Thread Number: 9795
Putting the Spin on Combination Machines
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Post# 181077   1/6/2007 at 10:13 (6,319 days old) by mixfinder ()        

I have been sourcing repair or replacement options to Equator which has bearing issues. No one in the greater Seattle area has a combo machine in stock. Ordering one is several weeks out with significant shipping charges.
I have a friend, who is the sales manager of the Seattle Albert Lee appliance store. I asked what brand of combo they had. He said the only combo they will sell is Asko. Not because it is the best, but it has the most reliable service. He bought a new LG washer and dryer for himself. The motor failed in the dryer and it took 5 weeks for a warrauntee repair. He said, "We don't sell LG unless the customer holds a gun to our head." That said, he believed LG was an excellent product.
I am inquiring into this machine froms Craigs. Is there reason to be concerned for bellows and internal seals drying out or becoming brittle in a two year period?
Kelly


CLICK HERE TO GO TO mixfinder's LINK on Sale-255630044@craigslist Craigslist





Post# 181078 , Reply# 1   1/6/2007 at 10:15 (6,319 days old) by mixfinder ()        
Craigslist number

LG combination washer dryer model LGWD 324 RDH. Craigslist number 255630044.
Kelly


Post# 181172 , Reply# 2   1/6/2007 at 17:17 (6,318 days old) by tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        
Little LG Combo

I spent part of New Year's Day wandering around our EXPO store and happened on the little LG combo. It was sitting all by itself around the corner from the appliance dept. where the KitchenAid front loader pair were previously. I don't know if they do not want to sell these combos or if it had misbehaved and was sent away for a time out, but it really looked small in that big area. I had never seen one before. It sure is not like those awful things built in China. I am sure that it is well built, but eventually you will need service and if there is not a good service network or parts distribution system in place, the finest machine is no good. Nothing makes you feel quite as queasy and scared as when the service tech blurts out that he has never seen one of these before as he starts pawing your $1500.00 combo to see what's wrong. Have you thought about buying a good small washer like the little Samsung/Maytag 24" frontloader for the place under the vanity and finding 24 inches for a 120 volt dryer elsewhere?

Hope you are feeling better than you thought you would Kelly.
Tom


Post# 181234 , Reply# 3   1/6/2007 at 22:58 (6,318 days old) by mixfinder ()        
Drip Dry

Tom,
I have thought of just a washer and sourcing a compact dryer. I noticed that Sears is now offering a combo. It is shown on a pedestal, which makes it look bigger.
I am totally amazed at how well I feel. I feel as if something miraculous has happened in my body this week. In spite of the treatment, I felt good, have energy and something inside is different.
Kelly


Post# 181257 , Reply# 4   1/7/2007 at 01:33 (6,318 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Combination Machines

peteski50's profile picture
Hi Kelly,
I am happy you are feeling better. I pray for you and hope all will turn out well.
What type of Combo did you see at sears? I didn't think sears carried any combos.
I regreat getting rid of my Equator. I probably would not ever buy another combo. I had built plumbing into a closet so I could have the LG TROMM combo. What a mistake. I had seen it and wanted it no matter what. Sometimes it's not worth wishing for something that badly. I had had the Equator in the Kitchen under a counter. I put a cabinet in it's place. If I do have to replace the LG I will probably just get a FL like a Frigmore or Affinity. I hang a lot of laundry anyway. Maybe I would get a portable dryer that I would have to put in another area because I have no room in the closet and also I cannot vent from their.
It is really ashame a USA company doesn't make a big combo. We used to have them and I think they should make them in 110V and 120V.
Hang in and Best Wishes
Peter


Post# 181263 , Reply# 5   1/7/2007 at 02:13 (6,318 days old) by exploder3211 ()        

Kelly,
Glad to here you are on the up and up!

I agree with peteski... I would look twords getting a washer like my affinity (or frigemore, but the affinitiy is mocho nicer)and portable dryer like the one below..

Acutally if you got the Frigmore and the dryer below, i almost think you could buy the stack stand thats $79 and put the washer below it..


CLICK HERE TO GO TO exploder3211's LINK


Post# 181265 , Reply# 6   1/7/2007 at 02:16 (6,318 days old) by exploder3211 ()        

Maybe not.. Dimensions on the portable washer are 22 1/4 wide and frigemore f/l is 26 1/2 wide..

