Thread Number: 84562  /  Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Need a new washing machine and need your help.
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Post# 1089730   9/17/2020 at 14:10 (1,287 days old) by GeneralMayhem (Kelowna, British Columbia)        

Hi all,

New member here I need to purchase a new washing machine and am feeling a bit overwhelmed and could use some help.


First off, I owned a old GE washing machine that served faithfully for 20 years without an issue until now. I figured (probably incorrectly now) that it wasn't worth fixing. I purchased a new GE washer and dryer pair (dryer heating element was starting to go,so I figured might as well replace it at the same time). The new units arrived, and the old ones were hauled away, after hooking up the new set, I started a wash in the new washer....

First, I am used to the old washer and not used to the way the new ones operate, the automatic load balancing had me thinking right away that there was something wrong... it added a small amount of water, and rotated the drum back and forth a few times, then did this again... and again for about 5 mins. When the machine finally did fill up and start washing...the agitator going back and forth sounded like a car alarm going off... bah,bah,bah... BAH,BAH,BAH! it drove me crazy, this sound was super annoying and loud.


Anyway, long story short...I arranged to have this machine returned as I knew there was no way I could tolerate this noise (it's apparently perfectly "normal" as GE now uses a gear drive/clutch system for the agitator).


So in looking for a replacement (across, many brands) and reading reviews, many of which seem to be 'fake' 5 star reviews, interspersed with negative reviews about noise and reliability...I am immensely frustrated in trying to find a replacement.

I thought I might turn to some people who would be willing to share some information. Ideally I would like to buy an 'old style' washer, though doubt they exist anymore. Can any of the members here point me in the right direction?


I would prefer a simple, top load washing machine that is reliable, a minimum of 'computerized' parts would be nice. One that is reasonably quiet (normal, agitator noise is acceptable, loud BAH,BAH,BAH!is not) would prefer a manual water level setting as from what I have read most newer machines don't seem to add enough water to do a proper job of washing and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Does such a machine exist anymore?







Post# 1089738 , Reply# 1   9/17/2020 at 15:03 (1,287 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        

eurekastar's profile picture

The only top loader that I would recommend is a Speed Queen TC 5000.  But even with it, you only have a choice between half tub and full tub on water selection (like an old Maytag).  They are very reliable and durable and will last you a good 25 years.  Everything else will be on the scrap heap in about 5 years. 

 

Other than that, you might consider a good used Whirlpool Direct Drive.  Parts are still plentiful and they are easy to repair.

 

I too was a devoted top load washer user until I bought my first front loader.  I love it!  Therefore, you might not want to rule out a front loader.  Mine is an LG 3900.


Post# 1089739 , Reply# 2   9/17/2020 at 15:16 (1,287 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Does such a machine exist anymore?
Doesn't seem so.  Closest you may find is the Speed Queen TC5.  It has an old-style transmission/belt drive but is electronic control (rotary knobs on the panel, computer board inside).  Also has no direct water level control.  Default fill level is approx 1/2, a little more on some cycles such as Bulky/Sheets.  The Deep Fill option adds 3 to 4.5 gals more.


Post# 1089747 , Reply# 3   9/17/2020 at 16:44 (1,287 days old) by GeneralMayhem (Kelowna, British Columbia)        
Thank you for your quick responses

Thankyou,

I recently, came across this was wondering if you had any thoughts about it.

Maytag topload commercial model: MVWP575GW


From what I've read (can't trust reviews as alot of them seem made up 5 star reviews) but what I could find claim this machine is the closest you can get to an old school type toploader.


Post# 1089749 , Reply# 4   9/17/2020 at 16:52 (1,287 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

What about a front loader washer?

Post# 1089751 , Reply# 5   9/17/2020 at 16:53 (1,287 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        
Maytag topload

eurekastar's profile picture

Save your money and buy the Speed Queen.  That Maytag is OK but it won't be nearly as durable.  I once owned it and had TWO warranty repairs within six months, one of which was the replacement of the gearbox.  Plus, it does provide 1/2 tub on the Normal/Eco cycle only; however, that cycle provides water that cool at best and a series of spray rinses with no deep rinse.  With the other cycles, there is more control over temperature; however, the tub fills completely up.  Water level cannot be controlled.  You'll be much happier with the Speed Queen.


