Thread Number: 86756  /  Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Worst washing machines
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Post# 1113300   3/31/2021 at 06:06 (1,094 days old) by gizmo (Victoria, Australia)        

Choice (Australia's consumer publication) has recently published an article on the worst washing machines in their tests.

See which top loader came worst, but was one of the most expensive washers tested...

 

I can link here because it is NOT a subscriber-only article.

 

The detailed reviews for each machine are subscriber-only.



CLICK HERE TO GO TO gizmo's LINK




Post# 1113339 , Reply# 1   3/31/2021 at 10:05 (1,093 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Funny, the Dutch consumer organisation (Consumentenbond) published a survey this week among the members about their contentment with their appliances. The outcome:

Washing machines: best: Miele, worst: Indesit, Whirlpool and Beko.

Dryers: best: Miele, worst: Whirlpool

Dishwashers: best: Miele, worst: Etna

Refrigerators: best: LG, worst: Etna

Vacuums: best: Numatic, worst: Dirt Devil

Espresso machines: best: Jura, worst: Philips




Post# 1113350 , Reply# 2   3/31/2021 at 11:03 (1,093 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        

maytag85's profile picture
Worst washing machines: ALL modern machines

Post# 1113366 , Reply# 3   3/31/2021 at 12:48 (1,093 days old) by Maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
Worst I have used

were the COIN-OP Speed Queen machines at my last apartment! If they were the only SQs I had experienced, I would hate them with the heat of 1,000,000,000,000 suns.


I used either Tide or Persil. hot water, heavy soil...and rarely got a fresh smelling wash. I did not overload. I very slightly underloaded.


Lawrence/Maytagbear


Post# 1113382 , Reply# 4   3/31/2021 at 14:46 (1,093 days old) by lakewebsterkid (Dayton, Ohio)        
Hmm

I am really shocked to see that LG on there. Especially considering similar models over here are rated quite high. Not sure what the variations in testing are.

The worst machine I have ever used would have to be the newer Whirlpool Cabrio/Maytag Bravos machines. Horrible. Second? Frigidaire built TL stacked towers. I never had good luck with them.


Post# 1113384 , Reply# 5   3/31/2021 at 14:56 (1,093 days old) by Iheartmaytag (Wichita, Kansas)        
What are they basing the ratings on?

iheartmaytag's profile picture
Is it function? Repairs? Overall cost of ownership? Performance?

I will have to defend Whirlpool. I have a Maytag/Duet clone, I must have low standards, but it is one of the best machines I have owned. As I have said before if it is the worst, it must be one of the best of the worst as I am always getting complements on my laundry, how white my whites are, how brights my colors are. I did not get these with my previous machines.

With that also said, I didn't spend $5 grand on a new machine either, but the local Miele dealer who also sells Speed Queen, Whirlpool and Samsung will steer you away from Miele siting the high cost of repairs, and limited availability of parts and expense of said parts when they can be found.


Post# 1113386 , Reply# 6   3/31/2021 at 15:37 (1,093 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
I can't say anything about the Australian results, but the negative verdict over the European Whirlpool machines concerns the machines made in Italy. It are the 24 inch wide machines that are considered compacts in the USA.



Post# 1113388 , Reply# 7   3/31/2021 at 16:05 (1,093 days old) by Iheartmaytag (Wichita, Kansas)        
foraloysius

iheartmaytag's profile picture
Thank you,
That makes sense.

Though they are still "budget"models compared to Miele, I still don't consider the full size machines that bad.


Post# 1113389 , Reply# 8   3/31/2021 at 16:14 (1,093 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        
Miele

foraloysius's profile picture
Let me also make clear that the Miele's I was talking about are also the European models, that are much more affordable than Miele appliances in the USA. Miele is a mainstream product here with a big market share in the Netherlands. A TOL Bosch or Siemens is more expensive than a BOL Miele. A lot of people choose a BOL Miele for that reason.

Post# 1113399 , Reply# 9   3/31/2021 at 18:40 (1,093 days old) by miele4life (UK )        

no contest, the worst washing machine ever made was the infamous Indesit Moon, what on earth was that all about? :)

Post# 1113410 , Reply# 10   3/31/2021 at 21:17 (1,093 days old) by powerfin64 (Yakima, Washington)        
Worst washing machines: ALL modern machines

powerfin64's profile picture
That is EXTREMELY judgmental Comment! Not ALL modern machines are the worst. Use

a lot more tact with your wording in the future.


Post# 1113415 , Reply# 11   4/1/2021 at 03:14 (1,093 days old) by chetlaham (United States)        
Worst Machine

chetlaham's profile picture

The post FF GEs. Absolutely the worst washer ever created in the US, hands down.   


Post# 1113420 , Reply# 12   4/1/2021 at 05:06 (1,093 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Worst machine ever: 2018 SQ, followed by Whirlpool VMW whatever crap model.

Post# 1113443 , Reply# 13   4/1/2021 at 10:38 (1,092 days old) by lakewebsterkid (Dayton, Ohio)        
Ha

chetlaham, I actually didn't even think about the GEs. Yes, they were not great

Iheartmaytag, I loved our German built Duet. It is out in the garage because I hate thinking about parting with it. Not perfect, but good overall. Like a VW product.


Post# 1113477 , Reply# 14   4/1/2021 at 15:46 (1,092 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        

maytag85's profile picture
I’ll admit I was a bit overboard with my comment on how ALL modern machines are the worst, but I honestly have had NO luck with newer machines in terms of washing and rinsing performance and once you use a older Whirlpool belt drive washer you’ll never want to go back to the newer machines.

