The Top 3 Washers And Dryers As Rated By Consumers
Purchasing washers and dryers is a unique situation for every buyer. There are plenty of different styles and models that will work for each person. One person may want a top loader that is as big as they come while another may want a much smaller unit. You may be interested in energy efficiency while someone else is much more budget conscious in purchasing the best quality for their money. Nevertheless, several models of the newest washers and dryers are still rated highly among consumers who have bought and used them.
3 Top Rated Choices
Here is a look at some of the top rated washers and dryers available to you today.
Kenmore He
Although it costs more than other models that are similar to it, the Kenmore HE (3t 42933) offers a variety of benefits that consumers like. The energy savings is one of the best features of them all. It uses only 15.8 gallons of water during a standard cycle which is considerably lower than other models. It uses less electricity as well which cuts down on two energy costs in the average home considerably. It is a large 3.7 cubic foot machine which means that it can handle large family needs. It also has been noted for its ability to clean clothing well, removing more debris, stains and odors from the clothing. Other key area that is being raved about in this Sears model washer (dryer to match get superior ratings as well) includes its ability to keep clothing in tack, with less wear and tear on it.
LG Steam Washer
Another machine that is seeing rave reviews from consumers is the LG Steam Washer and Dryer (WM2487HWM) from LG Electronics. It is a front loading machine with all of the latest features on it. In addition, though, it features a steam wash. This particular wash is beneficial to those looking for a permanent press as they would get from the dry cleaner. It can easily and delicately clean clothing that would otherwise require a trip to the dry cleaner (restrictions apply; make sure you check the manual for particulars here before purchasing it.) The largest downfall of this unit is its price which is about $1300. Nevertheless, the pair together is designed to provide for highly efficient use with a variety of settings, even the ability to program your own “ideal” setting that you can use as you see fit. The washer has a drum size of 4.0 cubic feet, which is very large.
GE Front Loaders
The GE front load washer and dryer is another ideal pair with their ability to maximize energy efficiency, say most consumers that have rated them. The unit uses much less electricity and less water than any top loading machine. This pair (models DBVH512EF/GF and WBVH6240F) is designed to be high efficiency machines. The benefit here is in the way of cost, with these units being slightly lower in price than other similar units but still providing the high end quality wash and dry that you want. The size of the unit is smaller to fit into tight locations.
Finding the right washer and dryer is a personal choice, though. Compare other models to determine if they offer a better fit for your particular needs.
Popularity: 97% [?]
July 1st, 2007 at 8:48 pm
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January 12th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Why are the front loaders just generally more efficient than the top loaders? How efficent are the “Energy Star” top loaders compared to the front loaders?
March 19th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I read something once that remarked how white laundry was when slapped on rocks, as women in third world countries do.
The article said that side loaders replicate that action, just getting clothing wet and tumbing them.
There should be energy star ratings on the machines in the stores, so you can do your own comparison.
I called my local Home Depot and asked for the energy star rating. The salesperson told me the rating was for both washer and dryer. They were displayed together and the energy star stand up display spanned both machines.
I later found that this was wrong, that the dryers were the biggest energy users and manufacturers were not yet required to meet government standards, so they are terrible energy drainers.
I hate when sales people assume you are stupid and will lie to you to make a sale. Our local Radio Shack does that, as well.
It is best to research everything you can online before purchasing anything.
People say they use the steam machines instead of sending clothing to the dry cleaners. I contacted Whirlpool about their new steam machines and they replied they do not recommend their machines for even WASHABLE silks.
I have the Whirlpool duet side loaders, not the new ones with steam.
They make the Sears Kenmores, so they are very similar.
I love these machines. My whites come out so much whiter than they did in my old clunker.
I think I will stick to Whirlpool when I get a steam machine, and am somewhat surprised that they are not mentioned here.
July 12th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
I have had the misfortune of purchasing the GE Profile washer and dryer. After owning it for under a month the washer broke and flooded the basement where I live. The store I purchased these units at was kind enough to exchange for the GE frontloaders.
We paid to have them delivered and installed. The washer does not wring out the water efficiently, making me wonder how they could be so energy efficient. I usually have to run the dryer twice to get some loads dry.
I am discusted with the way it washes large loads or my floor mats.
So if I can save anyone heartache, stay away from GE products!! Their customer service is not helpful in anyway for products that do not work well, nor are they helpful if your basement is flooded by their machines. Thank god we went with tile floor!!
I wish I would have purchased Maytag again…
July 13th, 2008 at 12:30 am
Cat, thank you for the heads up on GE.
I will be sure to stay away from them.
I am sorry the rest of us have to learn from your misfortune.
July 29th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I bought the new Whirlpool Duet Front Loader with steam. This machine did not work from day one!!! I took a day off from work to receive and install this machine. After all my efforts, it did not work. I called Whirlpool, which sent out a repairman two days later. I took another day off from work to meet him, and he informed me the machine had defective parts. He called me five days later and informed me the parts were not readily available. I called Whirlpool and explained I had not washed a single load in this machine, so I wanted a new unit. They stated their policy is to repair not to replace. It has been four weeks since I was last able to wash using my old machine…no sign of the replacements parts for the new machine yet.
August 19th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Report them to the Better Business Bureau where you live. This is rediculous that you have never been able to use it. If you paid for it on a credit card dispute the charge. That will make them do something if they don’t get their money.
August 19th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
This is a lesson on using credit cards for large purchases, and not debit cards. With credit cards you have a chance of stopping payment. Corporations love debit cards because they get their cash immediately, or so I’ve been told. Also, with a cash back credit card, you are actually gaining something, if you pay the card in full at each bill and avoid their high finance charges.
February 18th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
fisher and paykel washer and dryer nothing but junk.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
what about this mold and mildew problem? Has it been corrected by new designs, or is it still an issue? Are some worse than others? I’d love a front load, but not if they’re still a problem.
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
I believe that no machine that uses water, unless it blows hot air, can remove all the water at each cycle. When I had a dishwasher with no hot air cycle I would see a bit of water left after the cycle was over. I have always left the lid or door open on an unused washing machine and the soap drawer, as well.
I would suspect that under the drum of top loaders there might be an amount of water left that was not drained.
I do wish consumer review magazines and online functions would review stuff like this. It is hardly mentioned, in fact, I have only seen it brought up here and it is a health issue. Who wants fungal contamination - or perhaps an attractor to insects?
Earlier I was lauding the benefits of purchasing by credit card, so long as you can pay in full each month. This way, you can cancel the payment on a piece of junk until you are made whole. It is easier than bringing the offending company to court. The Better Business Bureau, I am told, is paid for with money from the people they are supposed to be policing, and they also used to only keep a complaint on their books for 3 months, which is not that long. I would contact the attorney general’s office in the state of the company headquarters. Some attny’s general offices are very involved in consumer rip offs in their states.
I sometimes check the return policies on stores in which I intend to purchase an item and compare stores on that basis. My husband bought a notebook computer from one large store, even purchasing the store’s extended waranty. The thing broke and he had a really bad time with everyone pointing fingers to say someone else was responsible and then the laptop mfg said they would fix it and it was the longest wait. I do a lot of business with B&H which is usually near the lowest price, but if something went wrong, they replaced it, no problem. If you can prove another box/street store sells it for less, they will match the price.
Sometimes a small local store, if they still exist, is very good with service.
Even the best brands sometimes manufacture a dud, so the reputation of the store should also be a factor.
March 18th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
I have had the same Asko Washer and Dryer for 13 years. We had a front loader before most people in the US even knew what is was. That being said. The quality is excellent, but expensive, and customer service is very poor. Stay clear of Akso-for the customer service.
March 25th, 2009 at 1:22 am
how much energy does my ge front load dryer really use when i leave the power button on, but it’s not running. I need a little help with a household dispute
March 25th, 2009 at 1:23 am
how much energy does my ge front load dryer really use when i leave the power button on, but it’s not running. I need a little help with a household dispute
April 1st, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Is there actually a washer/dryer set that is worth uying. With all the negative reviews how do I know which one to buy. A year ago I bought a top of the line Fisher & Paykel Intuitive set. The washer tub chewed up my clothes from the start. Just last week the dryer quit heating. It wouldn’t be so bad because it did come with a two year warranty, but the salesman has been rude and condescending to me, as though I were imagining the problems. I am on the vege of selling the set and getting something else. But what?
April 29th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I think jill’s post (the first one at the top) is hilarious. Instead of hitting the print button she commented it.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:10 pm
The energy savings in front load systems is driven by the washing machine.
Top loads will use as much as 35 - 40 gallons of water per cycle and frontloads will use around 15. Additional savings show up in the form of less water used, less water to heat and less detergent to dispense.
We purchased the GE system. The washer spin cycle operates at approximately 1300 RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute) vs. 500 RPM on traditional top-loads. So if you’re using an older top load machine your cloths will come out of a frontload machine dryer. Less water usage (hot and cold) combined with dryer cloths, equals lower overall energy use and lower detergent costs.
Another feature I believe will benefit our household is the steam feature. Today we average $50 per month in dry cleaning costs. Our hope is that we can reduce those costs to near $0.
Purchasing a front load system is a major investment ($3000), however, with the tax credits and rebates being offered we believe that over time we’ll be ahead financially and certainly ahead environmentally.
May 4th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Greg: What tax credits?
May 6th, 2009 at 4:18 am
When I filed my taxes this year I was asked if I had purchased any energy effecient appliances, I had not, so I had to pass on the deduction. I’m assuming it will be an option again next year and if so I plan to take advantage of it.
For more detail I would have to go back into my taxes to see where the credit was actually addressed. If you would like me to research it I can.
May 16th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
When I saw the tax credit discussion, I researched it. Some energy star appliances do qualify but there are no washers or dryers on the list. Most appliances are for HVAC, windows, doors, insulation, etc. You can see the Energy Star website for more info. Too bad!
July 1st, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Let’s see. You can buy or keep in repair your old reliable top-load conventional washer and dryer of proven design (say, Whirlpool top-load direct-drive model, same design since 1985). A washer dryer will cost about $750, less for scratch & dent. On the average both will last 8-10 years, sometimes more, before needing major repair. When they do break, you can readily get parts at reasonable cost and any repair tech (or even yourself, if you can use hand tools) can fix the washer/dryer.
OR you can pay $1000-$2200 or more for a new, color-coordinated high-efficiency consumer washer and dryer set that saves electricity and water. But because the high-spin design puts more load on the bearings, and because electronic controls (usually sourced from China) are part of the design, they last only about five years before major repair. When they do need repair, just a new electric motherboard can cost $500-600 - IF you don’t mind waiting a few weeks for parts. Or parts may no longer be stocked for it AT ALL because of constant model redesigns. So you pay another $1000-$2000 for a new matched HE washer/dryer set - every five years or so.
Which method do YOU think saves the most money over the long haul??? WISE UP, PEOPLE?
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:52 am
I could not agree more with Tom’s comments. I lived in Germany and still have family there, so I have a lot of experience with front load washers (that’ all they have). I also had a front load washer here. Whenever my family visits, they always comment on how they wish they could buy American top load washers. Much easier to use, clean cloths better and bigger than German FLs.
The problem with front load washers is in the basic design. They don’t use enough water to rinse away the scum that builds up on the top part of the outter drum. That’s what caused the fungal build up and bad smell. Top loaders don’t have that problem. Remember, water is what clean. Detergent helps water to be more effiecient. Whirlpool top loaders have a proven design, are simple to use, don’t have expensive electronics and last forever. I just replaced mine after 18 years of use with not one service call. The new one is very similar. NO THANKS TO FRONT LOADERS…
July 29th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
I bought a pair of Whirpool: the Gas Dryer is fine, but the Front Loaded Wahser Machine broke after 3 months of use . I figured out
the mechanism built inside (open the top cover lid, will see it) is not good design, it made by plastic, and its stiffness is low. Due to plastic made, there is high tolerance yields, and when it moves it got bended and stuck. there is little plastic pin sticking out that to stop the shaft when it comes on a circular path. I just increased the pin dia, by add a thin ring around it. and Problem solved. However, I will never buy the whirpool again.
Another comment is that: it is good to save the electricity but to save water is option; sometime I need to wash the cloth with more water into drum, but the program is locked with limit amount of water! considering you have cloth wiht more dirts, little water can not help ! Too Bad,,that most non-conventional wahser machines have the option of water level ,,,
I hope you all get my message !
Karen - a Design Engineer
July 29th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
btw, sorry for the typo, in the previous message, I’d to add this comment as a correct as well.
it is good to design a wahser machine with option of water level;
(this water level option should be the desirable water to be added, not extra rise time to be extended)
- The door lock should be well design and safe, I like Kenmore, but
recently I see the front door designed is less safety, a child standing nearby may have fingers trapped in nearby the hinge!
-Anyone knows about the quality of Samsung ?
July 29th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
We have had our Whirlpool which was the top of the line at the time. It has a steel barrel. We keep the door and tray open when not in use. We have never had a problem with cleaning or smell.
If we did have a scum build up we would use vinegar. Our machine is rare in that you can use regular detergent or HE. We always use HE to prevent scum buildup.
We really love our machine. I am so happy that we chose it.
August 20th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
We have had Whirlpool Duet Washer and Dryer for about 5 years. The dryer stopped working properly after 6 months. Numerous service calls over a couple of years, (extended Warranty) they replaced it due to lack of parts availability. The washer has had mold issues since new. The detergent tray has and front seal has been replaced 4 times. We have had other problems with them. We always leave the door open and the tray open to dry properly but nothing seems to help. Clothes no longer smell clean the the dryer takes as long and the old non-HE that it replaced. We loved them for the first six months but now hate them . The Washer is no broken again and waiting for the technician. They are now out of warranty and we have dreaded this day. The stupid washer wont even turn on anymore. Not lights no nothing. Look like we will be in the market for some old fashioned top machines.
August 20th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Gee, Jeff, I guess we are just lucky.
You would think if you had repair records for all those times that they had not repaired it properly under the warrenty and are STILL responsible.
Does your state have a Consumers Advocate or maybe you could contact your Attorney General’s office and they could do something to help you. They might have other such complaints.
I know there are stores in my area that have the reputation of selling second inventory merchandise - stuff that was returned but repaired in a back room and sold again.
I am sorry to hear you’re going through all that.
September 4th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
The issue with mold is a big deal. Two major manufacturers of front loaders have class action suits filed due to mold contamination of washers and clothing. You can minimize this by keeping the door open (except Electrolux because their interior light stays on) or by periodically running a bleach cycle without laundry (if your washer permits). There are some aftermarket cleaners that may help. You can avoid the problem by buying a Samsung that can place silver ions in the wash. The silver ions kill bacteria and mold.
September 8th, 2009 at 5:29 am
Good info, Doc! Thanks.
September 8th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I have a mold sensitivity and have had no problem with my HeWhirlpool. I don’t close the door or try when inactive. I also leave my dishwasher ajar. I suspect anything that contains water of harboring mold.
I did not realize that silver also killed mold. THank you.
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
JUST A WORD OF ADVICE FOR MOBILE HOMES OR CONVENTIONAL HOUSING- front loaders are not meant for these types of homes. I have a mobile home and purchased front loading washer and dryer from sears and although I loved the washer and dryer the spin cycle shook the entire home - when I called the company they told me that I should have been informed by the sears associate that these machines are not meant for upstairs, mobile homes, or conventional housing (on concrete blocks) because of their power in the spin cycle. I was very dissapointed to send them back for my regular washer and dryer and that is why I would like to know if the new Steam Washer and Dryers have a spin cycle or not?
October 3rd, 2009 at 12:52 am
The GE washers have issues…if the circuit board which rest on top of the motor goes out, you must replace the entire motor because you cannot detach the circuit board from the motor. The cost just for this part is $200. This is such a waste of a good motor and a very poor design in putting the circuit board on top of a hot motor.
October 3rd, 2009 at 5:45 pm
I purchased a Maytag stacking w/d set in 1984. We had a leak once on the washer which cost $200.00 to repair and the heating element in the dryer went out once which my husband repaired for around 60.00. It’s still going strong to this day,however, I can’t put in anything really heavy like a load of just towels or levi’s as it goes off balance but other than that I love it. I’m scared to buy something these days based on all the comments!
October 18th, 2009 at 12:00 am
We just returned from washer/dryer shopping again…no luck. I have a top loading Inglis washer that is 14 years old and works fine however I require a new dryer. After looking at the dryers on their own we though it might be better to replace the whole team now…until I read about mold issues and frequent breakdowns. We were acually very close to purchasing a GE team until we were offered the extended warranty…the sales person explained that this was a good investment considering major appliances only lasted on average 8 years!. Can anyone offer an opinion on the Samsung models? or recommend a good dryer on it’s own?
October 29th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I purchased the GE front end washer and dryer set in May 2007. It had only a 1 year warranty and because it was rated so high by consumers and the store was going out of business and didn’t offer an extended warranty, I didn’t get one. This week, 2-1/2 years later, the washer started making a terrible noise. Repair man at $197.00 for the service call, tells me it will be over $800 to repair, just about the cost to replace. Not getting another GE, didn’t hold up and warranty wasn’t very good.
October 29th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
People might consider holding off in the purchase of a new dryer because the washers are now environmentally friendly and energy saving due to government regulations.
Dryers are still pretty much the way they have been decades ago, regarding energy efficiency, from what I have heard.
I read that there is a deadline for the same thing to happen to dryers, but forgot when that is.
November 1st, 2009 at 10:23 pm
After one week of having two brand new Kenmore He steam washers and dryer, I have returned everything to the vender. The washer’s door would not open when plugged or unplugged on both (the new and replacement washer), test cycle could be conducted, delay cycle could not be over written, reboot failed, and my laundry room served as storage while the vender’s customer service reps and technicians made every attempt to convince me to work with them on troubleshooting the issues. I have heard it all from the mother board need to be reprogrammed, select another wash cycle, to leaving the washer unplug for 8 hours. All of this for a new washer, what, please I can’t be patient any longer. In search of front load washer and dryer!!!
November 13th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Don’t buy the Kenmore HE Elite Front Load Washer. HE3t Elite model #44832 broke after only 4 years. The parts alone are over $500.00. Kenmore repair service wanted to charge $1200 to fix it.
It’s not like the old days. You can NOT trust Sears!
December 28th, 2009 at 4:05 am
Forget front loaders. What brand of top loaders and dryers are recommended? I have whirlpool now and both of them have had to be repaired. They still don’t work properly.
Isn’t there a company out there that feels a good reputation for many years from loyal consumers is worth more than a couple of years of profit from pissed off consumers.
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:46 pm
FRONT LOAD WASHERS? Wow, What a P.I.A. I have had mine for about 2 yrs now, I am now facing my 3rd break down! Each have been “Stupid” issues, But have Totally Disabled the Washer, until the part can be Ordered, Delivered & then Installed! Clothes get pretty Ripe after a 6 week or so without being washed.!! What do you do while awaiting this repair process?? Laundry Mat? That is Such an Expense, Could have bought 3 washers for the price of that service. I have one comment to make: I love being able to do Large Items/Loads in the front loader… BUT, a Top Loader ‘CAN BE’ used - With Certain Issues going on, they dont just leave you Instantly Stranded!!!! Think I will go buy a couple Top Loaders & Take my “In Need of Another Repair” Front Loader -
January 26th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Dear Barb: we recently (last week) purchased a Samsung 419 steam front load washer at sears. It was delivered this friday (today is tuesday) and been using it all weekend to try. I personally think it cleans really well. It takes a LONG time to wash in normal cycles (about an hour to 1:30 min.). But it works great. Also it has lots of options like steam, and the silver Ions that someone commented earlier. I previously had a top load Maytag Atlantis which I absolutely loved!! I wish I could have bought that one all over again though just for one reason: even tough the RPMS for the spin cycle in the samsung are 1200 and it has different settings for the force of the spin, it still leaves the clothes a lot weter than my old top load maytag did. Can somebody explain this??
I already called samsung, they will send somebody to check it soon (or so they said). I am very disappointed for this reason only, because the dryer takes longer to dry and I have to run it twice sometimes. The people at Samsung said that should not happen, but we’ll see. The problem now is that if I take it back, sears will charge a 15% re-stocking fee which i think is ridiculous for something that doesn’t work the way is supposed to. If someone can offer advise on this I will greatly appretiate it. Thank you. Ary
January 26th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
I’ve had my Whirlpool top load washer and dryer since 2004. They clean and dry really well, however, my towels look like they’ve been scratched by hysterical cats! I can’t tell which of the two machines is doing this. I’ve checked for errand tooth pics, screws, paper clips and any rough spots on the interior of both machines. Whirlpool said they have not heard of this. I’m totally puzzled why this is happening. I have a closet full of beautiful towels that I can’t use because I know what they will look like after several washings. It only happens with terry cloth, no other fabrics are affected. Has anyone heard of this? None of my co workers have. I’m about ready to shop for new machines, but don’t know what “feature” to avoid that may be causing this problem.
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:41 pm
I have read all comments ( WHICH ARE MOST ALL NIGHTMARE SCENARIOS) on this site about front load washers/dryers. IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE THAT HAS SOMETHING REALLY GOOD TO SAY ABOUT MAKERS/MODELS OF FRONT LOADERS THAT ACTUALLY LAST FOR MORE THAN 2-4 YEARS.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Consumer Opionions.
Yes, I can say something good about front loaders.
As a large authorized repair center (30 employees) for major brands like Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, JennAir, LG, etc I enjoyed reading these posts. I often wonder who these “consumers” are that rate these appliances. I personally rate appliances on three thing. 1. Does it do the job it was designed for? (wash dry etc.) 2. Will it last a long time. 3. If it breaks down what will it cost to fix it? Of course if you call Sears for the last one you can pretty much be assured it going to be expensive. (Hell-o, Sears, did you purchase our maintainance agreement?)
Our employees are able to purchase most products at personal use pricing which is well below retail or sale prices. At this posting ALL but 1 of the technicians and 4 of the office staff now own Bosch laundry and they all love them.
No product is perfect, yes you may find posts elsewhere that disagee with our experience. But these laundry pieces (and the Bosch dishwasher)are well made, do the job without a lot of gimicks (like steam), and are not expensive to repair.
Many people equate Kenmore into Whirlpool as the manufacture. In recent years this is no longer true. In fact most of the high end laundry with the Kenmore name is now LG. As an LG servicer we find customers are mostly pleased with their LG producsts (except the dishwasher is a dog). The replacement parts for the LG products concerns me as LG is the only source for repair parts. Several times they have been unable to ship to anyone due to various problems like computors, holidays etc and there is NOWHERE to get parts so we just have to wait. The price for some of these parts is outrageous. I hope you find this information useful.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:41 am
Woody,
Good info, thanks. What is your take on the total cost of operation for a front loader versus a top loader? Purchase price, repair cost, water cost, energy cost, and life expectancy? Is a Bosch front loader economical on a total cost basis? I’m all for saving water and energy, but building parts for repair or replacing machines will use far more water and energy than I can save with a front loader. If your folks had to pay retail-like prices, would they still love their Bosch front loaders?
Our Maytag top loader is 27 years old, and the more I read about the new gear, the better it looks. Listen, I even think it sounds better!
February 10th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Woody,
Thank you for your post. I completely agree with Confused. I’ve been researching washers on a number of sites and I’m extremely concerned that I’m about to waste $1,000 on something that will break and be worthless right after the warranty expires. My mom and mother-in-law each bought a Kenmore HE3 when they first came out and have never had a problem. I wish I’d bought one when they did.
February 10th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
At this point in the equation, regarding energy savings is mute topic except when you compare against the older top loaders like the Maytag which obviously use more water. Comparing one front loader to another is not going to realized any measurable savings one vs. another. But your question about top loaders vs. front loaders and costs, the front loaders win hands down now.
Less water, less detergent and other additives, better extraction so drying times are reduced (more savings), better rinsing.
A little more difficult to work on, especially with the pedestals installed but less moving parts. But less moving parts to wear out.
Most major failures of front loader is caused by incorrect types and amounts of detergents.
Look closely at the energy tags. HOW MUCH MORE engergy savings do they want to milk out of these things?
Walt’s Maytag. Now there is a work horse who the industry and the government killed. We always repaired them when needed because they would still run for years after that. Sorry, those days are gone.