BUT the Maytag (below) F/L would probably fitunder the stack rack.. Any one know if this is a good machiene or not??? Its 23 1/2 wide max.. Hmmm...


CLICK HERE TO GO TO exploder3211's LINK


Post# 181267 , Reply# 7   1/7/2007 at 02:35 (6,318 days old) by sactoteddybear ()        
Re: Compact Front-Load Washer:

I would go with the Whirlpool Compact Front-Load Washer, without any offense to Maytag towards theirs. I would maybe look into the Maytag as a 2nd choice however, between them.

I've got an LG Compact Combo, that I've made Portable and it hooks up to my Kitchen Sink. Due to the extensive length of a total Cycling {Wash, Dry and Cool-Down} approx 7-hours, I've put a 2nd Hand Kenmore Dryer {like Chad mentioned about} on top of my LG Compact Combo. I bought some Rubber Caps like the ones used on the Foot of Crutches, to prevent the Dryer from sliding off the top of my Washer/Dryer. The Washer/Dryer does have a ridge around the sides, that does help to also prevent the Dryer from sliding off. Both of these Machines run on 110-Volts and I've got them plugged into separate Circuit's of the Kitchen Plugs, so they wouldn't blow the Breaker's, being on the same Circuit.

"BTW" I also had a professional Dolly made complete with Locking Wheels to move both Units around like a Portable Washer or Dishwasher. It was built to withstand 350-pounds of weight. I told the Welder that it needed to hold the Washer/Dryer with Laundry and Water equalling approx at least 300-pounds. The Welder and another Guy both stood on the Dolly at approx 245-pounds each and let me tell you, it isn't going to ever fall apart. When he builds something for you, it will definately last. The Dolly cost me $250.00 and it was certainly well worth every Dollar.

Peace and New Years Cheers, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...


Post# 181293 , Reply# 8   1/7/2007 at 11:16 (6,318 days old) by exploder3211 ()        

The wpool combo would fit as well... Although, looking back i see that you need to vent this puppy and i don't see where they sell those indoor dryer venting systems any more

Post# 181932 , Reply# 9   1/9/2007 at 17:22 (6,315 days old) by mixfinder ()        
Buffet Of Choices

I took Tom's advice and thought of purchasing the Maytag compact MAH2400AWW. I can get it at the Maytag outlet for $625.oo I looked at a Whirlpool compact on Craigslist, LHW0050PQ. It is new in the box, but out of warrantee. Looking at reviews for both at Epinions, the feedback for service and dependablity is deplorable. Are they the same machine but differently labeled? I fired up the Equator and it runs through a cycle with out clothes, but has a significant bearing sound. I called Equator and they gave me the telephone numbers for two repair companies. One is 100 miles away and the other goes to an unidentified voice mail. Repair is not looking like an easy option.
Should I buy the Maytag?
Kelly


Post# 181933 , Reply# 10   1/9/2007 at 17:25 (6,315 days old) by mixfinder ()        
Buffet Of Choices

I took Tom's advice and thought of purchasing the Maytag compact MAH2400AWW. I can get it at the Maytag outlet for $625.oo I looked at a Whirlpool compact on Craigslist, LHW0050PQ. It is new in the box, but out of warrantee. Looking at reviews for both at Epinions, the feedback for service and dependablity is deplorable. Are they the same machine but differently labeled? I fired up the Equator and it runs through a cycle with out clothes, but has a significant bearing sound. I called Equator and they gave me the telephone numbers for two repair companies. One is 100 miles away and the other goes to an unidentified voice mail. Repair is not looking like an easy option.
Should I buy the Maytag?
Kelly


Post# 181935 , Reply# 11   1/9/2007 at 17:35 (6,315 days old) by mixfinder ()        
Last Word On Equator

I was just able to hang up the phone after a long and lengthy tongue lashing by an embittered repairman, who hates Equator and the horse it road in on. The word on the street is no one in Seattle will sell or service an Equator because of no pays on warrantee work and dealing with an Indian based call center.
I am back to the drawing board on a "washer only" replacement since there is not a single dealer in Seattle metro area selling or supporting a combination unit.
Kelly


Post# 181938 , Reply# 12   1/9/2007 at 17:50 (6,315 days old) by oxydolfan1 ()        
How about a......Hirundo?

I found this unit, made by Indesit, an Italian company of apparently dubious reputation, for a relatively low price, $799, online...if you'd be willing to risk it.

