Looking for washing machine suggestions

[purbeast0]

Some of you may have seen me make a post about my old ass washing machine having issues a little ways back here:

What is this washing machine part called?

This is the washing machine that came with our house and I've already fixed 2 things on it. One was the pump and I've replaced the motor. And now I have another issue. The other day my wife was washing and it wouldn't spin anymore. I emptied it out and got it all out and tried to put it in...

forums.anandtech.com

Well it is having issues yet again. It started to not spin properly on the spin cycle and I turned it on it's side and it looks like the belt is like melting away again. So I don't know if there is something else going on but the belt is definitely messed up a bit.

At this point I ordered another belt to hold me over for a bit, but I think at this point I am just ready to get a new washer.

The one we have is only 3.7cu feet with an agitator and just an old old machine. I am looking at at least 5.0cu ft and a top loading machine.

I don't know too much about them but my wife and I both like the looks of the black colored ones and there were 2 that I saw at Home Depot that I was interested in that have decent reviews.

Samsung - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung...Super-Speed-ENERGY-STAR-WA50R5400AV/309172350

LG - https://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Elec...Graphite-Steel-ENERGY-STAR-WT7300CV/308664791

I actually went to Home Depot yesterday and that LG was $200 off at $800, but the guy working there said if I can hold off for their Labor Day sale that should start next Thursday then I will probably be able to get a better deal. He said they will have sales of both washers and dryers together so we may end up going that route since our dryer is also old as hell and we would like a larger one of those if we get a larger washing machine.

Does anyone have any other ones they recommend and/or have experience with any of the above two?

 

[herm0016]

used. most cities have a place that refurbs them. I paid 600 for my set of Kenmore elites with stands. been going strong for 5 years, i had to replace the belt tensioner in the dryer once. if i decide i can afford new, ill get speedqueens.

 

[purbeast0]

I definitely want to buy brand new for peace of mind. I looked at those speed queen ones and they are tiny at 3.2cf for the space. That's smaller than my current one.

 

[nisryus]

I heard people complains about Samsung and LG washers/dryers around my neighborhood a lot. My neighbor has a Samsung and had issue with its control board after a year (it was a front load).

My Maytag has been with us for 15 years, except the water pump failed late last year. Not sure hows todays machines are holding up now a day. (It might failed again now as when it spins it is like a jet engine taking off... but otherwise functional)

Heard good things about Speedqueens, but aren't they expensive?

 

[pcgeek11]

I definitely want to buy brand new for peace of mind. I looked at those speed queen ones and they are tiny at 3.2cf for the space. That's smaller than my current one.

If you want a washer that is high quality and built to last get a Speed Queen with all manual timers without the electronics circuit boards. Built to industrial standards and will last twice as long as those modern high efficiency pieces of poop. I have one that actually fills with water to the set level and has a dasher that gets the clothes clean. It also has a metal tub and a stainless wash basket where the others have a plastic tube and an enameled wash basket.

Had mine for many years after trying those over rated electronic models that did nothing but break. The last one I had a month and out of that it was broken 3 of those weeks. It was an LG.

 

[Steltek]

If you want a washer that is high quality and built to last get a Speed Queen with all manual timers without the electronics circuit boards. Built to industrial standards and will last twice as long as those modern high efficiency pieces of poop. I have one that actually fills with water to the set level and has a dasher that gets the clothes clean. It also has a metal tub and a stainless wash basket where the others have a plastic tube and an enameled wash basket.

Had mine for many years after trying those over rated electronic models that did nothing but break. The last one I had a month and out of that it was broken 3 of those weeks. It was an LG.

Unless your Speed Queen with "mechanical controls" is a pretty old set, it likely has a digital circuit board beneath the knob. Speed Queen doesn't advertise it, but they phased out actual mechanical controls a long time ago even on their commercial models. They just use digital knob controls disguised as mechanical controls for advertising purposes and consumer ease of use.

