Thread Number: 47152
Advice on washer/dryer/laundry room |
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Post# 685221 , Reply# 1   6/23/2013 at 13:41 (3,931 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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well, for longevity in a new machine....the best bet for the money is a Speed Queen, and it doesn't matter if you go front load, or top load....there are a few models to choose from, and the FL pair will allow you to stack, or even mount on pedestals.....
one main thing for a second story install, is to include a drain pan that the washer will sit in, to contain any leaks or floods, from the machine....although keep aware of hoses or pipes leaking it will not prevent.....as a standard install, make sure the water spigots are within easy reach to turn off when not in use..... and keep in mind, dryer venting, and how far it will have to travel......longer distances and in unheated areas can cause longer dry times, and problems down the road.... although water may not be a concern, what about electric, and or the thought of a gas dryer?.......FLers usually provide a higher spin speed, which can use less heated water, detergent, and energy, and reduce drying times.... one thing I hate about closed areas of a laundry, or places like a condo or small home, is what you don't realize, is that the dryer is sucking out your A/C or heated air.......sometimes you can luck out and have it in a small room that can be closed off, with a window that will allow the exchange of air....just a thought! |
Post# 685227 , Reply# 2   6/23/2013 at 13:53 (3,931 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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The only way a pan under a washer is really effective is it it has a plumbed drain. Otherwise, the pan will overflow when it fills up in a serious machine leak and you're back at square-one. A non-plumbed pan is OK if the homeowner keeps active watch on the machine during operation so as to catch a flood before it fills the pan, AND shuts off the water supply between washdays to avoid floods in the night or homeowner absence if the water valves go wrong. |
Post# 685233 , Reply# 5   6/23/2013 at 14:14 (3,931 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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Mieles have a patented WPS (Water Proof System), including a system that stops filling and a built water pan with a floating sensor which stops the machine from filling if any interior leakage has come up. And, if there is no venting, Miele offers condensing dryers which do not need a venting at all :) |
Post# 685234 , Reply# 6   6/23/2013 at 14:23 (3,931 days old) by richardtb ()   |   | |
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Thanks but I should have specified that I live in the US. Miele washer and driers are not longer sold in the US. I just double checked with their web site. |
Post# 685235 , Reply# 7   6/23/2013 at 14:25 (3,931 days old) by richardtb ()   |   | |
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Miele are still sold in the US. I am not sure why I got confused. |
Post# 685244 , Reply# 9   6/23/2013 at 15:59 (3,931 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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sorry....my bad....and assumed....that for the most part, anyone installing a pan would have it hooked to a drain system.....that should be a no brainer....
the best I ever had installed in an apartment was for a stacked set up, using an actual shower pan, a little higher lift to get the machine in place, but the center full size drain was a great option compared to the 3/4"-1" drain on the standard pans......the whole enclosure was from a shower install design, with the outlet waterproofed, even if the hose did break, it was fully contained... SQ's can be serviced from the front.....another reason they are used in coin laundries... shop around...compare models....let us know how you make out |
Post# 685333 , Reply# 11   6/24/2013 at 07:37 (3,930 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Speed Queen either TL or FL washer are great, however if I could only have one washer I would go with the FL machine.
I have had the SQ FL for about eight years now with no problems, it is a no nonsense machine that does exactly what you want-tell it to do. With an estimated life approaching 50 years in normal home use [ and 21/2 times longer than even Mieles life expectancy ] it would be hard to ever really wear one of these washers out.
SQ FL machines DO have vibration issues when installed on spongy wooden floors, as a dealer for SQ [ and many other brands ] I try not to sell SQ FL washes for installation on weak flooring, but we have never had an issue when installed on concrete floors [ noise is not bad either].
Mieles are very well built sophisticated washers and dryers but, Service is a major issue in this country, even here in the Washington DC area you ave a difficult time getting them fixed and I have never seen any data to prove they are all that reliable. Also judging from the number that I see trashed every year people are either having problems or are just tired of paying outrageous repair bills and dealing with the two people in the whole area that will even look at the machine.
