Front loading laundry washing machine recommendations

[Red Arrow]

Our washer is indicating it's nearing end of economic life at 13 years old.  I am looking for some first hand recommendations for a front loading machine brand and maybe model with the emphasis on reliability.  Consistent cleaning also seems to be an issue from reading internet reviews/recommendations.  Consistent and good cleaning is nice.  Internet reviews run the range of great to trash for the same machine.  We are not looking for top of the line.  Regular, permanent press, delicate and presoak cycles with temperature selection, spin speed and 2nd rinse seem to be a basic machine and would nearly match our present machine. 

Anyone have good luck with any particular brand/model?

[Townsend]

We have GE Profile. 

I'd recommend it. 

[AquaMan]

I have read bad things about any of the Whirlpool produced brands. Their frontloaders have sketchy performance and reliability as well as mold issues.

[rdj]

Purchased a Maytag commercial from Hahn appliance about 15 months ago.  Very happy with the machine and very, very happy with the service I've received from Hahn on not only that purchase but a subsequent deep freeze I purchased from them about six months ago.

[Conan71]

Purchased a Maytag commercial from Hahn appliance about 15 months ago.  Very happy with the machine and very, very happy with the service I've received from Hahn on not only that purchase but a subsequent deep freeze I purchased from them about six months ago.

I will second that.

Hahn has been great to deal with both on the purchase and on service.  I did something I rarely do when I bought new appliances a couple of years ago: bought the extended warranty.  I've had them out for what looked like it would be a major issue on the dishwasher (turns out it wasn't) and some ghost characters that started showing up on the LED display on the range.  Changed out the circuit board, no questions asked and they were very quick about it.

Buy local!

[Red Arrow]

I was already planning to go to Hahn's.   Among other things, their delivery person will take away the old machines.

[Conan71]

Among other things, their delivery person will take away the old machines.

That, in itself, is a huge bonus.

[sauerkraut]

Sometimes you can buy a commerical washer, those are the kind that last & last, back in the 1990's  a  coin laundry joint in Columbus, Ohio was re-modeling and up dating their place so they sold all their old machines for a few bucks. If a machine can take the abuse that a commerical washer takes day & night and still work, think how long they will last in a good home well cared for.

[sauerkraut]

That, in itself, is a huge bonus.

Not really- they take your old washers and sell them at a scrap yard for good money. I'd rather have that money myself.. Put your old washer in the back of your pickup truck and take it to the scrap place yourself. Last month I replaced the  radiator in my truck took the old one to the scrap yard and got $5.00 for it.

[Townsend]

Not really- they take your old washers and sell them at a scrap yard for good money. I'd rather have that money myself.. Put your old washer in the back of your pickup truck and take it to the scrap place yourself. Last month I replaced the  radiator in my truck took the old one to the scrap yard and got $5.00 for it.

No

[Hoss]

Not really- they take your old washers and sell them at a scrap yard for good money. I'd rather have that money myself.. Put your old washer in the back of your pickup truck and take it to the scrap place yourself. Last month I replaced the  radiator in my truck took the old one to the scrap yard and got $5.00 for it.

That's what...about 8 miles of gas in your truck?

[Conan71]

Not really- they take your old washers and sell them at a scrap yard for good money. I'd rather have that money myself.. Put your old washer in the back of your pickup truck and take it to the scrap place yourself. Last month I replaced the  radiator in my truck took the old one to the scrap yard and got $5.00 for it.

I don't own a pick up.  I suppose I could call Paul Tay to haul them away on his bicycle.

As far as a commercial washer in my house, you think I should put a coin changer in the laundry room or just keep a shitload of quarters lying around?

"Aw damn! A toll Road!"

[nathanm]

I've so far had good luck with my Frigidaire brand front loader, which turns 6 later this year. It's one of the vast number of Electrolux-made relabels. The only problem I've had with it so far is that the plastic door latch broke. $3, a philips head screwdriver and 5 minutes later that was fixed. It took longer to find it on the parts diagram so I could order it than it did to replace it.

With all front loaders, making sure the machine is precisely level is important to longevity. The high spin speed puts a lot of stress on the suspension if it's out of level. The other user error type thing that tends to cause problems is using too much soap, causing suds to get up into places they shouldn't and causing corrosion. Mold complaints are also usually a user error situation. If you leave the door and soap dispenser slightly ajar after use to ensure that any remaining moisture evaporates.

[RecycleMichael]

Sometimes you can buy a commerical washer, those are the kind that last & last, back in the 1990's  a  coin laundry joint in Columbus, Ohio was re-modeling and up dating their place so they sold all their old machines for a few bucks.

But you will spend so much money in quarters...

[Red Arrow]

Not really- they take your old washers and sell them at a scrap yard for good money. I'd rather have that money myself.. Put your old washer in the back of your pickup truck and take it to the scrap place yourself. Last month I replaced the  radiator in my truck took the old one to the scrap yard and got $5.00 for it.

I don't own a pickup truck.  I don't own a utility trailer. I don't want an old washer sitting in my back yard. Taking an old radiator to the scrap yard would probably cost me $6.00 to get $5.00.  If someone takes my old washer to the salvage yard and gets a few bucks, fine. It's gone.