Post# 1089752 , Reply# 6   9/17/2020 at 16:59 (1,287 days old) by littlegreeny (Milwaukee, WI)        

littlegreeny's profile picture
I'd also recommend you seriously consider a front load washer. For mainstream affordable brands, LG makes the best and most reliable front load washers. Get one that has turbowash.

Post# 1089755 , Reply# 7   9/17/2020 at 18:04 (1,287 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )        

petek's profile picture
Being as you're in Canada Speed Queens are sold under the brand name Heubsch and it looks like they do not sell residential top loaders any longer in Canada.



CLICK HERE TO GO TO petek's LINK


Post# 1089761 , Reply# 8   9/17/2020 at 19:00 (1,287 days old) by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
i found the actual link for residential top load washers

ca.huebsch.com/products/home-pro...


Post# 1089764 , Reply# 9   9/17/2020 at 20:32 (1,287 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )        

petek's profile picture
Good thing you double checked... odd that their one website makes no mention of home laundry or any links to it. But looks like Trail Appliance and City Furniture in Kelowna sell them. WOnder how much they cost.

Post# 1089765 , Reply# 10   9/17/2020 at 20:34 (1,287 days old) by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
thank you petek they must of seperated there commercial website from there homelaundry website

Post# 1089768 , Reply# 11   9/17/2020 at 20:44 (1,287 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )        

petek's profile picture
Interesting,, looking at Trail Appliances page they look like they have the Heubsch name on them.. or maybe my eyesight is bad?

CLICK HERE TO GO TO petek's LINK


Post# 1089769 , Reply# 12   9/17/2020 at 21:00 (1,287 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
I'm aware that Speed Queen goes by Huebsch in Canada but didn't notice the OP's location.

Home products are still listed on the web site.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO DADoES's LINK


Post# 1089771 , Reply# 13   9/17/2020 at 21:56 (1,287 days old) by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        
Learn something new everyday

panasonicvac's profile picture
I didn't know Speed Queen goes by the name Huebsch in Canada, interesting!

Anyways, I think I would also recommend looking into the Speed Queen TC5. There was a time when I looked into the Maytag Commercial like you since I'll be needing a washer and dryer soon but then I came across a thread on here regarding the issues with the Maytag Commercial while they're under warranty. Apparently those don't seem to last like an old school top load washer which is one of the reasons why I'm now leaning towards on getting a SQ TC5 washer and DC5 dryer instead.


Post# 1089786 , Reply# 14   9/18/2020 at 06:30 (1,287 days old) by agiflow4 ()        

If you want a cheap but decent top loader you could also look at the Amana NTW4516. I have had this washer now a few months and it has been performing admirably. Basically the same as the Maytag MVWP575 mentioned on this thread but has auto water level and full fill options and a compete range of cycles.

Post# 1089794 , Reply# 15   9/18/2020 at 09:57 (1,286 days old) by GeneralMayhem (Kelowna, British Columbia)        
Thankyou all for your replies

Thankyou,

Honestly I wasn't expecting the level of response that I received and I appreciate it. I am going to take a closer look at all the options presented here before making a decision, looks like I came to the right place.

On a side note, I think given the level of dissatisfaction I've seen with 'modern' offerings there is room in the market for a manufacturer that makes things the 'old' way, especially washing machines...


Post# 1089796 , Reply# 16   9/18/2020 at 10:14 (1,286 days old) by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
generalmayhem

pierreandreply4's profile picture
have you considered the option of buying a vintage washer they would last you longer if you can find the parts and can repair them as well pics posted as exemple

  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 7         View Full Size
Post# 1089807 , Reply# 17   9/18/2020 at 12:56 (1,286 days old) by GeneralMayhem (Kelowna, British Columbia)        
Pierreandreply4

Hello,


Yes, I had considered it, in retrospect knowing what I know now, I would've kept the old washer and repaired it... however that particular ship has sailed so to speak as they hauled away the old ones when they dropped off the new ones.

