My New Washer & Dryer Search (Here’s What My Readers/Commenters Had To Say)
Matt has told me that he wants me to purchase a new washer and dryer today. But before I made my decision, I wanted to get through all of the comments that people left on my previous post earlier this week.
After reading through about 30 comments, I finally realized that I needed to make some notes because all of the info y’all shared was getting jumbled in my head, and there was no way I could remember all of it. So I got out a piece of paper, started on the first comment again, and made notes as I went along to see if I could distill your comments down to some easy-to-read categories.
I found this exercise to be very eye-opening, and very helpful! And since I had the info written down, I thought I’d pass this along to you just in case any of you are in the market for a new washer and dryer and can benefit from this info as well. This information comes from the 159 comments left on the last blog post, so while it’s not a huge sample of people, there were some pretty obvious themes that became noticeable.
The Top-Recommended Washer & Dryer
Without question, the top-recommended washer and dryer brand was Speed Queen. Out of 159 comments, Speed Queen was recommended in 41 of them.
What people love about them is that they’re just simple, reliable, commercial-grade machines that clean your clothes. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles on them. They’re just solidly-built machines that last seem to last for decades.
There were two downsides mentioned about Speed Queen. First, the price. They’re definitely a pricey pair, but again, they seem to last for decades. The second problem that was mentioned by two people is that the Speed Queen dealers in their areas stopped selling this brand because it was getting difficult to get parts. This seems to be a problem that arose in 2020, which is understandable since this was an issue with so many companies during that time. Hopefully, it’s an issue that has been or is being resolved as things have been returning to normal.
The Worst Brands To Avoid
Out of the 159 comments, LG and Samsung seemed to get the worst reviews/warnings by name, with 12 bad reviews/warnings for each brand. Most of those were mentioned together, and while some of them were warnings from people who had actually used the brands themselves and hated them, most of them seemed to be people passing along the warnings of their repairmen, like “My repairman likes this brand and that brand, but told me to never buy LG or Samsung.”
Two people even mentioned that their repairmen refuse to work on LG or Samsung at all. So take that for what it’s worth. Out of 159 comments, 12 bad reviews/warnings per brand isn’t absolutely horrible, but I did find it interesting that it seemed to be a repeated theme, and more than not, the two brands were mentioned together in warnings coming from repairmen.
Front Load Washer vs. Top Load Washer
This is the category I was the most interested in. Because I didn’t do an actual poll with specific answer options, and people were able to just give whatever info they thought was important, it became a little challenging to distill all of this info into concise categories. But I did my best. Again out of 159 comments, where what I found…
- 32 people said they prefer a top-load washer over a front-load washer.
- Of those 32 people, 7 of them mentioned specifically that they prefer a top-load washer with an agitator, as opposed to one that have impellers.
- While many commenters have front-load washers, only 8 mentioned that they’d never use anything else.
- Of the people who have or have had front-load washers, 7 mentioned specifically that they regret buying the front-load washer because of issues with the washer, such as odor, having to constantly clean it, and clothes not getting clean.
- There were a couple of people who said they regretted buying top-load washers, but the reason wasn’t because of function, but rather, because of difficulty reaching the bottom to remove clothes.
About That Odor Problem With Front-Load Washers
The issue of odors with front-load washers was my #2 issue I wanted to hear about. Out of the 159 comments, here’s what I found…
- 18 people mentioned specifically that they had experienced a musty smell with their front-load washers, and a couple mentioned that it actually affected the smell of the washed clothes.
- 35 people said that they leave their front-load washer door open to allow the washer to dry after the final load, and to prevent musty odors.
- The most common way to avoid the musty odor issue that was mentioned is (1) use powder laundry detergent, and make sure you’re not using too much, and (2) use white vinegar in the wash instead of fabric softener. Several people mentioned that when they switched to white vinegar, the must smell issue went away.
My Personal Decision
Based on all of the input from readers, I’ve decided to go with a basic top-load washer with no bells and whistles, and no fancy electronic panel that may need to be replaced in the future. I just want a good, reliable washer, and preferably one with an agitator, if I can find one.
As far as the brand, I’m going to look at Speed Queen. The price is a bit hard for me to swallow, but Matt said I should go for it. Matt is always a little more willing to spend money than I am, so while he’s on board right now, it may take a few days for me to come around to spending that much on a washer and dryer.