Even if one wanted a Miele washer don't waste your time and money on the matching dryer. No appliance maker anywhere in the world makes better dryer than what is available here in the US. A Miele dryer is 1/2 the size and one 1/2 the heating wattage of a US electric dryer, there is nothing they can do to make up for their small size and low powered heaters that makes them even close to a great dryer. |
Post# 685334 , Reply# 12   6/24/2013 at 08:28 (3,930 days old) by richardtb ()   |   | |
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Thanks combo52. At this stage I can pick the floor for the laundry room. Are you suggesting that concrete is best, or would tile be just as good? |
Post# 685346 , Reply# 13   6/24/2013 at 10:21 (3,930 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Post# 685385 , Reply# 15   6/24/2013 at 14:32 (3,930 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Funny, I have both a SQ dryer and a Miele and I have to agree, there is no comparison. The SQ dryer wins, hands down! End of Story. The Miele runs cooler and may be more efficient, but it has difficulty completing a cycle in an hour. I have had a standard load of towels take as much as two hours to dry in the Miele. The same load of towels would take no more than 50 minutes in the Speed Queen. Even though the SQ FL washer doesn't reach the spin speed of the Miele washer...
Malcolm |
Post# 685388 , Reply# 17   6/24/2013 at 14:40 (3,930 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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i think the choice of the dryer also tempends on the selected temp of the dryer or where the dryer is located i have a 2004 whirlpool duet dryer a normal load takes about 45 minutes on high heat time dry cycle as my dryer is located near an outside wall witch can take time for the dryer to heat if cold air comes in from the dryer vent
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Post# 685390 , Reply# 18   6/24/2013 at 14:41 (3,930 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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Post# 685418 , Reply# 19   6/24/2013 at 17:38 (3,930 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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I am only going by what each manufacturer claims, Miele often makes the claim that their washers can last 10,000 loads. SQ factory representatives have repeatedly told us that their FL washers are designed to be structurally sound for around 25,000 loads, at eight loads a week that is well over 50 years. |
Post# 685423 , Reply# 20   6/24/2013 at 17:43 (3,930 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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well....a few things to consider with a contractor.....
usually they install the bottom of the line cheapest appliance there is.....which usually needs replacing within a few years..... and they also charge a certain percent higher cost for the appliance than if you got it yourself...... now if you can work a deal that he purchases the appliance you want, at the same cost it would be for you, that may be a different story... this also falls true for your heating/air and water heater among other things....if he is doing several apts in your complex, guaranteed their all the same model that he got as a package discount.....most likey wont be TOL....if it is, you will probably pay 2 to 3 times what it really cost.... I have yet to see any contractor install any TOL appliance.....not without a substantial increase in price.... keep your eyes peeled.....I have yet to see a contractor, as a standard, install anything better than what he would put in his own house......not that all are bad guys, just stay on your toes, and check things out and ask questions.... |
Post# 685424 , Reply# 21   6/24/2013 at 17:46 (3,930 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Cheapest flood/leak insurance: Have your plumber/contractor install a short-throw, single lever water shut-off valve for your washer. You can then shut off the water at the end of wash day. I have two old-fashioned faucets (one for the hot water hose to the washer, the other one for cold) that are easily reached, so I shut off the water when I've finished my last load of the day. You'll never have to worry about burst hoses causing a flood. As I said, it's the cheapest insurance money can buy.