That said, I totally agree with you about the Speed Queens as I have a 2016 set myself. It gets my clothes clean in a 30 minute cycle, and is reliable as heck (even mine, which has the 2016 model green digital touchpads). Though everybody who claims to know pushes the front loaders as being "superior", they don't mention that you have to run half-loads to get "clean" - the use of the term is questionable - clothes out of them (which, at 2 hours a pop was ridiculous, and don't get me started on the continual fight against mold in the seals...).

Regarding Samsung appliances, I wouldn't buy one for ANY reason. They are total and absolute junk, and Samsung's warranty coverage is a joke. Just ask my ex-coworker that had one of their infamous "exploding washers" about how she was treated.

 

[Steltek]

Some of you may have seen me make a post about my old ass washing machine having issues a little ways back here:

What is this washing machine part called?

This is the washing machine that came with our house and I've already fixed 2 things on it. One was the pump and I've replaced the motor. And now I have another issue. The other day my wife was washing and it wouldn't spin anymore. I emptied it out and got it all out and tried to put it in...

forums.anandtech.com

Well it is having issues yet again. It started to not spin properly on the spin cycle and I turned it on it's side and it looks like the belt is like melting away again. So I don't know if there is something else going on but the belt is definitely messed up a bit.

At this point I ordered another belt to hold me over for a bit, but I think at this point I am just ready to get a new washer.

The one we have is only 3.7cu feet with an agitator and just an old old machine. I am looking at at least 5.0cu ft and a top loading machine.

I don't know too much about them but my wife and I both like the looks of the black colored ones and there were 2 that I saw at Home Depot that I was interested in that have decent reviews.

Samsung - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung...Super-Speed-ENERGY-STAR-WA50R5400AV/309172350

LG - https://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Elec...Graphite-Steel-ENERGY-STAR-WT7300CV/308664791

I actually went to Home Depot yesterday and that LG was $200 off at $800, but the guy working there said if I can hold off for their Labor Day sale that should start next Thursday then I will probably be able to get a better deal. He said they will have sales of both washers and dryers together so we may end up going that route since our dryer is also old as hell and we would like a larger one of those if we get a larger washing machine.

Does anyone have any other ones they recommend and/or have experience with any of the above two?

My brother found LG top load washers to be hit and miss. The first one that was delivered from Lowes was leaving dry areas on the clothes, even with the "deep fill" option turned on. He returned it for a replacement and has been satisfied since, though he does have to use the deep fill option on every load.

 

[mikeford]

Front loaders are vastly easier on your clothes, and most clothing wear is from washing and drying, not wearing except for work clothes.

 

[purbeast0]

I am 100% not getting a front loader.

 

[Sgt. York]

They didn't listen the first time, why would they listen the second time?

 

[pcgeek11]

Unless your Speed Queen with "mechanical controls" is a pretty old set, it likely has a digital circuit board beneath the knob. Speed Queen doesn't advertise it, but they phased out actual mechanical controls a long time ago even on their commercial models. They just use digital knob controls disguised as mechanical controls for advertising purposes and consumer ease of use.

Well mine isn't ancient only 4 years old Model # AWN432SP113TW04. There are no electronic circuit boards inside. It has a mechanical Timer, Speed Queen Timer Part # 203387P.

As seen on linked page it is a mechanical timer with a motor.

203387P - Speed Queen Timer

Part 203387P Speed Queen Timer for Speed Queen Washers, genuine Speed Queen OEM replacement part.

partsdr.com

It seems they still offer mechanical Timers, although they are pushing the electronics hard and offering a 5 year warranty for electronic controls:

Electronic vs Mechanical Controls - Speed Queen

The laundry. When one load gets done, another is always waiting in the wings. That’s why having a reliable washer and dryer is so important. If you’re in the market for a new Speed Queen washer and dryer to tackle those laundry loads, the type of controls you choose—either electronic or...

speedqueen.com

You get a longer warranty.
We’re so confident in our electronic control washers and dryers, we back them with an industry-leading 5 year warranty on parts and in-home labor. That’s 5 times longer than the industry average. Our mechanical timer models are backed with a 3 year warranty on parts and in-home labor, which is 3 times longer than industry average.