February 13th, 2010 at 1:44 am
Now, all that reading was entertaining… with all the stores having sales and NY having an enery rebate on washers I was thinking about replacing mine ( Walt, I agree !!! My Maytag pair was bought in 1984 and except for a noise on spin cycle of the washer ( only recently), they both work great.) However, the noise concerns me… so, I was looking for info… my co-worker has Bosch and after a year has had nothing but problems and w/3 kids has been going to the laundry mat - cant’ fix it, no parts, etc, blah blah blah, more excuses. But it sounds like any brand ( make that every brand ? ) has problems… yikes.
February 13th, 2010 at 5:35 am
Besty, “one bad apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch girl”.
Bosch builds a European version of their product called the Axis. The larger more common machine was the NEXXT and is now called Vison. I have heard many stories of parts not being available etc for every brand. Usually when investigated closer it was not the manufacture, but the repair company (usually not authorized) that was the delay.
Bosch has a website for authorized service companies and distributors to use. I can, any time day or night, log on and research any model and INSTANTLY know if they can provide the part. If the part is not available I can contact customer relations thorough a dedicated line for service companies and request assistance locating the part. In addition there is a free service for service companies in which placement of a single part number into a data base will search many of the independent parts distributors for availablity. Cool huh!
Your noise in you Maytag may be from water leakage under the tub which may have gotten into the spin bearing. You can remove the front easily to see if there are signs of this. If so, considering the age of your machine, yes, you may want to replace it. If that is not the cause, just keep using it till it dies.
Good Luck
February 15th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
After reading all these reviews I’m starting to think we should all go back to hand-washing and drying our clothes. Just bought a pair of LGs yesterday and after reading all the reviews I’m pretty anxious to reverse my order.
Is there any one company that has “less” isuees than the others?
February 15th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Dear J, I recently wrote a review about a Samsung 419 front loader. It didn’t spin the clothes enough so they would come out pretty wet still. The Samsung service never called me back until a week after, which I was not going to wait that long so I called Sears. Sales person at Sears was very very appologetic of our problem and said that shouldn’t happen with the washer. So we decided to return it and exchange it for a LG 2101. It doesn’t have as many technologically advanced cleaning features as the samsung, but it cleans great and it spins the clothes very very good. I’m very happy with it, I’ve had it for about 2 1/2 weeks and so far so good. I used to have a Maytag Atlantis and honestly I think these front loaders do a much better job at cleaning the clothes. I was in love with my top loader maytag, but now I am begining to fall in love with this front loader. So I wouldn’t regret getting those LG’s.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
Dear J,
I guess you just passed over my post. We deal with over 100 service calls A DAY. For the time being there is nothing going into any of our homes in laundry except Bosch.
LG has a problem. If they make a mistake on the service company parts account they won’t ship parts until it is rectified. They have NO regard for the customer who needs the part. Until this policy is resolved I can no longer recommend LG.
February 18th, 2010 at 6:46 am
boy am I glad to come upon this post. I do indeed need to buy both a washer and dryer and am scared straight. Paying someone upward of $2000 for something that will not deliver….
best set according to good housekeeping:
LG SteamWasher with Allergiene; Model # WM3001 ($1,699 - $1,799)
LG SteamDryer with TrueSteam; Model # DLG3002 / DLEX3001 ($1,499 - $1,599)
Did anyone have any experience with these?
If you have to buy a new set which one would you go for?
I know a lot of people like top loading but they really do not wash that good, need a lot of detergent, and often get unbalanced.
I like the energy and water savings options for the front loading washers but do you really need all the top of the line options?
By the way we have a lot of laundy (like 5-8 loads per week).
February 18th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
IRENA, Please read my post just above yours. Stay away from LG. You mentioned Good Housekeeping. BOSCH has the GOOD HOUSEKEEPING seal of approval (for whatever that is worth).
YOU DON”T NEED STEAM. You can’t remove stains like blood with steam. What would you need steam for other than to plug up and cause a service issue. You want a machine that gradually heats the water to remove stains. The best use of any kind of steam is in the dryer. Bosch has a feature called “mist care” in their dryers.
I know I sound like a commercial, but I have used all these products in my own home and so have my customers. The women in my family (7 of them) LOVE the mist care feature and the love the stain removal feature in the Bosch as they have little children who stain everything.
Be sure to get a model with AQUA STOP. It prevents floods should a problem occur.
February 18th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
We need to buy a new Washer/Dryer for our new upstairs laundry. Woody, I hear ya on the Bosch~ what is the Model Number for the Vision? I saw several. I want something basic. Is there a “matching” dryer? I did go to a separate website to see that various Visions received high rating 4.5-5 stars. Also, any comment on the Silver Ions in the Samsung for the Mold problem. ( we had that in our Whirlpools.)
thank you
February 27th, 2010 at 1:21 am
I bought a maytag Neptune frontloader at Sears Scratch and Dent in Nashville, TN January 2001. It had been ‘repaired” I grew up with front loaders..this was from ‘61 on, my elderly mother just bought her 4th front loader, a Boshe..she had a Maytag that she cursed. Both her Whirlpool frontloaders lasted close to 20 years. I had top loaders allmy married ife, Whirlpool, GE, Amana, and the best and cheapest was HOtpoint…it was ooad as could be, but lasted the longest and washed the best of my top loaders. I was only averaging 2-5 years before I’d have problems with my top loaders. I gave my last top loader (which was a GE Profile_) to my daughter in ‘01, it was 2 years old, she has never had a problem. Now regarding my Maytag front loader. I loved it from day one, never had a problem till recently, I get this nasty brown stuff that looks like paper all over my cloths. I have ran the washing machine cleaners through it, it works for a short time, then the crap comes back. I have always used HE Wisk or HE Tide, but my machine allowed regular detergent also. My problem is the big rubber gasket, it has ripped, sonow I am looking for a new front loader. I have a Whirlpool dryer that is 16 yrs. old, it does have the setting that senses the dryness of one’s clothes, but it is getting up there…although I do use my clotheline in the summer. I want a large drum of over 4 cubic ft., and a steam dryer, so I can put my king size down comforter in it. I want over a 7.5 cubic ft. dryer. Any ideas? I haven’t seen a large Boshe out there.
February 27th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
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February 28th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Woody, thanks for all the info. Our Whirlpool Duet front loader washer that only 7 years old is now DOA. The rear bearing has gone out and made the drum wobble and damaged the front housing. I have decided not to spend another dime on this piece of junk. We picked up a used top loader for cheap for now to give us some time to shop. Your input is greatly appreciated. I have heard good things about Bosch. Was looking at the Samsung but didn’t want steam and that was all they were offering at the store we were at. I think I will shop for a Bosch set. I will never own another whirlpool product. Not just because of the problems with these but because of there customer service. I contacted them and about all the problems we had and all they offered was 10%off of a new set. Like I would go out and do that. Thanks again for the info.
March 5th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
I have a stacking Maytag Neptune unit and the washer has stopped spinning. Unfortunately, the repair bill could likely be around $500, so now I am considering buying a new washer and dryer. My unit is connected so I either fix it or buy brand new. I LOVE MY FRONT LOADER. I want another front loader and read the review about buying a Bosch. My mom has a Bosch, and she gets mold around the rubber gasket. She’s probably had them for five years I guess. Is this a continuing problem or have they fixed it? If you’re recommending Bosch, what particular model do you recommend? Also, what about Frigidaire? I’m just not sure who makes what anymore. Thanks so much.
March 6th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
If you really like your Maytag then it might be worth the price to repair it. Part of the question would be if the manufacture date and model of your Maytag. If it is a front loader then you would want to make sure it had all the updates to it.
Mold in ANY washer is usually caused by not using HE detergents and too much detergent in the washer. Many brands have this problem when those conditions exist.
Frigidaire made most if not all of the washers these previous posts were about. I never have recommended a Frididaire or Electrolux product to any of my customers, I am just not a fan for many reasons.
As far as which Bosch to consider, there are not that many choices. My favorite washer right now is the WFVC6450UC and a mist care dryer. You might find you won’t use those features.
Good luck. It’s all very confusing even for those of us very close to the products.
March 11th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
I do not like the LG one bit, granted I bought the lower end model but the thing is they use so little water it is not enough to get the laundry clean. The LG washer dryer is TOTALLY inefficient in that you must wash for a LONG time to get things clean and always use the “extra water” feature….it’s a rip and I want to say to anyone even thinking of getting a LG combo….DON’T!
March 11th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Tina RE: LG
You did say the LG COMBINATION WASHER & DRYER? Is the correct?
If so I have yet to find ANY COMBINATION washer and dryer that satisfy a customer. These little COMBO machines are barely ok for special situations like motor homes and second laundries or limited space where nothing else works.
You have already purchased yours so here is a tip. The tub in a regular size dryer is substantially larger than the tub of a regular or standard washer. This is such so the clothes will have room to tumble. Your combo machine, if that is what you have, uses the same tub to both wash or dry. So when you intend to wash and dry make your wash load half the size of the tub. Do not fill it.
This will also provide more water for the wash cycle. These little combo’s weren’t made to do a very large load.
Again, this advice is for ANY combination machine. Any combo machine I have experience with, even if they work, given much use they break down frequently. Sometimes that is better than nothing at all. Good luck
Although not my first choice, the larger LG machines seem to have decent satisfaction rating.
For all you Sears Kenmore fans, LG is building many of the Sears Kenmore models now. I’ll leave it up to you to know if that is good or not. As Forest Gump said “Buying an appliance with the Kenmore name on it is like a box a chocolates. You never know what you are going to get”
lol
March 18th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
What difference, if any, is there between Bosch’s AquaShield (6450) and AquaStop (5440)?
March 18th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
Aqua stop is a fill hose inside a fill hose. If the inner hose breaks the hose will not let water pass through it.
Aqua shield recognizes any water in the base pan of the washer and shuts the washer off till the problem is corrected.
Some models have both.
I have never seen an Aqua Stop hose fail. Aqua shield in new to the laundry but Bosch has used it in the dishwasher for a long time.
It works!
March 18th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
Thanks, Woody — that was quick!! The reason I asked was that you said get Aqua Stop and then recommended the 6450 (with the aquashield) rather than the 5440 (with aquastop). So am I safe with either? And is your preference for the 6450 price-driven (or is there some other feature)?
You’ve been incredibly helpful on this thread!
March 19th, 2010 at 12:35 am
Value is the answer. Bosch should be having a laundry rebate the 1st of April. In February it was $200 for the 6450 … combine that with local utility rebates and it really knocks down the price in our area. I don’t know about yours.
One thing to keep in mind though, the Bosch rebates are NOT GOOD at SEARS and LOWES.
You can buy the Aqua Stop hoses and put them on any model but they are about $50 each. The braided hoses that come with machines without Aqua Stop are excellent. You have to chose if the feature is worth the price.
Good Luck…
March 19th, 2010 at 12:57 am
If you’re ever in DC, I owe you dinner! I was just wondering re whether to hang on until next month and see whether there were new rebates.
My 13 year old dryer is squealing and I’m looking for an excuse to upgrade a one-piece stacked washer/dryer combo I’ve always hated. But it’s not a crisis, so my first priority is to make the right decision and my second is to get the best price for the model I want.
March 19th, 2010 at 1:06 am
That is funny! I don’t travel East often. But I have a daughter graduating and getting her Masters Degree from Gallaudet University. If you are in DC you know that is the University for the Deaf. My daughter is not deaf but she became interested in ASL when she took it as a second language, she has a brother who is not verbal. So I AM coming to DC in May, but not to collect on your offer, but it was funny to me that you are there.
March 19th, 2010 at 1:09 am
How funny — is she planning on working in the area after graduation? I ask because one of my best friends is an ASL interpreter — she works freelance for everything from quasi-military high-security facilities to Grateful Dead concerts.
March 19th, 2010 at 6:43 am
This is off topic so I better make this one the last. She hasn’t decided yet. I know she likes D.C and she loves the deaf community. She’ll have to decide soon when the bills start coming due for her loans.
Good luck with your Bosch. Let us all know if you feel I steered you wrong.
April 2nd, 2010 at 3:06 pm
I’m interested in purchasing a new top loader washer. Like many, it seems I’m better off keeping the Hotpoint (20 years) until it say goodbye.
Reading J (2/15/10). “Go back to hand washing & drying our clothes”. My response is, “I do with select clothing”.
Also, reading Penny (2/27/10). “I do use my clothesline in the summer”. My response is, “That is really old school! Ironically, I use the clothesline year round; with the exception of winter. Must wait for a windy day.”
Yes Penny & J, we are the true Energy Savers! lol!!!
April 2nd, 2010 at 4:33 pm
If you insist on a top loader then the Whirlpool direct drive washers are the best choice. You can expect 7-10 years of life under normal use for $299 - $399 …. But the good front loaders are really the way to go now. If you got 20 years out of a Hotpoint God is watching over you anyway
April 2nd, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Hey Woody! Just double checked…Absolutely January 1990 and had to replace the hose twice. For how much longer, I do not know and waiting until the last second is not in my vocabulary. Yes, I have been reading other negative customer reviews with front loaders (gaskets wearing out quickly, the latch is defective, etc). Now I’m reading something entirely different here…Still apprehensive.
Never had a major problem with top loaders. Quality merchandise began to go out the door about 20 years ago. lol!!
April 2nd, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Ann: Just like people there are good and bad. I’m still standing by the Bosch at this point. They reason there are so many average and low quality appliances is because you and I don’t want to pay the price for the good ones. An Automatic washer in 1951 cost $500.
Today you can still buy an automatic washer for $299 or less!
An automobile in 1951 cost $1500 - $2000 and today they are $20K for a similar product. DAH!
Do like my wife made me do. But if you are serious amount energy savings you are wasting your breath doing it with a top loader that uses 40 gals of water per load vs. 7-9 and then a higher extraction speed so your dryer takes less time. Plus you use less detergent, softner and bleach. Estimates are a front loader saves you $100 a year in costs, so in a few years they have paid for themselves, even for these people who have only gotten 7 years out of their machines, they are still ahead other than the frustration!
April 3rd, 2010 at 12:00 am
I own a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer purchased August 2008. Just before the warranty expired it just stopped working. Whirlpool sent out A&E (code name for sears) to repair it which they did. I bought an extended warranty from them and 1 wk later it died again. I had 3 service calls and then called whirlpool to complain. They sent over a new repair service which they paid for and my dryer worked for 6 months (yay). Now it died again and I am stuck with the same process to go through all over again.
Whatever you do don’t buy Whirlpool. When I try to discuss with them that an appliance such as this should last longer than 18 months they offered me 15% off a new one. I am appalled and terrified to have to buy another one so soon.
I appreciate the comments on Bosch but truly do not know what to believe.
Anyone else with advice out there would be great.
April 3rd, 2010 at 12:12 am
My advice is a question: WHY DO all these people keep GOING TO SEARS!
DEBBIE: If you purchased the dryer in Aug of 2008 it had a one year warranty from Whirlpool. Then you said you purchased an extended warranty. Usually these are sold in 1 - 3 year increments. If that is the case, aren’t you still under the extended warranty coverage? If my calculations are correct you should still have coverage at least until Aug 2010 minimum.
It’s a DRYER, it can’t be that difficult to get working properly. Not defending Whirlpool but they are higher on my list with concessions than other laundry brands. Whirlpool isn’t going to concession anything if it has an extended warranty, but the warranty you purchased should have a provision in it that if the product cannot be repaired they will replace the product.
It’s not quite time to replace that dryer. Good luck
April 3rd, 2010 at 1:00 am
Actually part of my complaint is that I did not know I was dealing with sears. I bought the dryer at Lowe’s and whirlpool did not tell me that they were sending sears to repair it. They call themselves A&E.
I realize it is under warranty but A&E came to my house 3 times each time saying it was fixed and each time it took less and less increments of time before it stopped again. I can’t get away from A&E because of the extended warranty through them and from past experience it is clear that even if it continues to be a similar problem like it was 6 months ago Whirlpool will not acknowledge or take responsibility for the fact that there is an obvious defect with their machine. My real concern is this is the 5th time I am having someone repair a dryer that is only 18 months old and given this pattern it seems to me that as long as I have this dryer I will always have serious problems with it.
April 3rd, 2010 at 1:23 am
DEBBIE:
Good information to know. A and E factory service like you say is a stelth version of Sears. Before you throw Whrilpool under the bus it might just be the service you are getting from A and E is the problem.
But one good recourse you have is to contact LOWE’s customer service if you haven’t already. LOWES’s is in the process of setting up a more hands on approach to service for their customers. I think they might intervene and help you in some way.
At minimum I would have them A and E come out and service the product and get it runnning so you can sell the dryer in working condition used to someone. There are different types of extended warranties. You may have the option of having an independent company service the product also.
We haven’t had a lot of chronic problems with the dryer you own. If it doesn’t work out, let me know the symptoms, and maybe we can help out.
Let us all know what happens. Hopefully a happy ending.
April 3rd, 2010 at 1:45 am
I contacted lowe’s in 09 when it stopped but there was nothing I could do because I had not bought a warranty from them. (I feel very betrayed about this Sears things as I know how bad they are). My extended warranty prohibits me from going somewhere else as it would be voided. Selling it actually sounds like a decent option since I would get rid of the distrust for the object.
The funny thing is I think I know what the problem is but no one seems to listen to me. In August when it failed it was because it was overheating and blowing fuses (A&E insisted it was due to lint and poor venting). When the second repair company came they changed a different fuse but I think that the heat element is much too hot (It has melted buttons in the past). Now it turns on but has no heat and in the weeks prior to this happening it seemed to be too hot again as clothes on low heat were very hot to the touch. I hope the entire heating structure is gone so that it can be replaced. This is just very frustrating as a working mother who can only do repairs on weekends and laundry on weekends you can imagine how this is piling up.
April 3rd, 2010 at 2:46 am
I was looking for a part and forgot Sear’s went out of business (Fairfield, NJ) and decided to go to Whirlpool around the corner….that went out of business too. As a former Sear’s employee, I can attest to Debby’s displeasure. Sear’s no longer have Service Technicians; they are all Independent Contractors. From what I am reading, it sound as though Whirlpool did likewise.
I was wondering what the ‘Direct Drive’ meant. It meant come out of the Dark Ages into the 21st Century. Thanks Woody for the update! I just read another front load negative and narrowed down to (2) Whirlpool/Maytag top loaders. Yes, there is good and bad; unfortunately, consumer fraud is very rampant! As consumer’s (dealer/technician included) we must rely on one another for advice. Thanks.
April 3rd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
So A&E just left after deciding that the problem is that the board is not working (because the connection is scorched- yes scorched because it is generating too much heat). So in 2 weeks they will replace the board and I will still be left with a dryer that overheats. Whirlpool was contacted (tech support) who refuse to replace it and do not seem too concerned that this dryer of 18 months is not working.
Any suggestions because I honestly fear that if this keeps up I will have a fire in my house and I cannot sell this to anyone as I could not pass this problem along to others.
April 3rd, 2010 at 4:28 pm
To Debby. I am not an attorney/paralegal. Just another consumer who encountered the same problem with another product. I don’t know which state you reside or the statute of limitations. They sold you a defective product (Lemon Law)! You must keep all of your paperwork and file immediately (small claims) for reimbursement. Google & read: (your state) Lemon Law, Consumer Fraud and Magnusson-Moss Act. Good luck.
April 3rd, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Ann and Debby: I understand Ann’s comment and, yes sometimes we do have to use other means to get things resolved. But as a very experienced appliance technician, the problems being described seem to be related to an air flow problem or a grounded heating element. Most air-flow issues are not product related, but related to the venting going out of the house. Check out this link and look at page three. Make sure your dryer venting meets these specifications.
http://www.servicematters.com/docs/installation/Installation%20Instructions%20-%203979171.pdf
That may or may not be the problem of the product. It would be interesting to know which state you live in.
April 3rd, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Venting and air flow are not the problem as all of this has been checked repeatedly. This thing overheats and in reality I don’t think there is much that will make me feel safe using it. I checked and whirlpool has had to recall some of their gas dryers in the recent past for the same problem. I don’t think whirlpool is going to own any responsibility for their product and the only solution I have is to try and get them to give me money (cost -depreciation), get it repaired under whatever warranty I have and donate it to charity, or just give up. I am going to buy a Bosch product and hope for the best. I see the new one has a 2 year warranty which gives me hope. I wrote off shopping at Sears because of poor customer service and now I’ll add Whirlpool to the list. They clearly will do anything to not take responsibility for defective merchandise and have been wasting my time which to me is worth too much to give all of it to them on the weekend as well as the hours at work I’ve lost.
I’ll send them a letter, one to the better business Bureau and anyone else so that maybe some agency can make them accountable. This product has been defective for quite some time and I am through with it.
April 3rd, 2010 at 5:34 pm
The Better Business Bureau is supported by money from businesses. I heard that a complaint stays on their site for about 3 months only. It is usually not worth much.
If your state has an ombudsman, I would contact that person, also the state’s Attorney General sometimes takes an interest and prosecute such cases if there are enough complaints. At any rate, his/her office could possibly contact the company for you and they would stand up and take notice then.
I remember, years back, there were all sorts of stories about big box stores selling reworked second inventory as first, somehow including the original warranties. One of these stories was told to me by a repairman who worked in the back room.
I have Whirlpool side loading washer and driers which I purchased through one of the remaining small local mom and pop shops (for more than I could have gotten them at a big box). I did this because a small local business has a reputation to uphold, cannot rely on highway traffic or their big advertising budget to bring customers in.
I have had these machines for seven or so years, had purchased no servicing contract, and have never had a problem.
Maybe all businesses in today’s economy are cutting corners so much that their customer service people are getting umpteen complaints, and as you say, really don’t care any longer because they know they are selling junk and nothing is being done about it.
I once had a job in a worldwide manufacturing company. We had a block of consecutive phone numbers and when a customer got through to me and said customer service was not helping I would give them the number of our CEO. When the head of a company sends a message to fix something people don’t blow you off.
You might ask your research librarian how to look up the number of the Whirlpool top brass and go through calling them until someone listens and does something.
I say this because sometimes lower management make decisions to make their little fiefdom look productive, but end up hurting the company. Top management likes to nip this in the bud. It is easy to downgrade your company’s reputation and very hard to build it up again, once it is tarnished.
Also, sometimes tvnews and magazines have ‘consumer advoctes’ and will take interest in a story such as yours. Companies don’t like the bad publicity.
Maybe I was just lucky with my purchase. Maybe I got my machines before the degradation. This is very frustrating and you should not have to put up with it.
This brings to mind the elderly woman who went to the offices of a business that was giving her the run around (was it Comcast, or a telephone provider?) and started sledgehammering their computer equipment.
April 4th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Woody,
Where can we buy Bosch washer and dryer? I live in Texas. I only see where Sears and Lowes sell it.
April 4th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Sometimes a company will have that info available on its website. If not, their customer service number should be able to access it.
April 6th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
hey Woody,
what would you say about the Bosch modal numbers WFMC3200UC,WFMC3301UC and WFVC3300UC (saw them on sale at a clearance centre).
Thanks
April 7th, 2010 at 1:19 am
Those would be the prior model “Nexxt” series. We really enjoyed the one we had till I bought the new “Vison” model to try out.
There are some feature on the Vision that are nice. If you have a weak floor, the Vison has an upgraded suspension shock that works well. The Vision can be stacked.
I actually wished they would have kept a couple of the Nexxt models in the line because they have a different control panel that is nice when you don’t have pedestals or want to put the machines under a counter. Price would be the big decider for me. If it is substanially less for a Nexxt then great. Hope that helps.
April 7th, 2010 at 4:01 am
Thanks for the help. They are substantially less. priced at around 600 to 800. The washer will be on ground floor and we have room for side by side but not the height to stack.
Thanks again for all your advice (previous posts included). with all the bad reviews on front-load washers and then the high energy of top-load ones, i really needed some help figuring it all out.
April 8th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Debby,
I’m sorry to hear about the concerns you have experienced with your Whirlpool dryer! Please send me an email through our customer service address, Whirlpool_CustomerExperience@Whirlpool.com, and type ‘Attention: Jennifer F.’ in the subject line, and I would be happy to help resolve the situation with your dryer.
