Washer & Dryers, Part II

PersonaNonGrata · #1 04-14-2005, 03:47 AM

Okay, I'm back on this topic again. I put it on the back burner until it was closer to getting into my new house but now with that looming, I need to make a decision.

I went to Sears and picked out a nice set of Kenmores with a front load washer. That set wasn't even the HE3t (Kenmore's rebadged Duet) and it was about $1400 with delivery. Youch! At that time I was on the whole front loader kick and anything less that $2000 for the set seemed cheap. Having realized that that is craziness, I went to Pacific Sales (a SoCal appliance chain store) today and checked some stuff out. They have great products, delivery is included, and they give a "good guys" discount. Shhhh. It's a secret.

They have some really, really nice stuff. They had a set of Frigidaire front loaders for a low price of $747. I thought that was a great buy until I opened the door to the washer and the aperture was about the size of a dinner plate. I felt like I was looking through a port hole in an old ship. I don't care how cheap the price was, having to fold your dirty clothes in order for them to fit in the washer is not my idea of fun. I next looked at a set of FriGEmore (Frigidaire by labeling but identical to models from GE and Kenmore) that were very nice and had a much bigger opening. That set was about $1100. Not bad.

Then I thought more about it and considering that I do about 2 loads a week at most, and with the new bride-to-be entering the picture, that would probably double. That's not much and certainly not enough to justify even $1100. That is when the salesman showed me a set of Amanas with a toploader washer with a big (3.2) stainless steel wash tub. The dryer was similarly sized. They're not the bottom of the line and while I didn't write down the model number, I think they're the top of that line. Anyway, that set was $650 before a good guy discount. That is including delivery.

I am pretty set on this deal because the price is so reasonable and it just makes more sense for my needs. My question is whether any of you have heard anything about Amana washers and dryers? I was reading a washer & dryer forum and my goodness do they ever get technical. Laundry geeks! My other choice was a similarly priced set of Kitchen Aids but I have heard bad things about Kitchen Aid large appliances. They make a great mixer but that's about it.

Thanks for any feedback.

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MiCkEy · #2 04-14-2005, 05:22 AM

Amanas are rebadged Maytags (or kind of). We still have an Amana fridge in the garage that refuses to die. Don't go for a top loader. The stress on the motor and the clutch is too much andunless you are spending $$$ you will have problems. I would rather go for a cheaper front loader....saves on electricity and water.

motordavid · #3 04-14-2005, 06:53 AM

PNG: Glad you have discovered W&Ds that don't cost more than my first new car did. My CEO does not beef about much, but she's no fan of K Aid. Multi-branding is common in apps., too. GL,md

UCrewX5 · #4 04-14-2005, 07:54 AM

We had all KitchenAid appliances at our house in Chicago and never had any issues with them at all. I'm thinking they were made by Maytag. While they aren't as nice as the top-end applicances we have in the new house, I was very happy with the KitchenAids. Attached are some pics of that setup....

While front load may be the current rage, my wife and I have somehow survived raising 3 kids over the past 17 years with your traditional W&D setup - Kenmore top load washer and Kenmore front load dryer. No issues and the clothes seem to get clean. If I were in your shoes, facing the multitude of expenses of getting into a new house, I would strongly consider getting the cheaper set now (it's just the two of you!!) and if/when the household expands then consider upgrading.

Good luck with the decision, Kev.

Chris F. · #5 04-14-2005, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

While front load may be the current rage, my wife and I have somehow survived raising 3 kids over the past 17 years with your traditional W&D setup - Kenmore top load washer and Kenmore front load dryer. No issues and the clothes seem to get clean. If I were in your shoes, facing the multitude of expenses of getting into a new house, I would strongly consider getting the cheaper set now (it's just the two of you!!) and if/when the household expands then consider upgrading.

I agree.....I skipped the front loaders and just went with the traditional. They've been around for 20 years, and they wash my clothes fine. Grab the Amanas and go for it!

PS I took check out that laundry website....man those people really have some time on their hands, I barely have time to do laundry :eek:

IFlyX5 · #6 04-14-2005, 09:15 AM

Very nice kitchen UCrew! Looks gorgeous.
It has exactly what my wife wants in her kitchen: a window.

breytonX5 · #7 04-14-2005, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IFlyX5

Very nice kitchen UCrew! Looks gorgeous.
It has exactly what my wife wants in her kitchen: a window.

That kitchen's so bright with window and those skylights as well.

MiCkEy · #8 04-14-2005, 09:31 AM

Love the skylights in the kitchen and the island. Nicely done

rocketir · #9 04-14-2005, 10:34 AM

Front loaders are great for those that do large loads, and a lot of loads. However I think that with just the two of you, I would also suggest a good quality top loader set. It will more than fulfill your needs. Also if you are going to be plumbed for it, get a gas dryer.
Very nice kitchen btw UCrew!
Jesse

Kewl X5 · #10 04-14-2005, 01:43 PM

Agreed. Get a good quality Maytag top loader. No problems with leaking like some of the front loaders (don't care what kind you get, they all eventually leak).

No problems with Maytag for many years. Make sure you get one with a high-quality tub (stainless steel)....stay away from the plastic tubs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketir

Front loaders are great for those that do large loads, and a lot of loads. However I think that with just the two of you, I would also suggest a good quality top loader set. It will more than fulfill your needs. Also if you are going to be plumbed for it, get a gas dryer.
Very nice kitchen btw UCrew!
Jesse

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