The designs and engineering in most modern machines is a joke and I am not gullible and fall for all the technology crap which is all style and no substance. I’d rather have something that’s older and proven over something that’s newer and not proven and has more problems compared to the older stuff.


Post# 1113522 , Reply# 15   4/2/2021 at 06:18 (1,092 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)        

I would have to agree that the "post FF GE washers" were the worst. Mine lasted a whole four years. Following that would be any Amana washers built by Goodman - they were the owners of Amana after Raytheon and before Maytag. That machine lasted three years and had to be scrapped because of the faulty tub seal - the worst part there was that three different repair people couldn't figure out the actual problem and just kept replacing the spin bearing. By the time it was finally diagnosed correctly, Amana ownership passed to Maytag and I recall the poor Maytag repairman spending four hours trying to fix that mess but having never worked on an Amana machine before just couldn't do it. I was lucky though - the store where I purchased the machine exchanged it for me - one of the advantages of buying from a local dealer rather than a big box store.



Post# 1113536 , Reply# 16   4/2/2021 at 09:42 (1,091 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)        
@lakewebsterkid

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I have a German duet too. Just turned 16 this month. Confused on your comment though.. Did it finally die and you just kept it in the garage?

Post# 1113546 , Reply# 17   4/2/2021 at 12:03 (1,091 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)        
German made Duets

were by Bauknecht. It is either now a Whirlpool concern, or BHSC?

Post# 1113552 , Reply# 18   4/2/2021 at 12:43 (1,091 days old) by Logixx (Germany)        

logixx's profile picture
The Bauknecht name is owned by Whirlpool. Current Bauknecht washers are mostly rebranded Hotpoint machines (yet another drop in quality). The factory that made these Duets (like mine) is long gone.



Post# 1113557 , Reply# 19   4/2/2021 at 13:27 (1,091 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD)        
in my collection: VMW Cabrio...

2010 Cabrio: suspect durability,but the worst feature is the goofy balance routine this thing can get on before giving up and doing a slow spin...Machine will do a good wash job if all conditions are right :) This Cabrio gets rotated into use on occaision and will be kept as a historic artifact :)

Post# 1113560 , Reply# 20   4/2/2021 at 14:42 (1,091 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        
Bauknecht - Hotpoint

foraloysius's profile picture
Oh goodness, you are right! They stopped selling washing machines in the NL, so I didn't notice the change.

  View Full Size
Post# 1113564 , Reply# 21   4/2/2021 at 15:30 (1,091 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

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IIRC those early Whirlpool Duet washers (built in Germany's Bauknecht plant) were pretty decent if not down right good machines. Famous Germany quality and so forth, like Miele almost commercial washers in terms of quality...

As noted yes, WP shut down three Bauknecht plants moving production out of Germany all together.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bauknecht_...(company)










Look familiar?







Post# 1113566 , Reply# 22   4/2/2021 at 15:41 (1,091 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Regarding SQ Coin-Op Washing Machines

launderess's profile picture
Our local laundromat has them, and has have said many times best results are obtained by thinking about these machines are they are designed.

By this mean they come from commercial side of things were chemicals are still widely used instead of say enzymes. Pre-wash cycle is barely a few minutes (at least at our local), followed by a main wash of barely 12 or so minutes. That just isn't time enough for modern enzyme detergents to do their thing.

Without built in heaters "hot" or even "warm" wash relies upon whatever comes out of taps. Keeping in mind pre-wash is cold or warm (depending upon what owner has machines set for), meaning unless "hot" water is a or over about 160F it is going to be substantially cooled by coming into contact with cold laundry.

Machines seen in video are same our local has, and will give them points for what you can see. When fully loaded (but not over loaded) mechanical wash action is actually quite good. Standing near washer you can hear laundry being slapped about inside tub.






Post# 1113584 , Reply# 23   4/2/2021 at 23:01 (1,091 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)        

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I like that my 2004 Neptune FL will do a pre-wash with hot when hot is the temperature selected for the main wash.  Is it the best washer I've ever owned?  Not quite, I suppose.  That would be our 2007 Bauknecht Whirlpool Duet HT.   It was a joy to use and it still had knobs and dials, which are superior from an ease of use standpoint IMO.

 

The question further up about criteria is key here.  Effective washing?  Reliability?  Cost of ownership?  Worst washer in the history of washing machines IME by far:  Wards Signature sourced from Norge.  Effective washing?  Some will say very effective -- if you like to buy clothes a lot.  Reliability?  Don't make me laugh.  Caust (intentional spelling) of ownership?  Worst by far.  Unless you like to pay for your machine twice due transmission failure not much more than a year after purchase.  My hate knows no bounds.  The least they could have done was provide a lifetime supply (that would be a little over a year's worth) of earplugs with the purchase.

 

 


Post# 1113588 , Reply# 24   4/3/2021 at 00:24 (1,091 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

qsd-dan's profile picture
"The least they could have done was provide a lifetime supply (that would be a little over a year's worth) of earplugs with the purchase."

I'm assuming you never experienced a Frigidaire Rollermatic or 1-18 in person. I'll take a thundering Norge with solenoids a snappin over those any day.


Post# 1113589 , Reply# 25   4/3/2021 at 00:39 (1,091 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        

maytag85's profile picture
I’ll take the woo woo sound of my ‘63 Whirlpool along with it’s unique wig wag sounds along with the solenoids engaging for the wash and spin and I can put up with that but will NOT put up with something newer that supposedly saves water and energy but yet will take forever and will use all of my energy up just having to watch over the machine to make sure it doesn’t destroy itself or anything around it.