Good luck with your remodel, and we love photos here, so if you think of it, take one of your laundry room when it's all set up and post it here! Calling John (combo52): I don't know if I've described the water valve shut-off thing accurately. Is there a more common name for the device I'm talking about? |
Post# 685435 , Reply# 22   6/24/2013 at 18:56 (3,930 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)   |   | |
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I have two different Whirlpool Duet sets with risers.One Seth is new (2011) and the other is from 2004.They are in pristine condition and are used daily.I also have an LG MEGA CAPACITY artIst are stacked.however they are wider (29.5")but they have a cool recirculating spray that is located on either side of the interior blot.Then,at the very center of the upper boot,there's a jet spray for the rinse.LG has earned high recommendations they have been listed as having fewecasesr repairs.in their washers, dryers according to CT.Net mega capacity pair has a 5.1 cut ft capacity and easily washes my king size down comforter,bedspread,skirt,flat and fitted. Sheets,bedliner and four pillow cases.yesterday,I washed there seven by four feet hall runners.I used the sanitize cycle,Gain
ND Clorox got everything came out clean as new and look great.I can was large area rugs too.We have there right ft by two ft runners in the hallway.Even though they're bulky and have a sort of burlap type fabric.They washed up great using the Sanitary cycle. |
Post# 685448 , Reply# 24   6/24/2013 at 19:57 (3,930 days old) by richardtb ()   |   | |
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The sub floor has to be wood. So, does this mean that I should be sticking to at TL washer? Or can I get FL and have it bolted to the floor? |
Post# 685532 , Reply# 26   6/25/2013 at 08:55 (3,929 days old) by richardtb ()   |   | |
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Since the price of water is not a concern for me, it sounds like the way I should go is a Speed Queen TL and get a single lever water shut-off valve for your washer. |
Post# 685545 , Reply# 28   6/25/2013 at 10:38 (3,929 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Hi Eugene, having a quick and convenient way to shut off the water supply is always a good thing to have, I am not sure that there is a general name for that type of shut -off valve but you described it well, however in my experience turning off the water when you are finished using a washer will at best only eliminate less than 25% of the water damage caused by automatic washers. Inlet hoses are of such good quality nowadays that burst hoses are very rare and of coerce if you have a high chance of damage from a leak I would get premium hoses [ without the troublesome built-in shut off valves ]. The most likely time an inlet hose ever bursts in when the washer is in use, from vibration of the washer, the surges caused from inlet valves opening and closing and from the temperature changes the hoses experience when very hot or even cold pass through them.
The washer itself is going to account for 90% of leaks and floods, not to even mention the possibility of the stand-pipe backing up. By far the best way to build a flood safe laundry room is a waterproof floor slopped to a decent floor drain. It is very much like dryer fires the best way to avoid serious damage from a dryer fire is a sprinkler system in the laundry room, no amount of dryer cleaning and proper use of a clothes dryer will guarantee that you will never have a fire. |
Post# 685548 , Reply# 29   6/25/2013 at 10:59 (3,929 days old) by richardtb ()   |   | |
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Thank you for the clarifications, they are very helpful. |
Post# 685567 , Reply# 31   6/25/2013 at 12:53 (3,929 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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Ok, Mieles capacity is not more then the 3.3 cu ft, maybe even less. And on wooden flors, if you choose a FL, really, get a Miele. I agree, SQ is a better choice for US style washing. As Miele doesn't offer any TLs, SQ is a better choice in. But how about venting the dryer? Will there be a proper, short and mostly straight vent for the dryer? |
Post# 685583 , Reply# 34   6/25/2013 at 14:06 (3,929 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)   |   | |
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Don't assume that just because a hose is wrapped in metal braid that its automatically better then a rubber hose. Its akin to the idea that any modern appliance faced in stainless is better then whatever appliance it replaced. A low cost poorly assembled hose "prettied up" with stainless braid is still a cheap hose. |
Post# 685593 , Reply# 36   6/25/2013 at 15:06 (3,929 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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16' is not the best, but workable for a straight run (4" solid-flue ducting, not "accordion"). A bow is a bend or angle or turn in the ducting, 90° or whatever. Every bend reduces the effective air velocity and cuts the maximum-allowable length accordingly. The dryer's installation instruction should outline details for maximum length per the number of bends. Ideal ducting is placing the dryer at an exterior wall for straight-through access to the outside. |
Post# 685594 , Reply# 37   6/25/2013 at 15:11 (3,929 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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Checked that out. The manual of a SpeedQueen dryer says up to 6,7 meters (22 feet) are possible on a vent 4 times 90°-angeled. |
Post# 685596 , Reply# 38   6/25/2013 at 15:15 (3,929 days old) by golittlesport (California)   |   | |
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There are safety hoses you can get that supposedly stop the water flow if it bursts and senses full water pressure going through. I put these on my washer in a second floor laundry room. I did once have the drain hose work its way out of the standpipe and make a mess. The pan with drain under the machine didn't help in that case. I realized (duh) that the drain pan will only help if the machine itself overflows, which is much less likely to happen than input or output hose problems. The drain hose is now tie-wrapped to the water spigot and also duct taped to the standpipe. It ain't going nowhere!! Hopefully I'll never find out if those input safety hoses really work or not. They do make me feel safe. I always turn water off after use - ours has a single lever that controls both hot and cold.