April 8th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Debbie,
Very nice of Whirlpool to want to assist with Jennifer’s unique dryer issue.
April 8th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Hi Jennifer,
Message sent
April 10th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Woody,
I have been looking for a washer/dryer and came across the Bosch.
I heard the Bosch has had recalls for the child proof doors not opening and needing to unplug the machine to reset it for the door to open. Also, the 5400 model doesnt have adjustable water level some of the clothes dont get wet. Does the 6450 help in these areas?
I saw on “US Appliances” web site the price is $929.00. Is it better to buy from a local store or the internet? Will service be sacrificed by going through the internet?
Thanks,
Greg
April 14th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Do NOT get LG Tromms!!!!!!!! Washer and Dryer have been an absolute NIGHTMARE!!! They look pretty and that’s it!!!
Repair guy said ALL front loaders have issues in all brands AND hrs noticed they aren’t built to last anymore. Keeping repair places busy:(
April 14th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Also I have yet to encounter a front loader that doesn’t pool water in the front rubber “lip”. It causes Midew. Only somewhat solution is to blot after each cycle and leave the door open. We got rid of our Maytag ones because we were sooo frustrating with this problem. I called customer service prior to replacing. They said they didn’t have a problems with that and weren’t willing to help anymore. THEN after we got rid of them we got in the mail a recall notice for this issue!!! Then a class action lawsuit. Too little too late.
We had bought the LG Tromms already which ironicly did it too! Among many other big probs to follow. Have already invested almost 500 in repairs. And only 4 years old. Now I have two new issues 6 months later. Washer is making a grinding noise and not always spinning and dryer is making a loud rattle like drum is loose:(? Debating if worth investing more to diagnose and repair OR start over again. But from my experiences and all that I’ve read I’m not certain I won’t have problems again. Any advice?
April 14th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Ann same thing with LG. Had first given me an outside service repair to try where a girl who sounded about 12 and on heavy drugs answered. She was clueless tried twice then finally LG gave me the name of another service company that came. They were fine but it’s costs me $$$$. And now I need them again or new ones.
April 14th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Interesting though we are not hearing much about the Top Three rated Consumers. The top Three will always be the biggest selling, not necessarily the best products.
LG’s are well accepted on the sales floor as Kerry says. Most of my customers like them, but as they are getting older and people are finding out what they cost to repair the image is changing.
Mildew is caused by water, but more so but people leaving the door closed on their machines and using too much and/or the wrong detergents. You already know what machine I like best right now. The internet is full of opinions. You can find something to support or dispute anything.
April 15th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Just bought the Bosch 300 series front loaders from Loews about 3 weeks abo. The washer does not spin the clothes nearly dry enough and it is taking over an hour to dry a 1/2 load…and all the waistbands/sweatshirt pockets, etc are still wet- this is on the extra dry setting. I did a normal size load of casual kachis pants- about 8 pair one night and it took 1hr 50min to dry on perm press very dry… ug! Even though it is past the 7 days return- Loews said they will let me return them for an exchange but they are sending out a service call tomorrow just to confirm there is nothing actally defective. I bought frontloaders expecting that the dry time would be shorter. My coworkers have Kenmore and their oversized loads are completely dry in 40 minutes… Unfortunately Loews does not carry that brand so I’m not positive what to go with.. I have heard rave reviews on the Electrolux and if they are anything like my moms 30 yr old vacuum then they have got to be good. Although I have heard so many people have drying issues with all sorts of brands…
Another thing that is gonna kill me is I got the Bosch pedestal stands on sale for 50 each- instead of the normal 250! So now I’m going to have to fork out an extra 400 for 2 new stands to match a new brand. I do have to say I cannot believe the excellent customer service I am getting with Loews- they could have just told me sorry honey- your stuck after the 7 day return policy but they said they would do whatever it takes to make my first customer visit with them a good one. Nice! Anyone own the Electrolux models?
April 15th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
If the washer is not spinning correctly the dryer will not dry the clothes quickly because the clothes are too wet. Most problems like you are reporting are installation or customer use related, but all products come with a warranty and all products can have an issue. That is why they have a warranty. Don’t you think your post here is premature? I have at least 15 neighbors with Bosch. No one is having the problem you are reporting.
No Lowes does not have KENMORE products. KENMORE is a SEARS brand name that manufactures put on their products at Sears request. KENMORE is only available at SEARS. It is SEARS way of letting you buy a product in disquise that may or may not be something you would normally consider. Most of the SEARS front load laundry is currently being built by LG. Some models may be Frigidaire or Whirlpool. Buyer beware!
Frigidaire / Kenmore, please see the posts in the Appliance Journal Why Kenmore Front Load Washers Fail. There is a link at the top of this blog. Electrolux is a Frigidaire with lipstick!
April 15th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
I don’t think my post is premature at all, I am just stating what my current issue is. I’ll update tomorrow after the service call. Hopefully I will be able to report that it is not spinning correctly and my issue is solved and I’m keeping the Bosch. When I called Loews they actually told me that the Bosch 300 series is their top seller and they have had no complaints from anyone- they were genuinely surprised. I have read pages of rave reviews on Bosch and pages of all negatives too- but I’m finding that on every brand I look into any you will find that with any product.
April 15th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
I just bought the Maytag Epic Z (z600 Washer and Dryer). Are these good machines??
Also, “I heard” to help with the mould issue with Front Loads Machines is to level the unit with the front being slightly higher than the back of the machine….Does this help? Do parts wear uneven when not completely level??
April 17th, 2010 at 11:44 am
In Feb 2009 I replaced my Inglis top loader washer and dryer..the same ones I used for 19 years with virtually no repairs. I thought it wise to upgrade before one or both of my machines quit!
I bought the Whirlpool Duet front loading washer (model WFW9200SQA12 ) and matching dryer. In early March 2010, my washer developed a noise and vibration when spinning. I searched the internet, checked the washer manual….and the only solution I could find mentioned in trouble shooting was to ensure that the washer was sitting level on the floor. I adjusted that and the noise continued…I arranged a service call to have the washer checked.
The repairman said the washer was “done”…I needed new bearings,a new drum, shocks,
a new belt….etc…Remember, this is a 13 month old washer!!!
I called Whirlpool, as did the store where I purchased the washer, as did the service company that repairs Whirlpools in my region…..Whirlpool could not be convinced to replace the machine…
They did offer to cover the cost of repair, even though it was approximately 2 weeks past the one year warranty period.
To make a long story short…I was without a washing machine for one month, an eternity for someone who does a load of laundry most days …waiting for parts to come in etc, etc.
When the repair was finished, the serviceman told me he really wasn’t happy with the way it sounded on spin cycle!
Now what? I have 90 days warranty on the parts…and then I’m on my own!
Needless to say, I am sorry that I ever bought a Whirlpool….and most definitely, would not buy one again.
Boy do I miss my Inglis toploader! : )
April 17th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Would your life insurance company, your auto or home owners insurance extend the warranty beyond the grace period of their policies… NOT !!!
Give Whirlpool credit for trying to do the right thing. If there is still a problem contact them. The service company is required to warranty their work for 30 days. I can tell you names of a lot of companies that when the warranty is over, it’s over.
Good luck.
April 18th, 2010 at 1:11 am
So I hooked up the Maytag Epic Z and what a joke it turned out to be!!!
When the machine hit spin cycle, something started to clang around inside the body of the machine and then stopped. I’m assuming something fell off and came to rest at the bottom of the machine.
I then noticed some dripping at the front of the unit that stopped after awhile.
I realized that I made a big mistake, no question I’m taking these back to the store.
April 18th, 2010 at 3:57 am
Keith C: ASSUME … see the Bad New Bears….lol…
April 18th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
It’s been a nightmare replacing my old Front Load washer and dryer. I thought these Maytags would be what most would think of Maytag appliances…”Fantastic”. It turned out to be a fantastic disaster.
Anyway, I went and bought the Samsung WF337AAG Washer and dryer set got them for a great price too. I’m crossing my fingers on these ones. The reviews have been glowing, I hope it’s true. I take delivery this Wednesday.
April 19th, 2010 at 3:14 am
Samsung manufactured some of the late Maytags for them. (Not the Maytags since the Whrilpool acquistion.) The Maytag/Samsungs were a nightmare unless you wanted to practice staying on the mechanical bull. I notice they have been advertising how quite the machines are. Hope they found a fix for them. I wasn’t ever fond of the machines and thus we opted not to be an authorized service for Samsung. Good luck.
April 20th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
We have had a BOSCH washer and dryer for almost 2 years and have had nothing but problems after 6 months of use. 3 technicians have come to “repair” the machines on numerous visits (10+) and still, nothing is resolved. We had to send a registered letter to Sears to complain. They have changed the heating element on the dryer which then meant that the control panel had to be changed also, the bearings, the rubbers under the washing machine, they had to tighten screws that were loose inside the washing machine, we have to put the washing machine on the reduced spin cycle and even then the machine shakes like crazy (yes, it is levelled properly!!!) to the point that it broke a piece of the door hinge. We also have the mold issue with the washer (yes, we use the right detergent, we DO NOT use too much of it- 1 tbsp. and we do not shut the door). The fabric softener DOES NOT dispense properly, we have to empty it ourselves because it gets clogged (yes, we use a HE fabric softener!). Idiot technician said that it does that because the machine is levelled and it shouldn’t be… Really??? Since when??? I have had Maytag front loaders and Frigidaire without problems. I WILL NOT BUY A BOSCH PRODUCT EVER AGAIN (we have friends who have had problems with their dishwasher). If you look up reviews for Bosch washer and dryers, you will also find many other customers with similar issues so I am not the only one. I do have to say that Sears provided us with excellent customer service and have agreed to take them back and let us choose whatever make we want to replace them. I find it funny that Woody is only mentionning Bosch products…as a technician he should be able to sell us a few other makes that are of “good” quality.
http://www.viewpoints.com/Bosch-Nexxt-Washer-500-Front-Load-reviews
April 21st, 2010 at 12:25 am
Candice, nice post. Sorry your experience hasn’t been good with your washer. Nice to hear Sears is living up to their “Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back” pledge.
Woody doesn’t sell washers, but we are an authorized service center for Bosch, Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Asko, KitchenAid, LG and others.
My opinions are my own and I take responsibility for them. My opinions are formed from my family’s own personal experience with these products, those of my employees and mostly from our customers who are many.
Any product can have unintended problems. The “good” manufactures make reasonable efforts to correct those problems. Others live by the letter their warranty and offer no consessions.
If mold and odors were not a problem then why would Whirlpool be making available a product to freshen front loaders?
You used the term “idiot” to describe your opinion of the Sears tech. Often the product gets blamed for the lack of expertise of the person(s) attempting to repair the product. I can’t know if that is a portion of your frustration or not.
I do know I can choose any brand and any product within that brand and find both good and derogatory comments or reviews on them on the internet. I met with one manufacture just today who produce 20,000 machines PER DAY ! Finding a few bad experiences with their product can be done, but when you consider their production in a year is millions of units, those reviews are a very small sample.
I hope your experience with whatever you choose now is satisfactory so you can enjoy them and move on to some of the more important parts of life.
April 21st, 2010 at 12:37 am
Well, now I have no idea what to do. We need a new washer and dryer quickly….and I really want front loads because I have a very small laundry room and was hoping to have a platform built over them for folding. It looks as if I should completely stay away from front loaders. After reading these, I am so confused. I was told to stay far away from BOSCH, but the only “expert” being Woody is only recommending them. Woody..HELP!!! I love the look of stainless or blue colored front load…..anyone have something in that realm that has worked for them? I am so baffled!!!!
April 21st, 2010 at 6:29 am
Doris,
As far as Bosch goes I still stand behind my comments. As I said prior you can find good and bad about anything on the internet.
Bosch makes a silver that my daughter loves.
Be sure to leave a little extra space between the top of the washer and the bottom of the counter top. Machine heights change.
My preference in washers and dryers in order would be Bosch, One of the Whirlpool brands (Maytag, Duet,) and LG if you have a good service company in your area that works on LG. Don’t be afraid of a front loader. Good luck.
April 21st, 2010 at 12:50 pm
As I mentioned before, we have an older Whirlpool Duet and never had a problem. I guess people only write when they have a complaint, but after reading this I started to feel that I was incredibly lucky. It’s good to hear a professional who deals with them liking them, too.
April 21st, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Woody I need your help !!!! I had to leave my washer and dryer with the house we sold… so after moving I was in the market for a washer and dryer, after reading all the reviews all over the internet I was confused and scared to buy anything. After reading your reviews on the Bosch, I bought the Bosch 6450, well after 2 weeks it doesnt drain well and wont spin on the hight speed, just kind of slowly tosses the clothes around… Help !!!
April 21st, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Woody I need your help !!!! I had to leave my washer and dryer with the house we sold… so after moving I was in the market for a washer and dryer, after reading all the reviews all over the internet I was confused and scared to buy anything. After reading your reviews on the Bosch, I bought the Bosch 6450, well after 2 weeks it doesnt drain well and wont spin on the high speed, just kind of slowly tosses the clothes around… Help !!!
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:55 pm
ok, I had the repair guy out… and guess what ? my load wasnt big enough !!!! I only had 2 things in it… whoever heard of such a thing? So, my faith has been restored… I guess with the Boschs you have to have at least half a load or it wont spin. Another thing I learned is to use only 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of laundry soap, HE of course. He also said on the dryer if you want your clothes dried, use the timer part, his family uses the 40 minute timer and has no problems. What ever happened to the good ole days when you could just throw throw your stuff in the washer and dryer and not have to worry about things ? Maybe I am showing my age LOL
April 22nd, 2010 at 11:01 pm
oh, and Doris the repair guy I had out just loves the Boschs… he said they are the best on the market… he also said that he recommends to people that buy the high end washers and dishwashers (Bosch ) to purchase the extended warranties because when they go out of the mfg warranty they can be costly to repair because the parts are so expensive. Also I have had several repairmen tell me to stay away from the colored ones ( I know, they are beautiful ) because they scratch really easy, just a thin layer of colored paint… good luck
April 22nd, 2010 at 11:18 pm
Nancy Mc, Thank you so much for all that great info!! I’m waiting for my husband to come home from baseball practice and I’m gonna throw the Bosch info at him as soon as he walks in the door!
But I’m so bummed about the color info…I really was hoping for a blue or silver. I wonder if the Bosch’s come in Stainless? Thanks again, I think I’ve decided now, front load for sure!
April 23rd, 2010 at 12:01 am
Hey Doris didn’t mean to burst your bubble with the color thing, I was very disappointed too.. I think Bosch has a sliver color, but don’t think it is the 6450 model… am pretty sure they don’t have a blue. Just so you know, they are very quiet, another thing the repair man said was he didn’t like the pedestals, said the machine spins at such a high RPM that it wobbled too much on them, he said he had them and after 2 weeks got rid of them. Before this I had the whirlpool duet on pedestals and it was ok but they were up so high you couldn’t fold clothes on top of them unless you were 6′ tall, so I opted out of them this time ( besides they are around $230 each, OUCH )good thing I did after what the repair man said… Oh yes, he also told me about once a month to take a small amount of dish washing detergent, put it right in the washer and run the sanitize cycle and that keeps it nice and clean and fresh ( ok, I am old and don’t remember exactly how much detergent he said to use LOl ) I am also keeping my detergent door and washer door open after each use. Hope this helps because I was in such a confused mess before buying mine not knowing what to buy or use. Before buying I called around to random repair men and asked questions about what was the best in their opinions. I called several and they both said Bosch, they didnt sell them so they had no reason to tell me anything other than their opinion.. good luck and let me know what you decide… oh, by the way on the Bosch model 6450 there is a $200 rebate, plus in my state of UT the utility companies are giving a rebate also… oh, I dont think if you buy at Lowe’s you get the $200 Bosch rebate so make sure you check before buying… I just found it: Not eligible at Lowe’s, Sears, Best Buy and P.C. Richard & Son.
April 23rd, 2010 at 2:38 am
Big OOPS… when I was talking about putting dish washing detergent in the clothes washer to clean it, I was talking about CASCADE, or one that goes in the dishwasher, would hate for someone to put Dawn or Ivory soap in the washer LOL… I wouldn’t have been able to sleep tonight if I hadn’t corrected it
April 23rd, 2010 at 11:45 am
I returned my BOSCH 300 series last week after using for a month and replaced with the Electrolux and am in heaven. I found that the BOSCH dryer just didn’t dry fast enough for me- on a regular size load it was taking up to 1.5 hrs and still had dampness in the pockets, waist bands. I was not overloading and I’d even spin twice. The service techs came out to test the dryer and saw the dum was registering about 165 temp and then kept droping down to 150ish..it would keep cycling that way. The techs called BOSCH directly while they were testing since they thought the drum should register about 180. BOSCH told them it was functioning properly- their drums are kept at a lower temp..energy efficiency and so not to ever over-heat your clothes. This is fine- but this was not advertised to me when I purchased them so they were not a good fit for my needs. I wanted a dryer to dry my load under 1 hr every time and when I set a dryer to VERY dry I don’t expect any dampnes- which I was still getting with the BOSCH. Also, after only a few weeks I noticed the washer did have a not-so-good smell even when I left the washer door open. I absolutely love the new set I purchased and it was well worth the extra money. I am not bashing BOSCH as they functioned ok just was not a good fit for me. I am very busy and don’t have time to be waiting on laundry and re-checking and re-setting the dryer all the time. Also, a big plus for me with the Electrolux was even more room in the dryer. Even thought the BOSCH was a large capacity it still felt tight in the dryer with my conforter.
The biggest rip off with all these frontloaders is the pedastals though- I was lucky when I bought the BOSCH- they were on sale for 50 each! But when I exchanged I had to suck it up and pay the 229 each for the new ones- OUCH! Lowes is the best when it comes to customer service!
April 23rd, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Hi Terry,
I have only had my Bosch for 2 weeks and until I had the incident with the too small of a load I am very please… I have the 500 series and don’t have that problem with the taking too long to dry. It is only me and my husband so don’t have much laundry and so far I haven’t had a smell yet. I loved the look of the electrolux’s especially the color ones. Keep us posted..
April 24th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Help! My washer and dryer are 12 years old (Kenmore Elite) and I have love them. The washer is no longer cleaning as it should and I have to manually run a third spin cycle for the water to be properly expelled so the clothes can go into the dryer. My dryer runs really hot no matter what cycle setting it is on. I know I am on borrowed time with them. The washer is a top loader and the dryer a front loader. I am looking to purchase machines that I can stack, as I have a small laundry room. I think I want both of them to be front loaders. I was leaning toward LG or Bosch. By the way what is direct drive? Please advise.
April 24th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Make sure you have a good LG or Bosch service company in your area before you chose either.
Direct drive can either be a term Whirlpool coined for their top load washer years ago or it can mean there is no belt and the motor is attached directly to the tub not requiring a belt. I prefer a machine with a belt. It is less expensive to replace a simple belt with a detatched motor than it is to purchase these direct drive components.
Technicians HATE stacked washers and dryers. You have to take the dryer down to work on the washer. I prefer a shelf for the dryer so it is independent and does not shake if the washer does.
April 25th, 2010 at 2:32 am
Hi Nancy Mc!
Well…I purchased my new BOSCH w/ Aquastop this weekend! Some people think the color is weird, its called “anthracite”…kind of a charcoal gray. I loved it. Will try my hardest not to scratch it. I needed to get something that looked nicer than traditional white because when people used my downstairs bathroom, they automatically see my laundry room. Now that I have front loaders I am going to have a granite counter built over them for folding. Anyway, thanks Woody and Nancy Mc for the comments. I sure hope I made the right choice! I also got the yearly maintenance plan…normally I wouldn’t but decided to keep it tuned up like my car! Thanks again!
April 25th, 2010 at 3:39 am
Doris,
Way to go !!! Remember no small loads ( I only had 2 small things in ti ) .. I am so happy for you, please keep us updated.. I had no idea they had a charcoal color, yea… You wont believe this but I had done so much research that I did all my buying over the phone and didn’t even see them till my husband came home with them a couple of days later. I have yet to use the steam on the dryer, but the repairman said it is wonderful. I have been playing around with the dryer settings to see which ones work best for me, I don’t want my clothes to get real dry but dont want them wet either, so it is just a matter of playing around with the different settings. Its like a new toy for me
April 25th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Woody,
This is a little off subject, but what is your take on the best refrigerator. Mine is acting up and we are in the market for a new one. Just wanted a professionals opinion. we are shopping for the Bosch washer and dryers now trying to find the ones we want for the right price. Thanks for all your input.
April 25th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Okay, we pretty much ruled out the LG. I am interested in the near top of the line Samsung WF448 washer and DV448 dryer. JD Powers and Goodhousekeeping both rated them very well. I like the Bosch but not everyone carries them and I have not been able to find one with a steam washer. Yes, I want a steam washer option. I work for a retailer and most of my clothes are dry clean only, which gets expensive. Any ideas or comments? Thanks!
April 25th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Thanks Nancy! I’ll keep you posted on how it goes!!
Woody, we have an Amana refrigerator with the bottom freezer. We have had it for about 5 years now and no problems with it. We usually get our appliances for a good appliance center here in Delaware and it is one of the ones they recommended.
Lori, we got our BOSCH washer and dryer at Sears. They are the only ones that seem to carry them here, but yes, it only has steam in the dryer which is all I really wanted. Good luck!
April 25th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
oops….just read my above post…….I meant FROM a good appliance center here in Delaware!
April 25th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
woody I just bought bosch washer and dryer. My question is which laundry detergent and fabric softner is the best to use. The sales
person said to use powder detergert because of wax build up with liquid. He also said regular tide(not HE was fine) only to use 1 Tbl. Do you have an opinion on this? I would apprieciate your input.
April 25th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Doris, Nancy or woody, Do I need a steam cycle in the washer? Can I use the steam setting in the dryer to clean my “dry clean only” stuff like silk and wool? I’m totally confused. I’m down to either Bosch WFVC8440UC washer and matching dryer or the Samsumg top model which does have a steam cycle in the washer. Help! My 13 year old Kenmore Elites are having death coughs! Thanks so much!
April 25th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Lori wish I could help you with the steam washer but I don’t know enough about them. Do what I did, call around to different appliance repairs ( ones that don’t sell machines ) and ask their opinion of the steam in the washers. Tell them what you are doing and they will be glad to give you their opinion, they can give you the pros and cons on them or if it is just a gimmick that doesn’t really work. I did a google search and found this, maybe this will help… copy and paste this link http://www.city-data.com/forum/house/902157-steam-washer-dryer-i-will-share.html
Let us know what you decide, we all find this interesting
April 25th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Lisa I think the sales person told you wrong about the detergent. The HE is low sud-sing which you NEED in the front loaders, and my repairman said that he likes the tide HE powder. Also the amount of detergent depends on if you have a water softner or not. I dont have a water softner so I need to use half a tablespoon more. I just found a link to copy and paste http://housewares.about.com/od/laundryappliances/f/hedetergents.htm
April 25th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Lisa,
Mmmmm, detergents, , mmmmmmm that’s a tough one because a couple of factors need to be considered.
1. Hardness of the water, degree of soil and
2. My wife’s opinion (gotta be carefull she may read this)
Actually she likes the power, I mean powder best. Both do a good job when used correctly. She uses some additives now and then like OxyClean and likes not having liquid mixed with the powder. She also says that the liquids are more messy. But there is a lot of personal choices involved here. Just be sure it is HE.
I’d be careful using the Tide non HE. That’s one of the factors in shortened life of the machine. I had a hard time wheening my family from it. It was only after they trashed a washer that I insisted they change. Of course we have soft water so we require very little detergent. Our machine has 4 different users (if you don’t count me, and trust me, with all the girls around here I don’t count sometimes unless someone needs 10 bucks!) and so it gets a diverse workout.
