Thread Number: 70193  /  Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
I was at Lowe's today-disappointing washers!
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Post# 931140   4/7/2017 at 22:19 (2,547 days old) by tbolt25 (Kentucky)        

This is my first posting in a long while-I was at Lowe's today-we were picking up a tool for my Dad-and I looked at the new washers-what a disappointment-a lot of front-loaders, and top-loaders with wash plates at the tub bottoms, instead of center-post agitators-they had some Whirlpools and a Roper and other HE top loaders with center-post agitators. Even those weren't as good as the direct-drives were. Some, the agitator vanes on the skirt were so shallow, I can't see how it could possibly circulate the load-water! From what I know from YouTube and the internet-even the new-style belt drive Whirlpool made washers are skimpy quality. Speed Queen appears to be the last of the real washers.




Post# 931166 , Reply# 1   4/8/2017 at 00:32 (2,547 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

At this point I don't stop at the Lowes laundry equipment dept----I RUN past it-I also run past the vacuum cleaner dept at Walmart!Who really wants a crappy pretty piece of plastic-same with the laundry gear-more pretty lights and cycles you don't need.Makes me think of the blenders from the 60's that had all of those "speeds" most you didn't use.

Post# 931216 , Reply# 2   4/8/2017 at 06:36 (2,546 days old) by joeypete (Concord, NH)        

joeypete's profile picture
I bought my Maytag at Lowes! Got an excellent deal and I love the machine!! I don't care if it lasts 25 years because I'll probably be dead by then. hahahahaha!

Post# 931226 , Reply# 3   4/8/2017 at 09:49 (2,546 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

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Ditto Joeypete!
Eddie


Post# 931227 , Reply# 4   4/8/2017 at 10:00 (2,546 days old) by murando531 (Augusta, Georgia - US)        

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Post# 931232 , Reply# 5   4/8/2017 at 10:16 (2,546 days old) by Wishwash (Indiana)        

It seems like every few posts is a repeat of this one with somebody or another complaining about modern quality, or lack thereof. I'd like to remind those complainers of the thread on here just a little while ago about the Speed Queen front loader that keeps causing problems, with SQ refusing to replace it. It happens. Yet people still rave about Speed Queen. On the other end of the spectrum, we have people like JoeyPete who really enjoys his new Maytag set, and replaced a filter Flo set with them. To each their own.

This quality problem is nothing new. Yes, the Maytags and Whirlpools of yore stood out as quality machines that lasted a very long time. Yet people seem to forget about the WCI's, GE's, etc with their associated problems. Yes, there are many machines out there that are designed to be made inexpensively. I know. I own one.

I started reading on this site a couple years ago because it was interesting to find so many people out there that share the same interest I had as a child. Honestly I'm losing interest because of all these posts complaining about new machines instead of actually sharing cool stuff. I'm not trying to go after anyone specifically, but at the same time let's not give this group a bad rap.


Post# 931235 , Reply# 6   4/8/2017 at 10:25 (2,546 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        
Rex

mayken4now's profile picture

Me too!  Run like hell!


Post# 931236 , Reply# 7   4/8/2017 at 10:27 (2,546 days old) by joeypete (Concord, NH)        
Well said Sam!

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I agree that we are here to have fun and discuss the hobby that we all love. We're mostly divided into 2 distinct groups here...those that love vintage machines and hate anything new and those that love new machines and don't care for older stuff. I happen to be a mix of both, hence why I've had various machines over the years.

It's like a liberal going into a conservative blog and arguing with everyone, or vice versa. Why not just stay with those that agree with you and enjoy the conversation and not start arguments? I'm not saying that you shouldn't communicate your feelings about things you don't agree with, but it gets old.

I have enjoyed sharing my experiences and videos of different machines that I have owned over the last 3 years. Especially with new ones if people are looking to buy a new machine. I've received many many nice comments on my YouTube channel on how I helped people pick out a new washer. That really makes me feel good about what I'm doing. Sharing knowledge and helping people.


Post# 931242 , Reply# 8   4/8/2017 at 11:11 (2,546 days old) by murando531 (Augusta, Georgia - US)        

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I love old appliance designs just as much as I love new. The KitchenAid Superba washing machine we had growing up is still one of my favorite washer designs, and I'd give anything to find a well-kept Lady Kenmore/Whirlpool BD. The Maytag RR dishwashers and the WP PowerClean are still the dishwashers that I drool over when I discover one in a friend or family member's "new" home, offering to restore the machine for them because they're more than worth keeping.

