Forum Friday: Lots of talk about washers and dryers
Based on the chatter in our appliances forum, prices for washers and dryers are falling fast. One member is seeking help deciding between LG and Whirlpool Duet models. Feel free to toss in your own opinion on these brands.
It pays to remember that choosing the best laundry appliances for your home includes a number of factors, not just the overall score in our Ratings of washers and dryers (available to subscribers). These include capacity, cycle time, vibration, water and energy consumption, brand repair history, warranty length, style, and more.
You'll also want to remember these mistakes to avoid when buying a washer and dryer, which could save you a bundle. Once you have your new washer at home, these repairs for your washing machine can help extend its life, saving you even more money and the hassle of shopping for a new machine.
Essential information: Visit our washers and dryers product pages for buying advice for these laundry appliances.
Posted by: Danielle | Jan 8, 2009 3:34:41 PM
I've looked all over CR for ratings on a washer-dryer combo and haven't found one (the search feature is nigh on to worthless). Is there any plans to review the various options to full sized washers and dryers?
Posted by: irvens | Jan 8, 2009 3:34:43 PM
Last fall I purchased a Frigidaire Affinity Front Load Washer and Dryer for what seemed like a good price but according to CR, may have been a bit expensive for the washer. It was installed early in November and by Dec.15, I was calling for service as it was not spinning the clothes and they came out sopping wet. The service technician claimed that a belt had slipped off (a bit worrisome after only 4-6 weeks use)and that it was now fixed. About two days later, I was on the phone as the same problem was occurring. Now I am told that it requires new parts, not just a belt but a pulley and inner and outer tubs plus a control board. Some of these parts are not expected until Feb!!. I've just discovered a 'Frigidaire Sucks' web site populated by very unhappy customers who complain that their dryers (not sure of the models) have a tendency to burst into flames, o joy. Anyone else have problems with Frigidaire Affinity models?
Posted by: ted | Jan 18, 2009 4:28:56 PM
I would like to find out some info. also on the washer+dryer all in 1.
also Menard's don't sell them anymore either because there no selling. any one know someone who has one and how do they work.
the cheapest one i could find is:
http://www.compactappliance.com/HWD1000-Haier-Ventless-Compact-Washer-Dryer-Combo/HWD1000,default,pd.html
thanks,
ted
Posted by: Ruth Ramsey | Jan 22, 2009 10:42:03 AM
I'm looking for a new washing machine and just read the Consumer Reports Washing machine recommendations. I was going to buy the front loader GE WCVH6800J[WW] which was checked as a Best Buy and listed as the 2nd best front loader. I then looked at customer reviews and they were terrible. What's going on? Why is there such a big discrepancy between the customer reviews and Consumer Reports' high recommendation? Help ??
Posted by: Susan | Feb 2, 2009 6:13:53 PM
I purchased a Haier combo for my son 3 years ago and he is trying to get it fixed for the 2nd time. The local repair company stopped supporting Haier because they say the corporate service is bad. Of course I don't know if this is true, but this repair is troublesome and difficult. I heard LG makes a good one - heard it from someone who owns one.
Posted by: Randy | Feb 20, 2009 4:19:54 PM
I recently saw a report on the news stating that the new front loading washers have a problem with smell and mildew building up in them due to their design and the fact that they are so tightly sealed. The consumers who were interviewed hated their washers for this reason and I have asked around and found this to be the case with the few people I know who have these. They say you have to clean the inside with some sort of bleach solution, and leave the door open when it is not in use. I can't really do that because my cats would live in there if the door was open. We are getting to the point of needing to replace our washer and dryer. I am thinking now that I may just get one of the new high-tech dryers and keep using the top loading style washer. Have you done any research on this problem?
Posted by: Anthony | Feb 26, 2009 6:23:21 PM
I would like to see a seperate section that addresses combo washer/dryers that includes namebrands like LG, Haier, Equator, etc. This is a very new area for the U.S. that seems to gain popularity in metro cities like NYC and DC in places where your flat is 400-500 sf. LG seems to be the best, and has a titanimum color that I like. I also would like to see a seperate section for stackable washer/dryers. I have thoughts on remodeling my kitchen, which is also my washroom, and would like to get more insight on replacing my stackable with a combo, so I can get a little more kitchen from my condo. I would trust CR to do the right research in this limited appliance area.
