Save me from online review hell: washing machine edition
April 20, 2024 4:16 PM Subscribe
Our washing machine, purchased after extensive online research, was a complete and utter disappointment. After years of erratic and diabolical performance it has (thankfully), run its last load after a long and painful demise.
This time, I am turning to the hive mind. Please suggest a washer (hopefully still being sold) that you don't hate.
(Currently we have an HE front-loader, but can be persuaded to change. This is in the US).
Response by poster: Jumping in that I don't want any suggestions for online reviews. Last washer was bought using Consumer Reports. Just personal experience, thanks.
posted by nanook at 4:24 PM on April 20 [2 favorites]
posted by nanook at 4:24 PM on April 20 [2 favorites]
We bought an LG WT7400CW top loader last December and it seems to work fine. Picks an appropriate water level based on size of load. We use it set to tap temperature water and with detergent pods. It spins aggressively so you aren't moving wet clothes to the dryer. It has the ability to sync up with your phone but we HAVE NOT used that feature, too much tech for us.
Only thing I can think of is that it's a high capacity washer so you are reaching deep in there to pull out the last articles to be moved to the dryer. Just barely OK for me but tough for my wife.
posted by forthright at 4:26 PM on April 20 [1 favorite]
Only thing I can think of is that it's a high capacity washer so you are reaching deep in there to pull out the last articles to be moved to the dryer. Just barely OK for me but tough for my wife.
posted by forthright at 4:26 PM on April 20 [1 favorite]
It all depends what you want. If you want a basic, QUIET, solid, really washes well, nothing fancy top loader washing machine with an agitator, you want a Huebsch. I don't know how readily available they are in your part of the US, but it's worth looking to see if you have a local distributor. The company started by making commercial washers and dryers, and they've carried over that approach to their consumer line.
If you want something that sings and dances, look elsewhere.
posted by sardonyx at 4:50 PM on April 20 [4 favorites]
If you want something that sings and dances, look elsewhere.
posted by sardonyx at 4:50 PM on April 20 [4 favorites]
When we bought our house we got the previous owners’ LG top loading HE washer. It’s been great. If it died I wouldn’t hesitate to replace it with the current similar model (probably this one). I love that it doesn’t have an agitator so I can wash blankets and other large items easily.
My parents got a newer, larger capacity LG top load model and while they’re totally satisfied with its performance, it is hard to reach the bottom. I wouldn’t go bigger than 4.5 or 5 cu ft unless you have a huge family to wash for.
posted by Kriesa at 4:50 PM on April 20 [1 favorite]
My parents got a newer, larger capacity LG top load model and while they’re totally satisfied with its performance, it is hard to reach the bottom. I wouldn’t go bigger than 4.5 or 5 cu ft unless you have a huge family to wash for.
posted by Kriesa at 4:50 PM on April 20 [1 favorite]
I know what you mean. I had an all in one unit and I hated it from the beginning, it was nothing like the European ones from that company that I had used over there. When it started burning my clothes in the dry cycle I was actually ecstatic, because it meant I could finally get rid of it with justification. I got a Bosch Axxis washer and dryer set and stacked them; it might be too small for you, I don’t know what your capacity needs are, but in my opinion the Bosch laundry machines are excellent. I used to joke after I got it that I wanted to marry it I was so happy . I needed small but I’ve found that I can get a lot more in it than I initially thought.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 5:02 PM on April 20 [1 favorite]
posted by kitten kaboodle at 5:02 PM on April 20 [1 favorite]
We've only had them for a couple of years, but so far the LG washer and dryer we bought has been working well. However, we bought them on the basis of online reviews (like the Wirecutter), not because we had any special insight into which brand is actually best. At a previous house we had a Bosch washer and it was great, for as long as we owned it at least. There weren't any of the Bosch's available locally when we were buying (thanks to covid supply issues), so we went with what had good reviews and was actually available.
posted by Dip Flash at 5:31 PM on April 20 [1 favorite]
posted by Dip Flash at 5:31 PM on April 20 [1 favorite]
We have this Maytag washing machine, bought in the middle of COVID lockdown a couple of years ago: Large Capacity Top Load Washer with the Deep Water Wash Option (MVWC465HW). I love it. It’s the best washer I’ve used.
Our old washer, which came with the house and was WELL over 20 years old (probably more like 30+ years old) worked like a champ until one day it just quit. I was not looking forward to getting a new one because although I wanted something high efficiency that was more environmentally responsible, all I knew about my friends’ new washers was how frequently they broke down and had to be repaired/replaced.
