Thread Number: 94858
/ Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Replacing a Neptune |
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Post# 1194844   12/6/2023 at 12:14 by LWBarkley (Vale, NC)   |   | |
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We're looking to replace our Neptune front loader.
We could probably search for parts and repair it ourselves, but neither my husband nor I have the time or interest to do so. We're looking to buy a new one instead. We replaced the bearings in 2020 with help from knowledgeable people on this site, which gave us an additional three years of use. So, I feel like we got our money's worth and now it's time to move on. I might also buy a new dryer, even though our current one still works. Since our machines are visible in the mudroom where everyone enters the house, I want them to look good. I've attached a picture of our current setup. I'm not a fan of the large, spaceship-like machines available now. They're too big and don't seem reliable or long-lasting. I am not sure which direction I should go. I'm interested in Miele (specifically the W1 and T1 models) because I can build a counter around them and they have a good reputation for performance and durability. However, I'm concerned about practicality. I usually do smaller loads more frequently, so I don't need a huge drum. The Neptune has a 3.34 cu. ft. capacity but when I saw the floor model of the W1, it seemed shockingly small. I'm also unsure about the longer cycle times. I do laundry regularly but I can't spend four hours each day on one load. Additionally, I'm curious about how well they handle pet hair, as we have a Great Pyrenees, and the information I found on pet hair in the honeycomb drum is mixed. I also like SQ front loaders. They have a similar size, design, performance, and features to the Neptune, and our setup would look similar. However, the price is quite high. It would be a stretch for our budget, and I'm struggling to justify spending that much on a washer and dryer. Am I wrong? Another option is the SQ TR7. I like its classic look, and the price is comparable to the Miele. The only drawback is that it's a top loader, which would prevent us from placing things on top of it which happens all of the time since our washer is next to the mudroom door. I'm contradicting myself here, but the salesperson at our local appliance store and a coworker of mine both recommended an Electrolux. They are big and spaceship-like, and I'm concerned about their durability. Is there any reason I should consider their suggestion? Lastly, are there any new machines with a capacity of around 3.5 cu. ft. that I may have overlooked? I would appreciate hearing your opinions.
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Post# 1194852 , Reply# 2   12/6/2023 at 13:14 by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)   |   | |
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We had a Neptune set before and we replaced them both with an LG. They work just as well if not better than our Neptunes. Our local appliance technician who's fixed our appliances over the years says that LG is the brand that they've repaired the least when it comes to washers and dryers. We've been really pleased with them overall. I've used an Electrolux before and it was terrible. I've never used a Miele before but I don't like the sizes of their capacities, I wish Miele would go back to selling bigger sets here. Speed Queen would be a good option but they're pricy. I've used a TR7 which I really like but I'd recommend a TC5 over it. I've heard good things about their front loaders but my LG has a built in heater, jets, and a steam option but costs WAY much less.
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Post# 1194866 , Reply# 4   12/6/2023 at 16:54 by appnut (TX)   |   | |
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Post# 1194885 , Reply# 5   12/6/2023 at 21:04 by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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I would definitely consider the Speed Queen front load first. I would also keep the Neptune dryer that will give you enough money to get the better front load washer, the Maytag dryer can easily be kept running, for it likely another decade or two.
You will love the Speed Queen front loader when you see how well it handles, heavy loads and unbalanced loads. It also never tangles like the Neptune could with certain loads. The Speed Queen is also much quieter and more stable on the floor as a much better cabinet structure. I would not buy any modern top load washer, especially since you’ve already had the advantages of a good front load washer. John |
Post# 1194897 , Reply# 6   12/7/2023 at 05:33 by LWBarkley (Vale, NC)   |   | |
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I appreciate the feedback. I think the LGs would look the best but after sleeping on it, I’m leaning towards keeping the Neptune dryer and purchasing the SQ front loader. It feels wasteful to get a new dryer when this one works fine. I think I could embrace the mismatched look if it meant reliability and a solid machine.
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Post# 1194901 , Reply# 7   12/7/2023 at 07:49 by jamiel (Detroit, Michigan and Palm Springs, CA)   |   | |
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Post# 1194906 , Reply# 8   12/7/2023 at 09:55 by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Post# 1195000 , Reply# 9   12/8/2023 at 17:25 by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)   |   | |
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One thing to note of about keeping the dryer. While the dryer still works fine for you and that's great, the question you'd want to ask is how much longer will it last for? Chances are it could last for another 10 years or it could last for another month. Who knows but it's definitely a gamble. When we had our Neptune dryer replaced, the matching washer lasted for about 5 years which wasn't too bad but I wished it could've lasted longer than that. Having to replace a laundry machine a few years apart from each other just seems kinda wasteful in my opinion. I mean I'm a type of person where I'd rather replace both machines at the same time to save on some things like trips, delivery, fees, etc. Plus with having another new machine, you're basically refreshed on parts that would last for a very long time without having any worries in the short term. And if you sell your working dryer to someone who needs one, you can get some cash back on towards a new dryer. But when the dryer breaks, it'd be harder to sell and not earn as much cash back. Anyways, that's my two cents here. Good luck on what you choose to do.
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Post# 1195006 , Reply# 10   12/8/2023 at 20:27 by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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When you’re buying a new washer, in the case of your Neptune dryer, it could last another 10 to 20 years with a few minor repairs, even replacing a motor will seem very cheap compared to spending one to $2000 for a new dryer that will work no better Than the existing dryer. It’s also very wasteful to trash a perfectly working machine, washers and dryers, have a very different lifespan things that deal with water have much shorter life, garbage disposals, washing machines, water heaters, dishwashers, etc. Ranges, dryers furnaces, and many other appliances last much longer. Not everybody was born with a silver spoon in their mouth, there’s really no reason to replace things at work perfectly well that’s how you get ahead in life is not throwing money away just because you can. John |
Post# 1195009 , Reply# 11   12/8/2023 at 20:50 by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Post# 1196269 , Reply# 13   12/30/2023 at 09:45 by appnut (TX)   |   | |
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