LORI:
What does steam do to a stain ?? Sets it! My opionion is steam is a gimick. The stain cycle on the Bosch brings in low temp water and heats it gradually to release stains and then continues to the higher temperature. The Bosch also has an awsome whites cycle or sanitary cyle. Asko (not the XXL models) has been doing this for years and customers always tell me that the washablility is superior to anything they ever had, especially with small childrens clothes with food stains. The steam dryer has some advantages that are useful. Those who have recently switched out their Bosch washers in our family say they have noticed the difference. One daughter thinks the steam dryer is the cat’s meow! YES, I know, I have a lot of children, (7 girls, 2 boys) home and away.
April 25th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
Jeff:
There are too many variable to discuss refrigerators on this thread.
Sizes and choices galore. Top freezer, bottom, side by side, all refrigerator, french doors.
I am not a Fridaire or G.E. fan. I am not hot on Samsung unless you know you have a couple of service choices in your area. That narrows it down a little bit. But remember, these are my opinions.
Whirlpool refrigeration is good and if you check out the KitchenAid line (which is a Whrilpool product) you will find they have longer warranties which has some value. Good Luck
April 25th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
Wow Woody with all those kids and you still have time to answer all our concerns, my hat is off to you !
and for all we know you may have yourself locked in a basement somewhere for some peace and quiet LOL
April 26th, 2010 at 1:30 am
Hi Woody, Nancy and Doris. I did follow the link Nancy and found that steam washers are a matter of preference. However, steam dryers seem to be loved universally! It’s Sunday and I can’t call repairmen to ask questions. But I do have Woody, thank God! Still considering Bosch and Samsung. Woody, why do you hate Samsung? From what I gather one can choose to use the steam feature or not. Trying to find a good repairman for Bosch as you suggested, Woody as well as a testing of their useage. Now to find a Bosch set I can see in person. My husband doesn’t want white but I don’t care. They are going into my laundry room, not living room. I’ll try to accommodate him since he’s such a dear. Please let me know what you think. I appreciate your help ladies and Woody! Got to go. My machines are coughing….lol!
April 26th, 2010 at 7:38 am
Lori,
Well, I don’t hate Samsung, but when Samsung was building washers, dryers and refrigerators for Maytag in the last days of Maytag, as an authorized service company we weren’t too impressed with the products and support behind it. When you are a service agency you want to feel good about the product you support because it reflects on the reputation of the service company as well as the manufacture.
First thing I would do is go to the manufacture web site for the brands you are interested in and you will find a place to enter your zip code and see who services in your area that has a relationship with the manufacture. Some products can be great but there might not be support in your area, but there may be support in mine for that brand. I tend to rate appliances on three things. 1. Does it do the job it was designed to do? 2. Does it last a long time? 3. If it breaks down how expensive are they to repair?
I just pulled up on the Samsung site using my zip code the service company they suggest on their site is a TV guy!
As far as color, one of my daughters has the silver and loves it. We have white right now, but we have had red and platinum (Asko). We change models and brands frequently as it is my way of having first hand experience with the machine. Trust me the girls will tell it like it is if they don’t like what I bring home! One set of machines I brought home lasted two days before I was requested to hook up the former set.
I like the Bosch anthracite and but darker colors show water and detergent marks
April 29th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
i’m not sure if it’s because of all the problems I dealt with on the Maytag Laundry pair but the Samsung 339 Washer and Dryer have been so far fantastic. I know I’ve only had them for two weeks now but they are easy to use, the washer doesn’t move around on the floor, no/very little water is left in the door seal and quiet.
I guess the only thing that will be the test is the test of time that they don’t break down on me. Keep my fingers crossed.
April 29th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Oops sorry not 339 but 337…
April 29th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Hi Keith,
I know some of the appliance repairmen didnt want to do warranty work from Samsung because Samsung doesn’t pay them quickly, but who knows, seems everyone has an opinion, I bought the Bosch, but if you read on the internet some people hate them, so who knows, you just buy them and pray for the best
I am glad you aren’t having any problems, anymore I think buying appliances is just a crap shoot..
April 29th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Thanks Nancy!! I’ glad that whole ordeal is over with. I ended up buying the 5 year extended warranty so I have little to worry about until that time, I just hope i don’t have lemons on my hands even though i’ve got that coverage as well.
My mother inlaw bought a Bosch Laundry Pair (Neext 500 series) a few years ago and she hates them. The washer takes 1 1/2 hrs to wash a basic load. i’ve made sure she uses the right detergent and the right amounts but to no avail. The service tech. was in as well and said sorry, nothing he could do that is how long the washers take to do laundry. I wish we were told that when we went to buy them for her. I don’t think she’ll be buying Bosch again.
April 30th, 2010 at 12:42 am
Keith,
I have the 6450, it is between the 500 and 800 series… mine doesnt take long at all to wash nor does it take long to dry. Guess I got lucky. The people who had Samsungs said it took forever to get the repair guy out but that could just be different areas of the country. I was lucky when the Bosch guy came out the very next day when I had it for 2 weeks and the washer wouldnt spin, as it turned out my load was too small for the washer to evenly distribute the clothes. Keep us posted I love hearing what problems or what NOT problems have, seems we always hear the bad and not the good.:)
April 30th, 2010 at 2:35 am
Most front load washers take longer, but they use less water, less soap and softener and they spin more that twice as fast as most top loaders. So although the washer takes longer the dryer times on a properly vented dryer are reduced. And……..you are no longer waiting for you dryer to finish so you can put the next load in.
It’s a trade off. There are settings on all makes including Bosch that reduce the cycle time but do you want fast washes or clean and well rinsed fabrics? Life is full of choices…:)
April 30th, 2010 at 2:49 am
Woody having all those kids have made you so wise
Everyone likes to have choices, enjoy them while you can looks like we are losing more and more as time goes on
April 30th, 2010 at 3:09 am
Wise ? More like weary!
And “losing choices” is an entirely different topic
April 30th, 2010 at 3:16 am
Woody you werent too weary to catch that one
April 30th, 2010 at 3:18 am
This is way off subject, but it is snowing big ole snowflakes right now, I moved from AZ to this ? Good thing I have my new Bosch washer and dryer to dry all the towels it takes to dry off my dog when he comes in from going potty
April 30th, 2010 at 3:26 am
Nancy Mc…..
It’s me, Doris again!…Just had to let you and Woody know that I couldn’t be more thrilled with my NEW Bosch WTVC533AUS Anthracite Vision 500 Series!!! I love them! Now, I’ve only had them for a week now, but they have actually made me enjoy doing laundry!!! I also LOVE the color and am now repainting, tiling a backsplash and having a granite countertop built to put over them. I’m pimping my laundry room!!!
April 30th, 2010 at 3:35 am
Nice Doris, I am jealous. I am hoping to be able sell my current set and get the anthricite. It wasn’t available when the Vision sets first came out.
Nancy, do you mind telling me what city you are in?
April 30th, 2010 at 3:38 am
Dorrriissss, can you see me waving
I am so glad you love your new machines and especially the color… I had to turn my laundry room into a private dining room for my hound dog LOL The house we are renting has cherry wood floors and he is 90 lbs so when he drinks everything in a 6 ft circle gets wet, so had to find a safe place for his dining and it just happens to be the laundry room ( good ole linoleum ) so you are lucky you get to pimp yours out.. I am so happy for you, does yours have a steam dryer ? If so, have you used it yet ? I do, but havent used it yet
April 30th, 2010 at 3:40 am
Hey Woody I moved from the Phoenix AZ to Draper UT, just south of Salt Lake City.. how about you ?
April 30th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
I think most would agree that when it comes to doing one load of basic laundry that takes two hours - washing and drying that is at least a half hour to long.
Her settings are Normal load with no additional settings like extra spin or rinse and sensor drying. I just think that particular series of machine (nexxt 500) was not programmed for the faster North American market where we want a load done in around an hour.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Just talked to another repairman who echoes Woody’s sentiments: Bosch. Parts for LG and Samsung can take forever to get if something breaks. I am almost down to doing my laundry by beating them on rocks. My machines are convulsing now. We will be ordering our Bosch 800 series this weekend. By the way, the repairman said that the newer Bosch machines don’t take as long to dry. I’ll keep you guys posted but I think this is gonna be good! Blessings!
April 30th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
I actually had an issue when I recieved the Samsung units that turned out to be nothing more than a faulty breaker. I live in the the Toronto, Ontario, Canada area and must say the Samsung repair agent was out the very next day to look at the units and of the part that he thought might be the issue he said would be shipped and recieved the very next day. Hopefully any major issues (if ever) will result in the same fast service.
My understanding was that their is a warehouse here in the area that stocks Samsung Laundry parts for the different service agents, so i guess i’m lucky that way.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Lori,
I just got the BOSCH 500 series anthracite last weekend. I’ve only had them a week, and love them…..and you are correct. They dry much quicker than any dryer I’ve ever had before…..I think you’ll be very happy! I am!!!
April 30th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Well… I just used my steam refresh on my new Bosh, 6450… It was wonderful, am going to a job interview so have to look fresh.. dont know what good it will do me with it snowing today, now my hair will smell like hairspray
April 30th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Good luck with your interview, hope you WOW them!!! SNOW!!! Here it’s 25 Celsius in the Toronto area.
I have the Steam option in my Dryer and I haven’t even hooked it up because i thought that it was pretty much a Gimmick, does it really do something to the clothes that is worth while??
April 30th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Nancy Mc,
Yes…I do have the STEAM also, but haven’t tried it yet. You’ve now made me want to find something to steam! Will have to try soon…good luck on the interview. Wow…snow!! Supposed to hit 90 degrees here tomorrow! (wilmington, Delaware)
April 30th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
I got the JOB !!! yea, now I can pay for my new washer and dryer
Tried the steam out this morning, worked great, wrinkles gone but…. I took them ( pants ) out of the dryer 6 minutes early, not thinking, put them aside, ran and commented on here, then went to put them on, they were damp ! and here I had to go out in snow with damp pants on hehehe I think if I had let them go the whole cycle, they would have dried… oh, well, lesson learned.. I didnt have wrinkles though 
Wow Keith and Doris am I the only one dealing with snow ? not fair, and just think I left Phoenix, 80 degrees in April to come to this !!
April 30th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
I’m no stranger to snow, before i moved to the Toronto area i lived in central Canada…Manitoba to be exact. Now there is lot’s of snow and cold.
Congrats on the job!!
April 30th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
Keith I have never been in your area but I will take your word for it about the snow. As I look our now it is 48 and sunny, but this morning was a different story, its amazing how soon the weather can change.I think we should all pat ourselves on the back for our new purchases, lets keep in touch so we can see how things go in the future ( I dont wan to jinx us LOL )
May 8th, 2010 at 1:46 am
Woody,
I see you’re not a big fan of Kenmore…. BUT, what do you think about a Kenmore Elite HE5t steam 4.4 cu ft model # 47 for $799 ? Its at a sears outlet store so its a refurb but my wife and I really need a GOOD deal ( Meaning affordable and reliable ) Now my folks have had nothing but Kenmore and I do understand that its not the same Kenmore of 40 yrs ago. At this point I’m a bit leary of them all but we were really wanting to get a front loading washer.Any suggestions on machines that are gonna be in that 7 to $800 range and are front loading would be greatly appreciated !!!
Anyone else with suggestions…… LEMME HAVE EM !
May 8th, 2010 at 3:58 am
Darin:
Quickly…. a Kenmore is a product manufactured by another company which Sears places the name Kenmore. But aside from that what good is steam? Steam sets stains. Steam is good in the dryer (or Mist).
If you are concerned about repairs then steam is one more thing to go wrong. Bosch has a number of machines in the $799 range especially after rebates. Check out the article here on the Journal “Why Kenmore washers fail”….also a law firm just announced they are looking into a class action suit against Sears Kenmore due to high failure rates right after the warranty expires.
Depending on the service available in your area my choices are still first Bosch, then LG or one of the Whirlpool front loaders. No Ge, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Samsung. Good luck to you.
May 8th, 2010 at 4:16 am
Hey Woody !!! I thought maybe you were on vacation, havent heard from you lately… My Bosch is still going strong after 1 month.. Its about time Doris checked in… wonder if she has tried the steam dryer yet…
May 8th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Thanks Woody,
Any particular place you recommend buying from ? I see a few places that carry Bosch but dont know who will offer better service. Lowes, Sears, ….
May 8th, 2010 at 9:47 am
And also…. how do you rate the 3300, 5400, 5440 ? The 5400 is 25% off at Lowes right now $746
May 8th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Hi Darin,
I am no expert but Woody always says to check in your area and see if there are any Bosch service people before buying. I also know that Woody shivers at the name Sears, I think it makes his hair stand on end, that’s assuming after 9 kids he still has some LOL If you live in a big enough area there should be some independent business owners that sell Bosh, that is how I got mine. Check ads, internet and see if you can find the independent places. Good luck and keep us posted.
May 8th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Wow Nancy !! You get an “A”.
If my only choice was Sears or Lowes I would choose Lowes. The best information and the best service will alwasys be from the “little guy”.
In our area you can buy the 6450 for the same price as the 5400. The 6450 has the Aqua stop feature and a choice of a higher spin speed. If you like to have “fun” shopping then find a dealer with the same item at a lower price than Lowes and then Lowes has to beat that price by 10%.
But then you have to decide if your conscience dictates that you just buy it from the place that gave you the lowest price to begin with. Have fun !
May 8th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
LG Tromm WM2077CW
OE Error Code during rinse cycle only - won’t drain
wash cycle works - drains
None of the drain hoses are plugged, nothing in filter
Anyone else have this problem or any suggestions?
May 8th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Thanks Woody, I hang on your every word hehehe Kathy H that is a Woody question, hang tight, he will answer..
May 8th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
KathyH, the error code you are getting is refering to the fact the washer is not draining, but you already know that !
A number of things can cause the washer to not drain. Over sudsing is one of those things. If you have checked the pump clean out and the hoses and you are not oversudsing,then you have done pretty much what you can do. I am not generally comfortable suggesting what else it might be because I don’t want people running out and buying new parts that might not be the correction. A few simple tests using a volt or ohm meter will tell a qualified person if the pump is getting the signal to operate or not.
May 9th, 2010 at 12:58 am
Woody, couldnt find a 6450 anywhere. Lowes said they’re phasing them out. I bought the 5400. Is there any reason for spending 7 - 800 on a dryer when you can get something to heat up and dry your clothes for $250 ? I’d like to get a matching set but I’m a bit more practical. Know what I mean ? Its not like we’re displaying it in the living room
May 9th, 2010 at 1:49 am
Woody,
Thanks. I have actually removed the drain hose and it is clear. All filter are clear as well. I have also tipped it over and removed the pump and found nothing big or wrapped up in there, but a great deal of grit and sand. I removed as much as I could (have done that two times), but still get the OE error. It seems like the impeller is not always spinning. Should I try some WD40 (I’ve seen someone else has done that and it worked for them) or maybe need a new pump?
May 9th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Hey guys! This is Ellen from the Peach State (Georgia). I really, really enjoyed the posts from Nancy, Doris, of course Woody and several others. Nancy, really glad you got the job too! Doris, how did the laundry area come out, after you pimped it? LOL. Well, just wanted you 3 to know that based on your discussions in this forum, I was leaning heavily towards the LG,but didn’t want to be held hostage to when it comes to repairs, so yesterday, for mother’s day, my wonderful, wonderful hubby took me to Lowes and we purchased our first ever Bosch Vision 500 washer and dryer in silver. I saw it in anthracite and I sooooooooooooo envy Doris, but I settled for the silver, whcih is bettern than the white top loader I’m replacing. But I went with your discussion here, and used that in my purchasing decison. I will make sure to use a full load, the right amount of HE, and to keep the doors open to prevent mold. You all rock for the info you put out there to help us ‘newbies’ and I just had to let you folks know, and the others in this forum that I really, really appreciated the info. Well, it arrives on the 26th or so of May, so I am excited, especially to use the steam option for wrinkles and to lessen my dry cleaning bill-ugh! Thanks again guys, will keep you posted:)
May 13th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Hey Ellen and Marcos,
CONGRATS Ellen, you will be so thrilled !!! What a wonderful hubby you have and smart too, because we all know “when Moma aint happy, NOBODY’S happy !” LOL I think you did your research and made an informed decision, that is what I did. Woody has been a lifesaver and a wealth of information. I too want to know how Doris pimped out laundry room came out. Come on Doris, keep us posted on the progress. Well, I start my new job come this Monday the 17th UGH, I was liking not working
Ellen the service man said you HAVE to fill the machine up at least half way up the glass, I just keep towels handy and throw them in if I need too
May 13th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Thank you all so much! I am about to remodel the bonus room where the washer and dryer live. I have been drooling over the neat looking colored front loaders in the stores, but after reading ALL the posts, I’m going to hang on to my Whirlpool Heavy Duty High Capacity top loaders. I bought them in 1995 and other than a $ 40.00 belt for the washer about 5 years ago, they work perfectly. I will keep the Bosch comments in mind for the future, though. Thanks again!
Mike in L.A.
May 13th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Hi Mike,
That’s ok, my duets were a battleship gray so I welcomed white with open arms
Believe me, if I didn’t have to give my Whirlpool Duet, 7 yrs old, to the new homeowners I would have hung on to them as long as they would work ( yes, I am bitter LOL ) it was investors from Canada that bought my house. But on the bright side, I got a new Bosch 6450 and love them ! I was so glad I stumbled on to this site too, we are just your everyday down to earth people just wanting to make a good investment with our hard earned money !! I think you made a wise decision in keeping yours, and I drooled over the vibrant beautiful colors out there too, I was so bummed when I ended up with white
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Hi Everyone!
I love my new Bosch 800 series washer and dryer. They are ssooooo quiet and DON’T take long to dry. My Aqua stop hose was faulty and wouldn’t allow water into the machine. They quickly gave us regular hoses and my new one is on its way. So I haven’t tried the steam feature yet in my dryer as a result. I have never had clothes so clean and towels so fluffy. I use Tide He (powder) and Downy He (liquid). The clothes smell so fresh and stains–well, what stains? They are gone! My family thinks it’s hilarious because I am always asking them for their dirty laundry. I’ll keep in touch. Blessings, everyone!
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Lori, Hi
Glad to know you got your machines !!! and thrilled you love them… I still love mine, but I still have a bad habit of not putting enough clothes in the washer and they wont spin at the high speed, they just slosh around, you would think after a month I would remember. My repairman said to keep towels handy to throw in to make it fuller and that is what I do… I just have to throw in a couple of large towels and that fixes the problem. Keep us posted, I love seeing what people buy and how they like them and how the machines perform. Nowdays you can do so much research that the mind goes into overload, mine did.. that is why when I found this site it was awesome… I just hope that people keep checking in to keep the site current so people that are out there searching will stumble on this site and have current info to make their informed decisions.
May 24th, 2010 at 12:58 am
Hi everybody,
I read all the posts and noticed that the Electrolux wasn’t mentioned much. Also, Woody, you mentioned that Electrolux has some issues, could you explain more about that please? I thought that they are the top of the lines in term of quality. They are quite expensive so I would like to know if they are really worth the money? Is there anything anybody can tell me about Electrolux? The model that I am looking at right now is Electrolux IQ-Touch with perfect steam (for both washer and dryer) I am not sure about the steam option in the washer but definitely want it in the dryer. Please give me some advise, thank you very much.
May 24th, 2010 at 1:32 am
Hi Sunny,
That is definitely a Woody question. I do know that the colors are awesome, other than that don’t know much . Hang tight, Woody should answer soon, he usually does.
May 24th, 2010 at 3:30 am
Hi woody,
because of your post, i went with the bosch vision 500 series. because they phased out 64500, I brought the wfvc544. It was very funny how the salesperson was trying to sell me the LG instead. But I told him about the common complaints of not having repair part available in a timely fashion. He was amazed that a consumer would know about these complaints. I was going to cont using my old kenmore dryer, but it looks like I may have to invest on a new one now. Just want to know if you have read the article review by the goodhouskeeping.com in regards to the bosch dryer being overheated very easily. Have you seen that often, either at your own household or with your customers? I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you.
May 24th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Hi Kassie
I have the Bosch 6450 and haven’t had a problem. I do know that I called around to different repairmen ( that don’t sell machines ) and they all said they and their families and friends have the Bosch and love them and that is what they suggested to buy. If there was a problem with overheating I would think they would have told me and not recommend them, or if they did know they would have said stay away from the certain series, but who knows. I too want to know what Woodie has to say
May 24th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Hi everyone,
If I remember correctly, Woody has a daughter graduating from College, so maybe that is why there is a delay, I am hoping at least. I would hate to think the captain has abandoned ship LOL
May 24th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
hi Nancy
thank you for your input. I will then definitely go ahead with the bosch dryer as well. Hopefully woody would answer soon just let all of us know he is ok.
May 24th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Hi! I’m back.
Electrolux: There is an article on Appliance Journal (see link on top of page to the right)”Why Kenmore front load washers fail”
In that article it is exposed that certain Kenmore front load washers and GE front load washers are made by Frigidaire. The blog is hardly complementary of the Frigidaire. The parent company of Frigidaire is ELECTROLUX. Therefore what I tell people is that Electrolux is a Frigidaire with lipstick.
Bosch dryers over heating? Dryers are now, and have been for a number of years required to have sensors that indicate overheating conditions. When this happens on a Bosch the dryer displays an “E01″. This does not mean the dryer is necessarily overheating. 99% of the time problem is determined to be a restricted vent system or improper installation. Unless it has recently changed, the Good Housekeeping Seal of approval applies to Bosch appliances. Of course have you ever talked to anyone who has made a claim under the good housekeeping seal guarantee? I walked through it and it takes time, a lot of time to get you money back or another product. But to answer your question, our experience with E01 codes is not overheating, but venting issues, cleaning lint filter etc.
The 6450 is not being phased out, it is only available at certain dealers so a dealer who does not have it will have to defend himself for not having it. The basic difference is that the 6450 spins on high spin 50-100 rpm faster and the machine has a 175 degree tub cleaning cycle. Neither is a big deal if you are using the machine correctly.
Nancy, I agree that load size can affect spinning but I don’t have that issue frequently with ours, nor do the others I am aware of. While it is in warranty have them come out and check out the machine once more just to be sure. It shouldn’t cost you anything. There is one company in Utah I would chose over the others. I don’t know which one you called. Also, I understand it is snowing in UTAH again, but my friends in Wisconsin are having 90 degree weather. Got your food storage?
May 24th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Hi Woody,
Thanks for all of your valuable info. Before I buy an appliance I always do hours of research, but just reading this thread I feel pretty informed. My husband did not read this forum, but I still let him go with me this morning to purchase a new washer/dryer.
Our old pair died and after reading all of your rec.s, I went with the idea of ONLY buying a Bosch set, preferably the 500 or 800 series. We shop for all appliances at a local (extremely reputable) appliance store. They carry all brands.
Long story short, after the salesman talked to us (my husband) decided the Asko sounded like the better machine. I know you’ve mentioned them in the past (that you had owned one), but I don’t find any other opinions on this forum.
We only paid $200 more for the pair. They come with a 2 year warranty instead of one. If I really push the issue, I can call and have them change my order…….I’m not having them delivered till Friday.
Any thoughts?
And by the way, this company is an authorized Asko and Bosch repair center…..the guy said they are both excellent machines.
Thanks so much!!!
May 24th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
A friend bought an Asko a few years back and, while I was duly impressed with how well it cleaned a much beloved stuffed animal that accidentally took a swim in the toilet during a sleepover, she says the cycle time is insanely long and it makes doing laundry a real ordeal. So that would be the one issue I’d check ASAP.
May 24th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
To reply to Sue’s comment first I would have to know if her friend had an XL Asko or the “W” series. If it is a “W” series then it is not a fair comparison as they are two different types of machines.
The XL series Asko does not take any longer than other large capacity “American Sized” (supersize me) machines.
Gretchen, you put me in a hard position as we too service the Asko and Bosch products as a manufacture representive (and LG & Whirlpool brand). Even at the same price, let alone $200 more, I am going without hesitation to the Bosch if given the choice between the two. (Sorry Asko)
The Asko XL is actually made by Dawoo. We have had some vibration issues with them (especially on pedestals)and until that is resolved fully then I will stray from them. Asko is working on the situation but they have no solid fixes or answers for us yet. Asko has been very generous helping anyone with an unresolved problem though.