Posted by: Cindy | Mar 26, 2009 11:51:29 PM
I agree there needs to be a some testing on washer/dryer combos. This is such a great technology that has been used aboard for a long time and there is very little information available in the US as to the integrity of the models available. Please CR, do some research on them!!!
Posted by: Dean Landi | Mar 27, 2009 12:31:49 AM
I'm in the market for a washer/dryer combo unit. There are a couple out there, LG, Haier, Asko, Ariston, Triton. I am looking for something that has a high energy star rating. I would also like a unit that is ventless. Any help on making the right decision would help.
Posted by: Jeff | Mar 27, 2009 1:46:24 PM
Is consumer reports planning on reviewing washer dryer combo units. I'm in the market and would like a trusted source?
Posted by: Alan | Apr 13, 2009 12:04:56 PM
I've owned a Sears Kenmore washer/dryer combo for over 10 years. I had to replace the heating element once, and the bearing on the back of the dryer drum once. Neither tasks were terribly hard to do if you're a little handy. Overall, we've been happy with the unit. Unfortunately, it's now dying a very noisy death and I'm in the market for another one.
There have been several posts here saying how they wish the US had these as they've been popular abroad. I'm not sure where y'all have been, but these units have been available for as long as I can remember. Go into any BestBuy, Lowe's, or Sears and they have them.
The best place I've seen to compare features is the Lowe's web site. Just select appliances, then washers & dryers, then stackable units.
I think I'm going to opt for the Maytag MGT3800TW or the GE WET3300SQ. Lowe's will deliver the new unit and haul the old one away, which is nice. I would never even consider a Frigidaire due to the well publicized quality problems they have. This may also be one of those rare instances where the extended warranty makes sense.
Hope this post helps.
Posted by: Amie | Apr 15, 2009 2:56:24 PM
Alan, what people are referring to regarding a All-In-One Unit is a unit that both washes and drys in the same machine without having to take them out and put them in another unit to dry. You can put your clothes in, start the wash cycle, leave the house, and come back to dry clothes. It dries the clothes using a condenser, so a vent isn't even needed. These units are all but impossible to find in a store--not sure why. This is a very convenient idea. Lg has a model# WM3988HWA that is a full size version. I really don't understand why Consumer Reports hasn't processed any testing on at least a couple of these units. Sure would be helpful.
Posted by: Jonathan | Apr 26, 2009 6:58:45 PM
I also would like to see WM3988HWA reviewed. And more information about mold problems in front loading and particularly all-in-one washers.
Posted by: Cecelia | Apr 27, 2009 11:44:44 AM
TA Appliances has the Asko Washer/Dryer combo unit. I would love to hear more on CR about these units.
Posted by: Kitty | Apr 27, 2009 6:09:11 PM
I am looking for a condenser dryer and want feedback on folks satisfaction. I currently have an Asko washer and dryer but the plumbing internally is not metal which I prefer to plastic for safety.
Posted by: Melissa | May 2, 2009 9:00:55 AM
I am looking for a combo washer and dryer that is able to vent so it wont take 6 hours to wash and dry a load. It must be energy star and as green material wise as possible and hopefully made in the USA and have a stainless tub. oh and be gas not electric. any help
Posted by: Lisa | May 12, 2009 4:07:38 PM
I am looking for a combo washer and dryer that is able to vent. It should be energy star and have a stainless tub.
Can you tell me the differance between the different kinds
Posted by: BayAreaWDCombo | May 30, 2009 1:26:11 PM
I think I can give some good advice based on my experience over the past 4 years regarding the all-in-one washer/dryer units (not the stackable type, but the ones where the same unit washes, then dries the clothes).
In theory, this is an amazing & awesome concept. I liked the fact they use such a small amount of power. And when these units work properly they are perfect for someone like myself.
HOWEVER...
I have owned 2 of these units - one made by Equator, and a 2nd one made by Supra. Sadly, in both cases, they turned out to be JUNK.
The Equator needed to be fixed at least 6 different times...the problem: the dryer part of the unit kept failing. I stuck with it thinking eventually it would stop breaking...I was sadly mistaken. Eventually I gave up and junked it. But I so much liked the idea of this type of unit that I REALLY wanted to get another one which I hoped would be more reliable. So I did my research and that led me to buy a Supra all-in-one.
