Thread Number: 10205
New Front Load Washer recomendations
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Post# 187739   1/31/2007 at 21:23 (6,292 days old) by opflame ()        

Hello,

We just bought a Kenmore HE2 plus washer and its leaking water, and making a squeaking sound on day one :(

Sears is going to take care of us and allow us to pick a different model. What models should I consider? I'm looking to spend around $900 to $1100US. Please let me know what you would suggest (from Sears of course)

Thanks.

opflame





Post# 187807 , Reply# 1   12/31/2069 at 18:00 (19,838 days old) by norgeman ()        
What Washer

Me, Myself and I. I would go with one of the Frigidaire built models of the 3.5 cap. or go with one of the other Whirl./Kenmore machines. But look them over very carefully and compare and what features you want on it. Happy looking. Danf.

Post# 187835 , Reply# 2   2/1/2007 at 08:08 (6,292 days old) by stainfighter (Columbia, SC)        
in my experience, ask local Mom 'n Pop to price Match

stainfighter's profile picture
because the place we will now only buy from does so, with gentle delivery when WE want it, not some computer assigned, "between tomorrow and tomorrow night" deal we experienced with Sears. Complained about it to Sears and they profusely apologized but nothing changed. The DW itself is just fine, but we cannot just take off the next day b/c the Sears computer calls the night before at 6:00 p.m. to tell us delivery is sometime the next day! Had to reschedule 2X to get it delivered. Our experience with Best Buy was even worse, but won't go on...Give your business to a local place instead of a Big Box store, imho. OK rant over :)

Post# 187857 , Reply# 3   2/1/2007 at 10:23 (6,292 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Recommendation!

peteski50's profile picture
I would go with the Frigidaire. It is probably the most simple of all the FL designs. I have a LG and highly don't recommend it because of the poorest service. You never know what to go with because in reading all the reviews they all have pros and cons. But I think the Frigidaire's have the most positive.
Good Luck
Peter


Post# 187858 , Reply# 4   2/1/2007 at 10:25 (6,292 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture
'flame, I've read in other threads here about premature bearing trouble with the Frigidaires. I like their styling but the bearing issue has been mentioned more than once here and has scared me off. Plus, their dryers are way smaller. Duets and their derivatives seem to be the runaway favorite FL's with AW members.

I suspect as Stainfighter has indicated above, the delivery thugs contracted by Sears probably wrecked your machine. When my laundry pair was delivered by Sears one night under cover of darkness, I saw them actually drop the dryer onto the pavement off the lift gate. It's been a rattle trap from day one, but since it was working properly I had no case to make for replacement. Noise doesn't count.

I'd say to stick with Kenmore or Whirlpool, and if you can get the price matched by a local dealer, forget Sears entirely or make enough noise with the Sears salesman that he puts all kinds "handle with care/irate customer" notes on your paperwork for the delivery team.


Post# 187942 , Reply# 5   2/1/2007 at 15:33 (6,292 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Recommendation!

peteski50's profile picture
I do have to agree with RP about the bearing issues. It is to my understanding that the newer 3.5 version Frigidaire has cleaned up the bearing issues. Also my mom has the unit with the square door for a year and a half and loves it. I also agree that the Frigidaire dryer really sux. But if I didn't need a matching set I would only get the washer. If you do stay with Whirlpool I would just buy the Duet. The newer SpeedQueen is another possibility except it doesn't have as much cycle flexability as others and much more expensive. But remember whatever you decide stay away from LG.
Peter


Post# 188049 , Reply# 6   2/1/2007 at 23:46 (6,291 days old) by golittlesport (California)        

golittlesport's profile picture
In my opinion, the Frigidaire 3.5's are the best FL deal around. Just use HE detergent and you shouldn't have a problem with the bearings. My son is using my older "Frigmore" FL...seven years old and not a problem or repair. It has been a workhorse. I've had a 3.5 for the last year and it does a great job.

Post# 188073 , Reply# 7   2/2/2007 at 02:50 (6,291 days old) by exploder3211 ()        

I love my Frigidaire Affinty..

Post# 188076 , Reply# 8   2/2/2007 at 05:58 (6,291 days old) by tumbler ()        
Go with Duet HT

Out of 5 "Frigimore" (Frigidaire-built Kenmores)-mine, and four others I recommended to family and friends, three of them have developed bad bearings. These models all had mechanical timers, too-terrible spin balancing protocol; if they didn't balance out pretty much right away, they simply bypass the spin cycle altogether. I bought a Whirlpool Duet HT from Sears (along w/matching dryer) and I couldn't be happier. They've been around since about 2000 and I hardly ever see a posting about problems with them. I'm also a member of an appliance technicians' bulletin board-same thing there. The only thing I would have done differently would have been to buy it from a bona-fide appliance dealer. Since they repair the product they sell, they're less inclined to subject the customer to sloppy or inexperienced delivery personnel, since they'll have to absorb the cost of warranty repair (Whirlpool pays their techs a flat $54 for labor on warranty jobs, regardless of how long they take). I learned this the hard way when my brother recently bought a Duet at Lowe's Home Center. The delivery men showed up in a Budget truck, started to remove the shipping braces before they brought the machine into the house (I stopped them) and tried to leave without leveling it-they didn't even have a level. If you find an appliance dealer who does a lot of business with homebuilders, they will probably beat anyone's price, including Sears. But STAY WITH THE DUET!!!