If I can’t make myself spend that much, I plan to look for something equally as simple in design. I do want to look at some other options, and see what else is available, but Matt is already sold on the Speed Queen, and he wants me to make the purchase today. Yikes!
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
Thank you for this very good information! I will be in the market for a new washer and dryer very soon. My washer is close to 20 years old (Kenmore) and has never been serviced. Kenmore is now made by Whirlpool. I will probably get their biggest, least complex washer and dryer when I have to replace what I have. Don’t build them like they used to! Best of luck!
I had a Whirlpool before my Soeed Queen and it started rusting immediately and I don’t like the lint trap on top (mine was but they may not all be on top). I also loved my Kenmore but Whirlpool was no comparison, to me. Good luck!
My whirlpool top load washer is 22 years old and still runs like a new one. My whirlpool dryer is a couple years newer (I bought a rebuilt one from a app repairman shop) after my granddaughter broke the belt on dryer. Had we been smart, (we didn’t know) we should have just fixed the 22yr old one instead of buying another one. I just replaced the heating element in it. I love my whirlpools.
EXACTLY! Had we known how easy it was to repair the older models ourselves, instead of being bamboozled by bells and whistles, I would still have my Kenmore 70-Series washer even now.
Kenmore is just a rebadge, as you allude to. Be aware, though, that Sears/Kenmore uses a number of different manufacturers for all of their appliances, not just Whirlpool. They’ve rebadged LG, Amana, Maytag, Frigidaire, Haier/GE, etc. You need to drill down into the model number to determine which brand is actually that particular model’s manufacturer.
Yes ma’am. I’d researched manufacturers when I bought my last whirlpool. But that’s exactly what my repairman told me when he came to put heating element in mine a month ago. He told me to keep it for as long as possible.
I got Kenmores only, all my life until 2016. The last one, we bought in 2007, and had to have a service call on it in 2 years, then another in 2 years after that. So we bought an LG set in 2016 when we moved into our new house. Brought the Kenmore with us, but it stopped working on the second load. Repairman had told us they were not made well with Whirlpool and we should not invest in any more repairs on them. My LG works, but there are so many things I dislike about it, I will not invest in them any more either.
I have a Maytag set that the Neptune model. It is about 17 years old. It has been moved 3 times. Oh how I wish we could get that type of machine again. I’ve only had to have a minor thing done by our electrician after our third move and it took about 1 minute.
I too will purchase Speed Queen next based on friends who have purchased them after horror stories of their past. appliances.
I too live in your area. Are you ordering online or through a dealer?
Good luck.
Hope with that behind you, finishing the floors is a breeze!
I had the Maytag Neptune for 23 years. Loved it! Just recently had to replace and bought LG. It works o.k. but it sure isn’t the Maytag Neptune 🙁
Well, thanks for all that…I too have to look for a W/D in the next year, and I was really looking forward to seeing what you settled on. My only problem is I do like the front load, even with the problems with odor. I do leave to door open, but sometimes it is in the way and my husband closes it. I love it because I wash king size blankets often and the top load with a wringer used to cause me to go to the laundromat, which I HATE. I really have never had a problem with clothes not getting clean. So now I too have a challenge as I loved the idea (not the price) of the Speed Queen. I think for you it IS the best investment. For me, it may not be…I’m a lot older than you…so GO for it…Matt is so good to you! What an awesome husband!
I moved into a new development eight years ago, and our brand-new Samsung washer was re-called! I hated it anyway as it NEVER had enough water in it!! The machine was supposed to sense how much water was needed. HA! After extensive research, and I mean extensive, I was thrilled to buy a Speed Queen. Voila! Water that covers the clothes! And the machine is huge. I am so happy with our Machine that I have turned I to a Speed Queen Evangelist! If you have to drive some distance to pick up the machine, it is well worth it. You will have it forever. And as far as parts, this would be the easiest of all machines to get parts for because nothing is computerized. I cannot imagine it breaking, though!
We have a Maytag Bravos XL set in this house and we do a lot of laundry weekly with 2 kids. I love my washer and dryer and after 7 years have had very few issues if any. our previous house had a speed queen dryer from the 90s and that thing was a work horse. i hope you love whatever you love what ever you choose
I had to look at the Speed Queen’s price, oh my god!! I could never be comfortable with spending this amount on a washer/dryer! I sorry but the cheaper one work just fine and you can put the savings into your house.
