Washing machines - call for opinions

[celticdragonfly]

Looks like selenite and I may be about to buy a new washing machine.

Short form - our 9+ year old washer has problems, repair dude said it'd cost $280-odd to fix it. That's probably more than half the cost of a new one, we're thinking.

So we're going to be looking into replacement. Maybe shopping some tonight, maybe later. Not sure where yet, either.

Anyway. The old one is a large capacity. I'd *like* to get a MEGA capacity, but doubt I can afford that, but I gotta have the large capacity.

Other than that - suggestions? Advice? Avoid brand X? Make sure we get one with those nifty new Left-handed Dingleboppers that they didn't have 9 years ago? Talk to me, people.

EDIT: On the various advice about frontloaders - it occurs to me that might really help with the "training Maggie to help with the laundry more" plan. Hm. How do you put the soap into those things?

Comments

Front loaders

[dawn-pillsbury.livejournal.com]

a_steep_hill and I have been very happy with the Equator (http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Large_Appliances-All-Washing_Machines-Equator_Ventless_Clothes_Processor_EZ_3600C/display_~reviews) front-loading washing machine/dryer we got second-hand a year ago (from a couple who had the mangiest dog in existance and found it wasn't up to cleaning all the rags the dog generated - luckily the wet dog smell came out with a vinegar rinse).

Its only disadvantage is that it's designed for use indoors, therefore has no vent and thus the dryer component isn't terribly robust (takes hours to get things mostly dry). Fortunately, we have a long clothesline.

I highly recommend getting a front-loading machine (http://www.epinions.com/search/?submitted_form=searchbar&search_string=front+loading&tax_name=Washing+Machines&dyn_nav=0&dyn_nav_id=&search_vertical=t103377&searchbar_submit=Search). They use less soap and water and get the clothes *much* cleaner.

Re: Front loaders

[celticdragonfly.livejournal.com]

Fortunately the dryer is still pretty new - had to replace it when we moved here 3 years ago, as we had a gas dryer and the house requires electric. We freecycled the old one. Sadly, we are *not allowed* to use a clothesline outside here, which annoys me.

Re: Front loaders

[a-steep-hill.livejournal.com]

I want to echo the recommendation for a front-loading washer. Everything I've heard about them turns out to be true. They use less water, produce cleaner clothes with less residual soap, and put less wear on clothes. Best of all, the super-fast spin cycle gets the clothes much dryer than a standard washer, which saves both drying time and energy. With an electric dryer, you may actually notice a reduction in your electricity bill, depending on your rates and total usage.

Our use of a combo washer/dryer is necessitated by our particular situation. The dryer system sucks (especially because it's just 120V electric), but the washer portion works great.

Also, front-loaders tend to allow you to do larger loads in proportion to the size of the drum. Our Equator is small, but can wash nearly as much in a load as a top-loader. The full-size front loaders actually have a bigger capacity than what you're probably used to.

The only brand-specific advice I would have is to watch out for Neptune units -- there was a successful class-action suit against the manufacturer a couple of years ago, due to reliability issues. Presumably they've fixed the new units, but if you buy used, don't get Neptune.

Also, you can find a list of energy efficient washers here (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=clotheswash.pr_clothes_washers).

Re: Front loaders

[archangelbeth]

Thirding it. I can wash "hand wash" stuff in the front-loader, too!

Re: Front loaders

[nlbarber]

And fourth. I'm pleased with my new (since last summer) front-loader as a general concept, though it's got enough quirks that I wouldn't recommend this brand (Maytag). I bought a smaller sized one anyway, for my one-person household. When I need to wash the comforter, I go to my sister-in-law's...

Detergent in mine goes in a pull-out drawer at the top, as does softener if you use it. "High efficiency" liquid is what they recommend.

Re: Front loaders

[a-steep-hill.livejournal.com]

You might find an affordable front-loader on the Dallas/Fort Worth Craigslist (http://dallas.craigslist.org/search/hsh?query=front%20washer). You might also find that there is a Craigslist closer to you (http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/tx).