Thread Number: 38607
Washer/Dryer Decisions 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 572769   1/31/2012 at 21:53 (4,461 days old) by timborow (Georgia)        

Ok, after 4 years our GE Front Loader was finally deemed too costly to fix by the repairman after 6 service calls. I really want a good, dependable top loader that will last. I really like vintage but don't know if they should be daily drivers for a family of 4. The used appliance stores around here have lots of Kenmores and GEs. I have found a Maytag Dependable Care that is almond with a turquoise agitator. It has the matching dryer. I think it is a belt drive machine. What kind of advice would you guys give? Would the Maytag still have available parts of something broke? Should I look for a later model direct drive? Which ones should I stay away from? I know I will get good advice from this forum.
Tim




Post# 572791 , Reply# 1   2/1/2012 at 02:23 (4,461 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Hi Timborow. Fire me off an e-mail to qualin@n0$pam.shaw.ca (Delete n0$pam)

I've fired off a few e-mails to other people on this forum asking this very same question, so I'll be quite happy to fire off a copy of that e-mail to you.

Why not go with another front loader if reliability isn't an issue?

As well, it may help the other forum members out if you mention what your budget is.

I don't think I would ever use a vintage machine as a daily driver. That's kind of like buying a 1957 Chevy Bel Air and using it to drive to work every morning.

Regardless, I did my research before I bought my washer and dryer so I know I bought the best. I prefer to preach in private. :-)

Regardless, I look forward to getting your e-mail!

Post# 572804 , Reply# 2   2/1/2012 at 05:32 (4,461 days old) by timborow (Georgia)        
Qualin

 Sent you an email. Not really limited to a budget but I'm not sure I want another FL. I just think the best option for a TL is used not new. I've heard bad things about new TL.

Tim

Post# 572818 , Reply# 3   2/1/2012 at 07:18 (4,460 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
theres no guessing about it...............

two words........

SPEED QUEEN


and it doesn't matter if you go with a TL or FL.....a little more money.....but built better, better warranty, better washing results hands down!

these machines are not considered disposable in a few years....you would be foolish to think otherwise......

Post# 572828 , Reply# 4   2/1/2012 at 08:04 (4,460 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)        
SPEED QUEEN.........................

 Buy new for a family of four.
Buy Speed Queen
Top Loaders or Fornt Loaders
Everyone knowledgable on this site will give you the same answer.
Buy now before even more stringent water restrictions take effect.
SQ...
1.BUILT IN AMERICA, RIPON WISC.
2.LONGEST WARRANTY IN THE INDUSTRY
3.COMMERCIAL QUALITY CONSTRUCTION
4.BUILT TO LAST (ACCORDING TO SQ - 25 YEARS)
5. USED IN COMMERCIAL LAUNDRIES ALL OVER THE WORLD
6. GO TO WWW.SPEEDQUEEN.COM CLICK ON HOME LAUNDRY/PRODUCTS
GET YOURSELF THE BEST, MOST RELIABLE WASHERS ON THE MARKET

BUY ONCE, BUY RIGHT!!

I bought tow sets, one for me, the other for my mother AWN542 and the matching dryer.
Best of luck,
Mike

Post# 572849 , Reply# 5   2/1/2012 at 10:05 (4,460 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
NEW WASHER

 combo52's profile picture

1st choice SQ Front Load.

 

2nd choice S Q Top Load.
Post# 572855 , Reply# 6   2/1/2012 at 11:00 (4,460 days old) by timborow (Georgia)        
Speed Queen

 Looking for a SQ dealer in my area. Nearest one is in Alabama. I can order on line I guess but I'm guessing shipping would be unreal. Going to check with Lowes to see if they can order them.

Tim

Post# 572859 , Reply# 7   2/1/2012 at 11:16 (4,460 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Georgia

 mrb627's profile picture
Where in GA are you located?

Malcolm

Post# 572959 , Reply# 8   2/1/2012 at 19:40 (4,460 days old) by timborow (Georgia)        
Location

 Im in northwest ga ......Near Rome

Post# 572965 , Reply# 9   2/1/2012 at 20:01 (4,460 days old) by oldskool (Kansas City, MO)        
On Line

AJ Madison sells online and free shipping if order is above $999.   As I've never purchased from them personally, I can't endorse, but would consider as some of the reviews I've read appear positive.  They do carry Speed Queen products.  Of course, I'd prefer a local dealer because I believe in supporting local, but if an item I wanted was not available locally, online would be my next approach.
Post# 573036 , Reply# 10   2/2/2012 at 04:06 (4,460 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Hey Tim. I tried sending an e-mail to your Yahoo account and it bounced. I didn't receive your e-mail so you must have spelt my e-mail address incorrectly. Try using "qualin (at) nospam.shaw.ca" and eliminate the nospam part.