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Post# 685624 , Reply# 39   6/25/2013 at 18:52 (3,929 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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I see little advantage in SS braided hose coverings, the part that contains the pressurized water is still rubber and can fail. Whirlpool does not recommend SS covered hoses because they can conduct electricity heat up and melt the inner rubber and FLOOD, they can do the same thing from a lighting strike surging through your homes metal water pipes. I would consider SS covered hoses only if you have a high likelihood of having rodents in your home that might chew through regular hoses.
Jim, you should be using liquid chlorine bleach occasionally as this will protect the aluminum spider from a build-up of crap that will allow it to corrode to the point that it breaks. We see broken spiders in the smaller door Frigidaire s every week, but the next generation Frigidaire s have not as many problems with broken spiders.
I HAVE NEVER SEEN A BROKEN SPIDER ON A FL WASHER WHERE LCB WAS FREQUENTLY USED.
Children are more likely to climb into a dryer than a FL washer, so I would not use that as a reason not to get a FL washer. |
Post# 685701 , Reply# 41   6/26/2013 at 04:26 (3,928 days old) by dj-gabriele ()   |   | |
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Very well said! Now here most of the MOL and TOL machines have it! Even some of the BOL are starting to adopt waterstop systems! |
Post# 685720 , Reply# 42   6/26/2013 at 06:50 (3,928 days old) by vacbear58 (Sutton In Ashfield, East Midlands, UK)   |   | |
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With all this debate about hoses, we seem to have left the issue of the floor to one side .....
When you say that you are a one storey condo, do you mean that you are on one level? or do you have two levels? If one level, even if the visible floor is wooden suspended, surely there will be a concrete sub-floor under that? If so it is likely that you will have little problems with vibration for the joists (what the floor boards rest on) will either be bedded in/resting on the concrete or will be close enough that additional support can easily be inserted between the base of the joist and concrete sub-floor. If you have an upper level, or no sub floor it is still possible to fit in a front loader on a suspended floor as I have done in my current home and have also done previously - I would do this anywhere where a front loader is on a suspended floor, even if there is a concrete sub floor. You will need to place a thick piece of wood under the machines so that the load is spread as widely as possible over the floor area - in my case I used an offcut of a counter top which is 4cm thick - in this way the load is not confined to the small area of each of the feet of the machine. In my case the floor under my (FL) washing machine is only "tied" directly into the wall on the right hand side, on the left there is a stud wall with the turn of the stairs and landing on the other. It has been this way for 10 years no with no sign of problems, and there is a wall mounted display cabinet on the other side of the wall from the washer with no "creep" of the contents. There is only occasional vibration from unbalanced loads going into the spin, but not at any other time. I will add that making sure the machine is level on the floor side to side and front to back is vital. As I am typing this it occurred to me that perhaps a wet room type scenario might be worth considering so that you have a drain in the floor. In this case no matter what type of flood you would have it should drain away no problem - assuming the "wet room" floor was properly installed in the first place. This would also make pulling the machines out for service access and even cleaning much easier than if they were sitting in a "pan". Just a thought. I really do not know that much about US machines but it seems to me from what I have read here that Speed Queen machines are highly regarded and in your situation would be my choice over a Miele for a long term solution to your query and a front loader should be possible as well. Good luck with your project Al |
Post# 685729 , Reply# 43   6/26/2013 at 07:43 (3,928 days old) by ovrphil (N.Atlanta / Georgia )   |   | |
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Richardtb: you have enough good info here. After having two homes built, and adding my own cabinets and making a pantry within both homes laundry rooms, I can say that, if you're building a laundry room and space isn't an issue, plan on giving yourselves some extra width from the face of the w&d's to the adjacent facing wall. I'm sure you've sketched out some dimensional ideas...not sure what your present layout will allow...but I found that the standard plumbing washer outlet boxes attached to the studs doesn't allow a flusher mount of the washer AND there's a solution that can be accomplished by the architect or, if you look around, yourself, possibly. These are prefab boxes that are tall and are inset into the stud walls, enabling both hoses and vents to reduce protrusion and allow a more flusher mount of the washer and dryer.