Again I’ll rephrase what I said reply #2, not every single newer machine is terrible but since Speed Queen has the first spin on the lower speed it doesn’t spin out enough of the soapy water and detergent which will result in poor rinsing performance. Since machines don’t wash or rinse like they used to, might as well say a good majority of machines aren’t what they used to be.


Post# 1113599 , Reply# 26   4/3/2021 at 05:35 (1,091 days old) by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
I'd take

a GE filter-flo anyday of the week. They never sudslock. I would use normal speed at all times. And yes, with the ramped activator with minibasket.

Post# 1114052 , Reply# 27   4/8/2021 at 15:57 (1,085 days old) by GusHerb (Chicago/NWI)        

Maytag badged Samsung I'm sure falls toward the bottom for most things and especially longevity. Knowing what I know today I'd be happy living with a SQ AWNE for the rest of my life.

Post# 1114097 , Reply# 28   4/9/2021 at 01:38 (1,085 days old) by lakewebsterkid (Dayton, Ohio)        
mark_wpduet

The bearings are shot. Considering replacing the bearings and donating to my brother when he moves out. Will not be a bad first machine. Especially a free one, at that.

Post# 1114110 , Reply# 29   4/9/2021 at 07:36 (1,085 days old) by washerguy02 (Manchester )        

washerguy02's profile picture
For me the worst washing machine is the Indesit Moon and the newer Hoovers and Candys as the brushed ones have a whiny motor that is noisy as hell and the paddles are pretty much non existant. They don't heat up properly, they only heat to 55*C which is pretty shocking and horrific for what is meant to be a boilwash. The paddles on the newer Hoovers and Candys are so weak they can't grab the garments very well and the laundry is pretty much floating in the drum

Post# 1117998 , Reply# 30   5/22/2021 at 19:02 (1,041 days old) by agiflow ()        

I can attest not all new machines are terrible. I have many videos of my Amana NTW4516FW3 washing all kinds of loads with 4 different agitators.

Hey they might be computer controlled and the unreliable vmw design but mine has been going on for a year now with no problems to speak of and they wash as well as any I've owned and used.

In any case if all fails with the Amana I have the 24" Estate washer as a backup.







Post# 1118014 , Reply# 31   5/23/2021 at 00:11 (1,041 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

What kinds of agitators are avalaible for these washers? Would LOVE to find an agitator that doesn't tangle and wrap my things!I so miss the Hotpoint Rimflow I used to have-it was so much BETTER than these VMW junkpiles!

Post# 1118022 , Reply# 32   5/23/2021 at 06:43 (1,041 days old) by Kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

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There are many today that would fit in the "worst" category.

One of the worst and ugliest useless machine of all time I think was the Indesit Moon that by the way got recently re-proposed IIRC.

Newer Candy Bianca is another.

But again so many to mention...




This post was last edited 05/23/2021 at 08:41
Post# 1118023 , Reply# 33   5/23/2021 at 07:02 (1,041 days old) by agiflow ()        

Any DD agitator will fit in these as it has the same tubs and spline as the DD washers. I never had the problem of clothes getting wrapped around any of the agitators I have used.

It does tend to pull the strings out of sweats or shorts though so I keep those tied.


Post# 1118024 , Reply# 34   5/23/2021 at 07:09 (1,041 days old) by Kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

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Honestly Patrick, it doesn't look like it is a great turnover though.

 

DD machines gave more turnover and beating even having that short (fast) stroke vs the machine you show though.

Some shredded stuff, yup that is also why gearbox speaking I like a million times more the wig wag system. 

Am recently experiencing the joy of owning a wig wag WP.

Plus the tub that moves along with each stroke that I'm seeing vanify much of the action, that is another common issue I see with some modern TL's for some reasons looks like they can't build a proper tub brake system.

 

Said that, there are some modern machines that I do not despise  all that much agitation wise.

Like Commercial Maytags, but the biggest issue for me with modern units is not even about agitation only but the dubbed temperatures and or partial deep rinses.

Hot water is essential for some loads, whites for istance 

I would never want to own or rely on one, I would rather use a plunger and boiler, that is why as I alsways say if I had to be obliged to pick a modern machine my eyes would go towards a FL with built in heater and a +140F  sanitize cycle that IMO would outperform a dubbed temp. top loaders.

Again, I will never understand why Asia keep making deep rinses and non dubbed hot fill machines without probs (pulsator TL's but  water used is same of an agitator TL)  India even got TL models with a back up heater that increase or keep hot water hot and claims to offer sanitize cycles. 

 

 

 




This post was last edited 05/23/2021 at 08:52
Post# 1118025 , Reply# 35   5/23/2021 at 07:41 (1,041 days old) by Kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

kenmoreguy89's profile picture

It doesn't look all that bad, does it?





Post# 1118028 , Reply# 36   5/23/2021 at 08:58 (1,040 days old) by agiflow ()        

Roll over is fine and I have many videos to prove it.The DD is/was a great washer. I now also own my 3rd DD in a period going back as far as 1988.

The Amana did better on 7 pairs of jeans than the Estate did on 5 and the Estate wasn't overloaded.

My new home came with these Amana machines installed and so far like I said they wash as well as any washer I have owned. Listen to what some of the people on this site who own the equivalent Roper or Admiral machines say about them.

The rollover isn't a DD but there is also more flex like an older belt drive. I did a full towel load on delicate with one of the straight vanes I have and turnover was fine with a big load like that.

I also had a front loader I gave to a member last year because I was moving and also my Speed Queen.

Let someone else have fun with them.


Post# 1118029 , Reply# 37   5/23/2021 at 09:10 (1,040 days old) by Kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

kenmoreguy89's profile picture

Jeans or whatever thick and rigid such as a rag never went along well with short fast strokes.

Especially if no dual actiotn spiral was present.