Don't let the prices on the Speed Queen's scare you. They really are built to last and you will get your money's worth out of them.

Their top loaders are as close to a conventional top loader as you can get. Actually, I think the design behind them dates back to 1982, so they are a fairly tried, tested and true design that just works. Not to mention, they're one of the last manufacturers that still make them with a mechanical timer, so they're immune to things like power surges, etc.

I actually own a Huebsch ZFN50R, which is equivalent to a Speed Queen AFN50R I believe. I'm quite happy with it, it does a great job. (It has an electronic timer BTW)

A few things I noticed about my Huebsch as compared to other front loaders:
- The tub lifters are made from steel and integrated into the tub, as opposed to other manufacturers which use plastic screwed in lifters.
- The controls feel like they're rock solid. No wobbly cheap knobs or buttons.
- Has a really fast 40 minute cycle. (45 with extra rinse) Other front loaders wash the clothes in double or even triple the time.
- It is VERY effective. It gets our clothes much cleaner than our GE TL machine.

If there's a few things I dislike about it so far:
- We've noticed it can get quite noisy on the spin cycle.
- No ability to set the water level from the console, so washing things like comforters require another wash.
- You need a special tool if you want to remove the detergent drawer.

My Huebsch FL set me back $1900, which is in the range of Asko, Miele and very TOL machines. But let me put it to you this way..

Miele is considered to to make some of the most reliable machines ever made, their QA Team tests their machines for 10,000 cycles. This is not the norm in the industry. From what I've heard, most other domestic machines only last around 3,500 cycles.

Miele sells the "IntelliQ 200" up here which equates to the W4842 in the states, it was nearly $600 more than the Huebsch here.

Alliance Laundry Systems, (Who makes Speed Queen and Huebsch) tests their machines to 25,000 cycles! In other words, what they sell is designed to be used in a light commercial environment, so they're designed differently from a domestic machine.

Alternatively, you may also want to consider the Miele W4842 if you want more cycle flexibility. The disadvantage to Miele though is that they only have one service channel and worst case scenario is that if it does break down, you could be waiting on parts to be shipped from Europe.

Just thought I'd mention, Speed Queen Top loaders and Front Loaders have a 3.3 cu.ft tub, The Miele W4842 has a 4.0 cu.ft tub. I don't think you'd notice the difference, in all honesty.

Is your machine going to be sitting on a second floor or a wooden floor?

Post# 573045 , Reply# 11   2/2/2012 at 05:36 (4,460 days old) by timborow (Georgia)        
Qualin

 Thanks for the info. The email I sent you didn't go through either. Our laundry is on the first floor. It is on a wooden floor. Try timborow.tr@gmail.com. Waiting on a call back from a store to see if they can order SQ.
Tim

Post# 573049 , Reply# 12   2/2/2012 at 07:03 (4,459 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Speed Queen

 mrb627's profile picture
You may want to contact Speed Queen directly for their recommendation on where to purchase online.

I think there was a company in New Jersey that was selling via eBay with free shipping. Could be an option.

Malcolm



Post# 573307 , Reply# 13   2/3/2012 at 13:06 (4,458 days old) by timborow (Georgia)        
Maytag Legacy

No luck on Speed Queen here and we HAVE to get a washer. I found a Maytag Legaxy washer/ dryer set for $400. It is a belt drive machine and very clean. Is this the line of bad Maytags or is a true made in USA Maytag? Stay away or not?
I know everyone has said Speed Queen, but I'm just not comfortable buying something that big on line without ever seeing it, and we can't wait any longer to get a washer. My wife is ready to get this done.

Tim

Post# 573384 , Reply# 14   2/3/2012 at 18:13 (4,458 days old) by dnastrau (Lords Valley, PA)        
True Maytag Washer/Dryer: L washer and M dryer model #s

 As far as I know, the easiest way to tell if a mid '90s and newer Maytag is the "real" deal is to look at the model number. If the number starts with an "L" it is a real Maytag. I think they all used the nylon ball lid hinges and had metal inner and outer washtubs too. "M" and "P" model numbers were Norge if memory serves and "S" was Amana. I may not have that quite right, but if you stick to "L" model numbers you should be OK.

I think the true Maytag dryers all had a model number that started with "M" during this period.

The model names from roughly 1995-2006 can't be trusted as I believe most "Maytag Performa" washers were Norge or Amana based machines but I remember seeing at least one that was actually a "true" Maytag. Overall I have heard that the Norge-type machines are somewhat OK and the Amana machines do not last and should be avoided.

