Maytag washer lasted 25 years! but died today - what other brands are this reliable?

Question

I'm in the market for a new washer dryer combo - it may not have to last another 25 years but I would like to know it's almost as reliable. What brands can you recommend? (if you have any stores you can recommend in the Bay Area that would help, too)

Answer 1

Check out Consumer Reports, they will steer you to very reliable models, I would try to stay away from Kenmore from Sears, since Kenmores tend to be made from any manufacturer.

Questions to ask yourself before looking at machines include: How many loads a week are you washing?, Have any kids?, Are you on a city water system or a well?

The answers to those questions can lead you to a machine that could save you money in the long run.

Take for instance the fact that most top-load washers use 40- 50 gallons of water each load, if you are only doing 2-3 loads a week, you might be better off going with a less expensive top-loader, but if you have kids and are doing more like 6-8 loads a week, might want to look at a front loader which usually only use 12-20 gallons of water per load.

Sure a front loader is more expensive outright, but think how much money you are saving on water bills. Another advantage of a front-loader is that they use less detergent. If you have soft water (water that doesn't have a lot of minerals in it) you barely have to use any detergent at all, since you are using less water, the detergent doesn't get as dilluted. More savings there.

Another thing you might want to look at is a washer that incorporates a heating unit. This feature is nice if you have kids, since the heating unit brings water into the drum at the correct temperature for the detergent to activate, and there are even washers out on the market that will keep the water temperature at the proper temperature throughout the cycle.

If you can, look at the Whirlpools and see if you can find a place that carries Bosch (yes, like the power tool company). Bosch machines are famous for their quietness and actually have a more European approach to laundry, less harsh chemicals, more time and higher temperatures.

Answer 2

Please stay away from Maytags for now. They seem to have lost their edge and are not the top brand in washer and dryers by far. We had a set of Maytags W & D from 1968 until 1995. and stupidly didn't read CR before we chose a new set. Replaced them with Maytags and have we have regretted it ever since. The washer has leaked tranmission fluid and requires an bi-annual seal replacement, cost $140 the first time but now my husband and father collaboratively do the repair. Also Maytag Neptune was so bad there was a class action law suit brought for mold mildew, odors and "performance not as advertised" against them in 2004 which Maytag settled Please go to your local library and check Consumer Reports Feb 2007. Most libraries have a subscription if you want to read the article and get further info. They have a great guide for selecting and explain the features as you can get overwhelmed with all the new bells and whistles so this helps to narrow it down.
My mother bought the Kenmore Elite HE front loading washer and matching dryer a few years ago and she loves them. You can wash large comforters and pillows with no problem. And the her clothes seem like there is less wear and tear with front loading. We will be purchasing the same as soon as we get to that part of of our current huge remodeling job. Good Luck


But this is the top 3 of each:

Top loading washers (HE is high water efficiency)
Whirlpool cabrio HE WTW66005
Kenmore Elite Oasis HE 2708
Whirlpool Cabrio and Kenmore Oasis were #3 & #4 and rated poorly on water efficiency because HE uses much less water but rated as well in all other categories.
The first listed Maytag is 12th from top and not rated well at all.

Front Loading Washers Top 3
Bosch Nexxt 500 WM2688H
Kenmore Elite HE 4T Several models listed
Whirlpool Duet HT GHW9400P

Dryers
GE Profile Harmony DPGT750EC
LG DLE 5977
Kenmore Elite 6697
Kenmore Elite Oasis 6706
LG Tromm DLE8377

My father has been taking Consumer Reports since its inception in the 70s and my husband and I continue the tradition. They are seldom ever wrong, however that car seat mistake a few months back was bad. There is also epinions.com where you can read evaluations directly from people who own what you're looking for. I got great advice from epinions on choosing my husband's Anniversary present , a Table Saw, which has been deemed terrific by all his weekend warrior cronies.

Answer 3

Whirlpool is well known for the least breakdowns of any brand of appliance, and I can attest to both brands Whirlpool has been the best brand I have ever had no breakdowns of any kind on any of my whirlpool brand appliances, I have many. I also have a Maytag, that brand is no good as far as I am concerned always problems with it, I too will be in the market for a new washer and dryer soon, and I plan on purchasing Whirlpool brand washer and dryer. Go with Whirlpool thats the best brand. Good Luck !

Answer 4

Check out www.shop.com and do a search on washing machines. Then you will find some helpful links on info on choosing a brand. This helped me.

Also, try to find a washer that still has a metal basket, I think the plastic ones break more often. It will be more expensive, but better in the long run. Good luck!

Answer 5

Kenmore - Without a doubt have been the best choice for us. We were going thru washing machines and dryers until we bought a Kenmore. Thats the only brand of appliance I will buy now.

Answer 6

Whirlpool now owns Maytag They are both good machines but don't expect 25 yrs from a machine nowadays. Go for a mid range machine and keep it simple. you should get 8 to 10 yrs from them.

Answer 7

no longer Maytag - speaking from several bad experiences - their dryer seems okay. Maytag is like GMC. It is living on yesterday's reputation. Suggest you purchase an import. The US lost the ability to manufacturer anything decent.

Answer 8

My Kenmore washer lived 28 years, and my Kenmore dryer lasted 30. I don't know if today's models are that efficient or not.

Answer 9

Any Sears brand because Sears makes Maytag as well as Kenmore and many others.

Answer 10

Kenmore from Sears