from either store. And the attitude of the install crew was really over the top. With this kind of customer service Sears won't be in business much longer. Better luck next time. Eddie

Post# 836336 , Reply# 21   8/12/2015 at 23:41 (3,150 days old) by Practigal ()        

That is exactly how I felt after they managed to completely destroy a beautiful stove in transit. They did not care. But it did take me four months to get a refund. After three months, when they realized they needed to refund the money to the credit card, someone from the store finally called me and said that they wanted to try to make a deal or to work something out or to provide another stove… I would love to sit down with the Sears executives and understand what goes on. But they apparently don't actually shop at the stores they are in charge of. Years ago Cadillacs were developing a horrendous reputation for being a completely unreliable car, why was that happening? Because all of the executives received free maintenance on a daily basis! They would drop their fancy cars off in the executive parking lot where the cars were washed and overseen by a mechanic, daily. They never actually had to deal with the unreliability that the rest of us were dealing with. This is exactly the same situation at Sears... I also believe that when it comes to appliances there is a lot of deliberate mishandling of the appliances so that the "damaged" appliances can be resold to third-party used appliance places, at a tremendous loss to Sears but to the profit of the used appliance place. There are serious employee issues at that store. If no one in management is paying attention, the situation will not be turned around before their imminent bankruptcy.

Post# 836366 , Reply# 22   8/13/2015 at 03:33 (3,150 days old) by vacbear58 (Sutton In Ashfield, East Midlands, UK)        


vacbear58's profile picture
Cheryl

What a dreadful experience you have had. Was this the same installation team that delivered the GE and did not connect the hoses? If so they should have been hanging their heads in shame rather than giving you bad attitude. I am amazed that the machine has malfunctioned so badly first time out. Are you sure they actually removed the transit bolts? It might be worth checking out the instructions to make sure. And does your husband have a spirit level so you can check that it is actually level?

I can certainly sympathise with your situation and wish you a speedy resolution


Post# 836369 , Reply# 23   8/13/2015 at 04:48 (3,150 days old) by brucelucenta ()        

No offense, but it sounds like the machine started to operate properly and you didn't give it a chance to do it's thing. I bought the Kenmore Elite front loader & matching dryer, stacked on top of the washer. The washer does operate very strangely in comparison to my old top load Maytag washer I replaced. It starts out and immediately drains for a minute, then you hear water come in for a second, the drum turns a little, then moves back and forth, supposedly to check the load size and level. Then after several minutes of that, it starts to add water and rotates in one direction for a minute or two then the other direction as it very slowly adds water. I hear the water go on and off many times throughout the process. Watching it as it washes, it doesn't seem to even get the clothes very wet, since the water level is so low. But it does do the job and does it very well. My dirty laundry always comes out clean and fresh smelling. I use the extra rinse feature to make sure there is no soap residue left in clothing. It also extracts the clothes so dry that it takes little time to dry them. All this with a minimum amount of wear on my clothes and virtually NO lint at all. Something I certainly had a problem with before. It just takes a long time for a front load machine to do it's thing and it is completely different from the old school top loaders that fill completely up to wash. If you really like that type of machine, it seems like Speed Queen still makes them. Might be a better fit for you.

Post# 836412 , Reply# 24   8/13/2015 at 09:23 (3,150 days old) by mamapinky (blairsville pa)        

Eddie, ya I couldn't believe this could happen 3 times, 1'st washer was clearly broken, 2'nd was used without a doubt, I still think after the 1'st GE was returned the salesman ordered a reconditioned one to be delivered thinking I wouldn't know but someone in the line grabbed one ment for reconditioning, but didn't make it that far, than the Kenmore, I know its possible the kenmore could have just been a level issue, but sears wanted me to wait till the 19'th to send someone, I didn't have anymore time, my laundry was piling up. This may have been avoided if delivery would have made sure it worked considering this was the 3rd delivery. I haven't bought a lot of new washers in the past, I always liked the old reliable ones friends and family would send my way when they decided it was time for new. Lol.
Practigal, I spoke with credit company they will credit my account monday, they said it takes 7-10 days and they do see sears handeled it..so I will call them back monday.
Alistair, yes it was the same delivery company, they are based out of Pittsburgh. They removed 4 shipping bolts, which I have. We used a bubble measure which was dead on.

