OT - Washing machine recommendation?

[T.Hoffman]

My mother is still using her 40+yr old Maytag, never a problem.

I bought 'non-fancy' normal top-load Maytag 9yrs ago, never a problem.
I had no need for 20 different modes of washing, so the plain jane model was what I went with.

I can't comment on any other brand as Maytags are all I've ever used.

[DFMiller]

Don't buy a Maytag.
They are now CRAP!!! We had to replace our less than 5years old as the transmission was toast. The parts cost equalled the replacement machine and parts repairs have no warranty. Maytag is now owned by Whirlpool and they have hung all previous customers out to dry.

Now if it's an older Maytag put money into it and repair it. They are good. The new stuff by design is only gonna last 5 years. Our old Kenmore dryer is pushing 30 years and still going strong. Just a few rollers every 15 years. I wish we were able to have kept the matching washer but the drum broke away from the hub abou 5years ago.

[ikdor]

As European brands are different I'll spare you the brands but I do have some remarks:

• Do get direct drive, the machine is incredibly quiet until the spin cycle. (which is also more quiet than a normal one)
• Make sure you can actually get a good grip on the selection knob, mine is smooth with a few small dimples. Don't know what the designers were smoking there.
• Don't get tricked into a user interface with digital screen and function keys. It'll take you five minutes to select a program instead of half a second. Once again designed by people who don't do laundry.
• Think about getting one with hot-fill if you have a solar collector.
• Max spin cycle speed is related to time in dryer afterwards. Google for some data as there are diminishing returns whereas prices shoot up with higher speed. (force goes up with the square of speed)

Igor

[aboard_epsilon]

There are only two domestic manufacturers in Europe that state that their machines are capable of lasting beyond 10 years

those two are

Miele and ISE

if you can get one of those in the USA ..get one.

All the best.markj

[vpt]

I believe we have amanas, they are old but I keep them working. I had to put a new belt on the washing machine this year, the old one looked like the original belt off my 1942 atlas lathe when I got it.

[lakeside53]

I have an Asko (Swedish) washer and dryer from 1994. I've fixed a few things over the years but they are still going strong, and get used every day.

The washer has a 3 phase motor for variable speed and poly-vee belt drive; all electronic... Oh.. cost a small fortune back then, and still do.

[aboard_epsilon]

I have an Asko (Swedish) washer and dryer from 1994. I've fixed a few things over the years but they are still going strong, and get used every day.

The washer has a 3 phase motor for variable speed and poly-vee belt drive; all electronic... Oh.. cost a small fortune back then, and still do.

Asko make the ise machines i mentioined.

all the best.markj

[JoeCB]

Just chalk this up to "they don't build em' like they used to" ... The old Sears Kenmore / Whirlpool were bullet proof. belt drive and a big heavy cast iron transmission with real oil lubrication, controls all solid electro-mechanical. These two classics; "Lady Kenmore" washer and gas dryer were new in 1964, still doing the job after a family of four including two very active boys. yes some maintainance and repairs along the way, belts, clutch plate, tub bushings and seals, dryer gas ignitor, fan bearing rebuild ... but all fixable by the home mechanic.
Joe B

[darryl]

'they don't build 'em like they used to'- aint that the truth. We had a Maytag dryer many years ago, and you had to listen really close to even hear it running. I was impressed. I had a Coolerator refrigerator long ago as well, and it was almost impossible to hear it running.

I just bought a Maytag dryer a few months ago. It's still working- . It's nothing like the old one though.

[sasquatch]

Years ago , ANY appliance you bought was usually good for at least 20-30 years, many longer than that. Didn't matter what it was, stove, fridge, etc.

They were a good investment !! Quality construction, good reliable motors , on and on.

Always was disgusted by the washer?? that was built back awhile ago, that had a great chunk of CONCRETE bolted onto the bottom of the frame at the back!!
GEEEEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!