If you're putting a counter over the washer and dryer, it doesn't matter...but the 3"or more of space that hoses and possibly, a dryer vent can absorb, MIGHT be a consideration for extending the room size. I /we grew sensitive to that 3-4" loss, especially with front loaders. Many exceptions are possible - so if my ideas don't apply - either way - hope your project is fun and meets all your needs. Have a good time with it! |
Post# 685743 , Reply# 45   6/26/2013 at 09:22 (3,928 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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Post# 685784 , Reply# 47   6/26/2013 at 13:24 (3,928 days old) by vacbear58 (Sutton In Ashfield, East Midlands, UK)   |   | |
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Richard
Your wife gets the prize, that is exactly what I was getting at. In your case I would do what we say "belt and braces" (suspenders to you) and insert wood fillers between the base of the joists and the sub-floor. You do not need to do the whole area, just under where the washer and dryer will be. Nor do you need necessarily to do the whole joist but short pieces which can be inserted around the utilities. This should be reasonably simple and inexpensive to do. I do think it is still wise to put a board under the washer and drier to help spread the load across the joists. In a way its like a stiletto heel, if you imagine the size of the individual feet of the washer sitting directly on the floor bearing the weight of the machine - the load is concentrated in four, very small areas. Using the wood (and I would use thicker myself but if you can brace the joists to the floor that will be a big help) helps spread that same load over a much larger area. Below is a picture of how my machine is set up (dryer is stacked on top of the washer and my washer spins at a max of 1400rpm) - the floor covering is tile effect laminate over a suspended floor - I hope this helps. Al |
Post# 685798 , Reply# 48   6/26/2013 at 14:19 (3,928 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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And i guess its a MIELE, right??? The suspensions on these are as in the SQ quite good and catch a lot of vibration. |
Post# 686903 , Reply# 50   7/2/2013 at 16:30 (3,922 days old) by frontloaderfan (Merrimac valley, MA)   |   | |
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Post# 686933 , Reply# 53   7/2/2013 at 19:10 (3,922 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Are Energy-Star machines now and will not be discontinued in 5 years and I predict that SQ will still be making the TL washers in 5 years as well, they may not be selling them in the US however. I would bet that any SQ laundry product being built today will have better parts availability than most if not all WP laundry products being sold today in 10-15-20 years from now. |
Post# 686953 , Reply# 54   7/2/2013 at 20:15 (3,922 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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Post# 686982 , Reply# 55   7/2/2013 at 22:23 (3,922 days old) by richardtb ()   |   | |
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Which model exactly are you referring to? |
Post# 687062 , Reply# 56   7/3/2013 at 07:01 (3,921 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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i was refering to my old 2004 duet its a first generation but what i do not like about it is the fact that i do not have a quick wash cycle on it and also for me du to my size near 6 inch tall i have to sit down to load unload the washer and also my laundy room is on the second floor so when the washer go into spin i hear it from the first floor and also when i have to use hand wash or delicate cycle the washer do not do a first spin to spin out the sud it fills directly for a rinse
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Post# 687133 , Reply# 60   7/3/2013 at 15:17 (3,921 days old) by richardtb ()   |   | |
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ok, I will give it another try at calling commercial washing machine distributors. Last time I called them they were not interested to selling to residential, but my choices are looking bleak! |
Post# 687136 , Reply# 62   7/3/2013 at 15:33 (3,921 days old) by richardtb ()   |   | |
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They start at $10,000+.... |
Post# 687138 , Reply# 63   7/3/2013 at 15:45 (3,921 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)   |   | |
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Redo the laundry room in a way that it is easy to install a new washer and dryer after a reasonable time. Modern washers are not built to last anymore. Perhaps except from Speed Queen and Miele, but since they have been knocked out by your wife I would take no risk with the design of the laundryroom. Don't make it more difficult than it already is.
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Post# 687141 , Reply# 64   7/3/2013 at 15:56 (3,921 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)   |   | |
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I'm a Maytag fan, however Maytag as we knew it ceased to exist in April, 2006 when Whirlpool bought what was left of the struggling company. Because of that I would never buy anything new with the Maytag name on principle, it's just a re-badged Whirlpool.