I'd probably spend a little more and take a chance on an LG first, but, then again, look at the difficulties that peteski's been experiencing...

There appears to be fewer and fewer of these models on the US market. Based on that, perhaps a clever situation of space-friendly, more conventional single-use machines would be the way to go....


CLICK HERE TO GO TO oxydolfan1's LINK


Post# 182071 , Reply# 13   1/9/2007 at 22:36 (6,315 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
~and I don't see where they sell those indoor dryer venting systems anymore.

Waterbath to trap lint? Are these of any merit?


Post# 182076 , Reply# 14   1/9/2007 at 22:41 (6,315 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
You can find those "indoor" drying units, especially on fleaBay, but one is really better off sticking the vent hose out a window. Used one with a GE Spacemaker dryer had years ago, and it filled the kitchen with lint, and made the house like a sauna. Opening windows takes care of the humidity, but there still was all that link. Water in the bottom of a bucket does not attrack nor hold that much lint.


L.


Post# 182107 , Reply# 15   1/9/2007 at 23:29 (6,315 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
ASKO Combination washer/dryer

CLICK HERE TO GO TO toggleswitch's LINK


Post# 182109 , Reply# 16   1/9/2007 at 23:31 (6,315 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
AM-TECH Combination washer/dryer

CLICK HERE TO GO TO toggleswitch's LINK


Post# 182110 , Reply# 17   1/9/2007 at 23:34 (6,315 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        
Is it Thursday already?

toggleswitch's profile picture
THOR combination washer-dryer.

Read about their condensder carefully!


CLICK HERE TO GO TO toggleswitch's LINK


Post# 182112 , Reply# 18   1/9/2007 at 23:38 (6,315 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        
Baby, you take me higher...

toggleswitch's profile picture
Post# 182113 , Reply# 19   1/9/2007 at 23:40 (6,315 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
Post# 182115 , Reply# 20   1/9/2007 at 23:44 (6,315 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
Post# 182128 , Reply# 21   1/10/2007 at 00:38 (6,315 days old) by mavei511 ()        

Edgestar combo.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO mavei511's LINK


Post# 182134 , Reply# 22   1/10/2007 at 00:58 (6,315 days old) by mixfinder ()        
Limited Power

I am, of course, limited to using a machine that runs from 110 and is portable. I have thought of removing the vanity, in the bathroom and installing a combo unit or 24 inch front loader. Risky, if I get caught doing it by the building owner.

I was not able to find anyone, who would willingly work on a combo unit in the metro area. Most of the smaller machines share a similar design within many "brands". I am hesitant to purchase a machine that I cannot find service for.

I have a large deck, so I can use a dryer that operates on 110, is a vented model and let it blow into the universe.

I am also looking at a Haeir top loader XQJ50-31. It seems to be the least expensive and most plausable alternative.

I am waiting to hear Tomturbomatic speak his voice of wisdom and clarity and then make the choice.

Kelly


Post# 182137 , Reply# 23   1/10/2007 at 01:05 (6,315 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Combo!

peteski50's profile picture
Hi Kelly
Does it have to be portable? I thought maybe a Frigmore or Affinity if you can run plumbing to sink. I was lucky with my Equator when I had it. It did have a problem and I had it fixed ASAP. But at least you are smart to check to see if you are able to obtain service.
Best Of Luck
Peter



Post# 182139 , Reply# 24   1/10/2007 at 01:17 (6,315 days old) by mixfinder ()        
Read the Cold Hard Facts

I live in an apartment. I cannot install without risk of getting caught. I may move. I want to purchase a portable unit. I have toyed with the option of removing the vanity, but no full size washer could use the vanity sink plumbing and drain any volume of water, in an aprtment building.
Kelly


Post# 182153 , Reply# 25   1/10/2007 at 03:23 (6,315 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Combo!

peteski50's profile picture
Hi Kelly
Just make sure whatever you buy you can get good service. Believe me I learned so much with this LG disaster.
Best Of Luck
Keep us posted
Peter


Post# 182191 , Reply# 26   1/10/2007 at 08:49 (6,315 days old) by tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

Kelly, the Samsung-Maytag and the Malber-Whirlpool are different machines. Malber does not have a great reputation, but they have not needed a lot of service in our area. The motor board is vulnerable if you oversuds to the point where water drips down inside. It eventually gets the motor board. Samsung-Maytag machine is well liked by people who have one. Don't know of Samsung-Maytag machines that have needed service. I don't know if Whirlpool-Maytag is going to keep the Samsung-Maytag in the line, but if you have Home Depot, they have it for less than the price you quoted. The two machines cost about the same.

