Before we moved to VA we sold our washer and dryer becaue we didn't have a place to put it when we got here. Now that we are moving next month I need to buy a washer and dryer. I know I want the front loader but as far as what brand and features and size, I'm at a loss. Does anyone have a front loader? If so what brand and model and do you like it. And do I really need the pedestals? I would like to keep it right at or just under $2,000. for the set.

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 12:12 pm:

We have the Kenmore HE3 set that we bought a couple years ago. LOVE them! No problems whatsoever thus far. I didn't bother getting the pedestals. There have been a few threads on this topic. Do a "Keyword Search" and I'm sure you'll find them.

By Melanie on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 12:23 pm:

I have the Whirlpool Duet and really like them a lot. I do have to remember to leave the washer door open when not in use or it gets a moldy smell.

I have the pedestals, but wouldn't recommend them. I have cabinets above my washer and dryer and can't reach them without a step stool because the washer and dryer are so darn tall now. People who like them say it's because you don't have to bend over to get your laundry out. But they have made mine too tall so I am not a fan.

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 12:42 pm:

Oh yes Melanie, I forgot to mention that. I also keep the washer door open when not in use for that very reason. The tight seal on the door added to moisture in the wash tub = mold. Not a problem if the door is open and the tub is able to dry out.

By Jewlz on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 12:45 pm:

i have the maytag neptunes. and i love them. they are about 3 years old. no pedastal. i got them at a sears outlet with a warranty. I always check with the outlet before making a purchase of sorts. i gave 1200 for my set.

By Vicki on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 01:31 pm:

I have the Kenmore HE 4t set and I love them!! I do have the pedestals for them and I really like them too. I don't have overhead storage, so it is nice to have the drawers, plus like others have said, it is nice to not have to bend over to get in them!! And do always leave the door open when not in use!! You will not regret getting front loaders! They are great!!

By Cat on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 02:35 pm:

I have the LG HE set and I love them!!! They were my luxury set that was my Christmas present (early--Got them in November). I did get the pedestals, but they really aren't necessary. They were $150 each and we may have to move the shelf in the laundy room in our new house because there may not be enough room for the set with it where it is! So if you have a shelf in your laundry room, measure to see if they'll fit with the pedestals (if you want them--I use them but could very easily do without them). Also, without the pedestals I could use the top of the washer and dryer for a changing table in the new house, but not with them (our laundry room in the new house is off the bath on the main floor). Just a thought. I don't have a problem leaving my washer door closed because I use them almost every other day, and sometimes more often. Also, I live in Colorado and moisture isn't a problem here. Good luck with your decision.

By Insaneusmcwife on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 04:31 pm:

How would I find out if there is an outlet here? I looked on line but can't find where they would list the outlets.

By Jewlz on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 10:00 pm:

http://www.outletlocator.com/


http://www.google.com/search?q=sears+outlet+centers&hl=en&lr=&start=7&sa=N


i know atlanta has a big one.

we just have always ended up with one not to far from us. we have one in town not to far from us now. and its just appliances. id call sears and ask them ...someone might say i dont know. and then u have to be persistant and ask around. we have saved lots of money buying out appliances this way.

By Insaneusmcwife on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 11:27 am:

They list one that says KMart Reference. I called and its a regular KMart. They said they don't carry washer/dryers. I did find on Amazon that they make a waher and dryer all in one. I did't know that was possible. Not something I would be interested in but for someone with limited space I guess it could be cool. I'm going to have to get off my rump and go to a store and look at the different ones. The internet doesn't do much justice for picking one out. But so far I think we are leaning towards the Duets. Thank you everyone for all your help.

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 03:40 pm:

Well, I just have a normal ole washer and dryer, but I wanted to say that I keep the top to my washer open when it's not in use for the same reason Melanie and Trina noted. The top was closed when we evacuated, 11 days with no power, and not being used, it was just another thing we came home to that smelled. So I ran bleach through it a few times and now keep the top open all the time except when I'm using it.

If I were investing that kind of money in a new one, I'd definitely recommend doing that.

By Yjja123 on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 04:15 pm:

I have the Whirlpool Duet. I also have the pedastals. I Love LOVE them! I highly recommend them. They were definitely worth the extra $!!
The Duets are recommended by Consumer Reports.

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 05:46 pm:

I've had a Whirlpool toploader large load washer since 1992, including the period when my dad was incontinent so we were doing a LOT of laundry, and it has held up really well. I like it so much I bought one for my son & dil as a wedding gift. I've had no repairs, and only recently replaced the intake water hoses just as a precaution against the hoses bursting because of their age.

By Insaneusmcwife on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 06:44 am:

My only concern with keeping it open is how do I keep that darn cat out? I had a dream last night that my moster of a daughter figured out how to start the washer and the cat was in it. Poor Kitty. And in the dream all she could say was "I was just trying to be your bigger helper mommy". Definately need the pedestals, lol.