I may be having to get a new washer in the near future and it'll be most likely a front loader. Would I be better off getting one of the new front loaders out now or looking for a vintage front loader from the '50's or '60's? Of course, I realize that a new machine from today will be more modern...but it goes back to them not being made like they used to. What do you experts on washers recommend? If it's an older model I need, who can I turn to?
the first problem you'll have is finding one. Then if it needs repair, where are the parts?
I had a Whirlpool Duet set for 5 years and was very pleased with their operation. The washer would hold a large load of clothes and do a good job, both at wash and at water extraction. A fast spin is important these days so the clothes spend less time drying.
My 1947 Bendix spins at 300 rpm compared to the Duet spinning at 1200 rpm.
I never had any trouble with the Duet. My only complaint was that its footprint was too big -- it took up too much space in my kitchen, so I sold it and bought Fisher & Paykel (top load) with which I am very pleased.
Where in North Carolina are you located? I'm in Winston-Salem. Maybe we can talk sometime.