I hope you go for the Speed Queen! Just look at it as buying one to last 15-20 years or longer opposed to having to buy another one in 8-10 years. You would be spending the same amount in the long run. The guarantee is also a plus…
Have had my Speed Queen for ten years. No issues at all, they clean and dry all my clothes great. They aren’t fancy but they are reliable…. When my old set kept breaking down I asked the repair guy what to get….he said Speed Queen without question.
I just bought a new washer and went for the top load with an agitator. We purchased a Whirlpool without many bells and whistles and have been satisfied, however, Speed Queen was highly recommended at the time. Best of luck in your decision!
If I could afford a speed queen I definitely would go for it as a top loader. BEWARE that Speed Queens typically have to be special ordered. I’ve have top loading washers and dryers for 50 years. I still have a set. Recently though my youngest son gave us is used front loading Whirlpool duet set. They are 10 years old and still are going strong.
Plus of having a front loading for me is I’ll be turning 70 this year. My husband is 76. We both find a front loader in our season of life so much easier on our backs. I do however leave the washer door cracked open and 2”.
I tried to make it a habit to leave the top loader open also but that rarely happened. Point is both top and front loader washers will get musty and mold. I have dealt with cleaning sanitizing all my top loaders over time.
Go for it, Chickie. You will get a work horse of reliability.
Kristi, I have a top loader here in Ecuador (made here in the country and still doing great after 8 years. No repairs.) I can’t reach the bottom to retrieve the wet clothes so I use hefty tongs, which work great to pick up stuff at the farthest point.
Hope you find just what you need. Matt, you are a savvy guy!
Thanks for the great tip on reaching those last items at the bottom! I never thought about using tongs. 🙂
One thing that was not mentioned and I just thought about while reading today. If you are on a septic system, do not use pods of any kind in the washer or dishwasher. My contractor told me about the problems that are just now being seen. The pod plastic dissolves in the water but you still have a problem with the microplastics that made up the pod. It gradually accumulates in the soil and eventually the drainfield fails due to the very real plastic taking up space. Remember, you can turn one thing into something else but you can neither create or destroy matter. Turns out that microplastics are becoming an environmental problem. Google MICROSPLASTICS for some of the articles that are coming out.
Powder or liquid is your best bet. What’s even better is to get your washer off your septic system. It is considered gray water and most states allow you to run it out in your yard. If you have sewer, don’t worry about diverting the water unless you’re in a dry area and can use the water to maintain your yard. I have diverted my gray water since 1982. My septic system was installed in 1973 and still functions well. Had it pumped when we moved in (tenants apparently fried everything they ate and dumped the grease/oil down the drain.) and again one time in the 90s when we had an overabundance of rain and needed to buy some time for the land to dry out.
BTW, Kristie, considering your location, you might want to check a price with Cowboy Maloney’s in Mississippi. They shipped appliances to a friend here in FL when she was building a new house and got a great deal. Can’t hurt to ask.
This information is super helpful! Thank you for sharing!
Take a deep breath and buy quality products. It is an investment and will make your life easier. I always regret selling the 35 year old Maytag washer I had. It was made when there was pride in workmanship. It was top of the line. I have gone through a series of machines since then with varied results and based on their bells and whistles, I can run the space shuttle now. But I still miss the simple machine that took me through 3 kids in cloth diapers.
Thank you for this information. I had a very large Whirlpool Cabrio top loader with agitator that lasted FOREVER and replaced it with another very large top loader (I think it is LG but it’s all I could find during COVID when my other washer died). I wanted Speed Queen but they were sold out:(. I have King blankets to wash so I did not get the agitator and it still cleans very well. I will always get a top loader because I have a front loader in one of my rentals and I hate cleaning out the mold to prevent that musty smell and not all of my guests remember to keep it open!
I would like to add one more item. A privately owned appliance store (not big box store) said don’t use detergent that is blue in color—it is known for giving washing machines that musty smell. Curious to know if anyone else has been told that.
I wanted to buy the Speed Queen just didn’t want to spend that much money at the time. But, it will definitely be my next purchase when I have to buy again.
I don’t know how your dryer is doing, but it helped me to purchase the washer first and then will wait til my GE dryer quits. (or 6-12 months, so they match!) However, my GE dryer has outlived a GE and Maytag top load.
ABSOLUTELY go for the Speed Queen! It uses less electricity than the supposedly eco friendly ones, and the clothes NEVER stink! It washes things REALLY REALLY fast, and we can do a dog wash (really stinko) and then a people wash and this washer is so good I don’t have to run a cycle to clean it between dog and people washes!!! I am SO sorry I went eco with that stupid front loader first, but I finally bit the bullet—SO MUCH HAPPIER!!!