Either way I would go with a speed Queen over any other Brand.

 

[Greenman]

Well mine isn't ancient only 4 years old Model # AWN432SP113TW04. There are no electronic circuit boards inside. It has a mechanical Timer, Speed Queen Timer Part # 203387P.

As seen on linked page it is a mechanical timer with a motor.

203387P - Speed Queen Timer

Part 203387P Speed Queen Timer for Speed Queen Washers, genuine Speed Queen OEM replacement part.

partsdr.com

It seems they still offer mechanical Timers, although they are pushing the electronics hard and offering a 5 year warranty for electronic controls:

Electronic vs Mechanical Controls - Speed Queen

The laundry. When one load gets done, another is always waiting in the wings. That’s why having a reliable washer and dryer is so important. If you’re in the market for a new Speed Queen washer and dryer to tackle those laundry loads, the type of controls you choose—either electronic or...

speedqueen.com

You get a longer warranty.
We’re so confident in our electronic control washers and dryers, we back them with an industry-leading 5 year warranty on parts and in-home labor. That’s 5 times longer than the industry average. Our mechanical timer models are backed with a 3 year warranty on parts and in-home labor, which is 3 times longer than industry average.

Either way I would go with a speed Queen over any other Brand.

But there is no app for a mechanical washer! How do you turn it on from work? How will you ever know when the cycle has finished? How do you adjust the water level in 1/16" increments or set the detergent injector for your brand?

 

[purbeast0]

I'll just put it out there too that I am not interested in a Speed Queen simply because they are tiny. I don't want a 3.2 cubic foot machine. Our current one is 3.7 and while it's worked it has always felt small especially when washing blankets and stuff.

 

[mindless1]

Speed queen. Everything else (that I've seen, I recently got a new washer) is horribly designed to try to eek out a tiny bit more efficiency, made with flimsy parts and decides for you what it's going to do.

It blew my mind how terrible modern washing machines are now, many barely even agitating (don't get clothing as clean), barely using enough (if that) water, and shaking while they try to spin at excessive speed during the spin cycle to get a little more water out of clothing because that makes drying more efficient (but wears the washer out faster).

It wouldn't surprise me at all if a 3.2cu ft Speed Queen gets as much or more clothing clean than a 3.7cu ft alternative from another brand, and lasts 3X as long doing so.

 

[mindless1]

Front loaders are vastly easier on your clothes, and most clothing wear is from washing and drying, not wearing except for work clothes.

And start to stink from mildew buildup and don't get clothes as clean then the seal leaks.

Stains set in by the dryer because the load didn't get clean, arguably also decreases clothing lifespan.

If you want to run gentle cycle, almost any top loader has that setting and it will reduce wear to negligible levels, but of course at the detriment of cleaning ability. It'll still clean better than a front loader if talking about the older machines (or Speed Queen) rather than the new energy efficient ones.

I would have GLADLY bought a brand new Maytag top loader that was the same as my 22 year old Maytag when it failed, but Maytags are crap now. Speed Queen comes the closest to the superior old designs. Other brands' modern designs aren't even remotely close.

 

[pcgeek11]

I'll just put it out there too that I am not interested in a Speed Queen simply because they are tiny. I don't want a 3.2 cubic foot machine. Our current one is 3.7 and while it's worked it has always felt small especially when washing blankets and stuff.

I wish you well on whatever washer you choose.

I'm not sure what other washer compares to the excellence of a Speed Queen... I looked at dozens before choosing and even bought two that went back ( LG and Whirlpool ) as they were crap.

 

[pcgeek11]

Speed queen. Everything else (that I've seen, I recently got a new washer) is horribly designed to try to eek out a tiny bit more efficiency, made with flimsy parts and decides for you what it's going to do.