Post# 573388 , Reply# 15   2/3/2012 at 18:35 (4,458 days old) by timborow (Georgia)        
Thanks for the info.

 I should have gotten the model numbers. We didn't buy them today, but had planned to go back and get them tomorrow. I'll check the letters. This helps so much.
Tim

Post# 573398 , Reply# 16   2/3/2012 at 18:51 (4,458 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
USED MT TOP LOAD WASHER DESIGNS

 combo52's profile picture

Look at the bottom of the machine, if it has two belts it is a real MT Dependable Care machine, if it has no visible belt it is an Amana design and if it has one belt its a Norge design. I would only consider the real MT and even then a WP built DD washer will do a better job and is also more reliable and easier to repair.
Post# 573400 , Reply# 17   2/3/2012 at 18:53 (4,458 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
Buying on-line OR in-store........I know we like to see products up close.....but the bottom line is you can't see them work until you get them home....no one has units hooked up in the stores anymore....and that would be the only difference....


if you have to choose models, sight unseen.....either select features you may use most.......or go with their TOL AWN542......every feature and option available....and the combinations are endless......buy this one and never regret getting extra options.....or wishing you had them......


even this link for Appliance Connection.......many discounts, FREE shipping, no Tax....plus easy returns if your not happy....worth a shot to check into.....

AJMadison is another one with great deals.....

CLICK HERE TO GO TO Yogitunes's LINK
Post# 573473 , Reply# 18   2/4/2012 at 03:24 (4,458 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

OK, I've got to caution you about the Speed Queen Front Loaders.

They don't have a vibration reduction system, so when they go into spin, you will hear it and feel it. They work best on a concrete floor.

You should consider going with a top loader, which won't be as prone to as much vibration or you could consider other brands. (Speed Queen Top Loaders have an automatic balancing system.)

If I was going to pick a brand other than Speed Queen, I'd either choose Miele, Asko or if budget was an issue, LG or Samsung. (LG seems to be higher quality up here.) I'm sure some of the other forum members would disagree.

I wouldn't trust the Maytag name these days. Looking at the various Maytag machines, they look like rebadged Whirlpool machines to me.

You STILL haven't mentioned what your budget is, but I can tell you that $400 doesn't really get you much. Save your pennies if you can and prepare to spend at least $2000 on a set which will last. You won't regret it.


Post# 574091 , Reply# 19   2/7/2012 at 15:42 (4,454 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
the Maytag machines, look like rebadged Whirlpools to me.

revvinkevin's profile picture

 

 

~ Qualin,  

 

After Whirlpool bought out what was left of Maytag (April 2006), Maytag as we knew it, ceased to exist.  

Everything labled as a "Maytag" since then is exactly that, a rebadged Whirlpool.

 

Kevin
Post# 574158 , Reply# 20   2/8/2012 at 00:36 (4,454 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
To Timborrow

 Hey Tim,

If you haven't bought a machine yet, just don't go out and buy the first thing you see, you could really regret it.

I grew up in a family of five, we did about ten loads a week using a 12 lb GE Filter-Flo washer. We eventually replaced it with an early 80's Inglis (Aka Downmarket Whirlpool) washer which held up until I moved out.

Let me put this into perspective... Let's say that your typical sub-$1000 GE/Whirlpool/Maytag/WCI machine has a rated specification of about 3,000 cycles.

Assuming 10 loads a week for your family of four, that's 520 cycles a year. With that kind of usage, the machine will last approximately six years before it will be outside of its rated specification.

Then take Miele, which rates their machines at 10,000 cycles. With the same workload, that machine will last about 19 years before it will be outside of its rated specification.

Then take Speed Queen/Huebsch, which rates their machines to 25,000 cycles. With that same workload, it will take 48 years before reaching that specification.

Then again, they're not designed for a domestic workload, they're designed for a much heavier commercial one. In a small hotel, bed and breakfast or other hospitality use, they could see up to 16 cycles a day.

Even doing 16 cycles a day, it could run for just a bit over four years before needing overhauling. In comparison, a 3,000 cycle machine would last about six months, then it would be disposable because they're not meant to be repaired.

That kind of puts things into perspective, doesn't it?


Post# 574518 , Reply# 21   2/8/2012 at 21:03 (4,453 days old) by timborow (Georgia)        
Still haven't bought anything

 I took the GE front loader apart tightened everything I could, made sure the water pump hose was attached firmly, and put it back together. It has worked OK but it still isn't right. I have called four dealers in our area about Speed Queen. They won't even consider ordering one for me. There is a dealer in ALA. that has one washer, but the lady that answered the phone couldn't even find the model number on it. That a kind of scared me off from them. I have found a washer called Estate by Whirlpool that is supposed to be like the traditional washer, but who knows. We are still looking, but who knew that buying a new washer dryer set would ever be so tedious in America? I think it is a shame what has happened to laundry appliances.