Post# 188084 , Reply# 9   2/2/2007 at 07:01 (6,291 days old) by nurdlinger (Tucson AZ)        
I'll add my testimony

nurdlinger's profile picture
I have owned a Kenmore 44092/84092 set for 18 months with no troubles. This is the 3.5cft Electrolux-built machine that is a twin to the Frigidaire Gallery model. (Big round windows in square doors) I worried before I bought it about the bearing troubles, but they were associated with the earlier 3.1cft model. Someone mentioned earlier in the thread that the bearing problem was solved in this model. Although I think it is too early in the life cycle of the device to conclude that, I can be optimistic about it. Sears doesn't sell these anymore, they have the Whirlpool-built HE2 now to cover the spot in their lineup. Also, the Frigidaire Affinity models currently available are a (IMHO) minor evolutionary step for this same design. I don't encounter the spin-balancing trouble that others have reported. This could be owing to the content of my washloads being different, or to a smarter balancing algorithm in the computer that controls the machine. In summary, I am happy doing my 3 loads per week in this set. The dryer is small, and leaves some stuff damp more than I would prefer, but this is not a deal stopper. I would buy these again, and by implication would consider the Affinity if these were unavailable.

Post# 188255 , Reply# 10   2/3/2007 at 00:21 (6,290 days old) by volvoguy87 (Cincinnati, OH)        
GE = BAD

volvoguy87's profile picture
Buy from a Mom & Pop appliance dealer! The service is SO much better. The delivery is SO much better, and if ever you need service, that is SO much better too. Avoid LG for reasons discussed above, but also avoid GE. My folks gout a pair of GE front loaders in 2006 and although they have worked fine thus far with extremely light use, their quality is very poor. The controls feel flimzy, the cycle takes FOR EVER, and the cleaning and rinsing is not great. Also, the washer likes to emit a nice musty smell, no matter how well you wipe the drum and gasket dry. GE builds a bad washer, although the dryer works well, but its lint trap is the worst to clean.

Vintage for me,
Dave


Post# 188263 , Reply# 11   2/3/2007 at 01:18 (6,290 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California)        

sudsmaster's profile picture
My take on this is that the HE2 Plus is probably a very good machine; you just happened to get a lemon. I like the HE2Plus and the Whirlpool version the Sport HT, because they have horizontal drums, don't take up a lot of depth in a laundry closet, and have more than adequate capacity.

If you have the space, and if Sears sells it, maybe a Maytag Epic would be a good choice. It's basically a Kitchenaid Ensemble, which in turn is basically an HE4T.



Post# 188277 , Reply# 12   2/3/2007 at 08:02 (6,290 days old) by opflame ()        
LG's??

I know you folks in the US have had issues with LG, I spoke with a service tech up here in Ontario and he mentioned they're getting better with their service problems. I like the features and the product seems very good, however the concern is with service rather than quality correct?

Post# 188292 , Reply# 13   2/3/2007 at 10:28 (6,290 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
LG

peteski50's profile picture
Yes Opflame the service is horrible. I will never purchase another LG product again. No matter how good a product is, if the service is bad it's useless.
Peter


Post# 188296 , Reply# 14   2/3/2007 at 11:05 (6,290 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        

revvinkevin's profile picture
I have a older Frigidaire FL set (10 or so years now) with no trouble or problems. Yes I agree if it has a problem balancing the load before a spin it will bypass that spin entirely (mechanical timer), but I've realized that is only if the load is too small. I've thought about replacing it with the new Fridigaire (Sq. door) or a Whirlpool Duet, but I have no reason to since their still working fine.

2 years ago I replaced my mothers deceased Maytag with a (basic model) Whirlpool Duet washer. She loves it and it's been problem free.

I suggest you just get another Kenmore HE2 or Whirlpool Duet!



Post# 191834 , Reply# 15   2/17/2007 at 09:00 (6,276 days old) by bleacho ()        
replacement

i recommend the fl frigidaire FL.. im on my second one, only because i moved, and re purchased it... great maching, simple design, and a great washer...

Post# 191854 , Reply# 16   2/17/2007 at 11:05 (6,276 days old) by oxydolfan1 ()        

Bleacho, which model?