Of the top load machine and matching dryers, I was really impressed with Maytag. After two decades I finally sold my set and went with front loaders because we moved into a house with two doors to the laundry room, and I really needed to stack them to leave room for ingress and egress.
I always leave my door ajar on my front loader even between loads in a day; so I have never had a problem with odor no matter what detergents/softeners I use.
One thing I love about front loaders is they balance themselves. I am an overloader so it was a normal occurrence for me to have to move wet clothes around when my top loader start jumping and banging around, attempting to run away from my abuse. 😂
My Samsung front loader set washes the bejeezus out of my laundry, no complaints. However, I keep them under warranty as I have a general distrust that a machine that whirs so violently could possible last that long. I have had my set for six years now, without issues.
If you buy Speed Queen, buy the top model washer. EPA regulations have gradually required manufacturers to reduce the amount of water used in each load. Manufacturers have compensated by lengthening the wash cycle. The top of the line machines seem to do a better job cleaning.
Kristi.
Speen Queen washers and dryers are sold at:
RODENBAUGH’S FLOORING AMERICA
102 W MAIN STREET
ALLEN, TX 75013
Telephone: 972-727-3454 Fax: 972-727-6417
It would be quite a ways for you to drive to Allen, Texas to purchase Speed Queen appliances. Just thought I would give you this information. This place is listed as a flooring store, but they carry appliances as well.
Although I didn’t comment previously, because I bought a lemon of a mid priced Maytag which after the first year appears to be fixed, my repair guy told me that SpeedQueen was the best!
We love our Speed Queens. Our entire family has them. I have never had a parts issue. Love that ours has metal gears vs. plastic.
Worth every penny and you won’t regret it.
I’m late to the party on my comment but I’m so glad to hear you are going to consider Speed Queen. We bought a Speed Queen set in 2013 for $1737 (top load washer w/agitator) and haven’t regretted it one bit. We haven’t had ANY issues with either one. I’m sure the Speed Queens cost more now since everything costs more now. I have sworn off front loaders! I was so frustrated with our last front load washer (GE) because it had so many issues. The boot around the door that creates the seal ripped 3 times and my husband replaced it to the the tune of $100 each time. The cycles took soooo long it was ridiculous. You couldn’t finish your laundry in a day. Towards the end the washer was tearing some of our clothes. Never figured out what caused that issue. The front loader was so loud too. It sounded like a jet engine taking off. At first we had the set on the drawers you buy separately but got rid of them to reduce the noise the washer made. Our house was built in 1978 and the laundry area isn’t big. The GE front loader and dryer took up so much room in that space I regretted the purchase as soon as they were installed. The laundry room also has a bathroom and we were always fighting the battle of the doors trying to close the laundry room door to use the bathroom (or just block the washer noise) and having to keep the door to the washer ajar so the washer wouldn’t smell inside. Previously, I had a smaller Whirlpool front loader with a matching dryer but that set was outside in our garage and the dryer was on top of the washer so the noise was never an issue. When we moved we left that set at the old house as the new buyer wanted it and I was anxious to get a bigger front loader (with 4 kids). There are occasions where I miss being able to wash a big item like a comforter but that’s like 1 percent of the time. We have a very nice laundromat near us so I don’t mind going there to wash the items that can’t go in the top loader (with agitator).
I’m shocked LG got a bad rating! Whirlpool is the brand I’ve had repeated issues with (the washer and dryer died within a week of each other!) but I do agree with the top loader. I can handle cleaning the machine to keep the odor away, but I find the top loader cleans the clothes better. I look forward to your future reviews on Speed Queen!
When buying your new washing machine, skip the lid lock. It is just you and your husband at home and you have no worries of any one opening the lid. That feature drives me nuts.
I have a Samsung washing machine and I would switch to Speed Queen with an agitator.
Speed Queen has been manufactured in Ripon, WI since 1908. There is something to be said for their being made by folks earning a respectable wage, safely & environmentally.
So many brands no longer have the same quality they once had. I have near 40 yo Raleigh bike in amazing shape. New versions just aren’t the same.