Locally, I've even considered an ad for commercial style washers for sale from an apartment building that are 2 years old and are apparently for sale by the strata in favor of coinless machines... for $500 cdn, comes with coin operated mechanism lol.

When it comes to vintage style machines, my concern might be that parts may well be available now, but will they continue to be available? Further down the road when one might anticipate needing them? Questions that really can't be answered with certainty.


Post# 1089821 , Reply# 18   9/18/2020 at 17:45 (1,286 days old) by Good-Shepherd (New Jersey)        
Maytag topload commercial model: MVWP575GW

Some knowledgeable AW members have reported the transmission on Maytag Commercial washer is garbage and having failures.

That leaves the Speed Queen TC5 top loader, or a front loader, but not Samsung.

And aren't LG FL's built in China now, then they threw together a factory in the US to avoid the washer tariff?


Post# 1089824 , Reply# 19   9/18/2020 at 18:01 (1,286 days old) by littlegreeny (Milwaukee, WI)        

littlegreeny's profile picture
I was wondering about the Maytag build quality. Does the transmission have plastic gears? I assume the Speed Queen TC5 has metal components in their transmission.

And most LG washers are now assembled in the USA. Their factory has been up and running for almost a year and a half so any bugs should have been worked out by now. There might be a few models that are still made in South Korea.


Post# 1089840 , Reply# 20   9/18/2020 at 21:09 (1,286 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        
LG Washers & Dryers

eurekastar's profile picture

My LG 3900 washer was made here in the U. S.  The matching dryer was made in South Korea.


Post# 1089849 , Reply# 21   9/18/2020 at 22:14 (1,286 days old) by PinkPower4 (USA)        
I have the Maytag mvwp575gw...

and I haven’t had any issues with it in the two years I’ve owned it. Unlike some people here, I am not brand loyal. Also, many people here trade out washers like most people do cell phones. Not me.

The SQ TC5 is probably the overall good choice if budget isn’t a factor. Where I live it can cost anywhere from $1K to $1400. Some things that may make it worth the extra money are it has NO ATC, half load options for all main cycles, and probably has the best build quality. If you buy it, buy it for that. It isn’t going to last like their old models, but it will probably last longer than most news ones on the market today. This board has a lot of people that can get parts for cost and can do the work themselves. BUT most consumers cannot afford to or have the knowledge to replace the bearings. This is what I think will limit it life. Unlike their older models, this model has two control boards. One is behind those knobs and another works in conjunction with the transmission. Finding those model-specific boards later could be an issue. It is my understanding this is a time-limited model that will only be sold through 2020 (unless this has changed—new energy regulations are supposed to take effect which this model won’t meet. I do not know if that is still true.). It’s odd that SQ only backs it with a THREE year parts and labor warranty. Some folks responding may have gotten it while it had the ten year warranty so are not considering that new purchasers won’t get that. The transmission is covered for 15 though. I think most folks will get about 15 maybe 20 years out of it. That’s just a guess.

I have the Maytag mvwp575gw. SQ only had its TR series when I needed a washer two years ago. I think it is probably the second best overall choice but best overall choice when it comes to cleaning. Not only do the tub and agitator move separately but so do the top and bottom. Clothes move in, down, and through the water well. While the TC5 does wash clothes good, this agitator design makes a difference when it comes to heavier soiled clothes or bulky items to work them through the water and detergent better. The main quirk with this washer is its only half load cycle is the normal eco. It works great for quick washes and smaller loads other than delicates. It is also the ONLY cycle that adds some cold even when hot is selected. I just found a way to manually add hot. While it does have a spray rinse, it works surprisingly well! Want a half load rinse, just run Normal cycle again only don’t add detergent the second time. You will still be under an hour. If you buy the mvwp575gw it has a FIVE year parts and labor warranty. Although the build quality is not as good as SQ, the design makes some parts easier to replace. This model is referred to as commercial by Maytag and shares many of the same parts with other models which may make them less expensive and easier to find later. Although I don’t think its a true commercial washer, it does have a better build quality than Maytag’s “commercial technology” models. There are a few people here that say they’ve had issues with them, but I haven’t seen this anywhere else. Every models has some lemons that make it off the line. The belt is thicker, the capacitor is a higher watt, premium bearings, 1/2 instead of 1/3 HP motor, etc. Just wash like items with like items, and I’ve had no issues with balancing. It does have ATC. It is supposed to add warm to cold to maintain a minimum temperature, but it also means the tub fills by alternating hot and cold. I would rather not have that. I think it will probably last around ten years. I paid $750 for it.

