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Thread Number: 93724
/ Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
I am contemplating selling my Whirlpool direct drive top load washer and purchasing a front loader |
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Post# 1183727 6/29/2023 at 09:00 (303 days old) by RyneR1988  (Indianapolis) |
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Hi everyone,
First, a bit of backstory is in order to explain what has made me start considering this. I get paid by the state to take care of my wife who uses a wheelchair full-time, as some of you might know. About a month ago, the state raised the amount I get paid considerably. As such, I was owed a substantial amount of backpay. The main thing that has kept me from pulling the trigger on a new washer over the past year, and why I've had used ones ever since the VMW died in early 2022, is the up-front cost of a new unit. Well, that issue is much less pressing now, so I feel able to afford it finally. It also helps that the DD is in sellable condition since I recently had it repaired, I'm guessing I could get around $200 for it maybe. As much as I enjoy my old-school TL, I am aware that I can't keep it going forever, especially with both myself and my wife being disabled. I had several parts replaced on the DD over Christmas and it runs great now, but I'm always a bit nervous about what happens if something else were to break down on it. We might not be in a financial position to buy new at that time, and we are now. I am also starting to have some weird feelings about owning an old-school TL with all the climate stuff that is happening. The scorching Texas heat, and the Canadian wildfires causing so much smog in my region have been a bit of a wake-up call to me. I think maybe it's time I try to do my part where I can. I fear I've been putting my head in the sand about these issues, and while I don't want to be an extremist in any way, I think that maybe recklessly using a water-guzzling TL like it's 1990 is a bit irresponsible of me. Perhaps it's time to move on. Anyway, if I do this, the model I'm strongly considering is the LG WM4000. For those who aren't aware, this is the entry level turbo wash model and has plenty of features for our needs. I am a little concerned about the touch screen, but I believe braille labels can possibly be applied to the buttons so that I have access to the features I would use most often. Perhaps someone who owns one of these eunits can elaborate further on whether the touch screen could be used by a blind person with modifications such as braille stickers. Another thing that makes me comfortable owning this unit as a blind person is that I believe every time the machine is turned off, it reverts to the normal cycle as a home cycle of sorts. This means that I would always have a base to start from, and could probably learn to count beeps when turning the cycle knob and making my selection. Again, some weigh-in from a member who owns a machine like this would be greatly helpful. I'm also a bit concerned about space. My laundry closet is 40 inches deep, and the LG is 31.25 inches deep whereas the DD I currently have is 25 inches deep. Will the new washer fit in my existing space one wonders? Finally, if someone has another suggestion about what I can get as a new machine, I'm open. The LG seems to be a really strong contender, but I'm open to anything except an sQ FL. I can't afford that, period. I'd appreciate some thoughts here. Thanks so much all. Ryne | ||
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Post# 1183728 , Reply# 1 6/29/2023 at 09:03 (303 days old) by RyneR1988 (Indianapolis) |
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Post# 1183749 , Reply# 2 6/29/2023 at 11:23 (303 days old) by appnut (TX) |
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Post# 1183751 , Reply# 3 6/29/2023 at 11:30 (303 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula) |
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Lg washers are excellent and reliable. If you can afford and upper level model, go for it, you won't regret. | ||
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Post# 1183754 , Reply# 4 6/29/2023 at 12:14 (303 days old) by RyneR1988 (Indianapolis) |
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Post# 1183777 , Reply# 5 6/29/2023 at 19:40 (303 days old) by appnut (TX) |
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| Post# 1183837 , Reply# 6 6/30/2023 at 17:10 (302 days old) by WindRivers (Wind River Range, WY) | ||
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I don't see any need to hurry as long as you have a washer that works now. But then, I believe in saving money for when I need it, not just spend it when I have it. I also don't believe you're going to change the weather in Texas by buying a FL and selling your TL. But if you really want a new washer, go for it. | ||
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Post# 1183841 , Reply# 7 6/30/2023 at 18:47 (302 days old) by RyneR1988 (Indianapolis) |
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Jeff, my goal in possibly doing this is to get ahead of the curve before the direct drive washer breaks down again. I am blind, my wife is disabled, and we can't easily repair things ourselves. When this machine was delivered to me from a used appliance store last year, it had a few malfunctions like the neutral drain not working right and the clutch was also going bad. I used it this way for several months until the clutch issue became so pronounced that clothes were noticeably wet after cycle completion, at which time I hired my bro-in-law to replace the clutch. He also changed the transmission to solve the neutral drain issue and put in a new drive coupler. I just always feel a bit nervous about such things happening again especially on a machine that's pushing 20 years old. Parts won't be available forever. If I buy a new machine now, I could possibly sell this one since it was recently repaired. I can see your point though and will consider keeping it until or unless something else goes wrong. I just fear being stuck is my only thing.
