<p>I need to buy a washer and dryer for my son’s home. I would love to give him my old machines and get a front loader for myself, but getting him the machines isn’t worth it. I have read all the other washer threads; we sure do talk able laundry a lot! As he will be moving to a small town, I want to stick to a brand that will not cause problems for a repairman. I think from my research I would be happy with a Whirlpool. I would like a machine that cleans well, but is easy to use. While I love the thought of the Cabrio HE or regular as they have a stainless tub, I am a bit leary of the electronic dials. There is another model that we could go with, the WTW 5800 that would mostly be better for my son; the only thing is it has a porcelain tub.</p>
<p>I hate that I feel the need to research items to death. I should just buy what is on sale and be done, but I can’t seem to do that! Any thoughts on the Whirlpool models WTW 6600, 6200 or 5800?</p>
<p>I had a Kenmore toploader in my old house, it was still going strong when we moved after 10 years in the house. Our current toploader hasn’t been a problem for 9 years. Sadly I can’t say the same for the dryer which I died after six years.</p>
<p>I have a top loader from Sears. We looked into getting a front loader but due to the cabinets in our laundry room it did not work. I thought about the agitator-less top loaders but on the advice of a long term repairman went with the standard top loader with an agitator. I did go with one that had extra large capacity and lots of temps and things to chose from. It isn’t as pretty as the front loaders but it does the job.
You might call a repairman in the area and see what washers they like to service. Many repairman do not have the skill to repair the newer washers. Now this was several years ago and that could have changed as more and more people are switching to front loaders.</p>
<p>I am going to Lowe’s to look again today. I have decided against a Sears model, even though they are made by Whirlpool (I think.) Sears has really had trouble with their repairs; I don’t know if it is more the technicians than the appliances. I like to use a local small company for my appliance repairs here at home, and think there is a good company where my son lives. They sell and repair all the name brands, so I will most likely stick with Whirlpool.</p>
<p>Older appliances seem to last much longer than newer appliances, much like electronics. You just don’t get what you pay for anymore! My older appliances run great with little or no repairs; the newer one seem to require more work.</p>
<p>The problem with many newer appliances is that they have $600+ dollar computers that break down. I’ve had three appliances where the replacement computer costs as much or more than the original appliance. Very frustrating! I’m seriously thinking of looking for a computerless stove for my next purchase - I don’t use any of the bells and whistles anyway.</p>
<p>When I bought my washer 3 years ago, a salesman at Lowes told me that they were getting complaints from the repair technicians about condensation getting behind the touch pads and causing corrosion.</p>
<p>I had to go the opposite route,the front loader I bought was horrible and needed repairs,replacing,was extemely noisy (sounded like an airplane engine revving up for takeoff). Went back to a good old Sears Kenmore top loader,agitator and all.went middle priced, no fancy electronics. No problems since then.Works like a charm,spins and rinses out just as dry as the front loaders supposedly do (maybe I had a dud?). Kenmores can be fixed by any repairman as long as you didnt bother with extended warranties.Im confused, have you had repairmen tell you they wouldnt fix Kenmores?</p>
<p>We just replaced a 20 year old Kenmore washer with a Whirlpool WTW 5550.
I’m happy with it although it seems a bit louder than our old machine. I think that can probably be chalked up to manufacturers using thinner metal to wrap the machines than in the olden’ days.</p>
<p>BTW, the Kenmore still “worked” despite the broken knob and having to turn the hot water on & off manually. A remodeling project spurred the change. :)</p>
<p>I have a Whirlpool top loader that we bought in 1984. It was repaired once, for something minor. It doesn’t have any electronic controls, very old fashioned dials. </p>
<p>I can’t believe it’s still works just fine. But when it’s time for washing machine heaven, I’ll be buying another Whirlpool for sure.</p>
<p>Over the years, I’ve tried on purpose to buy appliances that DON’T have all the bells and whistles—just more things to go wrong!</p>
<p>recently moved and bought all new appliances. i loved my old front loader, but i didn’t want another one–even with the pricey pedestals, i am tired of leaning over and reaching into the drums.</p>
<p>look at this line–fisher paykel–we have a top loader washer AND a top loader dryer. one of the most efficient washers available and so easy to throw towels from the washer to the dryer.</p>
<p>i’ve never been happier with a washer and dryer!</p>
<p>Just got a new agitator-less top loader about 2 months ago. It is the Maytag Bravos…so far, so good! We originally wanted a front loader but since our laundry is on the 2nd floor we opted for the top load instead. I can’t believe how quiet it is, and how much fits into it!</p>
<p>Also got the steam dryer to go with it, which is great.</p>