Glad that you are feeling better. I hope the chemo was super effective and that doctors will be writing papers about your perfect cure with updates each year for many years as you continue to live a healthy life with no more Mr. C.
Tom


Post# 182192 , Reply# 27   1/10/2007 at 08:57 (6,315 days old) by oxydolfan1 ()        

Tom, do you think the Samsung/Maytag machine at Home Depot would be capable of washing, let's say, a twin-sized comforter?

Post# 182194 , Reply# 28   1/10/2007 at 09:03 (6,315 days old) by veg-o-matic (Baltimore, Hon!)        

veg-o-matic's profile picture
I dunno, that AmTech combo is sounding mighty appealing...


veg


Post# 182214 , Reply# 29   1/10/2007 at 10:35 (6,315 days old) by mixfinder ()        
Just to make you crazy.

I am reconsidering the Haeir, top load, agitator model XQJ50-31. I was looking at them last fall. The price took a jump of 120.00 and then there was 100.00 for shipping. Looking again, I find them back at the regular price of 299.00 with 47.00 for shipping. I am thinking that's what I'll do and continue to look for a used dryer that runs on or can be converted to 110.
Kelly


Post# 182228 , Reply# 30   1/10/2007 at 11:45 (6,315 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
COOL!

When my house finally sells and I go back to a rental, I was thinking I'd have to do the compact-dryer-with-a-tablecloth over-it-as-an-end table routine.

I'd have to hide the appliances as well, and I fear dryer water-vapor "smoke" in the winter, when they hose is hanging out the window. (Can you get arrested for that? *LOL*]

Oh well out comes the drying rack with a portable mechanical dryer only to heat, dewrinkle and fluff after a line-dry!

Let us know Kelly how it all pans out!
Hope you have a 20a line and a heavy duty 20a outlet!


Post# 182235 , Reply# 31   1/10/2007 at 12:20 (6,314 days old) by mixfinder ()        
Electrical supply

My Equator hummed along just fine on the avaiable household current available in my apartment. I expected to turn off all the overhead lights during the drying cycle, but no problem. I have a 28 X 10 deck and my neighbors are an interesting ethnic mix so I seriously doubt anyone would say anything about a portable dryer. The Mexicans below me had chickens in cages on their deck which I had to explain aren't the norm in suburban Seattle. I am the manager of the building and my boss often comes to visit. He's a total jock and deosn't seem to notice anything amiss when he sets his coffee on the Equator which is in my office.
Kelly


Post# 182241 , Reply# 32   1/10/2007 at 12:42 (6,314 days old) by oxydolfan1 ()        

Toggle.....depends on the neighborhood, and type of house. In some places, not having your own machine would be unthinkable...

You'd be very surprised...

Kelly...don't feel bad. I had neighbors who SACRIFICED chickens in some sort of periodic ritual....

Thank God for Levolors and noise-cancelling earphones!


Post# 182256 , Reply# 33   1/10/2007 at 14:03 (6,314 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
*LOL*

I hear ya boys. I have seen roosters in boiler-rooms of high-rise apt buildngs. Apparently the Carribean custom of cock-fighting is alive and well in NYC.

Sword-fighting is another story all-together.



Post# 182301 , Reply# 34   1/10/2007 at 17:41 (6,314 days old) by oxydolfan1 ()        

Toggle....ever seen some of the VERY upmarket appliances that are being installed in ordinary Fedders houses in places like Williamsburg?

The New York laundromat will be extinct in ten years if this keeps up....that's why I think a lot of the smaller ones aren't bothering to modernize.


Post# 182350 , Reply# 35   1/10/2007 at 20:28 (6,314 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
~Toggle....ever seen some of the VERY upmarket appliances that are being installed in ordinary Fedders houses in places like Williamsburg.

As Manhattan rents continue to skyrocket the suburbanites are willing to do the bridge & tunnel thing for Brooklyn and Queens, as long as it's urban, old, ugly and densely packed trendy, yuppy and near the city.