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| Post# 1183844 , Reply# 8 6/30/2023 at 19:54 (302 days old) by qsd-dan (West) | ||
 I'd use the DD until something fails. A new front loader is a phone call away and they'll disconnect, remove, and haul away the old machine while installing the new one and properly set it up. Just make sure they remove the shipping bolts. You choice of using a new water saving front loader will make zero difference in climate change. | ||
| Post# 1183849 , Reply# 9 6/30/2023 at 20:09 (302 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806) | ||
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Btw, all the wildfires are caused by not cleaning them of brush from using a control burn method to dispose of dead brush and vegetation. Brush doesn’t ignite from 100F heat, usually ignite from people either being careless and negligent like the people here in California when they were doing a gender reveal, or causing by metal road debris that’s kicked up by cars which will spark a fire if there so happens to be dead brush on the side of the road. | ||
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Post# 1183856 , Reply# 11 6/30/2023 at 21:34 (302 days old) by jamiel (Detroit, Michigan and Palm Springs, CA) |
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Post# 1183860 , Reply# 12 6/30/2023 at 21:50 (302 days old) by RyneR1988 (Indianapolis) |
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Well, the decision has been made for me, it would seem...
My wife's two-year-old iMac has developed a problem, started earlier this evening, where the screen has a big horrizontal gray/black streak in it. Google search tells me the inverter (lightbulb) is going out. So, yippee about getting to decide whether we repair or replace a two-year old machine. Fun times. So, obviously, the DD washer stays for a while. | ||
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Post# 1183874 , Reply# 13 7/1/2023 at 00:19 (302 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula) |
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Just a quick FYI, LG also has ADA compliant Braille control panels. You just need to request them, they're free. Some models are smart and they integrate seamlessly with Alexa, so you can use your voice to program the cycles exactly the way you want. | ||
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Post# 1183885 , Reply# 14 7/1/2023 at 02:12 (302 days old) by bradfordwhite (central U.S.) |
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Post# 1183908 , Reply# 15 7/1/2023 at 10:36 (301 days old) by RyneR1988 (Indianapolis) |
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Reply #14
It very easily could have been me. My VMW top load Whirlpool washer, bought new in 2016, died early last year. Since then, I've had two used washers that entered my house in less-than-steller condition. The Maytag A112 that replaced the VMW had been sitting in a barn for five years before it was put back into service in my home. It developed a leak after about 3 months, so along came the used direct drive because I couldn't afford a new machine at the time. It had the issues I described above. So, I've had the desire for a while to get off this train, but it doesn't look like it'll happen anytime soon at this point.
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| Post# 1184126 , Reply# 17 7/4/2023 at 05:46 (299 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY) | ||
Me chiming in with my little old opinion:
I have had 2005 FL washer for 18 years now...While I love the old school WP TL washers, it would be really hard for me to go back to one.. Just as it was hard for me to move from a TL to a FL washer. The first few months I HATED it..then it grew on me and now the only way I would want a TL washer is if I had no choice...as for modern FL washers... I would get an LG with turbo wash if I had to buy one right now...I can't vouch for LG personally... but I've seen them in action and heard they are easy to repair if something goes wrong....the way they are built everything is easily accessible for a tech.. | ||
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Post# 1184144 , Reply# 18 7/4/2023 at 12:01 (298 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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Front load washer, serviceability
The only full sized front load washer That’s easy to work on is a speed queen.
I can sit down in front of a Speed Queen front loader, take out for little screws and then takeoff one big half inch bolt and you have the entire front of the machine off and the entire front cover of the outer tub off. No other washer is easy to work on like that. Speed Queen’s don’t have any extra complicated gimmicks like recirculating pumps and dispenser systems for detergent and softener to go out of order. The recirculating system is stupid because there’s no filter you’re taking the dirty sediment from the sump and dumping it back on your clothing as it washes, it doesn’t accomplish a thing. There’s no real difference in the construction of any other full-size front loader that we work on regularly some have slight advantages and disadvantages but I don’t see any difference because they all use pretty much the same construction techniques with a huge plastic outer tub I would still go with a Whirlpool or Maytag front load washer. If you don’t wanna spend the money for a Speed Queen the next best one would be the full size GE’s at least you can get parts for all of these and anybody will work on them unlike LG and Samsung . John | ||
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Post# 1184166 , Reply# 19 7/4/2023 at 17:19 (298 days old) by JohnBee (USA, NY) |
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Front load washer, serviceability
BTW I'm a big Miele fan and its extremely easy to take it apart like a SpeedQueen but also like an LG!