That was so even with later Maytags  and even GE's.

I remember having to "underload" my Maytag commercial and put jeans very loosely to get proper action, that is something you do not experience with fluid smooth longer strokes and I never did with the Filter flo, SQ and by all means am not experiencing at all with the wig wag "84 whirlpool. 

I did experience this issue also with the DD whirlool especially after being fed of dealing with the spiral thingy dogs wearing out every so often I switched to a commercial black straight vane.

The '84 whirlpool is virtually perfect.

I like it just as much I liked the filter flo.

 




This post was last edited 05/23/2021 at 09:34
Post# 1118031 , Reply# 38   5/23/2021 at 10:04 (1,040 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Rapid-fire rollover in an agitator toploader is overrated and unnecessary.  Cleaning occurs moreso via the clothes getting sloshed and flexed by the lower fins than from swimming through the water in circles top-to-bottom.  Roll the load 3 or 4 or 8 or 10 times through the wash period so everything gets sufficient time at the bottom and all is good.  Rolling 500 or 5,000 times isn't necessary.  Longer wash time and slower rollover gives better results IMO, with enzyme detergents involved.






Post# 1118032 , Reply# 39   5/23/2021 at 10:15 (1,040 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
The action looks very aggressive for Delicate (silks), Woolens, and Saris (said to be delicate items) in the video linked in Reply #35.


Post# 1118035 , Reply# 40   5/23/2021 at 10:37 (1,040 days old) by Kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

kenmoreguy89's profile picture

I agree with what you said on rollover and washing. 

But a decent rollover is important to assure everything goes down evenly where the action happens 

And yes, I had same thought, though it says it relies on longer soak times and very short wash time so same technique  older 1 speed machines relied upon.

 

Got to say my commercial maytag featuring this technique did not give out a bad job, but for how obvious it sounds I'd take a 2-3 Speed machine any day over a 1 speed with this system.


Post# 1118036 , Reply# 41   5/23/2021 at 10:45 (1,040 days old) by Kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        
Also

kenmoreguy89's profile picture

I liked very much the double agitator feature given by some in the past.

By the way it is being copied by some manufacturers today but in my opinion only as a marketing gimmick.


Post# 1118116 , Reply# 42   5/24/2021 at 06:30 (1,040 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

DD agitator-will have to go to the swap shop where I bought the VMW "Thing" and seewhat agitators they have in their agitator bin.When the things wrap-its around the bottom of the auger.Its smooth and clean.Would like an agitator with NO DA and see if that works.

Post# 1118144 , Reply# 43   5/24/2021 at 11:19 (1,039 days old) by agiflow ()        

Rex see if you could get either one of these ? The both work very well in these machines.

  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 2         View Full Size
Post# 1118238 , Reply# 44   5/25/2021 at 01:15 (1,039 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

The two agitators shown were the ones I would like to try.Will have to check the swap shops agitator bin.

Post# 1118254 , Reply# 45   5/25/2021 at 08:42 (1,039 days old) by agiflow ()        

I don't think you will be disappointed. They work quite well in this design.

Post# 1118286 , Reply# 46   5/25/2021 at 13:07 (1,038 days old) by agiflow ()        

Rex here is one of the loads I did the other day with the agitator that was out of the tub. Sorry for the sideways filming. I had my phone upside down accidently...oops. :-)







Post# 1118353 , Reply# 47   5/26/2021 at 00:15 (1,038 days old) by agiflow ()        

Redid a load using the DD Surgilator earlier tonight. Took down the other one . Didn't come out right.






Post# 1118359 , Reply# 48   5/26/2021 at 01:33 (1,038 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

After seeing the video-impressed.Think the Surgilator is BETTER than the DA agitator.Anxious to try it.Figure a swap shop visit is in the books for tomorrow or Thurs.Usually they have a bin of agitators pulled from scrapped machines.

Post# 1118379 , Reply# 49   5/26/2021 at 10:58 (1,037 days old) by agiflow ()        

I don't know if you noticed, but the agitation at the slower speed seems to cause more pull down of the clothes. I've observed this time and again with this machine. It actually seems to pull the jeans down faster than at the high speed agitation...pretty cool...in the nearly year I have had it it has not disappointed yet and since they came with my home I won't lose anything if they quit on me tomorrow.

Post# 1118387 , Reply# 50   5/26/2021 at 12:43 (1,037 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)        

ea56's profile picture

Patrick I have to agree with you about these much maligned washers.  My sister ship Roper RTW4516FW2 is 2 years old and I’ve had zero problems or drama with it.  Plus it washes every load perfectly using minimal water on the Normal/Regular cycle with Auto Sense, I estimate approx 15 to 20 gals, or less depending on the load size.

 

Looking at the reviews on Lowes website out of 5884 reviewers 93% of the reviewers recommend this machine.   I didn’t buy it because it was the least expensive washing machine at the time.  I can afford any washing machine out there if I wanted one of them.  I bought this machine because I wanted simplicity, while still using less water than a traditional TL.  Also, the dedicated closet for the washer and dryer in my home isn’t deep enough for almost all of the full sized FL’s out there today.  

 

I say to those naysayers, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.  Do I expect it to last forever?  No, I’m not stupid, the quality of almost everything these days is not what it once was, but I’m gonna enjoy it while it lasts.

 

Eddie



CLICK HERE TO GO TO ea56's LINK

Post# 1118389 , Reply# 51   5/26/2021 at 13:00 (1,037 days old) by agiflow ()        

There you are then.I hope they don't replace these with the one piece auger and SS/plastic hybrid tubs. I still have an Estae 24" DD i picked up refurbed for $200. It sits in my shed now. The Amana has the bigger 3.5 cu ft tub. I believe the Estate was manufactured 2003 if i read the serial code correctly.