Aside from that, I agree with many suggestions or votes for Speed Queen, whether it be an FL or TL machine.
DO NOT let your wife get caught up in the whole "What is the interior size / volume of the machine". In the grand scheme of things the difference of .2, .3 or .5 cu.ft. will matter very little when doing your weekly laundry!
I have a TOL 2009 (Whirlpool built) Kenmore Elite steam washer that's "rated" at 4.0 cu.ft. When I bought it, I looked at the same model, but in red, sitting next to it. Except for the color, it looked identical to the one I ended up buying, but was "larger" with a rating of 4.4 cu.ft. I even took a tape measure to the inside drum of both washers and you know what? The interior dimensions were EXACTLY the same. I eventually realized the difference was only because in one washer, the baffles / paddles in the drum were shorter / smaller than the other and this alone accounted for the "extra" .4 cu.ft of volume in the other machine!
I also have a 1997 Frigidaire FL (small round door) which is "rated" at 3.1 cu.ft. (the EXACT same machine today is now rated @ 2.7 cu.ft) I have washed a Cal King set of sheets, a Queen set of sheets plus 6 pillow cases in the same load, it handles it just fine and everything is clean. Now trying to dry that load in one dryer on the other hand, is a challenge. LOL
The Speed Queen website lists their FL washer at 2.84 cu.ft, BUT they USED to be rated at 3.3 cu.ft. I've seen other listings for the SAME machine also list it as 3.3 cu.ft. This is probably due to new government mandates changing the way the interior volume is calculated.
If you want to be able to wash your comforters at home, I would suggest a front load washer.
Kevin
This post was last edited 07/03/2013 at 16:37 |
Post# 687143 , Reply# 65   7/3/2013 at 15:58 (3,921 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)   |   | |
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Out of curiosity how did your wife come up with the arbitrary 3.3 cu ft? The SpeedQueen front loader at 2.84 cu ft will quite likely wash more then any toploader then you are considering. How many people will the laundry be serving?
You could always buy a Huebsch HX25 commercial softmount machine. It has 25lb capacity with a cylinder volume of 3.4 cu ft. You could have it for a good bit less then that Miele Pro. Just have to arrange for 240v power and figure out how to get ~550 pounds of metal into your laundry room! For home use you will never kill that machine and unlike the Miele if you need parts and service you will be able to get it... |
Post# 687177 , Reply# 68   7/3/2013 at 20:38 (3,921 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)   |   | |
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Richard,
I don't think you can compare a top load machine with a conventional agitator to a front loader on a equal cubic foot capacity basis. A top loader won't be able to move the load once you cram it full. I'd wager that the standard SQ front loader, even though its smaller, will wash your king size comforter far better then their top loader. I'll let others with more first-hand experience with those two machines elaborate further. |
Post# 687188 , Reply# 69   7/3/2013 at 22:19 (3,921 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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well the thing is that washer capacety changes alot over the year depending on the model varying from 3.9 capacety to 4.5 depending if the top load is an agitator model or impaler plate model see following link that i am posting and in term of the whirlpool duet washer my laundry utilaty is in my main bathroom on the second floor and my duet washer barely fits in the closet space where the washer dryer is i had to sacrefice the closet door just to be able to open the dispenser drawer for the detergent so its important that you measure the laundry room space for your washer dryer because there are chance if you buy a duet tht it might not fit in your laundry room space.
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Post# 687189 , Reply# 70   7/3/2013 at 22:24 (3,921 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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Facing Reality........
I have several of the original Maytag Neptune FLers....who have a capacity of 3. something or other....main thing is I can wash 10 KING SIZE sheets in a single load....it washes the King comforter as well...... the question really is "How many times a year are you washing a comforter?".....does it really get THAT dirty?...and because of a smaller machine, you may have to run to the Laundromat maybe 3 times a year...... I have seen a Bed and Breakfast operate with a single set of smaller machines with no issues...... how many KING size beds do you have?.......I only have one.....now if I had several, that may be a different story! one has to ask...."Do you drive a GreyhoundBus as a daily driver to go back and forth to work 364 days of the year?"....because of an occasional family outting once a year, requiring you to carry 40 or so people....... OK...you got me there, I did have a 15 passenger Van...then again.....I had a NEED!, Daily!....with 3 adopted and 7 foster kids and two adults, plus cargo......this just made common sense!...or maybe only to me!.... not a rant.....just living within my needs |
Post# 687191 , Reply# 71   7/3/2013 at 22:48 (3,921 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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I agree with others who recommend a front-loader. They're very water and energy efficient, clean very well, and handle large items like blankets and comforters with aplomb.
