I need a washer

[searcher]

Each year right before Christmas, something happens that ends up costing us a lot of money. It's a running joke in our family.

My washer finally gave out. I had it checked two years ago when it would not spin and was told at that time it might be mcgyvered and may or may not work, but it was too expensive to fix and would be cheaper to buy a new washer. The repairman said it was caused by not having it level. We have been renting houses for the last ten years or so and it is hard to find a house with any level surfaces! I harped at dh to help me keep it level and he thought I was nuts...until the repairman told him that. Of course it was already to late. The washer has been working until now, (God provided when we could not afford a new one) but now it is not spinning fast enough to spin the water out of the clothes. I can't put the clothes in the dryer being that wet or it will ruin the dryer too. I so want a new washer! I really can't afford a new one, but I want a new one so I don't have to worry about it again for a few years. There's not a level surface anywhere in this old house. I don't want to ruin a new washer. I put stuff under the corners to try to level this old one. Maybe dh will take it a little more seriously this time?

[elizabethm]

You can always try Freecycle or Craigslist in case someone's upgrading. If you want a new one, I love the one we bought a couple years ago: LG Electronics 4.0 Cu. Ft. Extra Large Capacity Washer -- WAS $899 - WM0642HW at The Home Depot We need the sanitary cycle. Any place you buy it from should deliver, install and level. Good luck!

[maguirre1845]

sears is having a black friday sale tomorrow.

[frugalfamilymom]

I work at Lowe's and sell washers. I am not trying to sell you anything, I just want to give you any advice that I can. If you don't have a lot of money to spend and the problem with leveling still exists, it is likely to happen again. That said, I can tell you that you can get a good sized machine for under $300 at Lowe's. It is a Roper, which is a brand marketed by Whirlpool. I am going to buy one of these for my mother when she moves. This machine has a Whirlpool motor and they make one for under $300 that is 3.2 cubit feet which isn't a bad size. Of course, it will probably have the same trouble if you can't figure a way to make it level. It is a good machine but it can't correct this problem.

Samsung makes a machine that actually balances itself even if the machine is way off balance. The trouble is that these machines cost quite a bit more.

If it were me and I really didn't have the money to buy one, I would either go for the Roper or keep checking the scratch and dent models. I think I would do this before I would consider a used machine because at least when you buy it new, you have the option to return it if things don't work out. I hope this advice helps. Good luck.

[Colinsgrandma]

After buying a Maytag that was a total piece of junk I bought the cheapest washer I could find and paid for an extended warranty. The new washer has already lasted twice as long as the Maytag. The cost of the extended warranty still made it cheaper than more expensive models.

[FunnyFace]

I have a Fisher Paykel which is about 3yrs old now. I bought it after "my new" used Whirlpool washer had seen much better days. I used that one for over 7 yrs and only the hose popped off which my husband was able to fix himself.

My thoughts on my Fisher Paykel and why I like it:

Warranty 2yrs.

Only three parts can go "bad" and two of those three are simple diy, even I've replaced one after watching a repairman do it the first time.

Spins clothes as dry as a front loader

Uses less water like a front load

I like the electronic buttons plus the programs available

It plays the American Anthem if you know the secret code


Things I don't like about it:

Uses less water and being an top loader doesn't work as well imho with my hard water

Always wants to dump cold water into the hot washes even if you try and skip that option. Ecosmart = EcoGrrrr The new ones may vary. (?) Although, Tide and Tide Coldwater works well with it.

I had to call the repairman after about 22 months of ownership due to a toothpick getting caught in the diverter valve.

Cleaned out the diverter valve a couple of times after that myself. I'm not good at checking pockets.

Husband cleaned out pump out recently.

Noticed a $25 savings within the first month of use and it's capacity is larger than my previous Whirlpool.

In short I have a love hate relationship with that thing. ;)