MOD:
TAWB600JQ0

SER:
CP1728951


Post# 1118661 , Reply# 52   5/29/2021 at 00:34 (1,035 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

The hunt for the DD Surgilator went BUST!BOTH swap shops now closed-one from owner having poor health,other from old age.Tried asking the appliance parts place here-they needed a part# for the DD Surgilator agitator.The appliance store no longer carries parts like agitators.So--right now stuck with what I have.Guess in the future when the VMW I have dies-will have to get a new Speed Queen.

Post# 1118672 , Reply# 53   5/29/2021 at 05:18 (1,035 days old) by iej (.... )        

The worst machine I’ve ever used was a cheap “landlord special” washer dryer in an apartment I rented in Ireland when I was in university.

Whirlpool badged and made by Antonio Merloni. The machine didn’t really have paddles at all. The drum had moulded in “bumps”. Laundry bounced up down in the water. The rinsing was so poor I got skin allergies and what it lacked in performance and was made up for in noise.

Absolutely useless machine. It also didn’t dry anything.

It was so bad I avoid Whirlpool and have never bought one of their appliances. It probably also underlines why you shouldn’t put your brand on ‘landlord specials’

I never understood Whirlpool’s strategy in Europe. At one stage they portrayed themselves as a high quality brand, pushing their Sixth Sense branding and then they just seemed to start producing a lot of cheap and nasty BOL machines. While they have the odd high end model, it’s a brand that makes no sense to me.


Post# 1118688 , Reply# 54   5/29/2021 at 09:40 (1,034 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
There are various agitators for sale on eBay ... among the various other items caught by a search.

Also at parts vendors, although a specific part number may be needed for searching.

eBay:  Whirlpool washer agitator


Post# 1118704 , Reply# 55   5/29/2021 at 15:07 (1,034 days old) by agiflow ()        

That's a shame James. A shame Whirlpool is getting a bad rep abroad. They used to be a manufacturer of quality appliances across the board. Seems those days are done.

I would still buy a dishwasher or fridge from them. They have some fiasco going on about their "aqua-lift" self cleaning ovens on another site. The thing is Whirlpool is still offering them?

I remember seeing something about interviews with employees about "changing the culture" at Whirlpool. I liked the "culture" the way it was. Leave a good thing alone.


Post# 1118709 , Reply# 56   5/29/2021 at 15:36 (1,034 days old) by littlegreeny (Milwaukee, WI)        
Whirlpool

littlegreeny's profile picture
Whirlpool no longer appears to manufacture quality washers. Their new front load washers are a joke with the plastic inner door and terrible suspension. The washer tries a few times to spin and then gives up. And that recirculation pump is miserable.

I'm also unimpressed with their top load washers. They sound terrible and the motors sound so cheaply built.

It's a real shame because they used to make excellent products.


Post# 1118710 , Reply# 57   5/29/2021 at 15:46 (1,034 days old) by agiflow ()        

Littlegreeny I had the WFW6620HW and in the year I had it it performed very well. I've never seen it abort a spin..mind you sometimes it took long enough to get there but it managed. As for the plastic door I was fine with it. I would of rather of had glass but it was in no way detrimental to the washer's performance.

Post# 1118756 , Reply# 58   5/30/2021 at 05:11 (1,034 days old) by Kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

kenmoreguy89's profile picture

Patrick, Whirlpool always kind of had a bad reputation abroad.

As soon as they left the Philips-Ignis line they started to become garbage.

Whirlpool introduction to Europe started with Purchasing Ignis that was partnered with Philips. Decently good stuff, both stuff coming from Netherlands and Italy were not that bad initially, later as they purchased other Italian manufacturers they started to become junk...

As they adapted to the lower standards,  and had lots of design problems too.

 

I have owned several European Whirlpool appliances and among dishwashers that would not even remove sugar from cups or washers that would eat sock after sock as the space between drum and boot was too large they lasted very short too, the dishwasher needed 3 tunnel heating elements in its 4 years life and got rid of it as it would not wash a damn anyway. Night and day difference from same brand dishwashers sold in USA.

Washer had the bearings failing very soon.

As the too large space between drum and boot wasn't enough the boot also started to dry out get rigid and shrink and that enhanced the space, my thumb would pass through 

Only European WP appliance I have been happy with was a timed vented dryer.

 

 

 


Post# 1118757 , Reply# 59   5/30/2021 at 05:31 (1,034 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Just for the record, Philips washing machines were made in France and England in the past. Philips never manufactured any washing machines in the NL ever. The NL had some washing machine manufacturers in the past, but those are long gone.

Post# 1118779 , Reply# 60   5/30/2021 at 12:39 (1,033 days old) by Washingpowder (NYC)        
Oh European Whirlpool

Good old times with a drain fault code weekly at my aunt's. Taking the back off and pulling the sump hose off the outer drum only to find underwear, napkins, IIRC there was a pillowcase once.
It was a fairly expensive machine, one of the Sixth Sense kind.

Fun story, just like they did Maytag and KitchenAid dirty here, they acquired an excellent Polish brand, Polar. Their machines were considered the best and toughest. Fairly certain they are still churning loads out in many households. The pic below is their very first, Polish made Superautomat.

Now, they don't even bother to make them look different than Whirlpool.


  View Full Size
Post# 1118780 , Reply# 61   5/30/2021 at 12:59 (1,033 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
The Polar machine is a Zanussi design. Built in license by Polar and Gorenje IIRC.

