We had our kenmore washer and dryers for 30+ years and replaced them last year. We were very limited by the depth of our laundry cabinet. We ended up with Speed Queen (top loading washer). We are very happy with them. We opted for the model without the touchscreen. When we remodeled our kitchen we got a new oven/microwave (Jenn-air) with a touchscreen and after a couple years the touchscreen went out and was thousands of dollars to fix (luckily it was still on warranty) and it took I think 9 months to get the part so we opted for the manual dials.
I just did a load of laundry in advance of the projected ice storm. Hope I am not jinxing them, but I checked the paperwork and manuals that are stashed with the machines, and they were bought in Jan 2012. We have a top loader. DK if it’s still an issue now, but back then the front loaders had a problem with the seals getting a mildew-y smell. Is that still an issue?
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Wasn’t an issue with my Miele, doesn’t seem to be an issue with the current Speed Queen. I do leave the door slightly open and periodically wipe the seals and glass, which is recommended by the maker. Also wash the detergent tray.
I confess that I bought some tide washing machine cleaner shortly after we got these top load appliances in case that was needed, but I have never opened the box!
We only have topload washing machine and keep it open when not in use. Have never had any issues with needing to use a cleaner with it. Have read that folks that keep their front-loading machines ajar when not in use don’t have issues either.
We frequently leave the top open too, but some people cannot, due to the layout of their laundry room (or in some cases closet) leave a front load door open
Thanks for the heads up. I’m not usually one to care, but out of curiosity I did check permissions on the LG app. The only offensive one was, indeed, access to my camera. So I disallowed access to that. Anything else is pretty benign.
These machines are at my second home so I can’t test out whether or not the app still works, till we go back.
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We just keep our front loader washer door open a bit no issues and there is room to do that.
But people swear by this door prop (magnetic)
https://a.co/d/24KOhFu
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We keep ours open, too, while we’re here but, for insurance, I just hang a folded towel over the door while we’re gone, no need for a special tool. I do the same with the refrigerator doors at the cabin to ensure they don’t close while we’re not there.
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My laundry is in a laundry closet but there is still room to keep the front loader door open a few inches. It stays where we leave it. I also keep the drawer where the detergent goes open a few inches as well.
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I am waiting for the Maytag dryer repairman to come by and fix my old dryer.
Years ago one of the Maytag repairman told me not to get rid of the dryer because it was solid and had years of wear on it.
I’ve gone through about four different washing machines in the past 10 years. I wish we had never given up our original Maytag, that one was a work horse, but my husband wanted to be “energy efficient”.
I had a Speed Queen (commercial) but the clothes never seemed to get clean. Switched back to Maytag with the bells and whistles that I didn’t need. Now I have one that’s doing OK. We didn’t hook up the smart features intentionally.
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Appliance repairman just left. MY 10 yr old front load Samsung washer was leaving a small wet spot on the floor after each load. The rubber ring had a small area that was flattened out. He said expensive to replace and repair
probably not worth it given age of machine. He tried to reshape area using a hair dryer. It didn’t leak after with a small load, but could with heavy load.
A new machine is in my future!
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As an IT professional, I prefer low tech appliances. The more complicated the software, the more opportunities there are for things to break. Also, if the machine is VERY dependent on software to function, like a phone app for instance, that tends to have a shorter shelf life than the appliance itself. This means it’s easy for a manufacturer to stop supporting the software, effectively prematurely breaking the appliance, so you’re forced to buy a new one. Apple did just that with their iPhone 6 years back and got a class action lawsuit. I think I got a $6 check for that. 
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I am not an IT professional but remember selling my childhood home and having to explain to the Realtor “No, I am not throwing out a 17 year old washing machine which has never had a service call to put in a “fancy” replacement machine which will break in three years”.
The realtors all want the old stuff gone. We figured anyone buying the house could buy their own “hi tech” appliances.
My parents washing machine did two things- washed the clothes and spun them until they were almost dry. period. I don’t even think there was a delicates cycle. Every new machine seems like a world of pain!
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More power to people use smart appliances…but I just can’t imagine why I need one. I don’t need to start my dishwasher or clothes washer thru my phone - I put in the last item, add the detergent, and press start. My house is not so big that I need to be alerted to when my loads are done. I am sure I sound very old right now! 
How do people use the apps? If my ADHD spouse was in charge of laundry, maybe it would be helpful for them to get an alert to move the wash to the dryer??
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It’s a stretch but I could see how access via an app might be helpful if you’re busy in another part of the house and want to know when the laundry’s done. But on a slightly related topic, I really like my web-connected thermostats. If we’re out of the house for a while and I realize I forgot to set the thermostat up/down a couple degrees to save a little electric bill$$, I can easily do it remotely.
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Modern smart washers and dryers can be very efficient and handle larger loads, but the connectivity and AI features are mostly nice conveniences rather than essential upgrades.
Just paid for new Speed Queen dryer to match the washer we got a couple of years ago. I decided NOT to do a lot of research, because SQ has such a great reputation and it matches the washer. SQ doesn’t discount and retailers have to charge certain prices, so that kind of made it “easy.” UGH
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Hope you like your new dryer! Mine is a champ! Have had it for 8 years now and especially like the fluff up function that can be used without heat to air dry sensitive items.
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This is still open so I’m asking questions!
My dryer is making a horrible squealing noise. Only I can hear it but it’s extremely loud and annoying! We’ve had a repairman out, he replaced the belt but it isn’t helping. Washer and dryer are 10+ years old.
My husband says we should just replace the dryer. I have a laundry room that is right as you enter from the garage.
Any suggestions for reliable dryer that I can purchase at Costco. Also suggestions on why we should replace both because I want them to match 
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