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Post by Skellinton on Feb 4, 2021 18:20:09 GMT
So, someone had their washing machine die today and we need a new one. This one served us well for 22+ years! Excited about getting one that uses less water, but kind of in a hurry. It isn’t like I want to spend time in a laundromat during a pandemic!
Which brand should one be looking for? Agitator or no? I think one without would be delightful, but I think I read here we really do need one? We have hideously hard water if that makes any sort of difference.
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scorpeao
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,521
Location: NorCal USA
Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
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Post by scorpeao on Feb 4, 2021 18:31:06 GMT
I have a top loader without an agitator and I love it. I didn't want all the bells and whistles because the more computer crap it has the faster you'll need repairs/new one. My only complaint about mine is it's rather loud. It used to be in the kitchen, and when I'd do laundry my dog wouldn't step foot in the kitchen. It's now in the garage, and my dog still steers clear of the kitchen when she hears the washer.
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Post by lucyg on Feb 4, 2021 18:47:37 GMT
Let me preface this by admitting that I have no interest in comparative shopping. Usually I get an idea of features and quality by reading the latest Consumer Reports report on the specific appliance, and then just buy whatever is on sale at Costco. That said, I had to buy a new set in December 2019. I chose a Samsung top-loading (no agitator) set. Front-loaders freak me out a bit. Samsung admittedly didn’t get great reviews, but my set has been trouble-free. I’m still a little intimidated (my old set was 20+ years old, too) but we get along fine. One warning about these new top-loaders ... they are very, very deep. I had to buy long-handled tongs to be able to reach little kid socks stuck on the bottom. Truthfully, I very rarely need them, but once in a while, they’re a lifesaver. If you’re taller than I am, maybe you’ll be fine. ETA things do wash differently in the no-agitator machines. They tend to roll up into little balls. I take some time transferring things to the dryer, and make sure everything is uncrumpled and fluffed a little before drying. On the other hand, I am now able to wash my large comforters and sleeping bags in my home washer. That’s worth a lot to me. I broke an agitator years ago washing a king-size comforter, so I just stopped washing big things in the machine after that.
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styxgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,866
Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on Feb 4, 2021 18:51:51 GMT
My last TWO, expensive, fancy front loaders both blew bearings and were super-stinky. So, it was a top loader for me.
We went with one with no agitator but that had a “deep fill” function to add more water to a cycle.
We went with a smart one so we can be notified when the loads are done.
So far, I really like the LG set we bought.
As a previous poster said, sometimes I have to really reach in to get stuff off of the bottom and I'm 5’ 5” Long tongs are an EXCELLENT suggestion.
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Post by Skellinton on Feb 4, 2021 18:51:59 GMT
Let me preface this by admitting that I have no interest in comparative shopping. Usually I get an idea of features and quality by reading the latest Consumer Reports report on the specific appliance, and then just buying whatever is on sale at Costco. That said, I had to buy a new set in December 2019. I chose a Samsung top-loading (no agitator) set. Front-loaders freak me out a bit. Samsung admittedly didn’t get great reviews, but my set has been trouble-free. I’m still a little intimidated (my old set was 20+ years old, too) but we get along fine. One warning about these new top-loaders ... they are very, very deep. I had to buy long-handled tongs to be able to reach little kid socks stuck on the bottom. Truthfully, I very rarely need them, but once in a while, they’re a lifesaver. If you’re taller than I am, maybe you’ll be fine. That is funny! I will make sure I get a set of tongs to keep with our laundry bins. I am just normal height, my husband is taller but he is not normally home on my laundry day. Right now he is home all the damn time. 🙂
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Post by Skellinton on Feb 4, 2021 18:54:09 GMT
Top loader only for sure. That is the only thing I am adamant about. My cousin has one that is GE that she loves. Even has a bloody option. I did mention my husband is home all. The. Damn. Time didn't I? Any thoughts on that brand? We could pick one of those up today.
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Post by lucyg on Feb 4, 2021 18:58:31 GMT
I’ve heard better things about LG than Samsung, but as I said, my Samsung experience has been fine.
In case you missed it, I added some more info to my post. Just rambling a bit. ha ha
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Post by lily on Feb 4, 2021 18:59:17 GMT
I am sure to be in the minority here, but I have a front loader and LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. I have NEVER (truly, not just saying it) NEVER had odors or mold or anything like that. The door has a little magnet that holds it slightly open when not in use so it always dries out very well. I can put a king sized comforter in there with no problem.
