Mexican-Built Whirlpool Duet OK to Buy?

[slantsixdan]

Had very good success with a German-built Whirlpool Duet in one house. Now need to put a washer in another house, and I'm looking at the Whirlpool WFW9450WW. Built in Mexico, not Germany (any more?). I don't have any particular allegiance or animus towards or against either country; I own plenty of stuff made both places, but in this particular case, is there any reason to avoid this one/pick a different model?

[slantsixdan]

Update: Having found and read this thread, I'm no longer too keen on the Mexican-made Duet. What's the word on a Bosch WFVC3300UC? Bosch rep says it's made in North Carolina.

[Scottthewolf]

I wouldn't have a Bosch in my house even if it was given to me.  I don't like ANY of the front loading washers. You pay twice as much as a top loader when you buy it, costs twice as much as a top loader to repair it, you MUST use bleach and hot water and keep the door open at the end of eacy cycle to prevent the door boot from getting a buildup of mold and mildew and  you have to use HE detergent.

I would buy a Frigidaire front load washer before I buy a Bosch, the parts are more available and it's cheaper to repair. 

I myself have never had a problem with Duet Sport washers made in Mexico.

[slantsixdan]

Thanks for your thoughts, Scott, but a top-loading washer is right out of the question. Sounds like you prefer them; me, I'm glad they're on their way to complete obsolescence.

Looks like there are some Whirlpool WFW9400SW (believe that's a German model) still in stock locally, so now the question shifts yet again: German-made Whirlpool or American-made Bosch?

[appl.tech.29501]

The real question is what brands have parts and servicers available in your area?

[Scottthewolf]

Don't let Bosch fool you, ALL the parts for the Bosch are made in Germany, it's just assembled in the USA, so they don't have to ship the complete washers here.

I would still buy the Whirlpool Duet washer made in Germany, at least the profits go to Whirlpool in the USA, the profits don't go back to Germany, as is the case with Bosch.

[slantsixdan]

Thanks again, Scott, but that answer does not help me get the best washer for my dollars.

29501, that's a very good point. Parts and service are equally available for both brands in this area, so that doesn't decide the matter one way or the other.

[RegUS_PatOff]

 

OP's location not listed..

He could live in New Zealand and buy an F&P for parts avaliability & profits

[slantsixdan]

Washington State.

[Scottthewolf]

The full size German made Whirlpool washer has a larger capacity and parts and service are more readily available, the Whirlpool has a full access panel on the bottom to clean out the drain pump should it get clogged and has a repair record that is about the same as the Bosch. 

I still recommend you buy an extended warranty from Whirlpool, NOT from the store,  as with all front load washers, the repairs are very expensive and so are the parts.

[slantsixdan]

Thanks, Scott. That nudges me towards the W-pool.

[slantsixdan]

I don't see extended warranties on Whirlpool's site, but I see "extended service plans": https://www.whirlpoolextendedserviceplans.com/page/MainPage.aspx . But they also say most brands are eligible for "coverage", which makes me think this isn't really a warranty. Is this what you're talking about?

[Scottthewolf]

Yes, extended service plan is the same thing as a warranty.