Post# 1118783 , Reply# 62   5/30/2021 at 13:49 (1,033 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        

maytag85's profile picture
Reason why Whirlpool machines got a bad wrap in other countries is those machines there aren’t actually manufactured or even designed by Whirlpool and are merely a different machine with the Whirlpool name slapped on and the reason why Whirlpool got a very good reputation in North America and Brazil is the machines made here are genuine Whirlpool designs and not another design from a different manufacturer. If Whirlpool sold its genuine US designs and appliances in other countries the reputation would be very good since many people were happy with Whirlpool built appliances many decades ago in the 60’s 70’s 80’s and 90’s.

Post# 1118845 , Reply# 63   5/31/2021 at 01:59 (1,033 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Are you talking about European Whirlpool machines Sean?

Post# 1118878 , Reply# 64   5/31/2021 at 11:51 (1,032 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        
Reply #63

maytag85's profile picture
US made Whirlpool machines and designs

Post# 1118879 , Reply# 65   5/31/2021 at 12:09 (1,032 days old) by derrick352 (United States Of America)        

One of the worst front loaders

Electrolux EFLS617SIW. Horrible rinsing, no spin between rinses. Never heated water at beginning of cycle except sanitary, only last few minutes for other cycles. Clean washer cycle does not clean recirculation areas so a hot wash with bleach is needed to keep gunk free. Washing sheets/bedding horrible...makes the load into a roll. Beginning of wash cycle while detergent mixes the drum only turns in one direction for 5 minutes, adds wear to your clothing etc. Tier 3 washer too, very stingy on water. Later models may be tier 2 I think.


Post# 1118882 , Reply# 66   5/31/2021 at 12:18 (1,032 days old) by agiflow ()        

How does it wear clothing turning one way ? As long as there is lift and drop or does it just roll the clothes ?

Post# 1118883 , Reply# 67   5/31/2021 at 12:34 (1,032 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
I'm still confused.

Whirlpool's design overhere in Europe is designed by Whirlpool engineers, it may have happened in Italy, but they were Whirlpool employees working in a Whirlpool factory.

And then there is the Whirlpool Duet. Designed and manufactured in Germany and mainly sold in North America. The first generation is considered a good machine.

Original Whirlpool machines designed and manufactured in the USA wouldn't sell here much because they are just too big for most households.


Post# 1118898 , Reply# 68   5/31/2021 at 16:16 (1,032 days old) by Kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

kenmoreguy89's profile picture

Ignis machines were actually really good.

So were the first whirlpool that were nothing but the same machines but with the new brand.

 

Italy in general was good at making machines also built lots of parts or whole machines for Electrolux and AEG.

You had some cheap brands such as candy...but many were very good.

So sure Italians are not to blame if this is what you meant.

Guess they just tried to adapt to things here but without a good knowledge they ended up doing not so well perhaps relying on people they should not have relied upon...

Projecting and manufacturing wise.

All the knowledge gathered in the American continent and Australia was of little use here.

As said building same machines here would have been a problem as things are different here sizes aside.

Say for instance all the concept of water heating from cold or water softeners in DW's, or DW's that in USA dries with the vent instead of condensing (wish they had the steam vent here).

Etc.

Plus they had to compete with lots of brands 

Either they entered as excellent meaning that they would become a niche brand or had to point on fame and numbers reachable with making affordable stuff.

I am old enough to remember the massive advertising they made here as they entered Europe's market.

And again they did well initially as they just kept making stuff Just like they inherited it, I remember lots of whirlpool badged Ignis top loaders but when it was time to go ahead on their own problems started to raise.

Eventually they ended up buying the others.

That's been Whirlpool's tactic every where.

Buy the brand and keep the brand, meaning that if it is worth keeping the brand that was not garbage  after all. They indirectly own a huge slice of the market.

Like for Maytag, to this day few Maytag purchasers are aware they are actually getting a whirlpool.




This post was last edited 05/31/2021 at 18:04
Post# 1118904 , Reply# 69   5/31/2021 at 18:24 (1,032 days old) by agiflow ()        

Electrolux and Whirlpool are the 2 largest makers of appliances today. Just from this site alone I would never had known that Whirlpool was expanding into central and south America as far back as the 1950's. There are some collectors with Brastemp washers from 1959. They all seem to be the 24" variety.

Post# 1118911 , Reply# 70   5/31/2021 at 19:39 (1,032 days old) by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
Frigidaire

Whatever happened to the frigidaire brand of washers and dryers?

Post# 1118929 , Reply# 71   6/1/2021 at 00:02 (1,032 days old) by Adam-aussie-vac (Canberra ACT)        
I know they made fridges

Under the General Motors brand

Post# 1118931 , Reply# 72   6/1/2021 at 00:21 (1,032 days old) by agiflow ()        

That is kind of weird about not seeing Frigidaire washers anymore. My new home came with Frigidaire kitchen appliances. So far they perform well enough.

Post# 1118932 , Reply# 73   6/1/2021 at 00:38 (1,032 days old) by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
maybe

they discontinued the frigidaire laundry line to make way for the electrolux line as a substitute.

Post# 1118937 , Reply# 74   6/1/2021 at 03:16 (1,032 days old) by Kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

kenmoreguy89's profile picture

Patrick, all southern America had machines made with whirlpool parts.

Manufacturers such Centales in Colombia/Venezuela as well.

But that happened also with other manufacturers, such as Westinghouse for the Lavinia machines, Westinghouse itself was a brand down there.

Also general electric produced various brands for Latin America.

The Join venture Whirlpool Philips later also brought many Philips branded machines that were nothing but whirlpool agi top loaders in Latin America.

In Australia Malleys Whirlpool machines were nothing but wig wag Whirlpool and assume 90% of components came from US factories.







