For the best all-around performance, buy a front-loader. If you’re willing to spend $1,000 or so, we’d steer you to a front-loader. The best offer very good washing, gentle action, ample capacity, and quiet operation. (Note that you must use special low-sudsing detergent for the best results.) Front-loaders fill partially with water and spin at high speeds, reducing water use and the energy required for drying--a plus if you have high water and utility costs. Front-loaders have been around awhile, and Frigidaire, GE, Kenmore, and Whirlpool have good reliability records.
You need to know: Numerous readers have reported that their front-loading washers developed mold or a musty smell. Using chlorine bleach occasionally and leaving the door ajar should help.
Get a conventional top-loader for good performance at a modest price. While these familiar washers may not be as exciting as newer types, they’re the best choice for most buyers. You can get decent washing for less than $500, and there’s a large selection of reliable brands. Top-loaders have shorter cycles than front-loaders and use regular detergent, which costs less than products for front-loaders.
Think twice about new-technology top-loaders. Although top-loaders with new wash systems have done well in our tests, they’re not among our top picks. Our survey data show that the Kenmore Calypso was one of the more repair-prone top-loaders, and it left garments tangled and wrinkled in our tests. The GE Profile Harmony and Maytag Neptune TL are too new to have reliability data, and neither was very gentle on clothes. Given the price of these three models--$900 to $1,300--we’d stick with a more-proven front-loader or conventional top-loader.
Don’t pay for pricey extras. The basic settings handle most needs, so don’t buy a pricey washer just to get a host of water levels and dozens of cycle and setting options. Touchpads or other fancy controls don’t offer any advantage over dials and push buttons. (The same applies to dryers.) A stainless-steel tub can stand up to higher spin speeds in a washer, but otherwise has no edge over plastic.
I am so happy to see this post, Momothree!!! Until we received the suit papers, Maytag made me feel I was the only one with washer issues!Date: 5/23/2005 8:08:01 PM
Author: momothree
We are also part of the Maytag Neptune class action suit. Paid an arm and a leg for these machines, which were supposed to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. The dryer is fine, nothing special. The front load washing machine has had repeated mold issues and the only way I can prevent new mold from growing is to keep the door of the machine open 2-3 days after each load of laundry (which basically means keeping the door open all of the time) -- luckily I have a laundry room which can lock so my kids can''t trap themselves inside the machine. Maytag''s customer service has been abysmal. They have a Priority One special customer service phone number for purchasers of these fancy schmancy machine; unfortunately they never answered the phone so I had to send my complaints via email. Then, for a while they denied there was a problem and sent me email tips for ''freshening'' my machine. I would never ever buy another Maytag product except for that I am expecting a $500 check from them shortly which can only be used to buy another Maytag machine. They have allegedly fixed the problems with the Neptune but I''d stay WAY clear of them just in case
ETA: I still think front-loads are the way to go, for all the reasons given by aljdewey -- just this one STINKS!
If you have the space for the large capacity, I would hands down purchase those. They aren''t that much more; but, almost always offer choices on load size. I can do my king comforter & a couple of delicate turtle necks - both with different water settings.Date: 5/28/2005 4:03:10 PM
Author: Ann
Thanks for all your info - keep it coming! I thought I wanted the new front load washing machine, but I do not want the pedestal. I think they would be too tall - maybe be too close to my upper cabinets. Though I have not measured yet.
All this info on the front loaders is a bit scary. Both of my kids are off to college, so my laundry will be lessened, but I would still like a large capacity washer and dryer.
I''ve owned my front load for about 7 mos, and I haven''t had to keep the door ajar, although I easily could because our laundry is on the 2nd floor behind bifold doors. For those who have a problem with mustiness, I wonder if throwing a handful of baking soda into the drum occasionally would help alleviate that???Date: 6/27/2005 11:38:39 PM
Author: noobie
For those that own front load machines, do you need to keep the door open when not in use so that the water dries out? Also does it vibrate and ''walk'' when the load is unbalanced? How long is the cycle time?
Everyone still happy? Thanks
We really dislike our Calypso. What does one do with a 4 year old machine one dislikes? What are ypu Maytag Neptune owners going to do. Would a charity take it as a donation?
My cycle time is dependent upon my settings.Date: 6/28/2005 5:50:28 AM
Author: diamondlil
I have not had the vibration/walking problem. My uprights years ago had more of this. The one thing (probably the only thing) about the Neptune that is good -- it does not make as much noise as my previous top loaders.
I would guess the cycle time is similar to a top load, but I''ve never timed it.
DiamondLil
I'm confused.....both of the comments about Whirlpools I see in this thread are glowing ones, so why would you rule out Whirlpool?Date: 6/28/2005 11:39:44 AM
Author: movie zombie
....after reading the problems experienced by pricescopers, i won't be buying from whirlpool or maytag.
Whirlpool group makes a large proportion of Kenmore appliances. The Calyso I bought is essentially the same as the Whirlpool model.Date: 6/28/2005 1:38:07 PM
Author: aljdewey
From what I see, it is Maytag and Kenmore that are having the negative reviews.
i stand corrected....however, i remember when i was looking at the whirlpools i didn''t like them.Date: 6/28/2005 1:38:07 PM
Author: aljdewey
I''m confused.....both of the comments about Whirlpools I see in this thread are glowing ones, so why would you rule out Whirlpool?Date: 6/28/2005 11:39:44 AM
Author: movie zombie
....after reading the problems experienced by pricescopers, i won''t be buying from whirlpool or maytag.
From what I see, it is Maytag and Kenmore that are having the negative reviews.