The first one I had was a Kenmore Elite and was perfect, lasted 14 years. The current one is an LG and it's been great, the only one complaint is occasionally it is a little loud when it spins - but once the load is balanced enough it is fine.
So there ya go. My two cents!!
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Anita
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,640
Location: Kansas City -ish
Jun 27, 2014 2:38:58 GMT
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Post by Anita on Feb 4, 2021 20:24:38 GMT
Our last set was front loading. I thought I would love them. Hated them, and they were constantly in need of de-funking. The odors. Ugh! Now we have a top loader super capacity with no agitator, and I LOVE this thing. Yes, they are definitely deep, though.
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tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,860
Jun 26, 2014 22:49:09 GMT
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Post by tracylynn on Feb 4, 2021 20:28:08 GMT
One warning about these new top-loaders ... they are very, very deep. I had to buy long-handled tongs to be able to reach little kid socks stuck on the bottom. Truthfully, I very rarely need them, but once in a while, they’re a lifesaver. If you’re taller than I am, maybe you’ll be fine.On the other hand, I am now able to wash my large comforters and sleeping bags in my home washer. That’s worth a lot to me. I broke an agitator years ago washing a king-size comforter, so I just stopped washing big things in the machine after that. Snort! This is me. Exactly me. I am mocked profusely by friends and family over this! I bought Whirlpools - top loading, no agitator. Love it. I didn't want to have to take big blankets or comforters to a laundry mat, so this is perfect.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Feb 4, 2021 20:59:41 GMT
I have the LG large capacity top loader w/o agitator. It's also got a steam feature which is handy when I need to sanitize something washable. It's been a great machine so far (5 years) and does a very good job cleaning. I would buy an LG again with no hesitation. lucyg must be shorter than me! I'm 5'4", and while it is a stretch (literally) to get to the bottom, I've managed so far.
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Post by maryland on Feb 4, 2021 21:17:07 GMT
I have a top loader without an agitator and I love it. I didn't want all the bells and whistles because the more computer crap it has the faster you'll need repairs/new one. My only complaint about mine is it's rather loud. It used to be in the kitchen, and when I'd do laundry my dog wouldn't step foot in the kitchen. It's now in the garage, and my dog still steers clear of the kitchen when she hears the washer. That's what I wanted, but my husband will only buy what consumer reports recommends, so we spent more than I wanted on an LG top loader. It says it has an agitator, but I don't see one in there! But I am used the the tall middle agitator that we had when we first bought a washer (2 washers ago).
Our new washer works well, but you have to push a lot of buttons to get it on ans started. Our former one just a couple twists and it's ready! I always have to push the button 4 times to get cold water. It would be nice if I could set a "default" setting.
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Post by maryland on Feb 4, 2021 21:20:27 GMT
Let me preface this by admitting that I have no interest in comparative shopping. Usually I get an idea of features and quality by reading the latest Consumer Reports report on the specific appliance, and then just buy whatever is on sale at Costco. That said, I had to buy a new set in December 2019. I chose a Samsung top-loading (no agitator) set. Front-loaders freak me out a bit. Samsung admittedly didn’t get great reviews, but my set has been trouble-free. I’m still a little intimidated (my old set was 20+ years old, too) but we get along fine. One warning about these new top-loaders ... they are very, very deep. I had to buy long-handled tongs to be able to reach little kid socks stuck on the bottom. Truthfully, I very rarely need them, but once in a while, they’re a lifesaver. If you’re taller than I am, maybe you’ll be fine. ETA things do wash differently in the no-agitator machines. They tend to roll up into little balls. I take some time transferring things to the dryer, and make sure everything is uncrumpled and fluffed a little before drying. On the other hand, I am now able to wash my large comforters and sleeping bags in my home washer. That’s worth a lot to me. I broke an agitator years ago washing a king-size comforter, so I just stopped washing big things in the machine after that. You mentioned it was very deep. Interesting, because I thought ours was so deep because my husband got the bigger model. I am tall, and it's still hard to reach. That's the only thing that bothered me when we got it, but I didn't say anything to my husband because he says I always complain when we get new stuff (haha). Now I feel much better about mine since that's the way they come with newer ones. We got ours in Aug.