Couple things about my SQ:
o. Remember machines fill by weight of garments (I believe all brands). When washing microfiber items that are incredibly light I pre-dampen those that are of concern…. like athletic wear, Norwex towels. My repair fella taught me this, great wisdom.
o. SQ doesn’t have the center post, put detergent in first, then load clothes. If you have linty looking residue use less detergent. Absent the center post also makes washing bulky things like coats, blankets so much better. Saved a lot on dry cleaning bills over the years, another $ benefit
I love my SQ, love having thoroughly clean clothes.
Thanks for sharing! I love this type of info on all things but especially on those expensive purchases. I have in the past year and a half been using washing sheets as opposed to laundry detergent. It’s just my hubby and I so there are not a lot of hard stains to really check to see if it’s good on them, but our regular every day laundry comes out clean and I no longer have issues with itchy skin patches from the chemicals in the detergents. Just curious if anyone else has used these and if any are better than others.
What are washing sheets?
Sounds interesting.
I had a Kenmore washing machine and dryer that lasted for 30 years. I hated to get rid of them, but the bottom was rusting out on the washer and the motor was dying on the dryer. I purchased a Whirlpool set with a washer that has a removable agitator. I love it for large comforters. Also, the tub is moveable by turning the agitator so I don’t have to stretch to reach clothes in the back of the tub, just turn the agitator and it turns the tub so the clothes in the back move to the front and are easily reachable. Good luck with your purchase. I agonized over options for over a year before making my purchase and cost too much in additional water and electricity that I could have saved by deciding sooner!!!
Our appliance dealer had several Speedqueen models. They were available w or without the agitator. I got a top loader (& I am 5’3″ tall) & have to lean up a bit to get to the bottom of the tub. I just keep an old person “grabber” in the laundry room to use if needed. I am very happy with the clean wash. Mine does have an electronic panel. With the warranty, I didn’t worry about that. I have had it for about 9 months & it is wonderful. I am still using my Maytag dryer but will replace w Speed Queen when the time comes.
I’m with Matt! If I had known about Speed Queen when I bought our LG, I would have invested in them. I’m so annoyed at my LG experience, I even considered selling the ones we have and not waiting for them to die! I have a friend who is almost mirroring my life – she’s 4 days older, married the same year, same health issues, etc. and she previously owned speed queens for 35 years, with only one repair. Her washer drum started to leak and was rusting, so her decision was to get new ones last year. She is not someone to overspend, but she will pay for quality. She has me convinced based on several factors, so I will go that route when it’s time. BTW, I do leave my LG lid open as well as the detergent dispenser, and have started using vinegar in every load, but still need to do the clean cycle every few weeks!
My feelings exactly. Less than 2 years and all the fancy “moisture sensing” features of my dryer have stopped working and I’ve got to manually enter time–one minute at a time! I’m thinking of selling this set and buying the SQ, based on this discussion!
I hated my front load washer for ALL of the possible reasons you could ever come up with – I loathed it with every fiber of my being – but I will only mention ONE of my reasons: If i put (for example) a dinner napkin into the washer and it was still folded in half – it would STILL be folded in half when it came back out of the washer… How could that POSSIBLY be getting the clothes clean??
I now have a Speed Queen set that I’ve had for 7 or 8 years. I think maybe they were not quite as expensive back then because I don’t remember being blown over by the price…but the real reason I went for it is that my crusty old school repairman said I would never have to buy another set FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. (I was in my early 40’s)
Don’t waste your time looking at other models. Bite that bullet and order your Speed Queen. I literally gave away a new top-of-the-line LG washer and dryer set and purchased my top load Speed Queen 3 years ago. I’ve had all the brands over the last many years but never a washer and dryer that I love as I do my SQ. As far as top load vs front load…top it is..no contest there.
YES!!! Ever notice this…Speed Queen doesn’t advertise. We who own them are the best advertisement 😜
Just do it! Do it right the first time and you only cry once. When you pay for it😂
There is a blog that looks at Speed Queen washers and dryers. https://blog.yaleappliance.com/speed-queen-washers I have had very good luck with LG appliances and their failure rate is great according to the blog. I know some repairmen have an aversion to them though but the repairmen where we live love them. We had terrible luck with GE which are made by multiple manufacturers. We were building our home and so they weren’t installed right away and after the install I got 4 loads done before the main board went out. The cost of the board and installation was more than a new washer. Luckily, the repairman took mercy on us and gave us the part number of the part and we were able to order it on our own which enabled us to get it repaired at a reasonable price. If you like Maytag or Whirlpool which Whirlpool makes several brands you can get great deals at Costco. https://www.costco.com/maytag-4.7-cu.-ft.-washer-and-7.4-cu.-ft.-electric-dryer-with-advanced-moisture-sensing.product.100658678.html The install and takeaway and additional parts are really nice and Costco is always fair if you have a problem.