The Supra faired a bit better than the Equator...in fact it worked flawlessly for about 9 months. Then the dryer portion of it broke. The serviceman came over & was able to fix it, only for me to have it break again...got it fixed again...then it broke again. Just like the Equator, the problem was the dryer unit kept failing. Unfortunately my serviceman became unreliable & PLEASE BEWARE: MOST SERVICEMEN DO NOT HAVE ANY CLUE ABOUT HOW TO FIX THIS TYPE OF UNIT - so once I lost my serviceman I was stuck with yet another so-called "combo" which in the end could only wash my clothes. And to make matters worse, Supra went out of business, so I can't even call them for help with it.
Apparently the companies who make these units simply don't have the ability to make a reliable drying function. It appears to be very fragile & subject to multiple problems...and having owned TWO of these machines which had the same issue I know what I'm talking about.
For my next washer/dryer I'm going to get a stackable-type. Unfortunately I don't see any ratings for those here at Consumer Reports, so I guess I'm on my own. But I will *never again* go with an all-in-one unit...I don't need the stress.
Posted by: Mary | May 30, 2009 6:37:25 PM
Does CR answer these questions somewhere? While it's good to know others are inquiring, it's unsatisfactory that CR does not simply answer or direct us to product lines & reviews.
Posted by: krystal | Jun 6, 2009 4:24:38 PM
i live in a very small one bedroom apartment with my mother who is elderly. right now we are very poor, as most people are experiencing, and i want to get her a washer/dryer-either combo or stackable for the apartment because as it is she is washing loads by hand in our sink. the neighbors downstairs have their own hook up for their washer and dryer in the basement and im not sure if i can fit ours next to theirs or if its even allowed so my question is, i have been looking for either a stackable or combo that is quiet enough to keep in the apartment and wont break down right away (did some research and found some really scary reviews) so my mother can stop rubbing her hands raw in the sink to keep our clothes clean. does anyone have any suggestions?
Posted by: Amber | Jun 18, 2009 4:30:40 PM
I need to purchase a new washer and a new dryer but I am more than a little nervous. I bought a Danby portable washer in Sept. and it burnt out last week. My dryer is old and about to give. I've been looking for washers and dryers and think the LG WM3431HS might be my only choice. I live in a small 2bdr apartment with 3 kids and 2 adults and have no 220 plug for a reg. dryer and my 2 toddlers climb everything so a stackable is not an option. It is get the LG or stay with 2 separate appliances. Has anyone had the LG or can someone steer me towards another good brand with the same spects?
Posted by: Bill | Jun 21, 2009 4:36:33 PM
I've had a Thor slimline model (actually made by Haier in China) combo washer/venteless dryer for about 10 years without major problems.
The door latch broke once, but I was able to get a replacement door and install it myself for less than $100.
It's a fairly simple machine - no fancy steam or allergene settings like the LG or others. Nor does it have a dry clothes sensor, so you have to keep checking on them.
No direct drive - motor with a belt instead - so it's a bit noisy, but I've never had any complaints with it in my 1br. apt.
Posted by: Jean | Jun 28, 2009 12:19:30 AM
I was amazed to see the posting by BayAreaWDCombo on May 30, because we had exactly the same experience. First we had an Equator that turned out to be junk. Our repairman said that our model was flawed; the problem was something to do with the computer.
We love the concept of the combo and how efficient it is, and were eager to give the technology another chance. Our repairman talked us into trying a Supra. For us, the Supra was worse. The dryer never worked, and now our repairman doesn't return our calls. (Perhaps it's the same repairman--we're in the Bay Area too.)
Since the Supra broke this spring we've been doing our laundry at my mother-in-law's house, trying to figure out what to do.
I wrote to Consumer Reports some time ago requesting that they review washer/dryer combos. Maybe it would help if more people wrote to customer service requesting a review.
Big thanks to Bill for his post about the Thor.
Posted by: Mary | Jun 28, 2009 10:31:14 AM
I have a stackable Kenmore washer/dryer, top load. I have had it or 5 years and have had no problems. However, I would like to purchase another one with a second rinse cycle, but there are no ratings in Consumer Reports for this type of appliance. I like the info on the front load washers but the 70 - 1 1/2 hr cycle would drive me insane. Geez... I could only do one load a day. Anyway, I would like to see Consumer Reports do more research for stackables, top loaders. Thanks CR!!!
Posted by: KateKM | Jul 3, 2009 2:07:26 PM
It would be so helpful for CR to include compact size appliances on their reports. I recently purchased a countertop dishwasher (which I love!) and am now looking into portable washing machines. Finding trust worthy reviews for any compact appliance is a bit of a challenge. I think I'm going with the Kenmore - wish me luck!