If you do buy the Asko, it actually has a THREE year warranty on the machine IF you register it with ASKO in the first few months you get it. The raggin red color and the pure platnium colors are difficult to resist.(sort of like you ladies
And in case you didn’t know there are different promotions on products. Manufactures give what are called “spiffs” to the sales people, which are cash incentives. So sometimes what they sell can be distorted by the almighty dollar. It’s just a fact of life. Asko will tend to have higher margins for the dealer than Bosch because you don’t find Asko at major dealers like Sears, Lowes, Home Depot etc.
May 24th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
WOODDYYYYYYY !!!!! I thought you left us ! I was so sad… hope your daughter got through college ok… I called Appliance Service by Paul… What is the one you were thinking of? I know the first time I had that problem, I had 2 small items and it wouldn’t spin, the second time was 1 pair of King size sheets and 2 pillow cases. Before I call them back out, were my loads actually too small to cause them not to spin on high speed ? And YES, it snowed for a couple of hours today, big ole flakes, couldnt believe my eyes, got home from work and it is sunny and 54, mother nature is playing a cruel trick on me boo hoo All the trees looked like Christmas trees… and I am working on my years supply, guess around here you never know when you are going to get snowed in
May 25th, 2010 at 12:22 am
Woody,
You’re killin me!! (the platinum was my favorite!) I had finally talked myself into keeping the Asko…..however, I did read about a Bosch rebate, so I called the store where we bought the machines to ask my sales person about the rebate…..he said he would investigate….I told him I could find it quicker just using my computer. He said I could still change my mind about the Asko and go for the Bosch if I called him EARLY in the morning!
During the sales pitch, he stated that Asko and Electrolux were the only two washers that are doing anything proactively regarding the mold/mildew problems. He said the Asko has a filter going through the large rubber door-frame gasket which keeps the mold/mildew from building up and that the Electrolux is using a Microban product on the gasket.
It seems like I remember you (or someone on the computer) mentioning Samsung using silver ions? Am I losing my mind?
Also, he said that Bosch didn’t actually use steam in the dryer, but used a mist instead. Said that Asko uses actual bursts of steam in the dryer. (it sounded good in the store, but sounds ridiculous as I’m typing.)
ANYWAY, after the gasket speech and the mist vs. steam comment, I decided on the Asko.
After your above comment, I think I’ll switch my order in the morning to the Bosch.
It is a strange Gold color, but not ugly. It is the Vision 500 series with Aquastop.
I hope you get this tonight. Your poor wife must get sick of us paranoid appliance buyers. Tell her she’s a trooper.
Thanks Woody! I promise, no more questions.
Gretchen
May 25th, 2010 at 12:36 am
Good to be back, I think. Too much to do!!!!
Yup! They are the best company to call. I am well aquainted with the owner and their staff. Share emails with them frequently. They have been in business forever. I understand the owner is third generation. If for ANY reason you don’t think the machine is operating as it should give them a call. If nothing else it A. Won’t cost you for them to come out in the warranty period and B. It creates a service history so if you have an issue in the future you will be able to document the problem existed from early on. As with any machine though, the more it has in it of similair type fabics the more easily it can balance the load.
Daughter’s graduation (Master’s degree) was awsome. She even got a surprize award as the graduate most likely have to a positive impact on a students life! I’m so proud…..
Now she has to get a REAL job with all that education. She has several offers on the table but hasn’t chosen yet. She could wind up on either coast or in the South. She may even be offered a job at the college. Stay warm.
May 25th, 2010 at 12:47 am
Gretchen:
You must be talking about the Champagne color. Do they have the silver ?
Yes, the Bosch dryer uses “MIST CARE” with three settings. My daughter loves it! My wife hasn’t used hers because I didn’t hook it up yet. (She doesn’t know it’s there so I’m safe for now)
Can’t comment on the Asko steam dryer as it is brand new and I haven’t even seen one yet. They are scheduled to do training on them in June for us. I’m sorry about the Platnium because that is what we had and my ooed and ahhed when she saw it. Her opinion changed though when we couldn’t keep it from going for a walk without asking first.
Mold is not an issue with ANY washer if you use the correct detergent AND leave the door open once in a while. The mold free material you mention was first used by Maytag during the Neptune 2nd generation. It is nothing new.
Now I am feeling the weight of everyone’s decision. I better be careful. So I am told: Confucius say “Make your words SOFT and SWEET you may one day have to eat them”
May 25th, 2010 at 12:54 am
Woody,
We won’t make you “eat” any of your words. However; I’m going to call and change my order. If your wife and daughters love the Bosch, that’s a pretty great testimony since you have most all brands at your disposal! And my husband just told me the “gold” color is actually SEPIA.
Congrats on your daughter! She sounds like a wonderful young woman….I know you all are proud. Our son has one more yr. of undergrad and will then hopefully be attending medical school. We also look forward to graduation!
Thanks again for all of your opinions! We value them.
May 25th, 2010 at 12:59 am
Gretchen Gretchen Gretchen… I feel your confusion… I was like that before coming to this site. I was torn between the awesome brick color GE Profile( which I now know would have been a big mistake, but I could have drooled over the beautiful color while waiting on a repairman LOL ) and the white Bosch 6450… but after careful consideration and research I went with the Bosch. I do remember when in the store the sales person kept pushing the LG to the point of making me mad. It was like no other brands even existed.
Woody you have every right to brag on your daughter !!! What a great honor, that is awesome. I know you and your wife were smiling from ear to ear, I know I sure would have. I am glad to hear good things about Paul and his business. I was impressed by him on the phone and his service tech. While my short time here in UT, I cant get over the nice people here, all the way from teenagers to adults. I feel like I am living in a Norman Rockwell painting. Woody, you have never said where you live… and believe me, I plan on staying warm
May 25th, 2010 at 2:27 am
A woman from Utah visiting the East coast was asked by another woman.
“I see you are from Utah. How many wives does your husband have” to which the woman from Utah replied:
“One more than he deserves”
May 25th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Ha Ha Woody,
I had a brother in law that was married to girl who had been 1 of many wife’s, she had about 7 kids then left. She wouldn’t talk much about it, all she would say is ” It wasn’t good “. Needless to say, he is no longer married to her. My husband couldn’t handle another wife LOL as for me, I don’t like sharing !!!
You still haven’t… said where you live… Check this out, it is to get around 70 today, after snowing yesterday… Is God mad at UT ? 
May 26th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
I am slow to convince in reading good or bad. Bosch is definitely one I am considering along with Electrolux and Samsung. Electrolux Boasts a wash time of 18 min & dryosch time of 18 min’s in a normal wash per the Lowes salesman. How clean will it get seems like the next unknown but the times are very short compared to other top loads. Samsung is on sale here at 20% off over memorial day, has the silver ION process and I have not read any/much on complaints. Bosch support here comes from the next state over vs. electolux. As for the LG- our sears store is pushing that hard just like mentioned in a previous email but although Sears shows it to be the #1 & #2 rated machine by “a consumer group”, based on Woodys and other folks email, they are not on my list. Thanks to all for their information as it is very helpful.
Take care
May 26th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
I’m trying to figure out the main differences between the Bosch Vision 500 and 800 series. In the washer, I understand the 1150 vs. 1200 RPM spin. Does that make a big difference? Any other differences? Is this all worth the $200-300 price increase.
Same issue with gas dryers 500 vs. 800 series. Differences? Worth the $200-300 price increase?
Thank you. The Bosch customer reps weren’t very helpful. The “compare” feature on line showed that the 500 had some features and the 800 had some others, but mostly the same. It wasn’t like the 800 had all the 500 features + others. There has to be some “market segment” reason for the higher models.
Thanks for any help you can provide!
May 27th, 2010 at 2:28 am
MJ,
From experience you most likly will not use any of the added features of an 800 series Bosch. Most of it is bells and whistles that some people want. Some customers want to buy the best and the MOST expensive because they think if it costs more it is better. Save the money and buy a 500 series. If you can find a dealer in your area that sells the 6450 washer then that is the best value. The 6450 model is sold only at certain dealers and usually not Lowes and Sears.
Looks like you did your homework. A+
May 27th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Thanks Woody. Very helpful. So you’re saying the additional 50rpms of spin will not make a big difference?
Bosch may make great appliances, but their product marketing dept could use an upgrade. Why make a higher-end product if you can’t explain why the consumer should spend the extra money on it?
May 28th, 2010 at 2:03 am
Woody, I really hope you don’t mind one more person asking a question. I learned so much from you on this site. We will be buying a washer & dryer this weekend. We narrowed it down to your highest recommendations. But we have just 1 serious thing to consider. On other sites most people say that the LIQUID DETERGENT is what ruins the machines and causes mold. But we have a septic system and we’re told to NOT USE POWDERS of any kind in any plumbing. Is it true that the liquid is the problem with the front loaders? Its the Bosch for us unless you say liquids are the problem, then we’ll go with your next recommendation, the Whirlpool top loader. For all you’ve already helped us with, THANK YOU and hoping you’ll answer once more, THANK YOU SO MUCH - we wish you a Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
May 28th, 2010 at 2:16 am
The mold issues are really mostly in the past. New door gaskets being used by the manufactures are preventing it. Liquid HE detergents are fine IF you use the proper amount based upon YOUR water conditions. Soft water for example requires much less product than hard water.
If you will leave the door to the washer open occasionally, especially when not in use this will prevent any mold problems. Are you allowed to use ANY powder with you septic system, like dishwasher detergents? Certain models of the Bosch have a tub cleaning cycle also.
If you have a septic system though you won’t be doing your system any favors by using a top loader because they use so much more water. Hope I have covered this for you.
May 28th, 2010 at 2:29 am
Woody - We were told to not use powder in the dishwasher either. In fact sometimes I would use baking soda to clean certain things in the sink and when the septic man came to empty the septic, he said to stop using ALL powders including baking soda - also said that if it builds up, it will be hard to find a septic company that will remove it.
So Thank You, Woody! Now we just have to find someone that sells the 6450 and if we can’t, we’ll get the 500 Bosch set!
I read elsewhere to not use fabric softener and to use vinegar instead. I’ll do what it takes to keep these machines “healthy”.
You’ve been so generous with your time and your wisdom! I printed up everything you wrote and showed it to my husband and after reading it, he agreed to get the Bosch.
We will take your advice - every bit of it - the proper detergent, the right amount, leaving the door open, etc. You are probably helping many more people than those that have written! God Bless You! And again, Thank You!
May 28th, 2010 at 2:54 am
ps - - - I forgot to say that we have hard water and no water softener. Thinking about getting one, though.
May 28th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Trisha,
I have hard water and no softener and a Bosh 6450, I use the powder and I use 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons detergent. I have had mine about a little over a month and no mold problems.. but…. I leave my detergent drawer and washer door open slightly when I am through washing. Let us know what you buy
May 28th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Nancy Mc - Thank you for the input. The only problem I have is the septic system where we’ve been warned by our septic cleaning company not to use powders in any plumbing of any kind.
Actually we will take Woody’s advice and look for the 6450 like you have but we don’t know who carries that model. Woody says that Lowes and Sears don’t carry that model so we’ll check around and if we can’t find it, we’ll go with the 500 Series. Hopefully we’ll get a nice Memorial Day Weekend sale!
Happy Weekend!
May 28th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Trisha,
Thanks for teaching ME! We don’t have a lot of septic systems in our area. I did some research. Here is a great link. Did your septic guy tell you to consider a drain filter?
http://alsnetbiz.com/homeimprovement/septic.html
May 29th, 2010 at 12:26 am
Trisha,
I was told to use 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons for the liquid too… Good luck finding the model 6450, I am very pleased with mine. Plus I found the most wonderful service man
Just in case I have real problems other than not putting enough clothes in it to make it spin 
May 29th, 2010 at 4:00 am
No, our septic guys didn’t mention anything about a drain filter. But it sure sounds worth looking into. I will check out the link and start researching drain filters. We’re in northwest Jersey just minutes from Orange County NY - a lot of septic systems in our area and well water.
We had the septic cleaned out 5 months ago. There’s a new law that you have to have it cleaned out every 3 years. If they come to your house and you don’t have paperwork proving the date of the service, the fine is something like $100 per day for each day until it’s done.
The timing for me to find this site couldn’t have been better. Very nice people here and very helpful! I know it’s hard to believe but I “love” doing laundry. Have Happy 3 Day Weekends, Everyone!
June 5th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Hi Everyone! I bought the 800 series and I love it! Woody, I bought the 800 series because it had some bells I liked and I bought it for the price of the 6450 because my husband knew a friend who owns an appliance store. Anyway, I am still loving them, though my new aqua stop hose hasn’t arrived yet. By the way, I have no trouble with the dryer overheating. In fact I can put it on the hottest setting and my clothes come out dry–not hot as with my old machines! I have no trouble with the washer spinning at full speed. It’s a thing to behold! I don’t miss beating my laundry on the rocks in the backyard! Hope everyone is well! Blessings!
June 6th, 2010 at 4:07 am
Lori !!!!
I am so glad you got your new washer and dryer and thrilled you got the Bosch’s.. I still love mine and so far no mold, but I pamper my new set
Don’t you just love it when you get a good deal ? I know I do. I sure do love all my conveniences, I don’t think I would have made a good pioneer 
June 6th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Hi Nancy!
I wouldn’t make a good pioneer either. My daughter thinks it’s hilarious that I like to watch the washer spin. it’s just that I was so tired of the rocks….:):)
June 7th, 2010 at 2:28 am
I have a washer that sometimes won’t spin unless I manually move the drum around and then it does not seem to do the job of getting the water out completely. Thus drying times are greatly increased. My wife is not happy so “aint nobody happy”, especially me. I have read all of these posts and it only confirms what a crapshoot it is in buying a new appliance. My first preference therefore is to try and fix the spin problem but only if it is a diy project as I have had nothing but bad experiences trying to get appliances repaired. Has anyone had this problem and if so what was the diagnosis? Woody, have read all your advice and words of wisdom. Any recommendations?
June 7th, 2010 at 3:31 am
Mike,
Without a make and model number I don’t know what product you have other than a “washer”.:) Age and how much it gets used would be helpful information als:o.
Seems to me so far that these ladies are enjoying there new Bosch washers, so I don’t think you need to have any intrepedation other than laying out the CASH$$$
June 7th, 2010 at 3:32 am
Seems to me also that I better edit and use the spell check also!
June 7th, 2010 at 4:27 am
Sorry about that. It is a Kenmore Elite. Purchased around 1999. Washes 6 to 8 loads per week. If you need model # I’ll have to look it up in the morning.
June 9th, 2010 at 4:15 am
I see here listes an LG steam washer as one of the 3 best washers out there. I haven’t really seen much information about that particular model, but given the age of this post it is possible that it has been replaced by a newer model. With its 4.2 cu foot capacity, and a price tag lower than the 1300 listed here, and based on this LG WM2501HWA review it sure seems like this is a pretty good front load washer too.
June 9th, 2010 at 4:31 am
Just make sure you have a loyal LG service company in your area.
Personally I haven’t found the value in a steam washer. There are some advantages to dryers with steam or “mist” though.
June 11th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Woody,
What does it mean when I put my laundry in, go to get it out and it still has the original time left on the display but the clothes fill like they have been washed ? I have the Bosch 6450. This has happened several times, I just put them thru the wash again but what is going on? By the way, I miss talking to you and the gang.. Oh, I quit my job this week, a call center is NOT for me, Lord help the people that work in them LOL I do have an interview next Tuesday with the state prison, looked up the address and it is only 3 miles from my home YIKES, didnt know it was so close.
June 11th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Actually I understand that prison is called the “point of the mountain”. Nearby is Ball mountain. Some people wanted to refer to it as the “Ball Point Pen” (ha ha ha)
Your washer is normal. After a period of time the display just reverts back to the original display for the cycle selected.
Good luck on the job hunt.
June 11th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Woody arent we clever ? hehehehe So does that mean that I would have to get inked ? ( that is what they call getting a tatoo in prison ) you know ink to go in the ball point pen hehhe hahahaha
Thanks for the info on the washer, guess my clothes have been getting really clean getting washed twice.. and ya know they will wear out faster and darn, will have to go shopping to replace them
June 11th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Why did the little ink drops start crying?
Their mother was in the pen and they didn’t know how long the sentence was.
June 11th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Dear Woody,
My beloved stack Maytag washer/dryer finally gave up during our first major snow storm last December. Dreading the thought of enduring the hassle of trying to replace it, especially dealing with incompetent sales people. I’ve been going to the commercial laundry facilities. But the time has now come to purchase. I cannot thank you enough for being on this site. I live in the Washington DC area (and would also offer to buy you dinner the next time you come to visit your sweet daughter.) May I ask you two questions, is there a Bosch stacking unit or units (27inch) you recommend? And is there an independent dealer here in Northern Virginia? Blessings to you! K
June 12th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Background: My 8 1/2 yr old Kenmore Washer broke last weekend. Didn’t know better & called Sears service. They come out today to look at.
In the meantime, I’ve been researching new washers/dryers and came upon this site. EXCELLENT information from everyone (yes, I did review other sites as well).
After doing further research, if I need to purchase a new set, I am looking at the Bosch 500 Series w/Aqua Stop (5440UC & 5330US)
FYI: My present set was intentionally purchased cheap. This time, I want energy savings & efficiency, while also finding the best price.
Which leads to the present: In the area I live, according to the Bosch site, there are basically 3 places to purchase; Best Buy, Lowes & Sears. Prices vary: Lowes beats Best Buy by $100 with Sears in the middle.
Question: Where is the best place to buy from? I would have assumed Lowes until reading this site. So, do I assume Best Buy then?
Any opinion is appreciated!
Thank you!
June 13th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Hi: I’m in heavy-duty research mode for a new washer and dryer. Thanks for all who’ve given their experiences, especially Woody for giving so much expert’s advice.
So, I just found someone who’s got a 1-2 yr old Bosch front load Nexxt 500 series (WFMC5301UC) washer to sell for $450. The story: Her father is owner of a Utah new sales & service appliance store and he just brought her this washer as a replacement for the one she was having problems with. She liked her old one and had the repair done and wants to keep it. So she’s selling this one, which had it’s front door and water pump replaced by her father’s service guys. So — should I take the risk? I know, you give no guarantees
June 13th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Sandy,
I don’t know about the story that goes along with the washer but you can buy a 6450 BOSCH vision in Utah for $765. There are as many as three rebates available depending on your utility companies totaling $225. So it would be possible to purchase a NEW machine with more features, better vibration technology etc for as little as $550 with a warranty. So I would suggest you negotiate the price lower. Personally I wouldn’t pay more that $300 for a used front loader. If you want to get me the serial number (starts in FD) I will tell you when it was manufactured.
June 13th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Sandy,
I don’t know where in UT you live but I do know the best repairman… Appliance service by Paul,(801) 262-7626, Salt Lake area, and if I am not mistaken he can also get you Bosch appliances… check them out, its worth a try
by the way went to a wedding in Evanston, WY this weekend, up in the Uintas… it SNOWED !!! it was absolutely beautiful.. didn’t stick thank goodness…
June 14th, 2010 at 12:48 am
Hi Woody & Nancy: This site — and you folks — are amazing, glad I found you. Thanks for your quick response, and your logic (Nancy, thanks for the Utah repair suggestion — I live in Southern California. Any suggestions for Orange Co?? :-). So I just got back from seeing the washer, and the young lady said she’d give me a $$-back written guarantee if it didn’t work properly. Woody, I’m sure she’d give me the serial number if I decided to pursue it. BUT, after reading your comments re the price of a new machine in Utah, I did some online detective work. The cheapest price I found so far for the 500 series around here is $930, minus $170 rebates if I lived in a water district that I don’t live in (that includes Lowe’s & Sears). The 300 series low price I found was $830. Hmmph. This obviously calls for more detective work, so I’ll call some of the appliance sales places in my area (it’s Sunday after 5 pm) and get their prices for the 6450 BOSCH Vision, after any rebates we have here. I checked online with my water district, and they’ve got rebates only for commercial laundries. I’ll call them tomorrow, too.
New versus used is always a dilemma, and if I had to pay $995 (including tax, but with no rebates) for a 6450, that’s about a $500 difference between the new/used. I’ll check with the used machine seller tomorrow, tell her about your $300 statement, and see what response I get.
Thanks so much for your help with my washing machine detective project!
June 14th, 2010 at 12:59 am
Sandy,
I just assumed you lived in UT ( you know what they say about assuming
I know nothing about CA, sorry… visited Huntington Beach once for 3 days and that is the extent of CA for me…. Good luck with your search, you would be surprised what you might find… let us know what you find, I always find it interesting
June 14th, 2010 at 1:43 am
Nancy, Your response made me smile. I live right on the boundary of Huntington Beach, about a mile from the beach. No snow here. You bet I’ll let you know what I find. I came across the Journal while I was researching this morning. (And procrastinating about getting ready for summer school.) I really enjoyed people’s posts, and their attitudes. Reminded me of Garrison Keiler’s Prairie Home Companion joke about starting a website for “nice people saying nice things.”
June 14th, 2010 at 3:28 am
Sandy,
The weekend we were at HB, we went to see the Queen Mary..Tons and Tons of people, it was miserable… When we got up to give the man our tickets, he said ” you have tickets ?!”, come to find out it was FREE day for anyone having a CA driver license YIKES, we had no idea and to top it off we had to PAY LOL oh well, worth seeing..
We all found this site in our quests of a good washer and dryer. And I agree with you that we are nice people hehehehe … believe me if we didn’t like our new washer and dryers we would say so… I want to help people to make an informed decision. Woody has been a god send to us
June 15th, 2010 at 7:01 pm
Woody you are slipping !!! You never answered KButler… and here I thought you were perfect LOL
June 15th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Nancy…you are so sweet to nudge Woody on my behalf. You two are delightful beyond description! I’d still love to know if there is a dryer he might recommend to match the 6450 and whether they can be stacked. Also desperately seeking a sweet dealer in Northern Virginia.
Hugs to you! Kitty
June 15th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Kitty,
Sometimes old people need nudging ! LOL I mean after all he does have 9 kids and I dont know where he finds the time to do this, but we all are very thankful that he does find the time ! Just got back from my interview at the prison, scary , you know the sound in the movies where you hear the loud door slam ? Well, that is EXACTLY what it sounds like!! gave me chills.. it was overwhelming but exciting… hope it turns out
June 16th, 2010 at 12:02 am
Woman’s faults are many.
Men have only TWO
Everything they say and
EVERYTHING they do.
Weird, I thought for sure I answered her question.
Bosch Vison laundry will stack with a stacking it. (also adds a convenient pull out shelf when you do stack them)
I don’t know any dealers in Virginia, sorry.
We will be coming to move my daughter sometime in late July early August so I will soon lose our D.C. connection. She is done being a “gradual” student, has her Masters and is taking a job teaching the deaf. Come with A PAYCHECK, therefore the 1ST National Bank of Dad may be losing a customer.
June 16th, 2010 at 1:44 am
Woody,
I knew you would not let Kitty down… Kitty will now give you hugs.. you are so wise and full of wisecracks… guess you gotta have some kind of humor with 7 girls… LOL where did she take her teaching job ? And if I don’t get a job soon I may have to come to your bank hehehe
June 17th, 2010 at 5:20 am
Utah School for the Deaf and Blind, Salt Lake City.
June 17th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Well, well, well, she is going to be here in my area … What a wonderful gift she has, I know you are so proud ! Since we sold are house we are totally debt free !!!!!! but we are homeless LOL
I do have a question on my Bosh dryer, remember the first and only time I tried the steam dryer ? well, I took my pants out 6 minutes early and when I put them on they were very damp ( and had to go out in the snow ) ok, ok, here is my question: If you leave the garment in the whole cycle when you take it out, is it damp ? Guess I could try it LOL but that is too much trouble
June 17th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
There are three different mist cycles. The degree of dampness at the end of the cycle depends on the cycle you choose.
June 17th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
HMPH… I just looked at my dryer and lo and behold it had 3 different steam settings LOL My question still stands…. when you let any of them run their course, do the garments come out damp?
June 21st, 2010 at 8:07 pm
My Maytags, washer/dryer, are being replaced after 20 1/2 years of great performance. Dryer still works but washer has a bad leak, bottom back corner. Only maintenance required during this time was dryer belt replacement, twice.