However, would I trade my Maytag BravosXL washer or my Whirlpool WDT920 dishwasher for any of those machines? Not at all. I have a strong appreciation for these older designs for their superiority in their day, but I also have enough of an open mind to see that, despite what many will say, there have been vast improvements to modern machines that are indispensable. My washer cleans far more clothes using far less in resources, and does a better job than any of the above listed machines can combined, in addition to being much quieter, even while spinning at 1000+ RPM, where then my dryer can take half the time to finish a full load. My dishwasher is so silent that you can only tell it's running by the light on the front, and cleans so thoroughly with so little water that it puts the PowerClean to shame. I've even yet to be "required" to clean the filter, although I do take them out and wash them for fun now and then, because how could dismantling your machines and fine-tooth cleaning them not be fun?


Post# 931264 , Reply# 9   4/8/2017 at 14:13 (2,546 days old) by joeypete (Concord, NH)        

joeypete's profile picture
Same here...my new Maytag does a fantastic job! I'm doing laundry today and I'm pleased every time at how clean everything comes out. Plus it's fun to watch! haha

Post# 931267 , Reply# 10   4/8/2017 at 14:39 (2,546 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture
Every Thursday on laundry day I am reminded just how much I love my new Maytag Centennial. This washing machine always does just exactly what its supposed to do. No coaching, unnecessary adjustments or allowances need to be made. Our laundry comes out spotlessly clean and thoroughly rinsed in 50 to 55 mins a load. There is no excessive tangling and never any lint. If I feel the need to use a full fill, I have that option with the Bulky cycle, and I only use this for bedspreads, comforters and pillows. All other loads do just fine using Powerwash or the Deep Water Wash cycle, which gives a slightly deeper fill. I've been using Tide Pods and I'm very pleased with the convenience and cleaning ability of these pods. I can't watch mine as there is no window, but I really don't care because this washer just does a good job, period.

I love and appreciate all the older washers and appliances too. But we live in a two story townhouse with a small laundry closet that is perfectly adequete for one washer and one dryer. I have no room for a collection. Therefore I like to change out my machines every few years to satisfy my need for change. And really after all, if people didn't buy new appliances how would there ever be older, used machines out there for collectors?

Now this Maytag may not last for 25 years, but I may not either. I'm 66 years old, so I'm going to have what I want, when I want it, as long as I'm able to afford it. My husband humors me and allows me to indulge my hobby. Whenever a new appliance comes into our home he laughingly tells it, "Enjoy your stay hear, you may not be here long". LOL. Getting a new washer is sure less destructive to a marriage than infidelity.

I think that we all need to value and appreciate what other members prefer as far a appilances go. One man's castoff is another man's treasure.

Eddie




This post was last edited 04/08/2017 at 18:12
Post# 931274 , Reply# 11   4/8/2017 at 16:40 (2,546 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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newer machines are here to stay.....and yeah, like with anything new on the market, there are going to be a few glitches along the way.....

very few things ever built from the drawing board was perfect without fault from the start....

for the most part, with the changes that are being made, these are turning out to be decent running machines.......I have the luxury of vintage and brand new HE machines.....both do exactly what they were designed to do.....that is, if you know how to do laundry, and operate a machine properly....

eventually all things will wear out, and like wringers that have stopped production back in the 80's....eventually you will never find a used one ever again, except in the long lost files of things past....


funny, you never hear anyone mention they wish for the days of a Ford Model A, if todays cars were only built like that again, sometimes if people could only hear themselves......


Post# 931279 , Reply# 12   4/8/2017 at 18:13 (2,546 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
I respect both:

whirlykenmore78's profile picture
Vintage and modern machines. I LOVE vintage WP/KM DD and BD machines as well as vintage MTs. However I would NEVER trade my 2016 SQ FL for an old top loader.
WK78


Post# 931306 , Reply# 13   4/8/2017 at 19:50 (2,546 days old) by washerdude (Canada )        
I'm also both

While I do prefer older dishwashers more (I.E the point voyager and the Maytag Tall Tubs), I got to cut the line a washers.

