Thread Number: 42535
Why purchase a washer that lasts? |
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Post# 625793 , Reply# 1   9/17/2012 at 23:30 (4,235 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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Post# 625816 , Reply# 2   9/18/2012 at 01:15 (4,235 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))   |   | |
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Post# 625994 , Reply# 7   9/18/2012 at 20:09 (4,234 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)   |   | |
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Take your choice.
H-Axis washing machines have always cost more to design and produce then top loaders. Much of this has to do with the simple physics of keeping water in a horizontal tub from leaking out, and a machine that can withstand the physical forces generated by spinning "X" number of pounds of wash at high speeds. To bring down the price of front loaders to become more in line to American's pockets the machines have been designed far less robust and thus aren't going to give a very long life. It isn't until you start going to middle or top tier offerings from Bosch, Asko or Miele that quality approaches that of old, and sometimes not even then. OTOH you cannot get commercial or quai-professional front loader for what domestic appliances cost. Why? Because those machines are desgined to give service to a demanding market that wouldn't put up with units that frequently break down or fail to give long service. One was brought up to not purchase quanity but quality. Get the best one can afford as it will pay for itself over the long haul. If you get a cheap washer it will break down (not when, but "will") when you least expect (usually a weekend and or holiday), or can least afford the repair bill or to purchase a new unit. In the meanwhile you'll be stuck without a machine and cursing the day ever purchased that thing. |
Post# 626059 , Reply# 9   9/19/2012 at 05:48 (4,234 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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I have yet to keep a washer & dryer for their full useable lifespan, so I understand where you're coming from. And while there is a substantial amount of naysaying about new washers, each one I've purchased has performed better than the one it replaced.
My TOL 2010 Frigidaire uses very little water (around 15 gallons per cycle), and seeing none whatsoever in the drum was unsettling at first; but you can't argue with results. Even crazy-soiled loads come clean when the proper cycle and cleaning products are used. The 1300 rpm spin ensures less dryer-time is needed. The washer cost around $950. We'll see how it holds up during the four-to-seven years it will probably be in the laundry room. |
Post# 626083 , Reply# 10   9/19/2012 at 08:06 (4,234 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)   |   | |
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I remember a thread you started a while back when you first got that washer. I think you had some nasty filthy gardening ground in dirty white clothes to really put it to the test and the results were pretty amazing.
My Duet is approaching 8 years old and still pumping out clean clothes. There are times I get tired of it and want a new/different washer, but I'm still glad it's working as it has been a really good washer, other than a slight issue the first year. I was sure I wouldn't get five years out of it! |
Post# 626092 , Reply# 11   9/19/2012 at 09:47 (4,234 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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I think I am the most guilty of new machine turnover on this site. I rarely keep a set more than 2 years before replacing them with something newer and more exciting. Part of this is due to me not having the household space to keep a warehouse full of machines (and don't think I wouldn't if I could) and part of it is based on the fact that I am not sending the machine to the landfill, but passing it on to someone who might not be able to afford the same machine at the retail price.
Malcolm |
Post# 627015 , Reply# 25   9/23/2012 at 06:31 (4,230 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)   |   | |
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Comes down to what you buy and how you use it, the stainless steel and rigid metal base as the best doesnt hold that same concept - V-Zug blows that one out of the water straight away, it uses a polycarbon outer drum with a 2 inch plastic extruded base - and if Carlsberg made washers that would be it as the dearest out there!!, I have also still seen washers with stainless inner & outer drums still full of odour and mold from all the connecting door boots, rubber hoses and non cleaning of the detergent dispenser (granted a user error) low temps and liquids....
I do agree with a seperate rigid base where the struts stand proud and the tub is not totally relying on top mounted cabinet springs.. Paddles need to be large and metal formed within the drum - although the majority of EU machines are plastic - some do break regulary!! I also want a dispenser that is large, smooth sided with spray jets that dispense and disperse the additives in one go also flushing... With good electronics and motor control even the cheaper EU machines last, its all down to how you use it and look after the machine! |
Post# 627099 , Reply# 27   9/23/2012 at 16:25 (4,230 days old) by Iowegian ()   |   | |
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@Qualin: That's a very interesting comparison. I don't think the SQ USA site has that document, for whatever reason. |
Post# 627239 , Reply# 29   9/24/2012 at 05:39 (4,229 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Post# 627241 , Reply# 30   9/24/2012 at 06:31 (4,229 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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Post# 627854 , Reply# 36   9/27/2012 at 04:51 (4,226 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)   |   | |
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We spoke with a great guy at Alliance's HQ and he stated upfront the company wanted *NOTHING* to do with big box stores, even at the expense of distribution.
Big box stores all have taken pages from Walmart and by extension Sears in making serious demands upon suppliers. Yes, HD or Lowes will purchase several thousand washers and dryers, but they will demand them at *their* price, not the makers. Big Box stores may also insist on further discounts, advertising money, being able to send unsold or returned stock back for credit, and so forth. Sears in it's day got away with such things as did (or does) Walmart because their purchasing power made them top dogs on the block. |
Post# 629116 , Reply# 37   10/2/2012 at 23:18 (4,220 days old) by qualin (Canada)   |   | |
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Alright, all of you drove home some very good points. Better to have heard it directly from Alliance. |