Wish appliances were still made to last. I greatly appreciate advice on this blog because I’m very unsure if Maytag is still the best. Love steam feature but have seen many negative remarks while searching the web. Guess I need to go to Lowe’s, & Sears, and make a decision. Gonna miss my super dependable set!
June 29th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Woody has done such a good job selling Bosch products, I feel the need to include my input. We have had terrible experiences with all 3 of our Bosch appliances in the last 3 years.
1. The dishwasher clogs easily and the little detergent door sticks, so during the cleaning cycle it doesn’t open fully and the detergent doesn’t come out. I have to set a timer to go off 30 minutes into the wash cycle, so I can open the door, scoop out the detergent, close and restart it. Ridiculous!
2. The front-loading washing machine (Nexxt 100 series) has a rubber ring that sits just inside the door. This rubber ring grabs little socks and underwear and holds them captive, so when the wash is done, they remain dirty and soggy. This happens every cycle! If you have children with little socks do not get this washer. The rubber ring also has gotten moldy and smelly. It is really the last place I want to be putting our clothing.
3. The dryer has some electrical problem which allows us to select which cycle to dry the clothes, but then the “on” button becomes unresponsive. Totally unpredictable, too, so I’ll be able to dry one load without problems, then the next load won’t dry, so I either have to hang the clothes or they sit wet until 24 hours or so later when, miraculously, the dryer decides it’s ready to work again.
Please stay away from Bosch. It is an expensive brand and extremely overrated. Our appliance guy just shakes his head whenever he comes to fix these lemons.
June 29th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Mandy,
About 10 years ago I had a Bosch dishwasher and it was the best I had ever had and not one time did I have a problem and it was very quiet.Since moving to UT I have a Maytag, doesn’t work well, but it is a rented house. I know have the Bosch 6450 washer and dryer and love them, I don’t have a problem with mold and it is very quiet when spinning in the high speed. The only complaint I have with them is I cant wash a small load, that still really irritates me but if that is my only irritation then I will take it. I am sorry you have had so many problems, I am anxious to see what Woody has to say.
June 30th, 2010 at 1:47 am
Thanks for you well written comments Mandy. I am not here to spar with anyone just share my time and my knowledge, the only thing any of us has to sell. But the internet is full of lousy information and feedback and little accreditation.
My comments are based upon personal experience,use and of the experience of my customers and those who might still call me a friend. My family has been in the appliance business for 96 years. In those 96 years we have seen a lot of machines come and go, a lot of promises made and broken, some innocently and some just out right lies.
I have a business in service and repair with 15 technicians and we represent nearly EVERY brand of washer and dryer as their authorized service. I have watched the new “energy efficient” appliances march into the forefront, many of them poorly thought out and engineered. An article on Appliance Journal lengthier than this one in scope, details problems with the other brands which are meeting their demise in just a few years. So what should we buy Mandy? You offer criticism but no real life answer. What does your “repairman” suggest? Who is your repairman? An authorized trained person who represents the product you purchased for the manufacture or just a “guy who fixes appliances”?
Your Bosch washer came with a small knit items bag with a zipper for small socks and anklets. Why do you think they send it? Do you use it? And a 100 series Bosch washer is hardly expensive. Your mold problem is from using the wrong types of detergents and too much detergent and never leaving the door open. Is that the fault of Bosch? What brand front loader doesn’t or hasn’t had mold problems? Please name me one brand.
What is your Bosch dishwasher “plugging” up with? Food or hard water deposits? I am fully aware of the simple filtration system the Bosch dishwasher has. Fine particles don’t go through the wash arms. Is you dishwasher plugging up because of a faulty installation, a bad drain line, hard water? I don’t know. Detergent cup door broken, yes I’ve seen a few on all brands. It is an easy repair. The lid costs $20 and the entire assembly is $57. Compare that to the dispenser assembly on a KitchenAid dishwasher at $109 ! Almost twice as much! Why has your “repairman” who shakes his head not taken care of that for you? Not using the dishwasher function to dispense detergent and relying on your own timing? There is a reason dishwashers dispense at a specific time. Failure to get the detergent in the cycle in the proper place will result in poor washability.
We have no idea what kind of vent you have on your dryer or how you care for you appliances. Odds are you have a venting issue which is causing your dryer to overheat and it shuts off till it cools down and is safe to use. Perhaps the door latch is not adjusted. If this is happening it is a warning that something needs attention. I certainly would not want someone working on my appliance that “shakes his head” when the name is mentioned. They obviously don’t have any faith in the product they have been asked to service. You would want a doctor leaning over your bedside with the same look and shaking his head?
I don’t sell appliances. I don’t get endorsements. I am “married” to any recommendation I give. My customers and my neighbors still like me yet they have followed my advice. I was once very high on another brand. They served us up a variety of excellent products until they fell victim to wanting MARKET SHARE and sacrificed everything for a lower price and lower quality. They fell into disrepair and even to this day people continue to buy that “brand” not knowing it is just another make with a different name attached to it.
Appliances and people are not perfect and never will be. For now, until something better comes along the Bosch laundry is what my family will be using. My wife will not have another dishwasher after all the brands and models that have been thrust at her over the years except for a Bosch. I can bring her a new model to test but not another brand. (I did sneak in a Thermador SAPHIRE on her a couple of months ago. She loves it. It’s a Bosch with lipstick and jewelry!)
I had a manufacture give me a GREAT deal on a new laundry pair. I decided to try them out because we service the brand and it was after all a GREAT DEAL! These machines at retail are over $3500! First impression by the family was WOW DAD those look AWSOME. Of course two weeks later they were asking me if I had a conscience. “You don’t actually tell people to buy these do you?” Needless to say they are not longer in our home. The person who purchased them from me was given FULL disclosure but they too were seduced by the price.
Whirlpool thinks they have the next answer to a great washer, a top loader. We trained on it last week. They claimed to have test marketed for 2 years which is highly unusual nowadays. They identified a few areas of concern with it and I don’t think we will be wanting for service calls. At $599-$699 people will buy it. Only time will tell where the value is.
In the meantime let’s take Mandy’s advice and NOT buy a Bosch. Let’s go buy a KENMORE built by LG, Samsung, or whoever Sears makes the best deal with. Who knows maybe Whirlpool will get another try. Maybe Frigidaire/ Electrolux have their drum and spider problems solved so they will last more than 5 – 7 years. That way if you are not happy you can blog here about Mandy’s advice, good or bad, however it turns out to be. Maybe someone will get her to say what brand she is banking on next.
And Mandy, let me know your Bosch model number and I’ll send you a free detergent cup assembly. You can probably install it yourself. Takes about 5 -10 (not counting head shaking time) I wouldn’t want that guy doing it who shakes his head at your Bosch products. He might think you were trying to prove him wrong.
GOSH! Seems like Monday all over again. Happy Birthday coming up AMERICA. Land of the Free and home of the FREE Energy Rebates for all! Where did they get that FREE money to give you anyway? It doesn’t matter, just take it and run, no strings attached.
June 30th, 2010 at 2:33 am
Woody, well said !!!!!!!!
Mandy those of us who have bought the Bosch are pleased with them, well I am anyway, the others haven’t checked back in, but you can bet your bottom dollar if they were having problems they would have let us know
Also before my Bosch I had a Whirlpool duet for 7 years and never had a problem or mold problem UNTIL I came to UT for 5 months and my 21 year old son lived in the house and did his laundry, I told him to use the HE for the front loader but he ran out and someone told him it was ok to use the regular detergent but use more of it, so he did and when I went back home after the 5 months the washer wreaked of mold.
And yes, happy birthday America !!!
July 6th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Thanks Lloyd, we are here because we have all googled and found this site, most of us are researching for washer and dryers. I hope that people find some great info here.
Woody, I have a question for you. My sister-in-law has a front loader that she got from Home Depot on Black Friday, I cant remember what brand, but here is my question. Twice a month she cleans with the A-fresh and then again with just plain Clorox. I remember my repairman told me to clean the machine with dish washing detergent, the kind you put in the dishwasher, but I cant remember how much he said to use.
I still haven’t heard on the Prison job, so am still looking.
Hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th. It was strange for me this year, coming from AZ where fireworks are prohibited, when sitting outside this years there were fireworks EVERYWHERE, couldn’t turn my head fast enough to see everything LOL It was awesome
July 6th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Nancy Mc
Use powdered Cascade. Use the amount required for two normal dishwashing loads. I have a neighbor using the Afresh as a test right now. She has seen remarkable improvement in the condition of her washer. We are trying a couple of “experiements” which she is going to fill me in on how they work or do not work.
July 6th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Hey Woody,
What conditions is she seeing? And do you put the powder in the washer or put in the detergent department? Also is using the straight bleach hurting anything ?
July 6th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
Not really an applicable situation. She has a 10 year of machine which she was noticing some mold and odor. The newer machines have a mold resistant property, as does the replacement gasket if we decide to replace it. You need to make sure the detergent goes into the main wash cycle using the hottest available water, which on your Bosch is pretty darn hot water on the sanitary setting.
July 6th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Woody what would we do without you
Your family is so lucky and of course your neighbors and friends. I remember when my brother-in-law was alive, he was a repairman in NM ( my home state ) and he was always helping out friends and family, don’t know how he made any money LOL .. just to make sure I understand correctly, I put the Cascade in the detergent cup ? or in the washer directly ?
July 6th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Hi Everyone! Hope you had a great 4th! I still love my new machines. My replacement Auto Stop hose finally arrived. It’s doing fine. I still love doing laundry. My family is happy because I won’t let them touch the machines. Translation: I do all of their laundry! Nancy I have used all 3 steam settings. Wood is correct in that the one you use determines how wet the clothes are when they come out. I work at Ann Taylor. Most of our clothes are dry clean only. Dry cleaning is very hard on fabrics. I put many of my sweaters and silks in on one of the steam settings (the lightest one) and they come out fine. I haven’t tried this with pure wool. I will try it on an old pair of pants or something I don’t wear anymore and let you know….
Question for Woody: Can I use Dryel system in the Bosch dryer? I hesitate to put anything in there. I add fabric softener to the washer so I no longer use dryer sheets either. Thanks and hope you are well!
July 6th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Loriiiieeeee ( see me waving )
I am so glad you don’t have to beat your clothes on the rocks anymore, I am sure they ruined the Ann Taylor ones LOL
I just discovered Ann Taylor in Dec at the outlet mall in Park City UT.. boy, what I have been missing
I fell in love with the store and clothes, very sophisticated.
So, no matter what steam setting I use on the dryer they are going to come out damp ? So, that means that you cant do that and take them out immediately and wear them ? Guess it would feel good if I still lived in AZ
July 6th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Nancy,
Those rocks were hard on the clothes (no pun intended ha ha). The outlet is great too, but the quality and selection will be different than from Ann Taylor. Log onto the Ann Taylor website and see if you can leave your email. They will send you coupons via email–and most of the coupons are NICE! Our fall collection comes in later this month. The styles this fall will be comfortable, soft, with the old Ann Taylor quality. Happy Shopping!
Nanceeeee! (See me waving…..back!
July 7th, 2010 at 3:29 am
Lori,
I haven’t used Dryel much since it was first introduced. Some manufactures still have a “Dryel” cycle. But according to Dryel:
Is Dryel safe to use in all dryers?
The Dryel fabric bag is specially designed for use in household (including HE dryers) or Laundromat style dryers that are vented outside (electric, gas or propane). It can also be used in compact dryers.
Interesting: My friend works at Ann Taylor. Better send Nancy some of those “friends and family” discounts.
July 8th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Lori glad to see that you can use the dryel in your machines, gotta keep those Ann Taylor clothes looking ship shape. I would love to have discounts but until I get a job shopping has been put on hold.. boo hoo .. Figured I better earn my keep and started mowing our lawn, man, I gotta get a job soon
July 8th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Woody…I am wondering about the life expectancy of the Bosch. I mean, in reality, how long should consumers EXPECT their washer to last. I realize that you must factor in how much it is used, so lets go by young families with children who probably wash the most a week. (we are a family of 4) Obviously, the days of buying appliances as an investment for your family for 20+ years are gone!
Also, how do the washers and stands work? Does it just sit on top of it? The reason I am wondering is I have to replace my 6 year old Kenmore HE3 washer or pay 650 to fix it, but my dryer is working fine. I was wondering if I could just buy the Bosch and 2 stands, then set my dryer on the other stand. The dryer is a Hotpoint. I realize that sounds junky to most, but why should I purchase a new dryer if it working fine? Is there a good reason? Isn’t matching really just a vanity issue?
I really appreciate your advice.
July 10th, 2010 at 5:52 am
Hi Nancy and woody.
just wanted to update you guys on my new bosch washer. Even though my husband “complained” that I spend sooooo much time researching to buy a new washer, he called me in New York after the first time he used MY new bosch and told me the washer works great and was impressed. I finally just settled in the new house here in Houston and the only sane thing I get to do in between my unpacking 200+ boxes is to do laundry!
So thank you woody for all your advices.
QUestion, what is the cascade powder for? I use only charlie’s soup, which I believe has the least chemical build up. Do I also need to use the cascade with chlorax?
To amanda, I do think matching is a vanity issue. Most of it is sales pitch. The salesperson was working very hard to try to get me to buy the matching bosch dryer. I also have a hotpoint dryer that is doing its job, and keep it to lessen my carbon footprint.
July 10th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Hi Kassie,
Glad you checked in and love your new washer and dryer !!! I feel your pain with the unpacking, I just went thru that in April. I unpacked like crazy the first 2 weeks then I just couldn’t make myself do anymore
We are just renting and I shudder to think of moving again. I am not sure about the Charlies soap, but I would think using the Cascade would still be a good idea.
Amanda, Woody is slipping again LOL he will check in later. I had the stands with my Whirlpool duets but it makes them so high cant fold clothes on them so I opted out this time and love being able to fold on them. The repairman said his wife got the Bosch and after 2 weeks got rid of her stands, I think hers was due to the noise it made when on high speed. Yea, having unmatching sets is a vanity thing, call me vain I guess LOL I like looking at sets that match and besides the new dryers are much more efficient
July 13th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Woody,
I cannot afford your lovely Bosch washer and dryer
-, do you have any recommendations? or are they all going to break down in pieces after 1 week???
I would like to know if you have any input on the Whirlpool Cabrio WTW7800XL and Whirlpool Duet WFW9150WW. I found these at great prices in Scratch and Dent. But they don’t have matching dryers…
Also, if you have to go for the least expensive, top loaders, with basic features -meaning wash and dry
Thank you!
July 13th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Monica,
I wouldn’t worry about any brand just breaking down on you in a week. That can happen with any brand, even Bosch, but that is during any warranty period. What we are looking for are products that do the job, last a long time, and are reasonable to repair when they do break.
What is your budget?
July 13th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Woodieeee
You didn’t answer Amanda, guess all those kids are finally affecting you
I just hope you have been on a great vacation, even though I am not working, I think I need a vacation, this mowing the lawn and preparing meals every evening is starting to suck ! LOL
July 13th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Hi All,
I just wanted to let you all know that the Samsung units (washer and dryer) I bought have been excellant. My Wife and Nanny tell me it gets the kids clothes clean even on the messiest of clothes. The vibration reduction technology is working just as it should. The dryer is awesome as well, we always use the sensor to dry and it works flawlessly. So glad I returned the Maytag Epic Z when I did.
July 13th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Hi Keith,
Thanks for checking in !! Personally I think there are a lot of good washer and dryers out there, some are just better than others, depending on what your needs are. I still love my Bosch, only wishing I could wash smaller loads, but no biggie, I just throw some towels in. Glad to hear your Samsung’s are serving you well. Keep checking in
July 14th, 2010 at 2:53 am
Woody,
My budget was less than $1000…
And after all the research and shopping around, I can see how unrealistic that is now. So we are considering buying used
I just hate to pay these companies a lot for machines that they seem to make intentionally to last only 5 years so then we consumers, have to buy again (or spend sometimes a lot in repairs). Plus, let’s don’t forget installation fees and delivery (almost $200 more??!!).
I do appreciate your reply and any other suggestions you might have
July 14th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
I really can’t advise you on used because I don’t know what is available. Perhaps if you can find someone moving or or a reputable dealer in your area used would be fine. We still repair some of the old Neptunes and keep them in service but only after they have all the updates to them.
If you are not in real need right now I would suggest you wait till labor day. Dealers are going to have some real bargains at some of the larger retailers. If you know what you are looking for you could score a real good deal. The other thing to consider is what energy rebates are available. In our area there are three totalling $225 on the washer. So if you can get a Bosch for $799 then your net on the washer is only $574! The dryers sell now for the same price of the washers (a strategy used to keep the price of the washers down) so that is where the big jump comes.
July 21st, 2010 at 3:29 am
I bought one of Kenmore’s first front loader models… before they had pedestals and came in a colour other than white. It was the mid-level model. It was the best washer I ever owned. It was a full-size stackable and it was a work horse. I used it for 6 or 7 years before I sold it with my house.
My husband and I moved into a house with a Maytag Neptune front loader side-by-side set… what a P.O.S!! OMG! The latest in a series of mishaps is that the drum will not spin. 2 weeks ago, it would not drain. And there is no over-ride to drain the tub. We had to tilt the washer back to get the door lock to release. NEVER AGAIN! We’ve since read that our model has many, many glitches.
I’m going back to Sears and getting another Kenmore front loader set.
July 21st, 2010 at 4:30 am
So which front loader Kenmore will you buy Denise? The Kenmore front loader built by LG, The Kenmore front loader built by Samsung or whatever front loader Sears decides to put their name on?
BTW there is a door latch release to the Maytag you had inside the detergent dispenser. It is red, has a loop on it and you pull it to the left to release the door. That Maytag machine depending on vintage may be as old as 13 years. Not bad for a POS considering the 6-7 year span of the machines of most other front loaders. I will agree though the early Kenmore front loaders were above average. Most of them were Whirlpool built at that time. Sears later moved into a lower priced version built by Frigidaire.
July 21st, 2010 at 11:06 am
Woody,
I wrote that comment before I read the whole lot of posts on these machines. And after I was trying to run a load since the washer had been “fixed again”… only to find that it half-filled and wouldn’t rotate to wash or spin out *argh!*. I ran across this thread while looking for the best front load washer reviews for 2010. I realise that Sears used to have a very reliable washing machine, and that may or may not be the case when I shop with them now. And yes, at the time, mine was built by Whirlpool. I’m still doing my research. I’ll buy when I’m done. This seems to be sale season though, so I’m trying to make a quick decision, without being hasty (unlike my previous comment).
I checked for the door latch release in the detergent dispenser in the Maytag and I didn’t find it. My husband did find one, after reading the repair manual online and took the washer apart to get at a the pump to see if there was a clog that needed to be cleared. No clogg… but there was the drainage switch.
I’ve bought used washers before… sometimes they were 10 years old and I still got at least 5 years out of them before I wanted something newer. I just wanted an upgrade. This Maytag has been a huge disappointment from the start. I won’t be buying another one.
July 21st, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Dear Denise:
Maytag isn’t what it used to be. Kenmore elite used to be wonderful. My set just died and I was relegated to pounding laundry on rocks in the yard (jk). My set was 19 years old! I just bought a Bosch set 800 series (at a real deal) and love them. My clothes come out of the washer damp, the spin is so good. The dryer never leaves my clothes feeling hot, but does dry them–to my specifications–there are lots of choices of settings. I am taking very good care of my machines, following manufacturer specifications, and hope to have them for a long time. My friends just bought Kenmore (made by LG) and is waiting for parts…and waiting…and waiting.
Woody really does know what he is talking about. Good luck!
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Woody and all others; thank you!
This has been an extremely helpful website. I have a question regarding the Cabrio. There seemed to be a lot of “hype” about this no agitator top loader and how it does not use a lot of water. I don’t know if this post included information on this machine and I somehow missed it but I would really like to know.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:49 pm
The newest version of the “Cabrio” is just being released. We trained on it a few weeks ago. At $599 it is a consideration if you want a top loader. No one is really going to know what the track record is going to be on it for a few years. The current Cabrio’s I see are $800 or $900. I can by a nice Bosch or other fine front loader on sale for that.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Woody…I am wondering about the life expectancy of the Bosch. I mean, in reality, how long should consumers EXPECT their washer to last. I realize that you must factor in how much it is used, so lets go by young families with children who probably wash the most a week. (we are a family of 4) Obviously, the days of buying appliances as an investment for your family for 20+ years are gone!
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:19 pm
To Woody:
I reallly want the front loader washer and dryer. Several years ago a representative a Lowe’s talked to us about the Bosch. However, when we went looking a few years ago the Cabrio was getting a lot of attention.
This time around I want to step up from the top loader washer and I will certainly take a look at the Bosch - thanks again.
My only concern is that an earlier post indicated you have to wash a half load or it will not work correctly. Sometimes, there may be that one piece that needs a delicate wash and is a certain color….not sure what I would do about that….
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:33 pm
QueenK,
As far as the small load issue that is something Nancy is having. I don’t have that problem and I am actually working on finding a solution for Nancy’s problem.
Life expectancy for a Bosch is estimated at 20 years in “normal” household use. But in reality none of us really know because the machines haven’t been produced in their current state for 20 years. As you mentioned there are are a lot of factors that lengthen or shorten the life of these machines. One of those is simply the cost of replacement parts. Many manufactures are not sypathetic about that. GE is one of the worst! Whirlpool has been increasing parts prices dramatically since they aquired Maytag. A few of the factory service reps are trying to get the people who price the parts to take a closer look at what they are doing because owners are tossing machines that could be repaired otherwise, and they are NOT buying Whirlpool because of it. People talk badly about the Maytag Neptunes but there are plenty of them still running well that are 12 years old ( They were 1st marketed 12 years ago.) A lot of those part prices are getting out of hand though.
It’s a gamble and we can only use our best judgement and the experience of others to help us decide. And then just when we know what we are doing things change! I know I put my own reputation on the line even suggesting any certain brand. But until I find something better I’ll stick by the experience of my customers and my family.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Hi QueenK
I am the one who stated I cant wash a small load… I have the Bosch 6450. And you cant wash a small load with them, I have to throw in either white towels or dark towels depending on the color of the load, I have gotten use to it, but miss only being able to wash 2 or 3 things… other than that, I love the machines !!! I think I made the right choice in getting the Bosch and I do take precaution for not getting mold. I truly believe Woody knows what he is talking about and trust his opinions. He has no reason to steer us to buy Bosch, he doesn’t own the company ( hmmmm, we don’t know that for sure LOL )
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Woody
We must have been writing at the same time, I sure wish you could come up with a solution for me… do I need to make a service call ?
well, that is after you figure out what the problem is and I can tell my trusty repairman how to fix it 
You know, just like going to the Dr and having to tell them what you want done ( my Dr’s hate me ) I google everything and self diagnosis
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:46 pm
By the way Woody, where have you hidden your sense of humor lately ? You have been so serious. I am still looking for a job UGH I need something close to Draper, dont want to have to drive to far in the snow
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:47 pm
To Nancy and Woody
Thank you both so much.
Hi Nancy. I did think of throwing something extra in with the few pieces…good idea. There is one thing I definitely know about technology….its not perfect. Woody’s machine doesn’t have this problem but yours do — so it may be some little “quirk” :0)
I will definitely do some research on the Bosch and honesty don’t know if I would have remembered this machine. So again, Woody thanks for sticking by your decision. I just hope I can find the model I decide on. I am going to google the 6450 since I couldn’t find it using Lowe’s search option.
I also want to be able to fit a king size comforter into these machine. I figured if I buy the largest one it will fit — lol.
Woody are there any other models than the 6450 that are excellent — just in case I can’t find this one?
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:49 pm
Oops forgot to ask if it would be best to have Lowe’s or whomever I purchase the machine from to install it. My husband is very good with this type of handiwork — will he be able to install it…
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:00 pm
QueenK
I don’t think Lowe’s or Sears sell the model 6450, I had googled it too and found a local appliance store that sold them. Good luck..