They have some budget Amana and Ropers that have the dual action agitators as mentioned by another poster. Be sure to take a look at them too. They run in the $400 to $500 range.

If a matching set is important, there is no justification for the higher price on the SQ dryers. Maytag and Whirlpool seem to make some very good ones for less.

Finally, take a look at the new LG top load with the agitator referred to in one of the recent posts. This one may be one to watch.

Take the time to view videos on YouTube by both Lorain Furniture and Kirk Rivas. Keep in mind reviewers have to be careful what they say since they sell these products (companies actively try to control what is said about their products, reviews, etc.), but the videos speak for themselves. I hope this gets you pointed in the right direction to choose what works for you.



Post# 1089850 , Reply# 22   9/18/2020 at 22:41 (1,286 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture

I have the Roper RTW4516FW and I’m very pleased with it.  It has lots of flexibility, is reasonably priced, quite, fast and cleans/rinses very well.  If you select the Deep Fill option it has rollover equivalent to the best of vintage TL’s.  

 

I use the Normal/Regular cycle on Auto Sense Fill with Hot water for almost every load.  It fills with an adequate amount of water to clean everything very well and uses a spray rinse, and finishes each load in 34 mins.  For Bulky items I use the Bulky cycle, and it fills right to the top, will handle a kingsize bedspread, comforter or blanket or two king pillows with ease.  Even though the spin speed is only 700 rpms every load dries on high temp in just about the same amount of time as the next load takes to wash, 34 mins.  The Bulky cycle takes about 60-65 mins, mainly due to the extended fill times for the deep wash and rinse.

 

I’ve been using mine now for 15 trouble free months, and I’d buy another one if need be.

 

Eddie



CLICK HERE TO GO TO ea56's LINK

Post# 1089904 , Reply# 23   9/19/2020 at 15:06 (1,285 days old) by agiflow4 ()        

Same here ea56. The Amana version is the same machine. I mostly use normal also and can get straight hot water just by turning off the cold faucet but it will also give a hot rinse if I forget to put the cold on right after the agitation starts.

I was in Best Buy earlier today and saw my machine there. The model number on the store model is NTW4516W0....on mine it is NTW4516W3. I wonder if this is the 3rd revision of this model and if so I would like to know what Whirlpool changed.


Post# 1089960 , Reply# 24   9/20/2020 at 00:50 (1,285 days old) by GeneralMayhem (Kelowna, British Columbia)        
Bought washer

Hi all,

Tried to follow some of the advice I received here and here is what I ended up buying.


I looked into the speedqueen/Huebsch TC5 but I think the capacity was too small for large comforters. I ended up getting the maytag mvwp575 seemed the best of bad choices, I needed something simple to operate as well, do to a resident senior in the household, whom would also need to use.

Anyway that's for the washer, the dryer is a different story. I don't really care about matching the set but it seems most of the maytag dryers have a similar complaint.... they don't dry your clothes in a single cycle. What's the point in meeting power consumption regs if you have to run things through twice to dry them?

Another issue I am having right now, is alot of manufacturers are having supply/inventory issues... and we can't get certain products up here in Canada right now with what is going on. The washer it seems was the easy part, and even that can't be delivered until Oct 21st. I thought I found a dryer that would work for me, but the soonest delivery date is dec.16th my horrible driveway will be impassable to a delivery truck by then...and even then apparently that order coming in only has one of the model I was interested in and no guarantee that I would actually be the one getting it!