Consumer Reports has the new Maytag Maxima XL line at the top of their ratings. The models are MHW 6000, 7000, or the top-of-the-line 8000. Check Maytag.com online to see the features each offers. The prices range from $1,000-$1,300 depending on the model. CR rates them excellent in cleaning, capacity, water and energy efficiency. They also have a rating of excellent for vibration, which means they will be quiet and stable when installed on a wood floor. If you decide on Maytag, be sure to get a washer from the new "Maxima XL" line, not the previous Maxima line. Many improvements have been made on the new line. Also very near the top is the new Whirlpool Duet line---the WFW88HEAW, for instance ($1,000). Same scores as the Maytag, but only a very good rating for vibration---which should still be fine for installation on a wood floor. LG also makes some great front-loaders, like the WM3470H ($1,100). Ratings similar to the aforementioned Maytag and Whirlpool models. LG's reliability scores are a little higher than either Maytag or Whirlpool (which aren't bad, either). Speed Queen makes machines built like tanks, but they don't have the capacity and features of the Maytag, Whirlpool and LG lines. It is my understanding that Whirpool front-loaders are no longer made by Bauknecht. Good luck with your choice, and let us know what you wind up getting. Enjoy your new laundry facility when it's completed! |
Post# 687240 , Reply# 73   7/4/2013 at 09:42 (3,920 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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You can easily put TWICE as much laundry in a FL washer as compared to a TL washer of the same interior size. I have a SQ FL washer for over eight years now and it will easily wash all 5 3'x4' of my kitchen rugs in one load, the SQ TL washer will only wash 2 of these rugs in one load.
With a SQ FL washer if you can get the items in and close the door the machine will wash them easily WITHOUT hurting the clothing load or the MACHINE.
You Can Not Compare The Capacity of A TL and FL washer by Comparing Size of The Interior.
While there are many FL washers on the market now that are even larger than the SQ FLers I question whether they will stand up to being filled completely as none of them are built like a SQ. All other bigger FL washers have plastic outer tubs, plastic drum baffles, plastic shock mounts, even plastic base frames and thin steel cabinets that a punched together rather than welded or screwed together.
And the most telling fact of all is NONE of these giant FL washers are recommended for or being used in commercial self-service laundry installations. The manufacturers know that they would never hold up in commercial service if they allowed people to stuff them full over and over again. |
Post# 687263 , Reply# 74   7/4/2013 at 12:52 (3,920 days old) by richardtb ()   |   | |
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ok, I will take your word for it. However, my wife would want to be able to see that for herself (put the sheets on the SQ FL), which may be a challenge since nobody sells in town sells the SQ FL. |
Post# 687372 , Reply# 75   7/4/2013 at 21:08 (3,920 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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is his the duet set that was recomeded to you? because the washer capacety is 4.7 and the dryer 7.4 electric and also this model seems to be a new arrival
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Post# 687373 , Reply# 76   7/4/2013 at 21:09 (3,920 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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Post# 687410 , Reply# 79   7/5/2013 at 06:54 (3,919 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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The WFW70HEBW is very near the top of the ratings at Consumer Reports, and a relative bargain for a well-featured front-loader. Rated excellent in categories of cleaning performance; water and energy efficiency; capacity; gentleness to fabrics. Rated very good for noise and freedom from vibration.
Congratulations! May you have many trouble-free loads of laundry in your future. Qualin: One load of laundry every two weeks? Good heavens! I live alone and wash 7 loads a week. 1: Bath linens 2 & 3: Bed linens (launder them twice a week) 4: Light colors 5: Blacks/dark colors 6 & 7: Kitchen/personal whites (Have company for dinner regularly, so there are always several large tablecloths from the table and the buffet line, plus a boatload of cloth napkins in addition to all the towels/rags/aprons used in food prep.) |