A funny Lowes story. I was looking at a Whirlpool and a Maytag . When I asked why they looked so similar (I knew why..just wanted to see what he said) he said "I'm not real sure but those Maytags are a lot more heavy duty than the whirlpools, but I would go with the one that don't have that center post thing(he didn't call it an agitator). Folks say them clean clothes real good" needless to say I went on my merry way.
Tim


Post# 574542 , Reply# 22   2/8/2012 at 22:45 (4,453 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

Keep in mind that most new top loaders (if not all of them) don't fill up their tubs completely for the wash cycle, and can use even less water for the rinses, so you may not be able to do loads as large as the tub size leads you to believe.

 

If you can manage with the GE for a while longer, check out estate sales and craigs list for top load machines built before manufacturers started in with their water saving designs.  A ten or 15 year old machine from a reputable manufacturer and used by a little old lady only on Wednesdays or some such thing is what you're after.  Even older than that for a true Newton-made Maytag.  Older Kenmores and Whirlpools aren't too difficult to find parts for. 

 

Estate is, I believe, Whirlpool's economy brand.
Post# 574593 , Reply# 23   2/9/2012 at 04:52 (4,453 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Heh.. Don't buy Estate, unless you want to do some modifications to the machine right away to defeat all of the water saving things they put into it.

I'm sorry to hear that you are having issues trying to find Speed Queen machines.

Have you tried ordering from AJ Madison? They do free nationwide delivery on orders over $1199.

www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadis... (TOL Top Load)
www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadis... (Rear Control Front Load)
www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadis... (TOL Electric Dryer)
www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadis... (TOL Gas Dryer)

I wish that they had something like AJ Madisons in Canada.


Post# 575163 , Reply# 24   2/11/2012 at 17:19 (4,450 days old) by timborow (Georgia)        
SPEED QUEENS

 In all of my searching, I found a Coast to Coast store 40 miles away that had Speed Queens. He only had 1 pair in stock. It was the basic level washer (AWN412) and dryer(ADE3RLG). I got the pair for $900. Wow! They work like a charm and we are very happy with them. The only thing is that I can't watch it wash because of the lid switch. Can it be deactivated easily without harming the washer? Thanks for all of the advice. I'm sure we are set for years to come.

Tim


Post# 575187 , Reply# 25   2/11/2012 at 18:52 (4,450 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        
You did good!

 rp2813's profile picture

I pulled up SQ's site and that machine does everything I would need it to. 

 

Your persistence in hunting down a SQ machine got you an excellent deal.  You're all set for many years of service from the only modern day top loader that's built to last.
Post# 575195 , Reply# 26   2/11/2012 at 19:31 (4,450 days old) by timborow (Georgia)        
I agree

 It is only two speed, but who cares? We only use regular and gentle anyway. We have had extra rinse on our other machines, but rarely used it because we try to use a small amount of detergent anyway. If something does need to be rinsed twice, we can turn the dial to rinse again. Everything has come out Speed Queen clean so far.



Post# 575234 , Reply# 27   2/11/2012 at 22:42 (4,450 days old) by mixfinder ()        
Lid Switch

 The lid switch is by the right lid hinge. You can feel it with your finger and hear it click when you push up on it. A ruler wedged under the lip and against the top of the tub will hold the contacts up so the washer works with the lid up. You can defeat the lid switch by removing the cover to the back of the machine and moving a few wires but its best not to do that while the machine is still under warrantee. If you use the Search-O-Lator and check the blue threads for Speed Queen you can see several illustrations of how to by pass the switch.

Post# 575248 , Reply# 28   2/11/2012 at 23:50 (4,450 days old) by mrcleanjeans (milwaukee wi)        


Congrats on the BEST modern TLs today. You don't need 3 speeds with a Speed Queen anyway, because the high speed agitation is only 68 OPM, vs. the 180 OPM that some machines have!

Post# 575287 , Reply# 29   2/12/2012 at 03:13 (4,450 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Congratulations!

I'm glad to hear you are happy with the machines.

You got a great price on that set.

I hope they give you many many years of trouble free service.

Post# 576358 , Reply# 30   2/16/2012 at 15:07 (4,445 days old) by timborow (Georgia)        
Thrilled

 My wife has been thrilled with our new set. She has told everyone how well it works and how fast it is. Needless to say that makes me happy too. Thanks for recommending Speed Queen.
Tim



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