I learned with my last Maytag: google “problems with … and see what pops up. I learned that my model (a neptune stack) had issues with a logic board–but it also had a lot of sites with DIY instructions for how to fix that problem (which I did, using a kit I also found during that google search). Googling is a great way to see what models are ticking people off enough to post about it.
I also learned I should have bought a “premium surge suppressor” (I like Isobar/Tripp-Lite), as it would have protected my washer’s circuit board. So now all my appliances (washer/dryer, refrigerator, freezer, etc.) are plugged into an appliance-grade surge protector. I HIGHLY recommend them. Well worth the $35.
My husband loves the subreddit Buy It For Life and got our washer/dryer based on that. We couldn’t get Speed Queen when we needed to buy so we got another highly recommended one – the plaque on them says Maytag Commercial. We run a teeny hotel so they get extra laundry every week as well as our family of 4 and they are super great 1 year in.
YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!!!! I was one who said Speed Queen. You may have to search a bit to find a dealer… I got mine at an Appliance Outlet store… but it will be worth it. This mom of 8 went through soooo many washers a dryers— wish i had found this when they were younger and still at home 😂😂
Have had many different washer and dryer sets- Kenmore, Whirlpool, Samsung and now LG. My LG set is a couple of years old and I love them, though I only use a few basic settings for washing and drying. Love the top loader with impeller. Best washer ever for quilts and most bedspreads. A friend highly recommended Speed Queen when I was shopping for my new set, but Speed Queen only has a 3.2 cu/ft tub (LG tub is 5.2 cu/ft) with an agitator. Doubt they’re big enough for larger loads like I’m used to. The Speed Queens are pretty retro-looking if you like that look! Good luck choosing!
I’m with Matt on this one.
The upfront cost would give me pause too but the SQ will probably be the last pair you’ll ever have to buy. Something that is quite rare these days.
I also looked into the speed queen washer and dryer and was sold until I saw how much water it uses, definitely not efficient in that respect.
I know exactly what you mean about the speed queen. I have the front loaders. We remodeled our laundry space and converted to front loaders 20 + years ago. My husband does manual labor, and he gets DIRTY. I do not regret one bit making the switch to the speed queens, once I just sucked it up and got over the price. I didn’t purchase them at the same time, my washer is already several years old. But when my dryer broke down earlier this spring for the umpteenth time – I just went to the dealer and bought the front load dryer. It takes longer to dry than my samsung did BUT it handles the delicates more delicately… so that’s my opinion I would buy them again – but I’m expecting that won’t be for a good long time yet!!! And remember free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it! 😉
My LG front loader silver pair on matching pedestals have been serving my family faithfully since 2009. Horse blankets, dog beds, you name it. I just do a Tub Clean regularly, use powdered Tide and let the washer door stand open for awhile after I remove a load. They use a minimal amount of water and the clothes and linens are clean, fresh and well spun out. I am 5’1″ and use them in comfort. Sometimes I use the tops to dry something that must dry flat. After 14 years they look great and really please me. I will definitely get LG front loaders again but it may not be anytime soon
I am a kitchen designer and work in an environment in which appliances are also sold. I agree with your thoughts on Speed Queen, but I’d you decide they are just too pricey my second choice would be a no frills Whir or Maytag. They are the same company and many are nearly identical. LG and Samsung would be my last choice as well. Samsung is notorious in the industry for terrible service and LG is catching up to them.
Life is so stressful now that I don’t want any added annoyances or stressors in my life. I was willing to spend the bucks on Speed Queen for the peace of mind of not having to worry about if my washer or dryer is going to break down next week. I want dependable appliances and a dependable car. I was in the ER this week and my husband did the laundry for us, he loves our Speed Queens, too. You have said Matt doesn’t really care about how you decorate the house except to avoid pink, lol, give the man some peace of mind and get him the Speed Queen.
Sorry I didn’t weigh in earlier and you have probably already bought your new pair, but I would like to throw in behind Speed Queen as well. Once you pass the sticker shock, you will have years of uninterrupted, never-think-about-it service.
I love when you do these types of posts. I learn so much!!
After your post and reading all the comments I purchased the Speed Queen! I was able to find a local store who had models in the store we could look at..hands on.
Purchased Wednesday and delivered Friday.
So far I am loving it.