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Post by littlemama on Feb 4, 2021 21:20:48 GMT
We bought a top loading, no agitator LG washer and dryer (the first time we have ever bought a matched set at the same time lol)
Things I love about the washer- button for extra water and extra rinse. Huge. Pretty quiet. Fast
Things I dont love- Im short. Getting those last socks and underwear out is a pain.
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Post by librarylady on Feb 4, 2021 21:24:19 GMT
I have a top loader with agitator. We opted for a "no frills" washer. The previous washer served us well, but had 14 possible washing selections. I used 2-3 so this time, I found a washer with only those 3 choices and it has served us well. It is a GE about 6 years old.
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Post by maryland on Feb 4, 2021 21:26:25 GMT
Top loader only for sure. That is the only thing I am adamant about. My cousin has one that is GE that she loves. Even has a bloody option. I did mention my husband is home all. The. Damn. Time didn't I? Any thoughts on that brand? We could pick one of those up today. Okay, two questions! What is a "bloody option"? Second, what does your husband being home all the time have to do with it? Are you trying to pick what you want and he is trying to tell you what to get? Or are you venting? I get nothing done when my family is home! My 17 yr. old got covid early Nov. (the girl she sits next to at lunch, only time with no masks, had it). So the whole family had to quarantine for 24 days. I was the biggest crab and got nothing done! And I am sure they didn't enjoy being around me all day every day either! I read somewhere that cleaning while your family is home is like brushing teeth and eating oreos!
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milocat
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,418
Location: 55 degrees north in Alberta, Canada
Mar 18, 2015 4:10:31 GMT
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Post by milocat on Feb 4, 2021 21:28:33 GMT
Had a front loader, it never smelt but it's dry here. It used no water and didn't wash well. Our clothes are not dirty, just cat hair and it couldn't remove it. It broke last summer. Got a LG top load (and matching dryer) it has water in it even when it's not on deep fill. Clothes come out clean!
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Post by workingclassdog on Feb 4, 2021 21:30:02 GMT
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Post by Skellinton on Feb 4, 2021 21:39:15 GMT
Top loader only for sure. That is the only thing I am adamant about. My cousin has one that is GE that she loves. Even has a bloody option. I did mention my husband is home all. The. Damn. Time didn't I? Any thoughts on that brand? We could pick one of those up today. Okay, two questions! What is a "bloody option"? Second, what does your husband being home all the time have to do with it? Are you trying to pick what you want and he is trying to tell you what to get? Or are you venting? I get nothing done when my family is home! My 17 yr. old got covid early Nov. (the girl she sits next to at lunch, only time with no masks, had it). So the whole family had to quarantine for 24 days. I was the biggest crab and got nothing done! And I am sure they didn't enjoy being around me all day every day either! I read somewhere that cleaning while your family is home is like brushing teeth and eating oreos! I don’t really know what the bloody option is, just that it exists. I was just joking that the bloody option might come in handy to cover up any crimes either one of us would commit due to all the togetherness.
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Post by lucyg on Feb 4, 2021 21:45:11 GMT
I have the LG large capacity top loader w/o agitator. It's also got a steam feature which is handy when I need to sanitize something washable. It's been a great machine so far (5 years) and does a very good job cleaning. I would buy an LG again with no hesitation. lucyg must be shorter than me! I'm 5'4", and while it is a stretch (literally) to get to the bottom, I've managed so far. You ARE taller than me. I used to be 5’3”, but I think I’m 5’2” or maybe even a little shorter now. I can’t reach the third shelf of my kitchen cabinets anymore, and I used to be able to.
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Post by Skellinton on Feb 4, 2021 21:47:19 GMT
Thank you for all the suggestions, during normal times we would go in and look at them, but I really don’t feel like that is the best option now.
All these “smart” ones are so weird, what exactly are the benefits of having a smart washer? I still have to put the clothes in and transfer them to the dryer, correct? What could a smart washer really offer me?
You guys are basically confirming our choices, so that is good. We will see which one we can get our hands on first!