 


Post# 1118938 , Reply# 75   6/1/2021 at 05:30 (1,032 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        
Ignis

foraloysius's profile picture
Ignis machines were hardly sold here. But one day I discovered an Ignis toploader with push buttons that was dumped somewhere in an industrial area. This must have been in the late 80's, I think the machine was from the 60's. I loved that machine instantly! It felt very sturdy. Alas indeed Ignis went down the drain when it became nothing more than a cheap Whirlpool brand. And with it all the other great brands like Philips, Erres and Ruton went. Such great diversity in machines turned into a white on white light weight rubbish brand. But then again Whirlpool was not the only brand that killed some great white goods labels.

Post# 1118948 , Reply# 76   6/1/2021 at 07:46 (1,032 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Frigidaire's website currently shows one topload HE agitator model washer, one dryer, and one unitary stacked toploader laundry center.


  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 3         View Full Size
Post# 1118956 , Reply# 77   6/1/2021 at 09:17 (1,031 days old) by agiflow ()        

I think the stacked washer would be a better bet.These are Electrolux made then ? The top loader looks like Midea or Haier. Would run far from that.

Post# 1118959 , Reply# 78   6/1/2021 at 09:56 (1,031 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)        
re stacked;

Those are ok, but still not the best. Our hairderesser went through two in the shop in 8 years just doing towels. She recently got Samsung 4 cu. ft. front loaders and stacked the dryer on top.

Post# 1118962 , Reply# 79   6/1/2021 at 10:18 (1,031 days old) by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        

panasonicvac's profile picture
I think my worst experience with a washing machine would be this Electrolux EFLW317TIW. It didn't clean as well as I thought it would, uses less water, some clothes would get stuck in the drum seal, and it was VERY NOISY during the spin cycles. It's also the front load washer that got ranked last from Consumer Reports as of April of this year. Interesting though, this one got ranked last but some of their other models had higher ratings. Even the top of the line EFLS627UTT is listed as one of CR's recommended models. I was thinking that all of them would be the same performance wise but some with fancier options.

  View Full Size
Post# 1118963 , Reply# 80   6/1/2021 at 10:33 (1,031 days old) by agiflow ()        

I hate to admit but LG seems to be the only manufacturer in the mainstream innovating and everyone seems to love their front load machines.

Whirlpool seems stagnant other than offering that stupid 2 in 1 agitator which is a joke to begin with. Though they did come out with their new dishwasher line with that new filtration system.

Whirlpool also hasn't updated their front load line. Same models they had back when I got my WFW6620HW in 2019.

With the few top loaders with a true DAA they offer I would hope they update then to be more flexible and with a better spray rinse.


Post# 1118966 , Reply# 81   6/1/2021 at 11:17 (1,031 days old) by derrick352 (United States Of America)        
@panasonicvac

I also do not get the ratings being better on other models. I had the original 617 model and it received awards LOL. Noisy, horrible rinsing, not enough water, terrible at washing bedding, heater terrible. JUNK!

Post# 1118977 , Reply# 82   6/1/2021 at 14:49 (1,031 days old) by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
whirlpool stagnant

Why are they still stagnant when it comes to washers and dryers? Slightly off topic, but what is Whirlpool calling their new filtration on their own dishwashers?

Post# 1119024 , Reply# 83   6/2/2021 at 06:09 (1,031 days old) by retro-man (- boston,ma)        

I have the stacked unit from Frigidaire in my condo. Have had it for 2 years now, but have only used it for a less than a year. It has been sitting alone with the water shut off since haven't been down there for over a year because of the pandemic. Will start going back later this month since we both now have completed out vaccines. Also have a new Maytag dishwasher sitting there and only have maybe run it 6 times before we left. I guess will have to put very hot water in both of them and let them sit for awhile to make sure the gaskets don't leak. The washer and dryer do an adequate job for what they are. Great agitation in the washer and dryer is a little slower to keep up, but I am in no rush while doing laundry.

Jon


Post# 1119074 , Reply# 84   6/2/2021 at 17:17 (1,030 days old) by iej (.... )        
@agiflow & Sean

They had a good reputation in Europe, having entered through a joint venture with Philips that was at the upper middle end of the market, even top of the market in some cases. It was originally called Philips-Whirlpool. They then bought out Philips, who wanted to abandon the white goods market anyway, and it seems to have gone down hill from there.

They make the odd good appliance, but they've so much junk with their name on it that it's just not a brand I would buy.

At a middle-of-the-line level, I'd be looking at Bosch, Electrolux, Samsung, etc. Whirlpool in my books would rank low/mid market.

I don't think you can really blame their buying up other manufacturers on their quality. They design all their own stuff in Europe and clearly are happy with the low end slot they occupy. Maybe that is their strategy.


Post# 1119078 , Reply# 85   6/2/2021 at 17:31 (1,030 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        
Low end slot

They sure as hell are happy with that slot.

After acquiring Hotpoint/Indesit they own most of the entry level market I would say.
Main competition is Beko in the price range, Vestel at the lower end of the range.

They weren't happy themselves with what they were building washer wise though.
They took Hotpoints Aquarius line and spun that off, replacing both their own designs with that new design.
Though I guess that Hotpoint delivered same durability targets with cheaper cost.

Dryer wise they took some elements from their dryers (drums, motors) and redid some other stuff (airflow design and apparently their heat pump design) and did a revision of that.
Controls seem more in line with what Hotpoint had before.
Our Whirlpool dryer is decent enough and has been running for a good few years now.
And I would say that after that dryer recall Desaster they didn't take chances and just used their design instead.