As you may know when the rent, reaches $2,000 per moth the apt then become free of NYC rent-regulations, forever. The law also allows a landlord to charge 1/40 of the cost of renovations as monthly rent. Therefore, landlords are going crazy spendng riduculous sums to get the rents to (just over) $2,000 per month.

Washers, dryers, dishwashers, granite, marble, central air gold-plated faucets, fireplaces, fancy stoves and refrigerators, hi-hats, ceiling fans, you NAME it.

It is QUITE bizarro that these types of things are going into neighborhoods where the natives will grafitti or urinate on your momma if she stands still long enough.




CLICK HERE TO GO TO toggleswitch's LINK


Post# 182351 , Reply# 36   1/10/2007 at 20:34 (6,314 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
I have a 28 X 10 deck. (If that is cm, I will THANK you not to brag. LOL!)

anyhoo..when I first saw mechanical clothes dryers outdoors on the balconies in high-rises in Miami, Florida (South Beach, atually) I was a bit amazed. Based on my climate that is not possible, there it is more sensible.


Post# 182354 , Reply# 37   1/10/2007 at 20:36 (6,314 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
No, Toggle that is not correct.

A rent stablised apartment *can* become deregulated if the follow conditions apply: legal rent must arrive at $2,000/month AND the tenant's income is $200,000 per year for two years. Landlord must file papers to request deregulation and the tenant must respond within a certian period of time if his/her rent/income does not meet said guidlines.

Now, if a vacant apartment can be made to rent for over $2,000 then it can become deregulated, and perhaps that is what you are thinking of. In such cases, yes landlords will do extensive renovations/work in order to get the legal rent up to or over $2,000.

L.


Post# 182356 , Reply# 38   1/10/2007 at 20:38 (6,314 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
yes vacant. Gutting tenanted apts is certainly risky. HARRASMENT!

Post# 182358 , Reply# 39   1/10/2007 at 20:41 (6,314 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
NYC laundromats/laundry applinaces.

Many new buildings are either installing laundryrooms, or allowing washer/dryer connections. The later mainly applies to condo's as developers compete in a crowded market and buyers are demanding their own washer and dryer in house.

No one is building rental units, but for upscale rental buildings or landlords seeking to justify huge rents, are installing "route" laundromat equipment in laundryrooms/basements. Many rental buildings and for that matter apartment buildings still have such old plumbing that allowing many people with washers would overwhelm the system. Dishwashers use less water so that seems to be less of a problem.

Laundromats, at least in Manhattan are a dying breed. Space costs too dear, and landlords do not want them, or even dry cleaning stores. Most new laundry/dry cleaning services opening in Manhattan are drop off stores that use wholesale laundries.
L.


Post# 182424 , Reply# 40   1/10/2007 at 22:20 (6,314 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
~In some places, not having your own machine would be unthinkable...

Yes poor, high-crime areas. Where you would not think of going out for any reason. I go to places like that frequently for work. I see washers under vinyl dust covers.

Here my vintage GE FF is modeling one.

After all a $400 washer is the most expensive thing some will ever own, except of course after the flat panel 2,000 inch television.


Post# 182451 , Reply# 41   1/11/2007 at 00:16 (6,314 days old) by mixfinder ()        
The Old Noodle is Working Overtime

I ordered the Haier XQJ50-31 from a dealer on ebay that offered free shipping.
I looked at GE and Whirlpool compact dryers that run on 110. The average price is 450.00.
I think I'll pick up a free gas dryer off Craigslist and run it on bottled propane. It can sit on the deck where there is a 110 outlet. I'll cover it with a drape like Togs showed us, when it's not in use.
Kelly


Post# 182474 , Reply# 42   1/11/2007 at 07:15 (6,314 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
Just make sure you adjust the size of your orifice. Natural gas dryer fired-up with propane makes (too) big flame!

Perhaps a plastic tablecloth on the deck is in order. If you get a full-sized unit talk to me, I have a fitted plastic cover for you.


Post# 182496 , Reply# 43   1/11/2007 at 08:24 (6,314 days old) by tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

Scott, I can't imagine washing a twin comforter in these small machines. It could not possibly get opened up enough to wash and rinse really well, but maybe it's not that dirty so it would not be a problem. On the other hand, if done in a Duet, it would never distribute properly for spinning. I like the idea of several duvet covers that wash and dry almost like sheets and protect the comforter.


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