Darn thing we have now broke with a load of jeans and fleece in it, and it won’t drain. The fleece items are like giant sponges! Trying to wring out the jeans wore me out. The fleece will have to wait. Of course yesterday was beautiful and dry, today it is raining so I can’t even toss them outside to dry on a makeshift clothes line.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Feb 4, 2021 21:50:18 GMT
All these “smart” ones are so weird, what exactly are the benefits of having a smart washer? Other than possibly troubleshooting issues, I haven't come up with any advantages of these smart appliances with apps. Whether or not it was "smart" would not be the driving force in my decision
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scorpeao
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,521
Location: NorCal USA
Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
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Post by scorpeao on Feb 4, 2021 21:51:20 GMT
I have a top loader without an agitator and I love it. I didn't want all the bells and whistles because the more computer crap it has the faster you'll need repairs/new one. My only complaint about mine is it's rather loud. It used to be in the kitchen, and when I'd do laundry my dog wouldn't step foot in the kitchen. It's now in the garage, and my dog still steers clear of the kitchen when she hears the washer. That's what I wanted, but my husband will only buy what consumer reports recommends, so we spent more than I wanted on an LG top loader. It says it has an agitator, but I don't see one in there! But I am used the the tall middle agitator that we had when we first bought a washer (2 washers ago).
Our new washer works well, but you have to push a lot of buttons to get it on ans started. Our former one just a couple twists and it's ready! I always have to push the button 4 times to get cold water. It would be nice if I could set a "default" setting.
I just read the reviews. I'm not sure who the maker is on mine...whirlpool maybe. It was very highly rated, except people said it was loud. The only thing I hate is the lid locks. You have to hold the button for three seconds to unlock it, and it only works before the machine has filled. I miss the days of just opening the lid and throwing something in. When you're in a hurry three seconds feels like an eternity.
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Post by Linda on Feb 4, 2021 21:51:46 GMT
I'm really happy with my Samsung top-loader, no agitator. It even sings to me when it's done
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Post by Skellinton on Feb 4, 2021 21:51:48 GMT
All these “smart” ones are so weird, what exactly are the benefits of having a smart washer? Other than possibly troubleshooting issues, I haven't come up with any advantages of these smart appliances with apps. Whether or not it was "smart" would not be the driving force in my decision Oh, it totally doesn’t matter to me at all, I just can’t figure out what they will do. Seriously, the only driving force for me is top loading and pick up soon. All the ones we are looking at have that though.
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Post by Skellinton on Feb 4, 2021 21:52:53 GMT
I'm really happy with my Samsung top-loader, no agitator. It even sings to me when it's done Oh god, our dryer does that and I wish to holy hell it didn’t. Mostly because I run the dryer at night. I guess I won’t mind the washer singing at me.
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Post by artsyk on Feb 4, 2021 21:54:21 GMT
We bought a LG top loaded with no agitator and I love it!
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Post by maryland on Feb 4, 2021 22:02:11 GMT
Okay, two questions! What is a "bloody option"? Second, what does your husband being home all the time have to do with it? Are you trying to pick what you want and he is trying to tell you what to get? Or are you venting? I get nothing done when my family is home! My 17 yr. old got covid early Nov. (the girl she sits next to at lunch, only time with no masks, had it). So the whole family had to quarantine for 24 days. I was the biggest crab and got nothing done! And I am sure they didn't enjoy being around me all day every day either! I read somewhere that cleaning while your family is home is like brushing teeth and eating oreos! I don’t really know what the bloody option is, just that it exists. I was just joking that the bloody option might come in handy to cover up any crimes either one of us would commit due to all the togetherness. Haha, I get it now!
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Feb 4, 2021 22:02:49 GMT
Check with your credit card. Our card doubles the warranty up to an extra year.
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Post by maryland on Feb 4, 2021 22:07:07 GMT
That's what I wanted, but my husband will only buy what consumer reports recommends, so we spent more than I wanted on an LG top loader. It says it has an agitator, but I don't see one in there! But I am used the the tall middle agitator that we had when we first bought a washer (2 washers ago).
Our new washer works well, but you have to push a lot of buttons to get it on ans started. Our former one just a couple twists and it's ready! I always have to push the button 4 times to get cold water. It would be nice if I could set a "default" setting.
I just read the reviews. I'm not sure who the maker is on mine...whirlpool maybe. It was very highly rated, except people said it was loud. The only thing I hate is the lid locks. You have to hold the button for three seconds to unlock it, and it only works before the machine has filled. I miss the days of just opening the lid and throwing something in. When you're in a hurry three seconds feels like an eternity. Me too! I have to hold the pause button for a while before it unlocks. And yes, it seems so long and sometimes I have to do it a few times because I keep finding more. And have to do it early in the wash because it doesn't open after that. And I miss the ones where you lift the lid too!
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