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Just get one that fits your needs. The tubs are all the same size. The 6450 was being promoted when Nancy bought hers. It had an outstanding rebate that’s now gone
If you get a matching dryer though, get one with the mist care feature and that will help you pick the washer because you will want it to match.
Good luck.
(If you can, give the little guy in your area the business)
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Thanks Nancy!
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Thanks Woody! I will certainly try to buy local. We have very limited stores when it come to appliances other than furniture stores- no super walmart yet :0) We usually travel 60-75 miles to get to Lowes—I will see how it goes.
Thanks again!
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:15 pm
I have taken a look at Bosch official website and compared these two models…
WFVC5440UC has delicate cycle for hand wash items; jean cycle; and aqua stop and WFVC6450UC has a sanitize drum option, aqua shield and cleans aggressively with cold water.
ummm… I like options on both lol —- any suggesions or input on how important these few different options are.
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:10 pm
QueenK
I keep posting a statement but it doesnt show up, so this is a test
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Queenie,
I am going to try this again, I just looked at my Bosch 6450 washer and here are my specialty cycles:
Quick Full Quick Light
Wool/Hand Wash Drum Sanitize
XXTra Sanitary Cold Intensive
Baby Care Comforter
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:17 pm
I have 8 specialty cycles, I had put spaces in between them but when it posted it jumbled them all together
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:19 pm
here they are again Quick Full…..Quick Light….Wool/Handwash…Drum Sanitize…. XXTra Sanitary…. Cold Intensive….Baby Care… Comforter
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Thanks again Nancy—all of this is good as I begin my research….much appreciative! I think I will really like the comforter setting — I don’t want to go to the laundromat to wash my comforter — I want something to handle all of my needs lol!
July 24th, 2010 at 1:21 am
Your are welcome Queenie,
Here is an idea… google the owners manuals on the models you are considering and it will give you all the settings and how to use them..
July 29th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
I have a five year old Maytag Neptune Washer that has always been fine. A few days ago a nickle made it throug to the pump which my husband was able to fix, however, when behind the washer, he found about a 9″ crack in the plastic outer tub. We had noticed some moisture on the floor but thought it was condensation from other things. Has anyone ever seen a successful repair of a crack in the tub? If yes, what was used? I did see some posts where people have used some products to patch the crack but wanted more opinions. I am also curious why this would crack.
I know the replacement tub is nearly $500 and I was quoted 4-6 hours to fix so this would nearly pay for the washer again. Since the washer has worked fine for five years, I hate to toss it out.
July 29th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
If the product is the age you say it is then call Maytag at 866)616-2601. Explain the problem to them and ask if they would consider giving you a parts concession for the tub. It comes with the rear bearing and should be a 1.5 - 3 hr job depending on the location of the machine (working area) and the talent of the technician.
As far as patching it goes it depends on where the crack is and how large it is. You could try JB Weld which you can find at any automotive store. Some of the other readers on this post may have some favorites.
Good luck
August 1st, 2010 at 9:27 pm
I’m about to purchase washer/dryer in the next few weeks, and not sure what brand are more efficent and is durable.
there are the three top brand
kenmore, lg and ge
I hoping that someone can make some suggestion on one if not all of the above brand on which is better more efficent and give more for the money
thanks
August 1st, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Pauline M : The answer to your question is “none of the above”.
What is a Kenmore? It could be a Whirlpool, LG, or even a Samsung depending on model. GE is a Frigidaire. (See “Why Kenmore front load washer fail”, link is at the top of this Forum). The reason those are the top three is because that is what people buy the most.
Read these posts for other options.
Good Luck
August 2nd, 2010 at 9:30 am
Woody,
You seem to be “the man,” so I have a couple questions. I am researching front loaders, for their many advantages, and looking to replace my 21-yr-old Kenmore w/d BEFORE they go out. So far, only occasional extra drying is needed for heavier loads. I’ve been really fortunate.
I had been leaning toward LG, but now I am questioning everything I thought I had decided. Hadn’t considered Bosch because I thought that the name equaled More Money. ??? Been watching Craigslist for pros and cons, but most everything there has been blasted here…which might be why those are being sold! Any suggestions to look into?
My townhome has laundry hookups upstairs, and I have seen posts that suggest that FL’s aren’t good for upstairs? Opinion? Also, I didn’t know that FL’s required specific detergents…why? I have generally gotten away from most commercial detergents, in favor of more natural, or even organic, laundry cleaners…any problems there? Some people have told me that FL’s just aren’t worth the expense or the repair costs…I’m wondering how many problems are just “user error”? Leaking and smell seem to be big issues.
I’ll ask more as I think of it…thanks,
Susan C
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Ahhh the internet. Who are you going to believe. Might as well be religion. Did you know Bosch has an Alergy Cycle? Did you know they are built in the USA?
Frankly I or anyone could BLAST anything on the internet, even one’s integrity. As I have said earlier I only have my own experience to draw from. Right now Bosch is the one, but things change fast and so could that opinion. Bosch does well now with vibration (nobodys perfect)with the new Vision product. Great shock system.
Ever used bubble bath? What happens when you agitate the water? BUBBLES, lots and lots of BUBBLES. HE detergents do not suds up like traditional detergents. Dishwasher detergents are similair.
Most of your other questions have been addressed in earlier posts. If the natural methods you are using clean you clothes in a top loader they will certainly do so in a front loader.
August 2nd, 2010 at 10:45 pm
To Woody, I already spent hours pouring over all the previous comments; they are what prompted some of my questions and concerns, rather than finding answers. It is kind and generous of you to take the time to share your long-earned expertise with the rest of us. From your responses to others, I didn’t expect such a generic and evasive response from you. I’m sorry I bothered you.
August 3rd, 2010 at 6:26 am
Susan C:
I re-read what you wrote and and asked.
I then re-read what I posted. It seems I responded to every question, or every question is covered in the posts. What did I miss?
You apparently read into this a whole lot more than what I wrote. I believed that the questions you asked were addressed. Abraham Lincoln said “With all the stress I am under both night and day if I did not laugh I would surely die”. I am going to take a bubble bath.
August 4th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Woody, and the gang,
I have just spent over and hour reading all of your comments, and I wish I could drive right to Woody’s shop and take him with me to get my new washer and dryer.
I did call my husband and told him I am very sure what machine I am going to replace my dead Whirlpool washing machine with. The information that was best for me to hear included the energy,
Now I am on my way to research where to find the best deal. Wish I would’ve got on the rebate earlier, as I knew it was trying to die
a few months ago.
I really think Woody should put up his own web sight for Q & A.
You are a wealth of information, and Bless you for being willing to share your knowledge.
August 4th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Speaking of knowledge. Just found out yesterday BOSCH will have a rebate on laundry beginning in September. If you can wait for labor day there will be LOTS of sales on everything. Good Luck
August 5th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
To Woody - Rebate:
Thank you for the tip!! I have looked my eyes out (almost lol) for the post for the best places to buy BOSCH so the buyer will qualify for the rebate. I do “think” I recall if I bought it from LOWES there will be no rebate???
I searched for dealers near me from Bosch’s site and came up with a couple of small places 30 miles or so — and Sears and Lowe’s in Franklin, VA.
I am definitely waiting until Labor Day - thanks again!
August 5th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
I found it! “One thing to keep in mind though, the Bosch rebates are NOT GOOD at SEARS and LOWES.” —-
so I can only hope I can find it a small appliance store — is there anyway to know for sure I will qualify if we purchase from a small store; I could really use the savings off but don’t want to order from a store so small — they over charge me lol
One other question — I looked at machines at Lowes 500 series (of course they can’t get me the 6450; their book jumped to the 800 series)… The BOSCH dryer in Lowes said “steam” is that the same as mist care in this particular machine. I liked the WFVC5440UC (not in the store either, but online; they had the 5000) and WTVC5330US.
I will not be buying from LOWES since no rebate, but that was the only place I knew to go look.
August 5th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Hi Queen K!
I bought a Bosch 800 series from Grants Appliances in the Chicagoland area. Don’t know where you live, but I got a great deal, rebates, etc. I love my machines. Good luck!
Lori
P.S. Hi Nancy and Woody!
August 5th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Hi Queenie,
I bought mine from a small dealer, got a great deal and it had a rebate, plus my gas and electric had rebates too. Sometimes the small dealers you can negotiate the price down
I googled Bosch appliance dealers in your area and came up with this
Shawel’s Tv & Appliance Company…9720 Warwick Blvd, Newport, News, VA 23601…..757 599-4411
August 5th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Lori, Hi back to you. Very glad to hear you are enjoying the product. My batting average making girls happy isn’t always where I want it to be. Glad this was a home run for you.
Queen, GOOD REMINDER, the rebates are not good at LOWES or SEARS. LOWES and SEARS negotiate the rebates out of the products for a lower cost to them. Little dealers nowadays are sometimes what we once called BIG dealers. But with national chains and what are called BOX stores these little dealers are so big. But they have a personality.
Some of the little dealers are members of “buying groups” which give them purchasing power that is very great. One of those groups is BRAND SOURCE. You can look them up and then find a BRAND SOURCE dealer in your area, and along with checking the manufacture site you should be able to find a “small” dealer who is competitive with the big boys.
Woody
August 5th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Hi to Lori, Nancy Mc, and Woody!
Thank you all so much. I am in North Carolina—1 hour from many places like Virigina–but I will do what I must lol!!
Thanks to all for the comments. Woody thank you so much; this clears my mind with smaller dealers. Nancy, I was wondering about negotiation—and Lori, I will definitely check out the 800 series!
Again, thanks.
August 6th, 2010 at 6:25 am
That is interesting. The Bosch laundry is manufactured in New Bern North Carolina !
August 6th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
lol - 2 hours from New Bern! and Raleigh!
August 9th, 2010 at 1:08 am
Hi Woody,
I spent hours reading this blog and sharing it with my husband. We went by Sears today to look at the Bosch 500 series and was just wondering if you happen to have any direction with sellers in Southern California? You had also mentioned that there was a sale going on in the month of September, but I have not been able to locate any info.
We are both educators, and trying to be mindful of cost and quality, especially in this dreadful time for California.
Just like many others, the Sears salespeople continued to direct us to Kenmore and Samsung ( of which, I think Samsung is better). I would love to make the investment into the 800 series if there is a good deal out there…Sears informs me that Bosch is phasing out the 800 series. Are they making this stuff up…they were so pushy, I did not trust them much.
You have been an angel to many here…and the spirit of gratefulness and kindness seems to have been poured out by others as well. Thank you for paying it forward in your ways.
August 9th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Hi Woody,
So Based on what i have read here and elsewhere i’ve narrowed it down to bosch, LG or samsung (with perhaps maytag if you think they have a decent prodcut since i can get employee/F&F pricing on maytag/whirlpool stuff).
I was doing a comparison on sears website of the BOSCH products and notice that there is NO delay start timer? Is this correct or is this just incorrect product info on their site?
also it seems to me like the WFVC6450UC is better than the 8440 but harder to find, do you know why that is?
thanks!
John
August 9th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Make sure you have Samsung service in your area and the people who service the product LIKES the product. We are lacking in our area for service. Their web site makes it difficult to find out. Same for LG about the servicer who LIKES.
I am aware of the VIP program Whirlpool has but most of the products cost more than if I just look for them on sale. Today I found a laundry set (Thin Twin) for $50 less than the VIP program offered it for.
Maytag is just a name. There are not unique products they ever manufactured that are still available now Whirlpool owns them.
The 6450 is reserved for buying groups and independent dealers. That is why you can’t find it as easily like at SEARS or LOWES. There are rebates coming in September. Those REBATES are NOT good at Sears and Lowes. Hope that answers your question.
August 9th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Hey Gang !!!!
Woody, Angie asked the question if Bosch was phasing out the 800 series, is that true ? Just curious.
I got mine at a small dealer, but it was in the scratch and dent section, small scratch on top of washer, no big deal to me, the movers probably would have done that much.
I just thought I would throw that out there to those who haven’t thought of the scratch and dent or to even ask the appliance store if they have any ( I had to ask, because they want to push what they get the biggest kick back on 
)
I am still looking for a job, Woody, do you need help ? LOL
August 9th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Hi Woody,
thanks. I am in Toronto and another poster mentioned Samsung is pretty well serviced here but I will do as you suggest and call to see what they like, thats a good idea. Do these rebates you talk about apply to Canada/Canadian bought appliances as well?
Thanks!
John
August 9th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Hi John,
I bought the Samsung 339 Washer and Dryer set and so far so good. Those models are avail. up here in Canada anyway.
The Washer Vibration Technology is working excellant and the unit washes most tough stains out. Some stains that the kids get on them need some extra care but i think any front load needs the extra help with stains. Tons of settings should you need them.
The dryer runs smooth and is very effective using the sensor dry. The steam feature is a nice touch but honetly we haven’t used it much. Both units run very quiet compared to my old Fridgedaire Washer and Dryer stacked pair.
Good Luck with your Laundry hunting!!
August 9th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Angie:
I posted a response to you that was lenghty. I did not post for some reason.
800 series ..still is and still will be available. Bosch has three “series” in all their products, 300 500 & 800 series. That will not change until they revampt the entire line of appliance offerings. Not likely to see that change. Sears is blowing smoke. Samsung is building their upper end laundry now. Was Whirlpool, then LG and now Samsung. Who’s next?
Delay wash is on MANY models. Sorry, don’t know any Scal dealers. There is one in Sacramento, RC Willey. Look on the Bosch web site using your zip code. You can also check with “Brand Source” web site as their dealers can purchase Bosch through them.
August 11th, 2010 at 2:51 am
As a appliance tech, I can tell you that 70% of the issues I just read had to do with balance issues and not the product. Most likely, the front load washer was not installed properly. It was most likely installed by a chain store or a customer, and the majority of both do not know how to do this correctly. My suggestion is to find an independent dealer that also services what they sell. They know what they are doing, and if they are part of a buying group (most are), their prices will be the same as the chain store. Also, I would stay away from LG appliances. Fewer and fewer techs are servicing them because LG will not sell their parts to them at dealer prices like all the other manufactures do. Techs do not like this, so they are basically refusing to service them.
August 11th, 2010 at 3:19 am
Repair Tech: Excellent comments.
I agree with most of what you posted. Your comments about problems posted here are 70% installation related though I don’t agree with.
Manufacture statistics are 30% of warranty calls are installation related, 20% to repair damage, 25% to correct a defect in the product and 25% to instruct the customer on useage. Many of the concerns here are about mold and odor which is not installation related very often. Usually it is more customer education and useage. We get these statistic every month from most of the companies we are authorized to do service for. They are spending a lot of money on calls for things other than product defects.
The LG issue is regional. We have many service companies in our area doing LG. It depends on how much product is in your area. Authorized service companies get 2nd Air on their parts. My understanding though is LG does sell to independents. They tried the normal channels first but they were having growing pains (still are)in many area. But I agree that many service techs prefer to not do LG if they have already had a bad experience with them. Regardless of brand consumers should always check out who services the products in their area BEFORE they buy.
What’s your take on Samsung in your area?
August 14th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
HI all! I am still shopping….think I must be going nuts because I actually looked really hard at one website that sold appliances!ONLINE! Have anyone heard of this company???
http://www.us-appliance.com
lowes actually had a rebate sign in the store for the Bosch–I don’t trust that! I’d just rather wait until labor day — think they are doing 10% off…
My small local appliance store is raving about the frigidaire…..swears she sells them like crazy and they service those….any suggestions??? (I still like Bosch just afraid I may not get anyone to work on them)
— Woody do you know if the factory in New Bern, NC work on the machines?? The places on Bosch service locator only pull up little places around here that may not exist anymore :0/
I am 1 hour from Greenville, Rocky Mount, North Carolina …
August 14th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Just wanted to say a big thank you to Woody and the rest of you for all the interesting and informative commentary on the washing machines! I’m still researching and it’s making me nuts, but I’m leaning toward the Bosch. A local place has the Vision 300 series for $699. I discovered there are multiple “versions” of the 300. One place has a 3300 model and the other place has a 4400. I’m guessing the 4400 might be newer?
I wanted to share a resource that my mother sent me that helps figure out which company manufactured various Kenmore appliances, based on some codes. That might help some other folks who are shopping and considering Sears (despite Woody’s anti-Sears comments! LOL!). Hope it helps somebody in their decision making process…
http://www.applianceaid.com/searscodes.html
Happy shopping!
August 15th, 2010 at 6:28 am
I have started money making blogs recently. I got contents from various sources and updated daily. And also, i joined affiliate programs with money making websites. So i got some decent revenue every month. I hope this help fellow readers. Sorry for my bad english.
August 22nd, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Hi Nancy, how’s your job hunting going? Hope everything is well?
Hi Woody, if you don’t mind answering a question for me. I still love my bosch wfvc544. In the beginning, I can’t hear anything at all from the washer during the spin cycle. The washer is located in the laundry room off a hallway around the big den. In the last few washes I found myself hearing the spin cycle louder than before. This is with three young boys screaming and shouting most of the time. I went through the manual, read about the leveling the machine. Unfortunately I was not there personally when the washer was installed by the movers. If I manually shake the washer, if does not move, seems very steady to me. The foot at the bottom of the washer are elevated to about 3/4 inch off the floor. could there be any other reason why there is an increase in the vibration noice?
Thank you Woody in advance. I reread the entire blog to make sure this question was not asked. It can be a bit annoying when people ask the same question over and over again…… But your patience in repeating the same answer puts you at a higher level.
August 22nd, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Tremendous blog. Can not wait to discover just what you think of next!
August 23rd, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Don’t buy a Kenmore HE!!! I purchased one less than a year ago and already I’m having problems with it not draining and spining properly.
August 23rd, 2010 at 8:50 pm
kassie : The leveling legs should be in as far as they go inside the cabinet as possible and then there is a “lock” washer that needs to be tight against the cabinet. If this noise only happens once in a while it could just be an off balance load. The machine will try repeatedly to balance it by stopping and tumbling the clothes and then trying again. So if the noise is infrequent most likely this is what you are experiencing.
Joelle: Have you tried cleaning out the pump. There is access on the washer from the front. Your use and care guide should show you this. Try that before calling for any service.
August 24th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Hi guys… thank you, but why the hell does this underwear seem to be green??
August 26th, 2010 at 5:56 am
Hi Everyone,
Thank you to all who have contributed so much to this blog. Woody, you are the shepherd!! Thank you for leading and ushering:)
I have a huge favor. An appliance store in my local area had the Bosch 800 series. As per research and Woody’s detailed info, and shrugging away from Sears, my husband and I are proud owners of Bosch twins:) For the rest of the year, we shall eat beans and toast, but heck, WE WILL HAVE CLEAN CLOTHES!!!
They have said to me that if I find the Bosch at a lower price ANYWHERE, online, etc ( just not second hand or Craigslist), they will guarantee the price match and refund me the difference. So, if I may, I am asking if anyone has ANY info out there for good prices on the Bosch Washer and Bosch Dryer.
BOSCH WFVC8440UC Vision 800 Washer
BOSCH WTVC8530UC Vision 800 Dryer
I have 60 days for the price match from 8/20/10, and I know that there are lots of sales and stuff going around. Please help!! I would be so very grateful!!
Also, I asked about a September rebate going on in California, and the rep was not clear on it. Any news on those rebates?
Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you for helping us make a great decision!!
Warmly,
Angie
August 26th, 2010 at 6:01 am
Sorry. Anie is Angie. It’s late, and clearly I have Bosch on my mind! We get ours in a day! Woo hooo!!
August 26th, 2010 at 6:13 am
According to my sources the September laundry rebate on Bosch appliances is still planned, however they won’t announce it until Sept 1st because othewise people stop buying! (Little bit different than the government does it.)
Labor Day will be the BIG promotional for appliances. We have a local store in our area that will be promoting Bosch but it will be the 6450 and 6330 dryer. One good one to watch for might be Lowes. Do they carry those models in your area. They will sometimes do a 10-20% off Energy Star rated appliances on special days. The other promotion that comes around is free pedestals or buy one get one free. That is a $200+ savings. Keep in touch after Labor Day and let us know how you did. The 800’s are pretty awsome. You might have to spend a little time figuring out everything they can do. They do everything but load and unload themselves (ok almost everything).
August 27th, 2010 at 4:29 am
I too am thrown back into the demand of shopping for a new washer after only 3 1/2 years of owning a Whirlpool Cabrio. I’m honesty shocked that there has not been a required recall or class action lawsuit against these manuafactures for putting out such poor quality. LEMONS!!! Ok, so maybe it’s unrealistic to expect a new appliance to last as long as my old Kenmore of 17 plus years, but 3 1/2 years…really? On a brighter note…
“Thank you” to all the posts, especially Woody. I started to be concerned there were no longer quality products to choose from and that all had given over to the desire of marketshare prefering quantity over quality…desiring the high turn over? Hoping we’ll be back for another set in 5 years?? really? They surely know we won’t be back if our last experience was disappointing…potentially losing us over to trying new brands..I would have never considered Bosch..the name was unknown to me…Whirlpool, Kenmore…besides Maytag, were the names I trusted. It’s unfortunate. I did purchase an LG refrigerator 4 years ago, the salesman couldn’t say enough good things about it(based on what I’ve read on this site, sounds like there was an incentive program going on at the time I purchased…my salesman got a nice little bonus while I have not been satisfied with the frig and it’s only 4 years old. My Whirlpool Frig in the garage is 17 years old and still running great compared to the newer LG. These companies need to consider the power of the internet aiding us to become a more educated consumer. After reading other sites I almost gave up on the idea of finding a product that coud even last 5 years and was really getting discouraged because “every” product seemed to have bad reviews on-line and I was frustrated with not knowing which reviews could really be trusted. Thanks to everyones questions, comments, feedback and of course Woody’s professional knowledge, experience and opinion….I plan to be a proud owner of a Bosch 6450 or 800 series this Labor Day weekend. I still have research to do as far as finding where to purchase the brand and finding a local company to service. But I am at least more confident in my purchase and am willing to invest in a brand that I would have never considered…and Thank God! Hopefully there’s a manufacturer that will hear our concerns and not yield to the temptation of market share and go back to producing quality appliances. Woody…an earlier posting suggested you start your own site for appliance repair recommendations and I agree whole heartedly you should consider it.
August 27th, 2010 at 4:44 am
Gee thanks. Here’s hoping in 5 years you all won’t hate me. In the meantime I thought I would run for President. The two most popular brands there seem to not be lasting too long and costing too much to own also.
August 28th, 2010 at 3:41 am
Hi Everyone - does anyone ever use Speed Queen anymore? My sister was a sales rep and gave me her “old” set - they were 10+ years old and I just loved them. Had to leave when we moved - now I have an ancient Maytag Neptune that I just hate. The washer is so loud - like an airplane taking off - and the dryer leaves me with such wrinkled clothes. Am looking at options and love the info on this forum!
August 28th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
hannahH: Speed Queen is still out there. A few dealers sell them and in our area they are handled by a distributor who sets up dealers. They would be considered a “profit” line to most dealers who carry them because they are usually not associated with Sears, Lowes and other big box stores, but that could change.
Your Neptune has bad center bearings caused by using too much of the wrong types of detergents….sorry.
August 29th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
yes woody - i bet you’re right. When we moved in it already had lots of mold but not the loud noise in the spin cycle. I always kept the door open but, being the first front end loader I’ve had, I know I probably used too much detergent and accidentally the wrong detergent a few months ago.
We are looking at the Bosch 6450 and the 6330 and will hopefully purchase when the rebates come out.
Do you think it’s safe to use my old Neptune for another week? I’d hate to have it flood - it’s on first floor -above a finished basement.
thanks Nancy for your comments - really helpful!
August 29th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Should not be a problem to continue using it. The nice thing about the noisy washer is you know exactly whent the cylce is finished..lol
August 31st, 2010 at 6:10 am
Joan Dalton is a schill for Sears. Everything she types is positive for Kenmore, and the Whirlpool products that Kenmore makes. Example: “I have a mold sensitivity and have had no problem with my HeWhirlpool.”
Sometimes Joan has typed negative comments about competition to Sears, ex: “thank you for the heads up on GE. I will be sure to stay away from them.”
Please see that she even writes her posts like tag lines, just like a commercial. Example “We really love our machine. I am so happy that we chose it.” and “As I mentioned before, we have an older Whirlpool Duet and never had a problem.”