Bruce no offense taken, I should have been more clear the timer started at 2:15 it went to :10 minutes before I started opening the door, finially when the machine stopped I waited about 15 minutes and tried the rinse/ spin cycle same thing, sk in the end the sheets came out soaked. Something wrong with a store that has no interest in customer satisfaction, refused to send a tech out till the 19th, had they sent someone this machine could have been merrily washing, it could have bee a leveling problem but as it was I had no time left to wait, what drives me crazy about it is after the first two why sears didn't make sure a knowledgeable team wasn't here to do a proper install.



Post# 836417 , Reply# 25   8/13/2015 at 09:58 (3,150 days old) by mjg0619 (Scranton, Pennsylvania)        

mjg0619's profile picture
Cheryl,

So sorry to hear of your headaches with Sears. They really have become a giant bunch of turds lately, even out here on the other end of Pennsylvania!

Personally, I would say to forget about them altogether and find a good, reputable mom n pop family owned appliance dealer. Preferably one that deals in Speed Queen or would be able to sell you a refurbished 1980s-1990s Maytag.

If a brand new washer is a must, then Speed Queen is the best choice for a top loader. A good friend of mine and I were just discussing last night how Speed Queen is the modern day version of a true Maytag.

If a new front loader is what you want, then I think LG is your best bet. They're widely available from many fine retailers and have a wonderful reputation, even among users here!


Post# 836437 , Reply# 26   8/13/2015 at 12:51 (3,150 days old) by cuffs054 (MONTICELLO, GA)        

Mama, I'm not champianing MT over any other brand, but the MT HE TL I got as a closeout at Lowes has not disappointed me. This is my first HE machine so maybe down the road I'll change my opinion.

Post# 836461 , Reply# 27   8/13/2015 at 16:06 (3,149 days old) by mamapinky (blairsville pa)        

I'm going to a dealer to look at a new top load (dial) 3.3 speed queen tomorrow. .just looking unless I really like ..I know its no locking lid.but do you knoow if there's a fix so it agitates when the lids open? Is it the magnet trick? Thanks everyone.

Post# 836465 , Reply# 28   8/13/2015 at 16:22 (3,149 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
I think this may be the best way to go for you Cheryl. There is a way to bypass the lid switch by placing a clothspin on the back somewhere, but I'm not sure where. If you do a search on this website you'll find at least a few threads that show how to do this, also check out You Tube. Good luck, you deserve it after what you've been through1
Eddie


Post# 836477 , Reply# 29   8/13/2015 at 17:16 (3,149 days old) by mamapinky (blairsville pa)        

Thank you eddie, this probably best for me since I like traditional top loaders. .and its on sale for 719.00 .as long as I can bypass everything shutting down it will be good for me..I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow..thanks a lott Eddie. Cheryl

Post# 836529 , Reply# 30   8/13/2015 at 22:07 (3,149 days old) by esty (New Jersey)        

Hi Cheryl, like I said in response #3 on this thread, that knowing the way you like to do laundry, a standard old school washer is really what you want. I have similar laundry habits to you, and I can't see myself with anything else. I have a speed queen and it cleans well and you can get alot in one load. You can bypass the lid switch easily. I don't have a permanent fix on it, I just hold it down manually when I want to. You will be happy with it.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.


Post# 836593 , Reply# 31   8/14/2015 at 10:02 (3,149 days old) by mamapinky (blairsville pa)        

Hi Beth, yes I'm going to look at the speed queen later today, I think its as close as I'm going to get to a old school washer buying new. I've read a lot on here there's a lot of knowledgeable people that have and love the newer speed queens I may be one of them lol. Thank you Beth and I will let you know what I decide. Cheryl


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