However, I am SO HAPPY with this washer. We did read online reviews that were positive, but interestingly, this wasn’t the highest rated (we bought it because it was well rated but also on sale). It uses very little water and low energy consumption (though not the very lowest possible, probably because it’s a top loader with an agitator), is very effective at cleaning, and has an auto water level sensor so you don’t have to do big loads. It has a 10 year warranty. However, we have not had any problems with it at all, knock on wood. It is a top loader, which I wanted because I do not like the idea of mould and mildew in front loader seals. I am short so I do have to stand on my tiptoes to get the last few items in there but I could not care less about that, because it performs so well.
The other reason we bought it is because it’s super basic and uses dials rather than push buttons and having lots of computerized components to go wrong.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 5:34 PM on April 20 [2 favorites]
Our old washer, which came with the house and was WELL over 20 years old (probably more like 30+ years old) worked like a champ until one day it just quit. I was not looking forward to getting a new one because although I wanted something high efficiency that was more environmentally responsible, all I knew about my friends’ new washers was how frequently they broke down and had to be repaired/replaced.
However, I am SO HAPPY with this washer. We did read online reviews that were positive, but interestingly, this wasn’t the highest rated (we bought it because it was well rated but also on sale). It uses very little water and low energy consumption (though not the very lowest possible, probably because it’s a top loader with an agitator), is very effective at cleaning, and has an auto water level sensor so you don’t have to do big loads. It has a 10 year warranty. However, we have not had any problems with it at all, knock on wood. It is a top loader, which I wanted because I do not like the idea of mould and mildew in front loader seals. I am short so I do have to stand on my tiptoes to get the last few items in there but I could not care less about that, because it performs so well.
The other reason we bought it is because it’s super basic and uses dials rather than push buttons and having lots of computerized components to go wrong.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 5:34 PM on April 20 [2 favorites]
I didn't think I could fall in love with an appliance... then I purchased the LG WM4000HBA and DLEX4000B.
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 5:37 PM on April 20 [2 favorites]
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 5:37 PM on April 20 [2 favorites]
I bought a Whirlpool duet sport (type: 832, model: WFW8410SW02) 16 years ago and it has never once, NOT ONE SINGLE TIME, ever errored or failed in any way. It's also never been serviced or even maintained. It still has the original door gaskets, etc. It's been a real champ.
posted by mezzanayne at 5:50 PM on April 20 [2 favorites]
posted by mezzanayne at 5:50 PM on April 20 [2 favorites]
so we went with what had good reviews and was actually available.
I should have added "and was on sale at Costco, which has an excellent return policy and threw in free delivery," since that was definitely a part of our decision making process.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:06 PM on April 20 [4 favorites]
I should have added "and was on sale at Costco, which has an excellent return policy and threw in free delivery," since that was definitely a part of our decision making process.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:06 PM on April 20 [4 favorites]
The other reason we bought it is because it’s super basic and uses dials rather than push buttons and having lots of computerized components to go wrong.
Without making a specific recommendation (since my appliance probably won't meet your interests) I did want to pop in and just say that, IME, this is a generically useful point that applies regardless of manufacturer -- an appliance with electromechanical controls will fail less often that a computerized one, and if it does fail it will be easier and cheaper to repair because it's all just timers and switches. I bought a basic GE stacked unit (top-load washer bolted to an upper dryer, like you'd see placed in the closet of a space-conscious apartment) specifically because it is an electromechanical unit.
If there are no LCD displays, that's a good sign. So is the absence of wifi -- it CAN be OK if the unit is "wifi-capable" because several manufacturers have weirdo "wifi dongles" that try to figure out what is happening based on the line voltages in various parts of an electromechanical washer. Point being, an entirely electromechanical unit can be listed as "wifi capable" without meaning there's a failure-prone logic board in there. Some retailers list the control style in their detailed specifications, although I haven't found anyone that actually makes it a searchable filter.
posted by aramaic at 6:11 PM on April 20 [4 favorites]
Without making a specific recommendation (since my appliance probably won't meet your interests) I did want to pop in and just say that, IME, this is a generically useful point that applies regardless of manufacturer -- an appliance with electromechanical controls will fail less often that a computerized one, and if it does fail it will be easier and cheaper to repair because it's all just timers and switches. I bought a basic GE stacked unit (top-load washer bolted to an upper dryer, like you'd see placed in the closet of a space-conscious apartment) specifically because it is an electromechanical unit.