Joan’s spelling and grammar are almost perfect. Who in the real fricken world types so perfectly??? Unless they are trying to SELL you something?
Sears has many employees, just like “JOAN DALTON” who are trained in creative writting and advertising to steer you into buying their products. JOAN’s probably not even her real name. I suspect she is a liar and a schill and a part of the greedy marketing campaign of Sears.
Fact.
August 31st, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Dear Sceptic:
Did you mean sceptic or skeptic? Your post was unkind, to say the least.
I have an English degree and a masters degree in clinical psychology. I was an editor for national magazines for several years. Occasionally, on this blog, you will find that I abbreviate and/or am a terrible typist. I have RA so my fingers don’t always cooperate. Perhaps Joan is just good at grammar and likes her machines. Never assume the worst about anyone. Most of the people on this blog have been intelligent and kind.
Thank you for your opinion. You are entitled to it. But please remember to couch your words and thoughts in kindness. Wouldn’t you want to be given the benefit of the doubt?
August 31st, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Well said Lori. I personally haven’t contributed much to the blog but I get the emails of others posting comments.
It drives me nuts when people get on these faceless blog sites and rip into other people with words or comments that they would most likely never use or say when face to face with a live person.
The way I see it if you don’t like someones comments keep it to yourself!! Your not their friend, you don’t know them or their situation or if in “FACT” they are who they say they are or what they represent.
I have enjoyed my Samsung machines very much, I don’t work for Samsung but based on my experience over the past few months i think their great. People can take that for what it’s worth.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Hey Gang !!!!
Well, I have had my Bosch 6450 for 4 months now, and I still love them !!! Just like anything else, you have to learn how to use them properly. I just discovered it has a delay wash LOL The hardest thing for me to learn was NOT USE SO MUCH DETERGENT.. It is hard only putting in 1&1/2 Tablespoons of detergent, but I want clean clothes and no mold.
I am still looking for a job, had an interview yesterday will know today but have to drive 20 miles..UGH… cant even imagine in the snow…
Angie congrats on the Twins LOL you will be pleased you bought them
August 31st, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Keith and Lori,
I agree with you totally on the skeptics posting. If you look at my comments I sound like a commercial for Bosch LOL If only I was getting paid by them then I wouldn’t be looking for a job
We are just people with the same thing in common, wanting to find the right machines for the best price and doing our research. I too had a whirlpool duet and had no problems, but wanted something different when we moved. So skeptic, since I made that comment does that mean that I work for Sears ?
August 31st, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Hi Nancy,
Nahh. But we know you lead a double life:):). Hope you are well. Good luck on the job hunt. It’s tough out there!
Blessings,
Lori
August 31st, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Thanks Lori,
The good news is, when I go to work I have my Bosch to get my clothes clean LOL LOL Lets see, if Bosch were paying me I would be rich by now 
hmmmm, maybe I should contact them
It is tough out there, but I am being picky. I don’t want to work evenings or weekends so that leaves out retail and I had only been looking 10 miles from home, but this opportunity came up and the price was right so may drive the 20 miles if offered the job
August 31st, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Sceptic is just having a bad day. Hope (he/she) gets feeling better. I know people who like their Whirlpool branded front loaders. I know some who don’t like them also. But it is true that Whirlpool has a team who monitors the internet for their name to come up so they can be proactive in helping consumers and protecting their name from the faceless, nameless comments on the internet. I know because their “executive” office has sometimes called us to help when someone special is blasting their name or the name of one of their brands like Maytag on twitter, facebook, etc.
I became involved in these posts because of the title “The Top 3 Washers and Dryers as Rated by Consumers”. Being in the business I was curious as to the content. This is almost like the football and basketball polls that are ranked by the media, sportscasters and coaches. WHO KNEW Boise would go undefeated? WHO KNEW Utah would bust the BCS? These teams weren’t even being considered because they don’t get enough votes because of small TV markets and now are leaving their conferences to greener pastures (money).
I used to type these up and put them on the word processor for corrections before sending them. Once I knew I was amongst friends I backed off from that step. And Woody isn’t my real name, sorry. And I don’t get paid to write these, if fact I don’t get paid when I write these because I am not working when I do write them and in fact am losing income so bye for now!
August 31st, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Woody,
I feel like I am a priest and you just confessed LOL You will always be Woody to us, no matter your true name !! I know I appreciate your time and experience. With you being in the repair business I feel you are a tremendous help to all of us looking for an honest opinion. I know when I was looking for my set, I actually called repair men in my area, not just one, I called several and the advice was the same, Bosch. They didn’t know me from Adam, they just gave their opinion. Really Woody, we do need you.
August 31st, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Nancy….. you are very kind. I am pleased you and others are enjoying your products.
I’m not going anywhere too soon. I have kids to feed.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:47 am
Hi nancy, hope you got the job.
just like you, i found out about the extra sanitary cycle. Boy, did all the baby mess up come out clean!!!!! I think I will buy the boys some more clothes so that I can save them up and use the sanitary cycle every time. I feel like a shopper who found a great bargain every time i discover a new function from the washer. I am secretly wishing that my old dryer would die out soon so I can buy the steam dryer from bosch.
Ditto to your comment in regards to woody. Most of us here appreciate the FREE and very informative advices that you provide us. My utmost sincere thanks to you woody.
September 1st, 2010 at 3:25 am
Hi Kassie,
I didn’t hear anything about the job, I am so bummed, maybe tomorrow. I do however have an interview with the State on the 14th, so yea.
Shopping, did you say shopping? Any reason to go shopping is great, then to get to wash them in your new washer is awesome. I know people think I am crazy just discovering different cycles on my washer, but it is just me and my husband so don’t do much laundry, and I get in a rut and only use the same cycle most of the time.
September 1st, 2010 at 6:22 am
OK…as promised….here are the details
Vision Washer Description Rebate
Amount
WFVC3300UC Bosch Vision 300 Series Washer $50
WFVC4400UC Bosch Vision 300 Series DLX Washer $50
WFVC5400UC Bosch Vision 500 Series Washer $100
WFVC540SUC Bosch Vision 500 Series Washer Silver $100
WFVC5440UC Bosch Vision 500 Series Washer w/AquaStop® $100
WFVC544AUC
Bosch Vision 500 Series Anthracite Washer
w/AquaStop $100
WFVC544CUC Bosch Vision 500 Series Sepia Washer $100
WFVC6450UC
Bosch Vision 500 Series DLX Washer
w/AquaShield $100
WFVC844PUC Bosch Vision 800 Series Washer Sky $100
Terms and Limitations: 1. Original reward certificate and supporting documents
(collectively “Claim”) must be mailed and postmarked by October 15, 2010. No late
submissions will be accepted. Sponsor(s) is not responsible for claims lost,
misdirected, mutilated, stolen, received late, or with postage due. Please keep copies
of all materials submitted. Sponsor(s) reserves the right to request additional information
or signed statements verifying identity and bona fide purchase of product.
All information submitted with this claim becomes the property of Sponsor(s) and cannot be
returned. 2. Please allow 8 to 10 weeks to receive your Bosch Visa Prepaid Card.
3. Make a copy of all reward material submitted for your records. In the event of
incomplete or illegible forms, claims submission will not be returned. 4. Offer good only on
select Bosch Vision washers listed above. 5. Purchase, and full payment, must
occur between September 1, 2010, and September 30, 2010; purchase outside these prameters
is ineligible. Purchase date is determined by invoice. 6. Any misrepresentation
or fraudulent information disqualifies reward claim, and may give rise to criminal
or civil prosecution. 7. Offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offers.
8. Sponsor(s) distributors, resellers and their employees, are ineligible.
9. Limited to retail customers only, not open to builders or contractors. 10. Limited to
one rebate per household . One limit per household not applicable in CT, RI or where
prohibited by law. 11. Valid only for purchases by an end user customer within the
50 United States and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. 18
years or older only. 12. Reward form must include a valid, current, residential street address
of the purchaser only. Visa prepaid card is not transferable. 13. If these terms and
conditions are not met, at Sponsor’s discretion, Visa prepaid card will not be issued. Offer void
where prohibited by law. FD number(s) must be provided. 14. In no event shall Sponsor(s)
be liable for more than the amount of the stated reward; by submitting this reward form,
you agree to this strict liability limitation. 15. Not eligible at Lowe’s, Sears, Best Buy and P.C.
Richard & Son.
September 1st, 2010 at 7:46 am
Woody, et al,
Thank you for the plethora of information on washers and dryers in the market place. Our Kenmore 90 Series dryer of over 16 years just quit on us (or the heating function did) and we are in the market for a W/D set. Loved the pair and will miss them sorely (like autos, they just don’t make them like they used to…I think most products are made to be replaced more often these days!). We have two daughters active in sports and one with a uniform for her job so we do up 7-9 loads per week. Ugh!
The husband and I have checked Sears and Lowes and even Costco; so many choices! When looking through reviews posted on various sites, it is hard to keep statistics lessons in mind, as even one bad review can scare a buyer off since products are so pricey these days and the economy here in Cali is not the best (written with a straight face). I have to remind myself not to be swayed by one or two negative postings as people are more wont to share the negative than the positive. I am sure Woody can attest to that.
I am thrilled I stumbled upon these posts and it has been worth the hour of reading. We are off to look at the Bosch brand tomorrow and make up our minds if they will work for our family. Seems like most of the features listed are what we are looking for and that the negatives are outweighed by the positives. Plus, thanks to Woody’s tip I will hold off until Labor Day (what luck in timing that I read this today). So far I only remember seeing Bosch at Lowes, but we do have a smaller appliance place that sells that brand of dishwasher, so I will check them out to give back to the small guys.
Thanks again for all who take the time to check back in as it really helps those of us just starting our shopping to make a decision. I also enjoy the personal touches and great sense of humor displayed by some of you. And BTW, I already pimped my laundry room (great, long L-shaped folding counters and a deep Corian sink and a window with a view of our gorgeous park) so I just need to find a great color to go along with the room.
Cheers!
September 1st, 2010 at 7:55 am
Okay, the time stamps on these posts are so off! I look so industrious, as my last post was actually made in the future, since it is just now 12:52am on 8/31/10. And Woody must be somewhere else in the world other than the US of A because look at his time stamp! LOL. Nancy, since I seem to be blessed with magical powers of getting things done in the future; I foresee you will get your State job.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Hello I was digging for reliable information on supplies for grand format printers. Your blog was listed on Yahoo in this category, you have an interesting site.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Nikki,
Since you can see in the future, me sitting at my desk at the State office, can you please please please give me some Power Ball numbers LOL LOL :)I could sure use it right now, I will even drive to Nevada to pick them up. That is one thing I miss about AZ, buying the lottery tickets, I didn’t do it very often, but when I wanted to I could.
I am glad you are going to check out Bosch, I am very pleased with mine. I am so jealous you have a pimped out laundry room !!! Yes you do need a great pair to show off your pimped room. Keep us posted
September 1st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Wow…see what happens when I break my rule about writing in public after 11am? It was actually 12:52am on 9/1/10! But the time stamp was still in the future so the job is still yours, Nancy! Shared all the info with my hubby and he jumped online and found that Abe’s of Maine carries the Bosch at reasonable prices and will ship for free and there is no tax. I do worry about scratches since the shipping involves getting from Maine to California! Our local places have the models for significantly higher prices though…what to do?
September 1st, 2010 at 2:46 pm
At this point I just have to laugh…apparently I need to avoid writing before 11am as well, post should have read ‘after 11pm’.
September 1st, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Nikki,
Make sure that Abe’s of Maine gets the rebates !!! Some places don’t get them. I just checked the site out and noticed some of the washers don’t have the rebate with them, for instance, mine the 6450, according to Woody’s post it should have $100, but on Abe’s site it doesn’t. So, be careful of which one you are choosing. To me, as far as the shipping goes, I think it will probably be in the original box and it is a chance you take. I would call and talk to them and make sure you feel comfortable with them as a company and see what their policy’s are if it is damaged. My husband hooked ours up, so it is fairly easy to do, I do know with the Bosh, it had to have only Bosch parts to do the hook up just couldn’t run to Home Depot.
September 1st, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Nancy,
Thanks! All good things to consider. We will check on that one and make sure the fit is right. Did you say you can wash comforters in your washer? I would love to be able to do that and thought I remembered someone posting that they could. We have a Super Capacity set right now and even with that I can really only get smaller comforters in the washer due to the agitator blocking off a good fit for anything thicker. However, I do get a great amount of clothing in and am concerned about being able to get the same out of other units. Plus, my current dryer gets things dry in 40-50 minutes. I would love to match that time due to the number of loads we have to run per week to keep up with the girls’ habits!
September 1st, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Nikki,
The 6450 has a comforter setting but I have never used it. I have found that at first I was trying to put too many clothes in the dryer and it was taking a long time to dry and clothes coming out wrinkled. Like anything, there will be trial and error. Hope this helps you, there are larger tubs out there with other brands, but is a bigger tub worth the chance of future repairs ?? Just some more food for thought, is your head exploding yet LOL ?
September 1st, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Wow, just chatted with a local appliance seller who is an authorized dealer for Bosch (and was a service repairman for 16+ years who loves Bosch and his family have them as well) and not only do they have the 6450; but I can get the $100 off Woody mentions above, but another $100 for the Cash for Appliances program and an extra $50 utility rebate (in California read PG&E). Not a bad deal at all!
However, wait for it…this guy was so awesome and said that while he would LOVE to sell me a new unit, he had a tip for me on what to check out on our existing dryer (Kenmore 90 Series that has been so good to us) to see if that solves the ‘no heat but runs’ issue. The hubby is going to check it out after work. If that is the problem, this nice salesman said to come on in tonight and he has the part in stock for…here comes the almost priceless part…$10! People, there are some wonderful people in this world.
September 1st, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Nikki,
Do you think it is Woody ? LOL LOL That is awesome, and YES, there are still some honest and nice people in the world. I am so happy for you. See if he will come down anymore on the price, it never hurts to ask
September 1st, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Hi Woody - wow! You are certainly a good sport to share and inform the way you do. I don’t know how you have the bandwidth to do it all, but lucky for us, you do.
I will apologize in advance for asking a question that may be redundant on some level, but I think I read conflicting information regarding the Bosch 6450. After mounds and mounds (and mounds) of research, we like this option, but because the pair will be on the main living floor (and not the basement), we are concerned about water damage. The 6450 has Aqua Shield and not AquaStop, correct? And, if that is the case, will we be protected from potential leaks? Also, how difficult is it to install the AquaStop hose? Would this be in lieu of a braided hose (the one that connects to the water supply)?
Sorry for the elongated e-mail, but with Labor Day here and the added rebates, I want to be sure I get this nailed down in the next few days.
Thanks Woody! You da man!
Sidney
September 1st, 2010 at 10:08 pm
You can purchase Aqua Stop hoses separately but they are somewhat expensive so check the difference between the 6450 and the 800 series in your area if you really want them. The 800 series has both aqua shield and aqua stop. The hoses attach just like any other hose. Part # 646221 and #646220…. $44 each piece.
September 2nd, 2010 at 3:56 am
Dear Niki:
You CAN wash comforters in the Bosch! My 800 series does a beautiful job!
Blessings,
Lori
September 2nd, 2010 at 4:08 am
Thanks, Lori.
Old dryer fix update: Hubby checked out the old dryer and the back panel is actually welded on, so if we choose to take a chance, we need a repair person to come out and get the back panel off. Strange that it wouldn’t be just something you unscrew. Hmmm…
September 2nd, 2010 at 1:35 pm
To Woody:
So - not to be a pest, but is adding the Aqua Stop hose after the fact, the same as purchasing the unit with the technology already included? Make sense??
Thank you again for replying to my previous post… I’m still a bit confused about all of this.
Sidney
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Sidney, yes. Same thing. The aqua stop hose simply screws onto the washer in place of a standard hose. It could be used on ANY brand washer or any model of washer that uses standard fill hoses.
Nikki: A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Many dryer repairs are accessed from the front, not the back. You can look up your model number of the dryer on the Sears web site and the parts break down will usually give you an idea of how to access the part you are looking for.
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Woody, seriously, what would we do without you ?!?!?!?!?
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Woody,
I appreciate all I have read on your expertise with front loaders. I am right now looking at buying a Maytag front loader washer and dryer. I know you recommend Bosch, but that is out of the question for me now. What do you know of the Maytag MHWE400WW series of front loader washers and MEDE400XW dryers. I am like “confused” with all the horror stories I have read on front loaders that I would like to know from someone in the “know” how to gage what is what. Would you recommend this model? If not, why not? I appreciate any information you can give me.
September 3rd, 2010 at 4:54 am
From what I see online it does not cost much less than the Bosch. Maytag is a Whirlpool Corporation brand and would rank in my top 5 personal choices. There are several variations of the product with the Whirlpool, Maytag and Amana names on them. Basic differences are features and cosmetics.
Most of the “horror” stories on the internet are people with too high of expectations for the products they purchased and lack of proper use. I don’t know if that helps or not for you.
The moment of absolute certainty never arrives.
September 3rd, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Woody,
Do you have any idea why Bosch (which are not cheap compared to some of the others we are comparing with) do NOT have delay start on the 300 or 500 series dryers? This seems a little poorly thought out?
September 3rd, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Hey thanks Woody! It’s a pleasure talking with someone who knows what they are talking about. I hear you about the Bosch, but we have decided to go with the Maytag as we are getting a super deal on it at this time. It makes me less nervous to buy the model with your reply as it is a major purchase and I don’t want to buy into a manufacturer that has had known problems. Thanks again and have a blessed day! Shelly
September 3rd, 2010 at 5:51 pm
John: That is a question you would need to pose to the people at Bosch as I am not involved in the engineering and manufacture. But Bosch continues to be the leader in energy smart products.
I don’t really care to use the word cheap. I prefer expensive and less expensive. But you don’t buy a Lexus for the price of a Chevrolet. People shop price unfortunately and forget what value is. The OLD Maytag company was never afraid to charge more and build a better product. They enjoyed a long lasting product with a long lasting reputation until they began to try to gain market share with price. In order to do so they had to lower the quality of the product. They paid a large price for that change and eventually the entire company ceased to exist.
I have never used a delay feature on a product for a lot of reasons I won’t go into here. They are a gimick brought on by politicians and enviormentalists. Product performance is greatly reduced in dishwashers and washing machines when delay cycles are selected. In addtion they actually use MORE electricity, not less with most cycles.
September 3rd, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Hi Woody,
as always your advice is really amazing and I appreciate it very much like the others on this forum.
I really would like to know how delaying the start of your dryer or washer turning on would use (except for the amount of power for the time) more resources? Why would delaying the start of your wash or dry cause the machine to run longer? Since we pay higher rates of electricity here in Toronto During the day it would be really helpful to load up what I need and set the timer to start after 9pm when the rates go down?
I am not talking about delaying certain cycles, just delay when the actual machines starts?
thanks
September 3rd, 2010 at 6:40 pm
John,
Quickly if I can:
In our area most people heat water with natural gas. When you use a delay cycle the machine (washer and dishwasher) fill with the immediate water available which is in the lines between the water heater and the appliance. Generally this is very cool water because it has been sitting during the “delay”.
The washers and dishwashers now heat water (in order to get proper performance) with electricity to the prescribed temperature from a cool state thus using a more costly fuel than natural gas to heat the water. Depending the cycle this happens several times. When you use the products during more normal times say after you have just used the kitchen sink and then start the dishwasher the water is already hot at the source and thus requires less auxiliary heating of the water. In addition the product performs better both in the wash and dry cycles.
Each area is different and so are the fuel sources so it will be different depending on where you live, the rates your utilities charge and the machines use of energy. But when you put the off peak rate against the on peak rate how much are you really saving in dollars and cents? My last calculation on a dishwasher using an electric water heater was less than half a penny a load using our rates. Am I going to sacrifice performance for a lousy 15 cents a month? When I factor in the natural gas water heater is actually costs MORE to use the delay wash. The heaters in the laundry equipment are larger and have to heat even more water. It’s splitting hairs just so we can say we are GREEN!
Recently many states went phosphate free. Now no one’s dishwasher’s work well. Yet commercial applications were exempted from the ban. Have you ever thought how much detergent and phosphates a hotel or restaurant use compared to a normal household? It’s A POLITICAL JOKE! Energy standards on homes require insulation in ceilings and walls, special windows, etc. yet commercial buildings have gapping holes around overhead doors, entry doors and R11 insulation in the ceilings. Opps! Got to go now, just fell off my soapbox…
September 3rd, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Oh! And not to mention you are asleep when you washer finishes and the laundry sits in the washer wet and starts the mold process everyone is complaining about. And in the dryer you put “wet” clothes in there and let them sit for hours waiting for your off peak period till they stink and need to be rewashed afterwards?
This dang soapbox keeps falling over. I think I broke it this time.
September 3rd, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Woody your head must explode from soooo much information LOL I am just glad you do have a big head because I am learning so much
by the way, I have 2 State job interviews, the 14th and 15th, the one on the 15th is at the Prison again.. 
guess it is better to have interviews at the Prison as opposed to be in the Prison.
September 3rd, 2010 at 6:56 pm
Hope you didn’t break a hip LOL LOL, course if you did hurt something, you would be laid up and couldn’t work then you would have more time for all our questions or concerns. Instead of just washers and dryers you could open up the whole can of worms
September 3rd, 2010 at 7:32 pm
woody
wow, that is very informative thanks for your detailed response! You make a LOT of good points. You really are a wealth of information. And what you wrote may pertain to a lot of situations.
We dont run hot water very often anyway and always wash clothes on cold so our lines are pretty much the same all the time except in the morning when showering so that impact thankfully would not affect us much. And the time of use rates here are twice the cost at peak times as they are at low times.
So yes it really does depend on your rates and where you are but I want the delay start also as a convenience feature as well. basically we would save over $34 a year by running the dryer in off times vs peak times. Would there be any issue with rust of clothes sat in a dryer for say 3-4 hours before they started to dry? That would of course make me think twice.
I will give the wet clothes sitting around some thought, but I dont think that is much of an issue for us.
September 3rd, 2010 at 7:44 pm
John,
I don’t know where your laundry room is in conjuntion to your bedroom, but mine is just steps away and even tho my Bosch 6450 is VERY quiet, I can still hear it. To me the $34 a year wouldn’t be worth the noise
Good thinking John about the rust issue, interesting, I wonder what the Washer and Dryer Guru has to say about that
September 3rd, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Good point Nancy ours is down the hall through a door (and past an old foundation wall and around the corner so thankfully noise is not an issue for us even with are loud monster right now.
September 3rd, 2010 at 7:55 pm
John
I truly hope you can decided on what to buy. To me it was a BIG purchase and I wanted to make sure I got the BEST I could afford. That being said, everyone has their own priorities, I didn’t really care about all the bells and whistles, it is just me and my husband, so just clean clothes was my top concern. If I lived where the electric bill is so high I might have the same mind set as you.
September 3rd, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Rust would depend on the type and quality of the tub. Everything else I could add would depend on the time your peak and off peak start. Setting the washer cycle to start and end so you could put clothing in the dryer the next morning after you awake could be done if it is still off peak. Noise levels would be important to you also if you are going to run the machines while you sleep. In addition the Aqua stop features would give you peace of mind if the machines started leaking while you were snoozing.
September 4th, 2010 at 4:35 am
Does anyone have feedback/opinions/facts on the Fisher Paykel Washer Model #WL42T26DW1 and Dryer Model #DG62T27DW2? I know that there a limited amount of service people who know how to work on them if needed; but anything on 1)reliability, 2) quality of washing (is it clean)/drying (clothes aren’t badly wrinkled when cycle complete), 3)noise-level, 4)ability to handle large loads, 5) Wash times? 6) Are clothes wrung out well when spin cycle over, 7) Dry time and are clothes really dry? and
Anything else?
I had heard they are good quality machines, that they are fairly quiet, the washer will take about 55 min for a cycle on efficient and 40-50 min to dry. The sales person who was a repairman for years liked the set; but I know they are the only place in town that can service this type of w/d, so I know there is motive for sales pitch as well; but he was brutally honest a