Actually, I took apart my LG in 5 minutes, just by removing 5-6 screws from the front. Yes, SpeedQueen is built like a tank but this is it. I had to replace an LG pump, which cost something like $14 and was a simple stupid DIY. Actually, LG nowadays is SO simple that you can take the whole drum apart without special tools. and regarding recirculation pumps, I owned an LG and now a Miele. The LG is using the main pump filter to keep any lit. Also recirculation is proven to help and keep the clothes wet and soapy by all times. Its an old technology used by other vintage washers like Frigidaire, GE etc. I was tempted to buy a SpeedQueen as I had a 25% discount. But I did not. First of all a friend of mine owns a laundromat and he absolutely hates the new generation of SpeedQueen Front loaders. The whole "HORIZON" series is crap. He already replaced almost every single pump, detergent drawer, Door locks, and he's facing rust issues all over the place. I'm not paying this amount of money for a washer that is lacking internal heater, Sanitize cycle, and recirculation pump. I think LG is a great choice. I decided to go for Miele since I'm running more than 15 loads per week and I feel like the LG wouldn't keep up. | ||
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Post# 1184189 , Reply# 20 7/4/2023 at 22:10 (298 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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New front load washers
Hi John, some interesting thoughts, but
I want to see you take the drum out of an LG without any tools, there are no screws on the front of an LG washer you can’t just take the front off you have to take the top off first Frigidaire and GE did not use recirculation in front load washers in the past. No front load washer has a filter that takes out lint and sediment. Anything in the sump with a recirculation system will be just pumped back into the wash load over and over again. Speed Queen‘s horizon frontload washer was discontinued in 2005. How old are your friends machines? If you’re doing 15 loads a week in Miele you could be doing that in less than 10 in a full sized front loader. | ||
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Post# 1184203 , Reply# 21 7/5/2023 at 03:44 (298 days old) by JohnBee (USA, NY) |
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Talking about size
You're right. My friend's Laundromat is pretty old but the issues with HORIZON and the later SpeedQueen came up quite fast. He told me within the first 3-4 years.
Anyhow, Let's talk about capacity. I'm part of a Startup and we're offering laundry service from home. Is a good gig, good income with several benefits and tax write-offs. When I joined the team I had an LG (I think it was the 3770). Great machine, big drum BUT if you read between the lines the MAX capacity in LBS is ONLY 18-20. I was shocked. Then I had to call the LG support and they confirmed that you load the drum something like 3/4 or less. Shocked again. A Miele "Compact" Washer has a MAX Capacity of 18lbs. A rule from Miele is that as far as you can close the door it will do the job. Also every time you load to the max capacity an LG or GE or whatever, even with turbo wash the Normal cycle can we well over 2 hours. A Miele will do the work in 1 hour. Fun fact that SpeedQueen has a rated capacity of 3.5 cubic feet and can handle up to 22lbs while Miele can handle 18lbs on a 2.2 cubic feet drum. Yes you're right SpeedQueen can handle more than any other residential Front Loader in the Market, BUT... No heater, No satize cycle and compared to Miele 1600RPM .. Slow Spin Speed. (My dryer is running like 30% faster fully loaded after a 1600RPM Spin cycle compared to 1200RPM of the LG). | ||
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Post# 1184205 , Reply# 22 7/5/2023 at 04:57 (298 days old) by Logixx (Germany) |
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*rated* capacity | ||
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Post# 1184209 , Reply# 23 7/5/2023 at 07:04 (297 days old) by JohnBee (USA, NY) |
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14 Lbs? probably some years ago.
Miele washers in US is rated as 18lbs (8kg) on their website. My older W3035 yes it was a 14lbs. You can tell the difference. I tried once loading my LG up to the top. Which was probably what they advertise in Mexico. The machine would throw an error code and pump all the water out. The Error code was related to the motor. Same with a Samsung we bought on our vacation home. You DARE to load it full with towels and it won't start at all.
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Post# 1184217 , Reply# 24 7/5/2023 at 12:08 (297 days old) by Logixx (Germany) |
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Advertising
Not saying Miele are lying about the capacity, just saying that manufacturers can and do claim more or less whatever when it comes to capacity (in weight).
Miele Little Giant at 2.3 cu.ft. -> 15 lbs. Miele residential at 2.2 cu.ft. -> 18 lbs. Miele Little Giant at 2.6 cu.ft. -> 18 lbs. Hoover at 2 cu.ft. -> 20 lbs. Miele Professional at 2.8 cu.ft. -> 20 lbs. Bosch at 2.5 cu.ft. -> 22 lbs. My old Duet at 3.3 cu.ft -> 24 lbs. LG at 2.4 cu.ft -> 26.5 lbs. Hoover at 2.9 cu.ft. -> 30 lbs. Shenanigans | ||
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Post# 1184218 , Reply# 25 7/5/2023 at 12:57 (297 days old) by RyneR1988 (Indianapolis) |
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Reply #18
Hi John L,
Thank you for your opinion, I was hoping you would chime in because I know you are a proponent of front load washers and I value your expertise on the subject. The reason I wanted the LG over another brand like MT or WP is because I know that LG works well with the app. I was thinking the app would come in handy if the control panel proved difficult for me as a sight-impaired person. In other words, I was looking to the app to fill in the gaps so I could still use the machine independently. What is your opinion on the usability of the current MT/WP FL machines from the standpoint of someone who is blind? Are there buttons/dials that could be easily labeled, etc? Also as stated above I don't plan to replace my current washer yet. Some other financial obligations came up, so the DD is staying until further notice. This is fine with me as I do like the washer I have and it's not like I use a lot of water for only two people anyway. I tend to do very large loads on the highest water level every few days, so average about three loads every 10 days or so is how that probably works out. I could be wrong but I feel like doing full loads on the highest water level a few times is better than lots of small loads on lower levels. I'll keep y'all updated if my situation changes and I'm back on the market for a new machine. Ryne | ||
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