We have had our old reliable Maytag Washer and Dryer since Christmas of 1987. Wife thinks we need new ones. She likes these LG models that have wifi and AI and communicate with each other. The washer tub is absolutely huge compared to what we are used to. Anybody have any experience with these type of appliances with this fancy stuff, good or bad, they would like to share?
I don’t know about the electronics, but we have a fairly new washer without an agitator (so, an ‘impeller’) and every single dayI hope it will break so we can get rid of it. It is just the worst — literally ties clothes into knots. Will take the sleeve of any shirt and roll it like playdoh and then you have to hope it will go back into shape (hint – they don’t, always) .
Seriously, ties clothes into knots. I thought it would be better, and easier, to load/unload as well as wash big things like blankets. Those are true — but the knots? And stretchy ruined shirts? Never again.
7 Likes
Thanks for that input. That is definitely something to consider.
1 Like
Make sure you get appliances that don’t require an app to operate. I am seeing this all over right now - can’t run your dishwasher unless you have the app working on your phone, etc.
4 Likes
I’m relatively happy with my full size front loader by Speed Queen and absolutely love my SQ dryer. Relatively because I have had a full size Miele so the comparison bar was set pretty high. Sadly, Miele discontinued their full size washers and now only makes compact machines, so I had to find a reasonable replacement.
5 Likes
I’m not sure which LG models you’re considering but we have LG (purchased two years ago) and they’ve worked well for us. My wife especially likes that she can wash comforters and blankets in them.
They have “AI Wash” and “AI Dry” options but I suspect that’s mostly just marketing
They also have WiFi and can connect to an app, but we haven’t bothered to use that feature.
2 Likes
We got the GE Power Steam. I love how much it holds and that it cleans well. I hate that we fell for the “venting” to eliminate the mildew smell. Spoiler: I’ve never had a problem with the dreaded front loading mildew smell until this machine.
1 Like
We have LG front-loader machines that are ~10 yrs old - so no AI features - and they’ve been great, still going strong. The way to avoid the dreaded mildew smell is simply to always leave the door ajar when not in use and occasionally wipe the door gasket clean with a paper towel. We’ve had no issues.
6 Likes
Apps? No way. There is absolutely no need for LG or any appliance maker to know what and how often I wash, dry, cook, etc.
10 Likes
Our appliance repair guy does not like LG. Says to stay away. Only one person’s opinion
We have a LG stove, it’s been glitchy for us.
1 Like
LG is hard to get repaired IF there is a problem, BUT their washers and dryers are among the least likely brands to need repaired.
We got a HUGE front loader LG set a couple of years ago at a Best Buy outlet-half the price of Costco. When i.got my set, it was the top rated set on Consumer Reports. Absolutely love it. Has a speed wash function that takes 15 minutes and a speed dry that takes 25 (I sometimes have to add 5 minutes for a big or heavy load).
But, the thing I live most about my set is the Steam Fresh option. I can throw 1 or several pieces in, set that function and in 5 minutes I get mostly wrinkle free clothes. Use it often. Some units can be plumbed to a water line, but mine just has a water tray that lasts for 3 steams. Easy.
I can’t imagine why one would need a smart washer. They all have a delay function and since they can’t move the load from the washer to the dryer for you that just seems like a useless expensive feature and another thing that can break.
5 Likes
I have an LG pair that is turning 20 this year. They’ve been going strong. I will be sad when I need to replace them but it will be with another LG pair.
2 Likes
A delay function can be useful for shifting the wash or dry to a time of day when electricity is less expensive, if you have time-of-use electricity billing. However, that should not require an app or “AI” or whatever.
1 Like
Be sure to check reviews on the LG dryer (edit: for the model you are considering). We bought one at Costco a few years ago and it hasn’t needed repairs but if you want clothes to come out damp no matter what dryness setting you’ve picked it’s the dryer for you.
3 Likes
Interesting. My clothes never come out damp. Probably depends what model you have.
3 Likes
Never had a problem with mine either.
3 Likes
My clothes started being damp out of the dryer no matter what I did. Found out that I hadn’t cleaned out the lint trap outside in a while. It has a grid that gets full.
Oops 
5 Likes
We love our Electrolux front-loader. No apps (or none turned on) and that’s great with me. I heard the LG doesn’t have a reversible door and that would annoy me. The only problem with Electrolux is apparently it’s almost impossible (I’ve never done it) to change the washer lint trap if that’s a thing. Also, never had a mold problem. Do bleach loads relatively frequently and leave it open.
For those who want something simpler, Speed Queen has amazing reviews and is known for being sturdy.
2 Likes
It doesn’t have lots of bells and whistles, but I’ve been pleased with a Speed Queen (front loader) washer and dryer.
2 Likes
Important Lesson #1: see the washer in person (or at least read the specs)! The new ones have much bigger drums than in the past and I have friends who can’t reach the bottom without a little stool.
Lesson #2: I also learned that dryers are made size-wise to go with their washer-mates. My friend apparently did not read the same article I did - she bought just a brand new, large washer…and the loads are too big for her existing dryer.
Last year, our appliance repair guy recommended a Speed Queen. I did some research and from what I recall, they are no frills but super sturdy/reliable. But I was too cheap to spend the money (especially since I don’t think we’ll be in this house that much longer).
I am no frills/no bells and whistles. I didn’t use even a quarter of the options on my 20 year old w/d.
We got a a GE top washer with an agitator and knobs (those plastic covered panels looked like they wouldn’t last). I am the only smart thing about it (but how smart to you have to be to set it to “max” water and “cold”??) It has been only a year, but so far, so good.
I do recall a model that where you could remove the agitator for bulky items, like a comforter.
Finally - upgrade to the steel/metal hoses (they are not expensive) from the plastic ones.
3 Likes