My Whirlpool washer (only 3 years old) has not been spinning correctly for about 6 months now - we had a repair guy out twice and to fix would cost over $300 - so I'm just waiting for the OK to buy a new one. Meanwhile, I have to spin manually with this pen trick everytime I finish a load - its a pain. Today I think it really broke for good. Looking for a good quality washer that won't break in 3 years time. With 4 kids, I need dependable. Thanks.

By Coopaveryben on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - 07:16 pm:

My suggestion is go to Sears, they really do a great job backing their Kenmore (even though maytag makes most of their products). They have one of the best return/repair policies. I think most of the products themselves are very compairable the difference is in customer service and warranty.

By Yjja123 on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - 07:25 pm:

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my whirlpool duet washer & dryer. It received high ratings in consumer reports, I highly recommend the duet!

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - 07:29 pm:

I love my Kenmore HE3 front loader. There has been talk of washing machines here before. You could do a keyword search to find the posts.

By Peggy13 on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - 07:47 pm:

Yes, we will probably end up with a Sears Kenmore - our first set lasted 18 years. Just to convince the husband that I'm not a washerwoman and NEED a new washer before the dryer breaks too!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Reds9298 on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - 08:33 pm:

Amana....a bit pricey but will last you forever! Mine is probably 15 years old and works perfectly still.

By Amecmom on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - 11:12 pm:

No No No Sears!!! Bad Service!!! Go to a reputable local dealer and get a maytag or something!
I have a brand new HE3 and it gets MOLDY!
Do your research, but steer clear of Sears. They are not what they used to be!

Try Home Depot or Lowes even.
A,e

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - 11:57 pm:

My last washing machine, only a year or two old is an Amana, purchased from a local furniture/appliance dealer in town. It works great.

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 - 06:20 am:

Check Consumer Reports. I will do that this evening, because I have an on-line subscription, if you send me your email address. Mine is klipvm (at) rcn.com.

In the meantime, your local library probably has Consumer Reports if you want to read full length articles about washers.

I've had a Whirlpool Heavy Duty since 1992 and it has never needed repairs. Admittedly, we only do 10+ loads a week now, but when my dad was alive we were doing 2 or more loads a day because Dad was incontinent, with all that meant.

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 - 06:34 am:

Ame, fortunately I've had nothing but good experiences with Sears. Your HE3 gets moldy? Do you keep the door open when not in use? I do, because my sister had a fronter loader and advised me to do so.

By Feona on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 - 06:40 am:

We got the ge and it broke in 4 years. I got the five year warranty on it though. Washing machines have all those moving parts in it so they break.

By Unschoolmom on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 - 07:02 am:

I don't think I'd go with Sears. You're essentially buying a Whirlpool or White Westinghouse and then paying a premium for having the Kenmore name stuck on it.

What we have is a little Samsung front loader. Whatever brand you buy I'd suggest you research the front loaders. I can't believe people use top loaders now.

By Feona on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 - 08:11 am:

The front loaders don't break as fast?

By Amecmom on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 - 08:31 am:

With a toddler and a 3 year old in the house I'm begging for trouble leaving the door open. Just the right little space for a wee one to try and crawl into.

As far as Sears goes, you can see my vent from last week. They've not been really reliable as far as service goes. The Kenmore product is nice, but it is the same as a Whirlpool.

Good luck with whatever you choose.
Ame

By Kaye on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 - 08:43 am:

WE have an old whirlpool heavy duty too (i think a 92 also...LOL) it has been great. We do a lot of laundry around here. I just say go with a high end, no matter what brand you pick.

By Dandjmom on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 - 12:52 pm:

Ouch, sorry to hear that , they do come in handy with kids. I dont' knwo if you have one oin your area, but Lowe's they have them on sale pretty regulary. Hope you find somethign soo, ( invest in a warrenty)

By Peggy13 on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 - 07:01 pm:

Well, I bought my washer today - I also did some research in the Consumers Reports...we ended with a Maytag from Sears - we have never had a problem with Sears. Our current Whirlpool we bought from one of those discounted appliance people (broke in 3 years). I really have always stuck with Whirlpool being that my father worked there for 25 years, but since this one broke, I didn't want another Whirlpool - will give Maytag a try. Now I don't have matching washer & dryer, but Oh well, nobody sees them except me.

By Unschoolmom on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 - 07:30 pm:

The front loaders don't break as fast?
>>>>>>>>>>>

They use less water and generally less energy. I find mine does a better job of cleaning the clothes. And mine plays this cute little tune when the wash is finished.

By Cocoabutter on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 - 10:58 pm:

My parents have never had good luck with Sears, but that may just depend on the particular store or area where you live. It's unfortunate that Sears can't seem to get consistent quality service in all their stores, but I really think that you can't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

I would go with Ginny's suggestion- my parents also rely heavily on Consumer Reports- they even got me a magazine subscription!