96 replies to this topic

[paqcrewmama]

Okay, called our local repairman and asked him what HE had and he said a Roper, made by Whirlpool.  Nothing fancy but direct drive and well-priced.  He DID recommend getting their top line model.  Any opinions or thoughts?

[Pegi]

Simpler is better, less to break...get the Roper, same washer, less bling....;)

[ncbill]

Is there really so little love for Speed Queen?

I thought their top-loaders had the reputation of being built like bricks.

Their front-loaders look attractive.

There are at least 3 SQ dealers in my local area.

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

[user=9831]ncbill[/user] wrote:

Is there really so little love for Speed Queen?

You won't find much love for them among servicers who've had the misfortune of replacing a hub seal on them.

I thought their top-loaders had the reputation of being built like bricks.

Those days are long gone, Budrow. Nowadays, SQ is just another box of bolts waiting to rust out and die.

Their front-loaders look attractive.

Looks ain't everything. I'll take a solidly-built but plain looking washer, like the Roper that Pegi mentioned, over a slick-looking bolt-bucket every time.

[Scottthewolf]

I second what the Samurai said.  Today those Speed Queen top load washers have one of the worst repair records in the industry, and they need alot of special tools to repair them and they are not easy to repair.

[stopthemadness]

Thank you to everyone for all of the great info.  I was on the brink of buying a Bosch (and considering an LG) but am now considering a WP Duet based on the posts here.  I'd appreciate input on the following questions:

1.  Should I still consider Bosch?

2.  The washer is going in a condo, small closet between 2 bedrooms, wood floor.  Can anyone speak to vibration problems and which model is the lesser evil?

 3.  Duets - Are the Sport models as good as the larger capacity?  Any Duet model okay?

4.  We have an ancient Kenmore toploader (inherited when we bought the condo), I haven't even considered repair.  Should I?

I need to pull the trigger on this one.  Thanks!

[Pegi]

I would avoid the Sport, thing is made in Mexico and is not like the full sized Duet....all are going to cause vibration problems on a wood floor unless it is really sturdy and re-inforced...what is wrong with your current washer and what is the model number?

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

The Whirlpool Duet (not the Sport) is the BMW of washers-- mechanically solid but fraught with weird electrical problems.

[stopthemadness]

It's leaking, puddles on the floor under the dryer (they are side by side).  I'm at work so I don't have the model # handy.

[stopthemadness]

Okay, home now.  The model # is Kenmore 110.72880110.  The water seems to come from underneath not the hoses or connections.  I didn't think about repair initially because it would be nice to have a more updated, efficient model.  Plus the agitator gets stuck a lot. 

 

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Stopthemadness, this is a topic about which washer to buy, where people can weigh in with their opinions and experiences. You are attempting to hijack this topic with a repair question about a specific washer. Stop the madness! Start a new topic in the laundry forum.

[stopthemadness]

 I was only responding to Pegi - Quote "I would avoid the Sport, thing is made in Mexico and is not like the full sized Duet....all are going to cause vibration problems on a wood floor unless it is really sturdy and re-inforced...what is wrong with your current washer and what is the model number?"

Sorry.  I'm not crafty enough to do any hijacking.  And all I really want is a new washer!  Re your BMW analogy - would you buy a BMW?

[Pegi]

Yes, this is not the posters fault, I asked him the question...if you would be so kind to start a new thread in the laundry forum I will be happy to address your questions on your old belt driven WP washer...sorry for the problems....Pegi

[stopthemadness]

[user=533]Pegi[/user] wrote:

Yes, this is not the posters fault, I asked him the question...if you would be so kind to start a new thread in the laundry forum I will be happy to address your questions on your old belt driven WP washer...sorry for the problems....Pegi

Thanks Pegi.  As I said, I'm pretty keen on a new washer but I will start a new thread in repair because I would like to hear what you have to say on that matter.

No one has said anything about the Bosch?  Not recommended?  Or is it just not as much experience in dealing with that Brand?

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Even though it violates the 5th Law of the Prophecy, I like the Bosch washer. And the service manual is purrrrdy!

[Scottthewolf]

I, on the other hand, despise Bosch appliances period. 

Their technical assistance is lousy, their machines have alot of problems, and nothing on ANY of their machines allow easy access to repair anything.

The same goes for LG.

[stopthemadness]

[user=19296]Scottthewolf[/user] wrote:

I, on the other hand, despise Bosch appliances period. 

Their technical assistance is lousy, their machines have alot of problems, and nothing on ANY of their machines allow easy access to repair anything.

The same goes for LG.

Yeah, but how do you really feel?  Seriously, I appreciate the info.

So if I go the WP route, excluding the Sport, is any one model better than the other.  Or maybe the better thing to ask is.  Any model to stay away from?  Thanks.

[Scottthewolf]

I would stay away from the  Whirlpool Cabrio until it has proven itself to be a reliable machine.

Any other Whirlpool washer should be pretty reliable, be it a top loader or a front loader Whirlpool.

[candlmanct]

Due to space constraints, my inlaws need to buy a stackable washer / dryer.  I will be the one stuck moving and working on them every time there is a problem so I am looking for machines with a good track record and that can be worked on from the front for common problems.  I have a Duet front loader but I have had a few problems with it.  I have read good things about the Duet so my machine may just be a lemon.  Any advice on purchasing a reliable stackable machine would be appreciated.

[Scottthewolf]

The Duet washer and dryer can be stacked, but be prepared to have 2 people handy to remove the dryer from the washer if it needs to be removed.