If there are no LCD displays, that's a good sign. So is the absence of wifi -- it CAN be OK if the unit is "wifi-capable" because several manufacturers have weirdo "wifi dongles" that try to figure out what is happening based on the line voltages in various parts of an electromechanical washer. Point being, an entirely electromechanical unit can be listed as "wifi capable" without meaning there's a failure-prone logic board in there. Some retailers list the control style in their detailed specifications, although I haven't found anyone that actually makes it a searchable filter.
posted by aramaic at 6:11 PM on April 20 [4 favorites]
We bought an LG top loader in January also. WT7155CW is the model number, we bought it from Costco as apparently they have very good customer service / returns. We put this to the test upon delivery, when they showed up and we all realized that wait, the door frame to the laundry room in our house (which we've lived in for 3 years) was actually narrower than the narrowest dimension of either appliance, preventing them from either taking the old washer or delivering the new one. They held it for us for a couple weeks for free while we got a handyman out swap out doorframes.
posted by deludingmyself at 6:22 PM on April 20
posted by deludingmyself at 6:22 PM on April 20
Go to a place that will be named something like “abc appliances” or “Freddie’s” and buy a refurbished one from the 1990s or early 2000s. It will probably still last you decades. You can find them on Craigslist or offerup as well but you’ll have to test them and negotiate.
posted by toodleydoodley at 7:26 PM on April 20 [8 favorites]
posted by toodleydoodley at 7:26 PM on April 20 [8 favorites]
Very pleased with my Samsung front loading washer and dryer, which were purchased at Best Buy, where I have had a much much much better appliance buying & installing experience than any other store.
This is my first time owning front loading machines and I like it. With the dryer, I appreciate the timed and air dry options. With the washer I appreciate pre-soaking, and wide variety of temp options. It is also large enough to handle the bed comforters and even a small cotton area run with no hassle.
posted by brookeb at 7:35 PM on April 20
This is my first time owning front loading machines and I like it. With the dryer, I appreciate the timed and air dry options. With the washer I appreciate pre-soaking, and wide variety of temp options. It is also large enough to handle the bed comforters and even a small cotton area run with no hassle.
posted by brookeb at 7:35 PM on April 20
echoing the LG top loader crowd. i was reluctant to move away from a front loading washing machine, but this model (like others mentioned above) does not have a centre agitator. bought the LG WT7100CW from costco just over 4 years ago. having purchased other appliances from other retailers, i really wanted an easy returns purchase in case of damage on delivery or an unlucky lemon. no regrets.
posted by tamarack at 9:51 PM on April 20 [1 favorite]
posted by tamarack at 9:51 PM on April 20 [1 favorite]
We're happy with a Samsung front loader. Our dryer is 20 years old, I plan to replace it but the Samsung washer leaves so little water in the laundry that our sad old dryer handles it fine.
posted by mmoncur at 10:38 PM on April 20 [1 favorite]
posted by mmoncur at 10:38 PM on April 20 [1 favorite]
Nur Miele, Miele sagte Tante, die alle Waschmaschine kannte.
Seriously, Miele is on a different level, and they last forever. The first time in my life I took out a loan was for buying a Miele washing machine, 25 years ago, and it's still here, doing its good job every day. The one we have at the family farm is even older and its predecessor lived to 40.
In this country, Miele has a 10-year guarantee, meaning they come out and solve your problems if there are any. I have used that service (it's always been issues outside the machine, like mice gnawing on the hoses or low water pressure), and the repair guys have taught me a lot about how the machines work. So on top of being solid, long-lasting and sustainable, they are also easy to maintain. You could probably even buy a used machine and get several good years out of it.
posted by mumimor at 12:33 AM on April 21 [4 favorites]
Seriously, Miele is on a different level, and they last forever. The first time in my life I took out a loan was for buying a Miele washing machine, 25 years ago, and it's still here, doing its good job every day. The one we have at the family farm is even older and its predecessor lived to 40.
In this country, Miele has a 10-year guarantee, meaning they come out and solve your problems if there are any. I have used that service (it's always been issues outside the machine, like mice gnawing on the hoses or low water pressure), and the repair guys have taught me a lot about how the machines work. So on top of being solid, long-lasting and sustainable, they are also easy to maintain. You could probably even buy a used machine and get several good years out of it.
posted by mumimor at 12:33 AM on April 21 [4 favorites]
Looks like a lot of LG recommendations and so just throwing ours in the ring as well. Went from a really cheap Candy one to a high end LG (£800 or there abouts) and haven’t looked back. It’s great.
posted by like_neon at 4:50 AM on April 21 [1 favorite]
posted by like_neon at 4:50 AM on April 21 [1 favorite]
Speed Queen top loader. It's basically a 1970s Maytag (IMO the gold standard of washers) Old school, serviceable, simple controls. They make two top loaders, one is the lower tech version (using a well proven mechanism they've had for many years) It's a bit noisy but gets the job done. It has knobs on the control panel. The newer tech unit is quieter, but had some reliability issues. The issues are probably resolved now but do additional research if you're considering it. It has a digital style control panel. Speed Queen makes commercial machines for laundromats, that says it all.
