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Rosesinsummer
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| Posted: Dec 07 2009 at 10:05pm | IP Logged
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We are closing on our brand new house very soon and negotiated a "free" washer and dryer to be included in the purchase price of the home.
They installed a GE Profile Top-Loader, High Efficiency model. I've read a few reviews for the particular model and they not encouraging. I told my husband perhaps we can have them removed and just purchase our own-- not worth the headache to have a lower quality product. I want something that will last.
Also, I'm not sure I'm wanting the high efficiency models. Aren't you limited to only a specific HE detergent? Would that exclude making your own with borax, washing soda and ivory or Naptha soap? Or Melaleuca's MelaPower? Any call me uninformed, but I just don't see how less water cleans better? 
So, what washer and dryer would you recommend? We are on a budget, but I'm willing to invest a little in an appliance that will do a good job and last for years. Also, it it probably important to state the washer and dryer is on the main level, not the basement, so it will not be on a concrete floor.
Thanks! 
Lyda
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Mary K
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| Posted: Dec 07 2009 at 10:15pm | IP Logged
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Hi,
Avoid Sears Kenmore Elite QuietPack 2!! We've had ours less than 5 years and already have problems!!! (Electrical, switches not being activated unless we manually do so)
The detergent shouldn't be a problem, we use regular powder or liquid.
Have a Blessed Advent,
Mary-NY
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sewcrazy
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| Posted: Dec 08 2009 at 10:25am | IP Logged
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I have and loathe my GE Profile. It breaks down constantly! Right now, I am again awaiting parts and have had no waher for a week. We bought it with a 5 year warranty, that will expire in 6 months. Once it expires, the next time it breaks it gone!
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LeeAnn
Wife of David, mom to Ben, Dennis, Alex, Laura, Philip and our little souls in heaven we have yet to meet
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JennGM
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| Posted: Dec 08 2009 at 10:46am | IP Logged
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I use HE detergent, scent free. I have a top-loader HE machine and just love it. I would never do a front-loader, but this is just the ticket. I wrote about it here
I also heard great reviews about a Bosch dryer, but I don't have particulars. I'm still using our old Maytag one.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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SusanJ
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| Posted: Dec 08 2009 at 12:15pm | IP Logged
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I have a Maytag Bravos which is very similar to Jenn's washer. I can't remember which was which on Consumer Reports but one was first and one was second.
We've only had ours for four months but we LOVE it. It is an HE top-loader and the capacity is enormous. It cleans really well and has good cycles. It is efficient like the front-loaders but has no center post so it can hold a lot of stuff. The agitation technology is really something: my dh will go down to do a load of wash and stay down there watching through the glass lid for fifteen minutes!
Also, my father in law sold us on this washer. He's had the same machine, slightly earlier model, for a few years and has loved it. They bought it with a class-action settlement for mold buildup in their front loader.
I think the detergent concern is that it needs to be low-sudsing. So if you make your own soap, I'd think you would be fine if you aren't putting a foaming agent into your formula. We don't buy HE soap but we use Allan's Naturally and Charlie's Soap and they are both fine.
As for a dryer . . . we really didn't feel we needed anything fancy in a dryer. We had just assumed we'd get the "matching" Maytag Bravos dryer. But instead we just opted for the cheapest machine that was large enough to dry what we were washing. It saved us hundreds of dollars. The salesperson recommended this. Dryers are inherently inefficient so getting something "fancy" isn't going to help you much. We line dry quite a bit anyway.\
Hope that helps!
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JennGM
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| Posted: Dec 08 2009 at 12:19pm | IP Logged
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SusanJ wrote:
As for a dryer . . . we really didn't feel we needed anything fancy in a dryer. We had just assumed we'd get the "matching" Maytag Bravos dryer. But instead we just opted for the cheapest machine that was large enough to dry what we were washing. It saved us hundreds of dollars. The salesperson recommended this. Dryers are inherently inefficient so getting something "fancy" isn't going to help you much. We line dry quite a bit anyway.\
Hope that helps!
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We had the same advice from our salesman about dryers.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Rosesinsummer
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Thanks ladies. The Whirlpool Cabrio and Maytag Bravos look good. I'd love to have a Bosch! But....
Ugh... dh is leaning toward just keeping it because it is "free". Obviously he does not do the laundry, right? 