Post# 191859 , Reply# 17   2/17/2007 at 11:21 (6,276 days old) by ultramatic52 (Mexico City)        
Samsung Front Load!!!

I recommend this washer for all its features and itīs not really expensive for what you will get. Just because it has this special thing (Silver Nano Technology) makes this washer the best since you donīt need a high water temperature or a very long cycle to get your clothes clean and sanitized. Check the link beyond!!! Look in thread 10452 at the last comments I posted pictures of mine and my extended opinion. I hope I can find the video where Samsung show how this works inside the washer, but I think itīs only in Spanish.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ultramatic52's LINK


Post# 191861 , Reply# 18   2/17/2007 at 11:25 (6,276 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture
After a good amount of research I'm going with the Duet GHW9300PW4. Larger than the HE2 and at about the same price at Lowes through this weekend with the 10% discount. Same for matching dryer. They will rebate your delivery charge and you can get extended 5 year coverage on BOTH machines for $139. This is way better than Sears and these have controls I prefer--a dial with a pointer that stops on the cycle you want. It may still be an electronic panel but at least it feels like analog! At 3.8 cu ft the washer is the same size as TOL HE5's at nearly half the price.

I read way too many complaints like yours on HE2's being bad news right out of the gate. Hard to find many people complaining about their Duets breaking down in comparison.


Post# 191864 , Reply# 19   2/17/2007 at 11:34 (6,276 days old) by ultramatic52 (Mexico City)        
Samsung Silver Nano Video in Spanish!!!

Go to the link beyond. There you will have on your right side 3 little squares. The second one has a woman inside a cristal cube (Estrena tu ropa diario). Press this icon. A new window will open. After the intro you will get several options in the top and on the left side. Choose the one on the left that says LAVADORAS (washers)and this will take you to the explanation of how Silver Ions work inside your clothes washer. There is also a video for refrigerators and air conditioners. This feature is amazing for the white clothes. You will always have them as white as new.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ultramatic52's LINK


Post# 191933 , Reply# 20   2/17/2007 at 18:42 (6,276 days old) by decodriveboy (FL, US)        
Duet

Are there any newer model FLs which have at least one non-Delicate cycle (such as Permanent Press) offering a water level which at least hits the window? The LG does.

Since so many swear by the Duet, I wanted to know if it did also, and if other brands do.


Post# 191969 , Reply# 21   2/17/2007 at 23:26 (6,275 days old) by bleacho ()        
my frigidairre

oxodolfan--
im not sure... but its a great machine... guess i should know these things to keep up with the rest of you..


Post# 192378 , Reply# 22   2/20/2007 at 05:41 (6,273 days old) by tumbler ()        
Duet, Duet, Duet HT!

Forget Frigidaire! The bearing issues are for real, and to spend that kind of money on a machine and have it die after 5 or 6 years is inexcusable. Go with the Whirlpool Duet HT. They have a proven track record, Whirlpool has an excellent service and parts network, and the machines are well engineered. If possible, get it from a bona-fide APPLIANCE DEALER, with their own service dept. They use their own delivery people since they'll be responsible for any warranty issues resulting from sloppy delivery/installation. Home centers contract out their delivery and do not have their own service depts. Sears delivery quality is uncertain. If you must get your machine from them, watch their delivery people like a hawk. Make sure they don't drop or dent the machine, and DON'T LET THEM TAKE THE SHIPPING BRACES OUT UNTIL THEY HAVE THE MACHINE IN YOUR LAUNDRY ROOM! Also, MAKE SURE THEY LEVEL THE MACHINE before they leave.
Again, go with the Duet HT.


Post# 192380 , Reply# 23   2/20/2007 at 05:44 (6,273 days old) by tumbler ()        
Duet, Duet, Duet HT!

Forget Frigidaire! The bearing issues are for real, and to spend that kind of money on a machine and have it die after 5 or 6 years is inexcusable. Go with the Whirlpool Duet HT. They have a proven track record, Whirlpool has an excellent service and parts network, and the machines are well engineered. If possible, get it from a bona-fide APPLIANCE DEALER, with their own service dept. They use their own delivery people since they'll be responsible for any warranty issues resulting from sloppy delivery/installation. Home centers contract out their delivery and do not have their own service depts. Sears delivery quality is uncertain. If you must get your machine from them, watch their delivery people like a hawk. Make sure they don't drop or dent the machine, and DON'T LET THEM TAKE THE SHIPPING BRACES OUT UNTIL THEY HAVE THE MACHINE IN YOUR LAUNDRY ROOM! They are there to prevent the mechanism from banging around inside the frame while the machine is being moved. Also, MAKE SURE THEY LEVEL THE MACHINE before they leave.
Again, go with the Duet HT.



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