Post# 1119099 , Reply# 86   6/2/2021 at 20:07 (1,030 days old) by Agiflow ()        

Whirlpool I guess was about upper middle here ? They made good appliances across the board.Their lion's share of washer sales here was no doubt through Sears. They built some of the most beloved machines the US has produced. They have way too much baggage now it seems. They are quickly becoming or have become the WCI of appliance manufacturers.

Post# 1119124 , Reply# 87   6/2/2021 at 23:43 (1,030 days old) by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
I guess we can say that

Maytag is the new Frigidaire.

Post# 1119126 , Reply# 88   6/3/2021 at 01:23 (1,030 days old) by Rapunzel (Sydney)        

40 years ago Malleys Whirlpool made excellent products. Our first Australian fridge was of that brand and it remained in the family for more than 30 years before we gave it away. The interior tub was fully enamel lined and the door liner was of the highest quality plastic, which showed absolutely no cracks or wear in all the years. It was auto defrost, came with a butter conditioner and It never missed a beat. The door handles were soft to the touch and had the appearance of leather. It was a beautiful appliance.

My first washer, when I moved to my own place, was a used Malleys Whirlpool machine, one of the best washers I’ve ever owned. It came loaded with features and had suds save function.

When Whirlpool products were based on US designs and made in Oz they were top of the crop. Now Whirlpool imports cheap junk from Europe, which does not compare in any way with original Whirlpool quality and performance of yore.


Post# 1119130 , Reply# 89   6/3/2021 at 03:14 (1,030 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        
cheap junk from Europe

foraloysius's profile picture
The toploaders on the Australian Whirlpool website certainly don't come from Europe. More like China or Korea or so.

Post# 1119141 , Reply# 90   6/3/2021 at 07:40 (1,030 days old) by iej (.... )        

Hotpoint/Ariston machines had very intuitive controls. I would highly rate the design of the controls on machines like the Aqualtis.

You also have to remember though that Europe and the US are different markets. Whirlpool launched in Europe in the early 1990s with a relatively unknown brand. Philips was a far more established name.

My guess is they struggled to compete in the upper middle end of the European market, which has a lot of brands: Bosch, Neff, Siemens, AEG, Electrolux, SMEG, etc etc all have big presence and in the 1990s Hotpoint, Ariston, Indesit and several others were huge too and you’ve a bunch of smaller brands in higher niches, notably Miele too.

So I’m guessing they ended up going for value and volume instead.


Post# 1119142 , Reply# 91   6/3/2021 at 08:22 (1,030 days old) by gizmo (Victoria, Australia)        
Italian Whirlpools

A number of years ago (10+)  a relative bought 4 Whirlpool FL washers for some holiday rental units. She already had one in her own home and was very happy with it. AWM 294-600. They were Italian made machines, slow spin (600 rpm) but otherwise good.

I was asked to help install the 4 machines. When they arrived, 2 were the Italian machine they had ordered and 2 were Chinese Whirlpools. Also one of the Italian ones was damaged. We phoned the store to complain, they said the Chinese ones were the new model and we were "lucky" they had given 2 of the new model. I peeked in behind the new ones, they were induction motor machines at least 10 years behind the "old" model in technology. We refused to accept the change, they contacted the warehouse and found stock of the 3 replacement machines we needed. The Italian Whirlpools have given great service, two are still in the family in daily use. Simple basic well made machines that have given great service.


Post# 1119169 , Reply# 92   6/3/2021 at 16:36 (1,029 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        

"The toploaders on the Australian Whirlpool website certainly don't come from Europe. More like China or Korea or so."

You are right. However, some years back Whirlpool eliminated top loaders from their line-up over here and the two washers that are now offered are a recent addition. Their front loaders are as cheap and nasty as one can get. I've seen Whirlpool front loaders barely two years old showing signs of rust and leakage. It would be rare for any of their current machines to survive past the ten year mark before they end up in landfill.

I have a 20 year old Whirlpool side by side fridge that was assembled in the US. It is a good fridge, still tugging along strong, but the internal plastic components are not of the same quality as our original Aussie-made Malleys Whirlpool fridge.


Post# 1200773 , Reply# 93   3/4/2024 at 19:56 by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
post GE filter-flo

These washers were the worst of the worst even worse than the 2018 Speed Queen Perfect Wash. They shook so violently during agitation that you thought they would take their anger out on you when you did nothing to them. Their dryers were just as bad. You could hear scraping as they ran.

Post# 1200824 , Reply# 94   3/5/2024 at 07:28 by eronie (Flushing Michigan)        

Jerome
Stop bringing up old posts an BITCHING.
Enough is enough.


Post# 1200834 , Reply# 95   3/5/2024 at 09:48 by volvoman (West Windsor, NJ)        
@eronie

Thank you. I'm glad *someone* finally said it.

Post# 1200835 , Reply# 96   3/5/2024 at 09:51 by powerfin64 (Yakima, Washington)        

powerfin64's profile picture
Id report him to our webmaster, and BLOCK.

Post# 1200838 , Reply# 97   3/5/2024 at 10:01 by volvoman (West Windsor, NJ)        
@ Rich

I'm not sure if "eronie" did, but I blocked him several months ago. The rants and dredging up of old posts from a thousand years ago began to take their toll.

Post# 1200839 , Reply# 98   3/5/2024 at 10:12 by powerfin64 (Yakima, Washington)        

powerfin64's profile picture
I did years back. Yes I completely agree about that mentality!

Post# 1200880 , Reply# 99   3/5/2024 at 16:33 by dominic20 (Souix falls)        
i hate modern machines

dominic20's profile picture
the only one i like is the speed queen tc5 others are purposely desighned to fail in 3 to 5 years. that is verry sad


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