So, LeeAnn, what is it about the GE Profile that you loathe? Do you use the HE detergent? What kind of problems have you had?
Praying we don't have years of problems with this machine.
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sewcrazy
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I make my own detergent (I have tried name brand with no better results).
The main problem is that is frequently breaks. The gasket rips, the stem that supports the drum has cracked, and it literally eats socks! The repair man was here today, and I had him check, the washer has needed service 9 times in almost 5 years! Each time has been at least a week with no washer, twice was over a month while waiting for the right part. It has probably cost me a another washer in quarters at the laundry mat.
Good luck with the decision
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LeeAnn
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stefoodie
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if you want a bosch, consider siemens. they're made by the same maker but sold under different brands (might be specific models only though, not all). we bought our siemens washer that was exactly the same as a bosch, but $100 or so less.
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stef
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Nina
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We have an LG washer and an Samsung drier, I like both of them. We never had a problem, clothes come out very clean. We buy the detergent at Costco, which is way cheaper than at other stores.
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Martha
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I'm listening in.. our washer and dryer (maytags, top loading) are terrible. constantly breaking down and don't do that great a job even when they do work.
I really dislike all the front loading ones.
But I did see some of the top loading HE washers and was curious to know how well they work without an agitator like the regular top loading. (I figure the front loading have the agitation of turning upside down right? but what about the top loader?)
And can you really put more in them? The sales guy said I could stuff the clothes in and they'd still get clean. hmm I'm doubting him.
also how do you make your own detergents? I currently use the cheap stuff at costco. $12 for 3 months worth of laundry is a pretty good deal.
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SusanJ
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No, you can't stuff the HE top loaders the way you can stuff a front loader. I'm pretty sure my owner's manual said not to do that. But they are huge washer to begin with and then there is no center post--that adds a lot of space.
The agitation uses an "impeller ball". I hear it's really fascinating but I've never had the patience to stand and watch. But the machines have glass tops so you can check it out if you want.
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Martha
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| Posted: Jan 15 2010 at 1:59pm | IP Logged
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well they died, so I'm revisiting this thread
any further opinions on what to get or avoid?
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Martha
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Rosesinsummer
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We are sticking with our "free" GE profiles that came with our new house for economic reasons. The washer is okay, but I'm not loving it. I'm only using the HE detergent so it doesn't void our warranty. I'm praying for no problems.
Good luck and let us know what you buy and how you like it!!
Lyda
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Mimip
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Ladies,
Resurrecting this thread:
Our washer died before we left on vacation and now that we are back the repairman says its a bust. Anyone have any other ideas?
TIA!
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Mimi
Wife of 16 years to Tom, Mom of DD'00, DD'02, '04(in heaven) DS'05, DS'08 and DS '12
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Erin
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Well for anyone with a large family I would recommend investing that bit more and going for a semi-industrial strength washing machine. Here in Aussie we don't have many choices but I'm assuming in American you do.
We purchased a Maytag (toploader) 4 years ago and have had no problems. And we wash 2+ loads a day (bought the biggest machine you could.) My friend has a toploader Maytag the same size as ours that is more water economical. Only downside of the Maytag is there is no lint filter, I'm assuming because it is American and therefore it is assumed you'd be using a dryer. So lint is sometimes and issue despite by best efforts.
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Grateful in VA
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I got a whirlpool duet front loader about 6 weeks ago. So far I love it. It had mixed reviews but at the time the price was right,lowes had it on sale.
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juststartn
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If it isn't too late, can I recommend a Speed Queen? They are: made in America, metal, not plastic, have LONG warranties built in, and have a lifetime that is decades, not 6-7 yrs with planned obsolescence.
I've been researching this same issue, since my 3 1/2 yr old front loader from GE died Christmas Day (yes, and while I had inserted a load of the new Christmas clothes...and DH was at work). We are going to be buying one of these as a replacement. They have front loaders and top loaders, as well as dryers. All they do is laundry.
http://www.speedqueen.com/home/
A friend of mine with 6 children has one, loves it. It was recommended to her by other hsing, large, Catholic families.
The fact it is made in America, made to be easy to fix on the very rare occasions it needs it..all speaks to me.
Rachel
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Topic: Help Me Pick a Washer & Dryer, Please!