When our Inglis Direct Drive died after putting up for 13 years, I thought I was done for as all the top loaders at that time frame when it died, were the stupid VMW units (I still think they're stupid but have improved). So I took a gamble and got a Whirlpool Duet.

This thing is a day and night difference in cleaning compared to our older DD washer. Right away we threw in a mixed load which had a dingy towel and it came out much whiter than when we would wash it in our old top load and that was without bleach too. Not to mention its ability to handle huge items with ease.

But yes, like whirlykenmore78 said, I will NEVER trade my FL for an old top or a new one.


Post# 931318 , Reply# 14   4/8/2017 at 20:10 (2,546 days old) by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
same old debate

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me right now i have a 13 year old whirlpool duet washer but there are days i miss my old inglis superb II direct drive washer if i had a choice first choice would be a vintage topload washer like in exemple screen shots second choice a good old fashion refurbish as new direct drive washer or pay more and get a speed queen awn432 model and plan b a front load possably maytag but my washer still works so not at that point yet credits to philr for the first screen shot other pic saved by me are exemples

  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 6         View Full Size
Post# 931388 , Reply# 15   4/9/2017 at 09:31 (2,545 days old) by washman (o)        

I like union and non union made appliances and home gadgets!


Post# 931410 , Reply# 16   4/9/2017 at 11:38 (2,545 days old) by ryanm (New York)        

I agree as well that the fun of this site is to actually see ALL the different machines and hear about their functionality and what folks think of them. I am glad there are all different machines as that is what makes it interesting, if everyone had the same design or everyone owned the same machine think of how boring it would be. I too recognize that it seems any time someone including myself posts anything to do with other brands of machines it seems that there is almost an attack that we should only worship Speed Queen and not talk about other machines, so it makes one apprehensive about even posting something at times because it becomes a back and forth argument forum rather than an enjoyment. I have had this happen to me on some of my posts as well, and it gave me a very uncomfortable feeling of being attacked. I hope that with time this wonderful forum will go back to the enjoyment of the interest rather than a forum to push just one brand of washer.

Post# 931431 , Reply# 17   4/9/2017 at 14:02 (2,545 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)        
To each their own.

I like worshers, dryers, etc., new and old alike. I like asparagus, eggs Benedict too, and bengins, prime rib, crab, lobster, oysters Rockefeller, and escargot.
We be what we wanna be, do what we wanna do, the Adams family.


Post# 931433 , Reply# 18   4/9/2017 at 15:32 (2,545 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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This would be a very boring discussion board (other than the occasional SQ service horror story, LOL) if everyone had the same brand/model machines, whether new or vintage.  There'd be no reason to argue the merits of this vs. that, no need to disparage other people's choices vs. the superiority of yours.


Post# 932037 , Reply# 19   4/12/2017 at 16:30 (2,542 days old) by 48bencix (Sacramento CA)        
Variety of New Washers

I very seriously looked at the new Maytags and did get a SQ. That said, I do appreciate the new Maytag and Whirlpool Top Loading machines. Using a separate pump with its own motor simplified the design. I like the idea of a reversing motor which eliminates the need for a transmission. The computer allows a very high spin while maintaining a light suspension system.

I think the best feature of the new machines is the Deep Fill option. I see this on more machines. This allows the user a choice. Have a machine full of water, or let the machine decide for you. When this type of washer first came out you had to let the washer decide the water level for you. One thing I think will help all of our new washers to last is to not overload them.


Post# 932052 , Reply# 20   4/12/2017 at 17:39 (2,542 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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well, one thing Speed Queen does offer.....

a full fill for washing......and either a normal rinse fill or an ECO version of a spray rinse......

at least you have the option for both in a TL machine....


Post# 932101 , Reply# 21   4/12/2017 at 21:51 (2,542 days old) by HiLoVane (Columbus OH)        

I'll tell you what...if I remember correctly, 20 or so years ago, if everybody took that much stock in what CONSUMER REPORTS said about them, we'd all be raving about Sears Kenmore washers, like many of us do nowadays about Speed Queen.

OK, that was then, and this is now, and CU doesn't think much about SQ (except they concede to SQ's life expectancy, versus everybody else; no contest, there).



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