It blew my mind how terrible modern washing machines are now, many barely even agitating (don't get clothing as clean), barely using enough (if that) water, and shaking while they try to spin at excessive speed during the spin cycle to get a little more water out of clothing because that makes drying more efficient (but wears the washer out faster).

It wouldn't surprise me at all if a 3.2cu ft Speed Queen gets as much or more clothing clean than a 3.7cu ft alternative from another brand, and lasts 3X as long doing so.

When I got the LG Machine I put it in all by my self without any issues. It weighted about 135 Lbs. When it would spin if anything was the least bit out of balance it would walk all over the laundry room.

The Speed Queen install I had to use a dolly and get my son to help get it in the house and move it in place, it weighs 195 Lbs and doesn't move an inch during the spin cycle.

I noticed the LG 5.0 Cu Ft washer he referenced in the OP only weighs 146.9 Lbs.

I need to stop, I'm sounding like a sales Representative for Speed Queen...

 

[pcgeek11]

But there is no app for a mechanical washer! How do you turn it on from work? How will you ever know when the cycle has finished? How do you adjust the water level in 1/16" increments or set the detergent injector for your brand?

I know right.

Having that crap is as fucked up as those refrigerators with a monitor in the door and connects to the internet.

 

[mindless1]

When I got the LG Machine I put it in all by my self without any issues. It weighted about 135 Lbs. When it would spin if anything was the least bit out of balance it would walk all over the laundry room.

The funny thing is, apparently GE has had a ton of returns because of theirs doing this, so they actually made a video with one shaking like mad and stated something like "this is normal", lol.

 

[mikeford]

We still have our Maytag A400 washer, doubt it will ever die, but did need a couple hoses replaced. First gen non laundrymat home use front loaders had all sorts of issues, not to mention the crazy epa water restrictions, worse for dishwashers, but in time most things except quality get sorted out. Its hard to build quality without using metal that costs too much to ship from China.

 

[purbeast0]

When I got the LG Machine I put it in all by my self without any issues. It weighted about 135 Lbs. When it would spin if anything was the least bit out of balance it would walk all over the laundry room.

The Speed Queen install I had to use a dolly and get my son to help get it in the house and move it in place, it weighs 195 Lbs and doesn't move an inch during the spin cycle.

I noticed the LG 5.0 Cu Ft washer he referenced in the OP only weighs 146.9 Lbs.

I need to stop, I'm sounding like a sales Representative for Speed Queen...

I'd be surprised if my current washer is heavier than like 80lbs. It feels like it's made of aluminum.

I was just messing with it and the whole thing feels like it's just about to fall apart in general. I'd like to just have it running until our new one arrives once we decide on one.

It turns out the pulley/belt that I replaced like July 20th is already messed up. The belt basically melted into the pulley and now it's all messed up and I pulled it off because it's not working. I tried putting a new belt on and it's not gripping the pulley properly because of the pulley being all coated with the rubber that melted into it.

Can't believe that it lasted like 2 weeks. It was parts from repairclinic.com that were OEM parts or OEM fit.

 

[mikeford]

Sometimes belts are fuses, designed to fail when some other part fails so some hopefully more expensive part doesn't fail.

Something like Goo Gone might clean up the pulleys, or something near it on the same shelf.

 

[purbeast0]

Sometimes belts are fuses, designed to fail when some other part fails so some hopefully more expensive part doesn't fail.

Something like Goo Gone might clean up the pulleys, or something near it on the same shelf.

The stuff wasn't coming off. It was like melted and molded into the pulley and was hard. I cracked some of it off but the pulley itself fell apart eventually.

I talked to repairclinic and they are sending me replacements so even if there is something else failing, I will at least hopefully have this to hold me over until we get a new one. The new parts will arrive on Wednesday.

 

[mindless1]

I'd guess your bearings or brake is failing and too high a load for the belt to overcome, or the tensioner isn't holding it tight enough.

 

[mikeford]

repairclinic has high prices, but good advice, so I try to support them. All in all much better than calling in a service to repair, which gets expensive fast.