First the dishwasher (actually, first the oven, which has had a thermostat problem forever), then the clothes washer. With the latter, we knew it was only a matter of time. The tub bearing started getting louder and louder, so that it sounded like a helicopter inside a metal trash can.
This week, it stopped completely, started leaking water and appears to have a related transmission problem. The thing's only five years old, but from doing lots of online research, our make and model of washer isn't expected to live more than 4-7 years. Fixing them can approach or supersede the cost of a new washer, too. So now we've been going through the dizzying job of deciding on what washer will work for us.
Really, this is a case when the Internet is ridiculous. There is literally too much information, too many varying opinions and way too many places to look for both. We've talked to a salesman (who wasn't working for a commission, which was refreshing) who used to work as a Sears appliance repairman. He had some good insights, but seemed to think a front-loading washer is the best investment. His, for the record, is a 21-year old Kenmore that he's kept churning along with his expertise.
The Petite Filet is leaning toward another top-loader because there are so many unknowns with some of the front-loading models. The uber-expensive (haven't used the word "uber" lately) European and Asian brands promise more reliability, but who wants to drop $1,200 on a metal box where all you do is put your stinky clothes in there and hope they'll come clean? Internet research shows that despite promising savings on utilities, there are shortcomings and frustrations that come from the front-loaders. If we go with a top-loader, I was hoping at least for an efficient, Energy Star-rated model, but even those cost nearly as much as my first car.
Does anyone have any 2 cents on the matter? Models or brands to check out, or those to avoid? I'm hoping we can spend a shade more than $500, but then again, even though we don't dress real fancy, it would cost much more to replace our wardrobes if the washer ate our wearables. Any insight would be appreciated.
On a happier note: I bought a second camera ... a used Canon 20D. If I'm going to go pro, I need at least two bodies. Now it's time to get some work so I can afford the $3,000 worth of lenses I've been eyeing.
Happy weekend!
Awww, man! I hate it when all the appliances band together and decide to revolt!
FWIW, we have a Whirlpool washer, one step up from the basic no-frills model, and have had no trouble with it. Granted, it's not even 3 years old, but still. I don't think it's energy-star (it was bought for us, so we had no choice about that), but it does have different sized load selection (I think the base model does not), so I can save water when doing a small load. Not that y'all have such a thing with two kiddos or anything.
When it rains it pours! We just had 5 major things go wrong in our home over the past 5 weeks. Now our doggie is limping between both front legs and may require bilateral operations over the next few months. We shall see. Oh, yeah and we have that baby due in March too. YIKES! Watching my doggie hurt and limp around over the past couple of weeks makes me wish I would have had every single stinking appliance go out rather than watch him hurt. Kiss all of your loved ones, including the dog and shell out the dough with a smile. Everyone is healthy and happy and that is what matters most.
We bought our washer about 7 years ago and it is swishing right along. It is a Whirlpool. It was on the cheaper end. If it lasts 7 years you get your money back for sure. You would spend that at the laundry mat and in gas and headaches and I sure did during my first 5 years of being out on my own not having a washer.
Sometimes too much information is a bad thing. It makes my head spin. When we went and picked out a new car I just pointed to a row and said "any of those will be fine".
Good luck. Above all else, listen to what the PF wants. She will probably be using it the most. :-)
Well, my parents bought a Kenmore top-loader washer and dryer from Sears in 1987, and they were wonderfully reliable. Total cost was around $500, in 1987 dollars. Lasted for over 10 years. When they sold their house and moved to Asia in 2000, they sold them used for something like $100. And they were still working great, and had never had to be repaired.
I'd also recommend Whirlpool. I worked for an independent appliance repair shop for several years. Whirlpool laundry equipment seemed very reliable with few, and minor repairs. Kenmore laundry equipment is just the Sears badge on another brand appliance. Often it is a Whirlpool product. (Just ask a knowlegable salesperson which company builds the product you're looking at. It can change by model or style though.)
Good luck!
Call your local Sears and see if they have an outlet store near you. I discovered one about 45 minutes from my house and it was well worth the drive.
I got a stackable washer dryer set for about $900 and a stainless steel frdige for $499. Stainless steel!
Most people think the outlets only carry abused or returned merchandise but that's not true; they also carry a lot of items that have been discontinued. Who cares if it was last years model?
Good luck. It really stinks for all this to be happening around the holidays!!