So I am left trying to buy one that is in stock locally and not having much luck.
At Coast Appliances locally here they have a speedqueen dryer in their scratch and dent list,but the model number they list can't be right as I can find no information about it when I google the number.


The number that they provide is model# spedxrgs153cw02

I find it strange they list it as a speedqueen, when speedqueens are sold as huebsch here...

The list says it is a commercial dryer original list price $1600 cdn, marked down to $999. I don't know what to make of the model number though.


I might end up having to keep the GE dryer from the original purchase, at least I know it dries the clothes in one go, even if overall it is an inferior product.

It's hard enough to find products that work the way they are supposed to and add to that supply/inventory problems right now and it is nigh impossible.


Post# 1089961 , Reply# 25   9/20/2020 at 01:18 (1,285 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture

I have a Maytag dryer and it dries every load in one cycle.  Never heard of a problem like this before with a Maytag dryer.  Its the BOL model from 2015, been using it for 5 years with no problems.  And it was only about $429, a good bargain.

 

Eddie


Post# 1089962 , Reply# 26   9/20/2020 at 05:24 (1,285 days old) by PinkPower4 (USA)        
Maytag mvwp575gw...

I love the simplicity of the controls on this washer. They are just right for the type of loads I do. Powerwash, Delicates, MIxed, and Bulky work just like I would expect them to.

As stated earlier, Normal Eco works great for all types of loads except Delicates (wash action is too rough) for small and quick washes. The only real quirk is I have to find a way to add hot for the loads of small whites I do. Maybe I should look more into Tide designed for cold water washers for that??? One thing I forgot to mention is that if you use any options with the Normal cycle like a presoak or extra rinse, it turns it into a regular cycle. What I mean by that is you will get a deep water fill. If you chose extra rinse, you will get TWO deep water fills. Hot will be a true hot too.

I love that I can wash any load even with a presoak in under an hour, and that there is plenty of water. My college kids literally bring home a car load of laundry at times.

This washer fills the tub by alternating between hot and cold. When I have selected hot, the main cycles use tap hot for the entire fill. I can get a very warm by turning the temperature to hot for the first part of the fill and then using warm for the remainder of the fill. When I need “warm”, warm as is works fine.

If you ever need to service under the control panel, it requires removing just two screws. Most other service parts can be accessed under the washer or by removing the front panel. One of my kids left a chain in one of their pockets one time that made its way through the hole in the bottom and was headed toward the pump. I am an extra small adult. I just propped the washer up, slid under it, and was able to disconnect the portion between under the tub and pump to retrieve the item very quickly. Seriously, the hardest part of that repair is that I am getting older and that I my eyesight isn’t what it needs to be. The kids have left a few coins that managed to escape my checks. So far, they remain in the tub instead of going under the agitator bottom, so I have been able to retrieve them without taking anything apart.

I have been very happy with the performance of this washer. Our clothes look and smell clean. As a side note, I had an LG front load before this. It works well for small items, but dirt actually came out of a comforter I had washed on a regular basis in the front load when I first washed it in the Maytag—I mean the water was brown! Front loads just don’t seem to work as well for bulky items because they cannot work them down, in, and through the water as well. For that reason and because of ease or repairs, I don’t think I will go back to a front load (even though I had a good experience and that one lasted ten years before the bearings went out). I am still using my old LG dryer that is probably 12 years old now. The old front load I had was supposed to spin as fast as 1200 rpm. I haven’t noticed a significant increase in dry time even though this Maytag washer is only supposed to spin at 700 rpm. The loads I have washed have all dried in under an hour when set on the appropriate setting. My sensors no longer work, so I have to use “timed” setting. I later bought a Panda spin dryer (Look at Laundry Alternatives Nina soft dryer too). Love it so far. Had reduced dry time for most cycles to just twenty minutes and 30 for the heavier fabrics. I also notice a decrease in my electric bill :-)

I am so thankful I came across the reviews I mentioned in a previous post. I looked at the wash action for the washer I was going to get and this one, this ONE is so much better.

I hope it works as well for your situation as it has mine.



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