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 5:59 AM on April 21 [5 favorites]
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 5:59 AM on April 21 [5 favorites]
I'm an LG front-loader fan, the last washer made it 16 years with a only one dead drain pump in the duration.
I have a WM4200H as a replacement and I will say that it is a LOT more sensitive to imbalanced loads than the previous LG. From what I can gather it doesn't use a vibration sensor anymore but watches current draw on the drum motor. That's a more precise measurement method but they've set the sensitivity a bit too high. Maybe it's better with newer models now. Just an FYI.
posted by JoeZydeco at 8:28 AM on April 21 [1 favorite]
I have a WM4200H as a replacement and I will say that it is a LOT more sensitive to imbalanced loads than the previous LG. From what I can gather it doesn't use a vibration sensor anymore but watches current draw on the drum motor. That's a more precise measurement method but they've set the sensitivity a bit too high. Maybe it's better with newer models now. Just an FYI.
posted by JoeZydeco at 8:28 AM on April 21 [1 favorite]
Just bought a large capacity Whirlpool front loader in December and love, love, love it! This is my new baby.
posted by Lynsey at 9:08 AM on April 21 [1 favorite]
posted by Lynsey at 9:08 AM on April 21 [1 favorite]
We bought an LG washer (WT7900HWA) and corresponding dryer from Costco almost a year ago and haven’t had issues yet. We bought from Costco which means we got an additional year of warranty for free. This might be baseless or not, but I remember reading that depending on the store, the quality of the washer/dryer might be higher than the same exact model found in other stores. I forget if this was maybe talk that had been debunked, but I did get the feeling that maybe Costco would be more likely to get better QC’d machines given their policies and additional year of warranty.
posted by TheLinenLenin at 10:28 AM on April 21 [2 favorites]
posted by TheLinenLenin at 10:28 AM on April 21 [2 favorites]
I have a Miele and I will never buy another brand of washing machine.
posted by plonkee at 2:27 PM on April 21 [3 favorites]
posted by plonkee at 2:27 PM on April 21 [3 favorites]
Please applaud the other LG owners who focused on the important things (yes, they are very reliable and do a great job!) and please forgive me for being the goofball LG owner who points out the adorable freaking song they play to let you know your clothes are done.
Am I saying you should buy a brand of washer because they play a cute song? Of course not. But if you get to the point where you have just a few finalists, do bear in mind that while other brands tend to play a horrible klaxon sound, like you've just run out of time at skeeball, the LG washers play a friendly little tune. I find it changes my mindset from goddammit, have to move the clothes to the dryer to hooray, my stuff is clean!
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:27 AM on April 22 [2 favorites]
Am I saying you should buy a brand of washer because they play a cute song? Of course not. But if you get to the point where you have just a few finalists, do bear in mind that while other brands tend to play a horrible klaxon sound, like you've just run out of time at skeeball, the LG washers play a friendly little tune. I find it changes my mindset from goddammit, have to move the clothes to the dryer to hooray, my stuff is clean!
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:27 AM on April 22 [2 favorites]
By contrast, the Samsung washers, when finished with a job, play an annoying tune that NEVER ENDS and will eventually drive you insane.
posted by mmoncur at 1:55 AM on April 23 [1 favorite]
posted by mmoncur at 1:55 AM on April 23 [1 favorite]
The manual version of the SpeedQueen is the most reliable and best cleaning consumer washing machine available. It is a toploader and it is not quiet but it will likely out live you and I with regular maintenance. Which is another pro for this machine, it is repairable and not disposable.
posted by jmsta at 7:36 AM on April 23 [1 favorite]
posted by jmsta at 7:36 AM on April 23 [1 favorite]
By contrast, I have the Maytag washer hurdy gurdy girl recommends and I hate it; worst washer I have ever used. No combination of load size/water level/settings/detergent/extra rinses gets clothes consistently clean and there are some garments/fabrics I don't even attempt in it anymore since they always come out streaked in lint and soap residue. It takes forever, is loud, and is huge, so simultaneously uses a ton of water but never fills enough to submerge a whole load. Go with anything else.
posted by bunnysquirrel at 11:13 PM on April 27
posted by bunnysquirrel at 11:13 PM on April 27
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posted by TimHare at 4:21 PM on April 20 [2 favorites]