High Efficiency Washers

[rockyridgefarm]

I have read a number of posts, but thought that I would like an updated picture.

I have an early HE3 Duet Washer (Kenmore-WhirlPool-??) machine.

I am getting a zillion errors. Computer Control Unit, Motor Control Unit, Motor, Drain Pump, Door Latch, You name it.

I think it is just worn out. The Parts Guy tells me that they only made my particular machine for 6 Months. But can you trust them?

Any way. What works? Now there is GE, Samsung, LG Commercial stuff. I don't want to pay for fluff, but need an efficient workhourse.

8 Kids, about 65 pets... Live in the sticks on well and septic. What else do you need to know?

 

[_M_]

When we bought our house a few years ago it came with an almost new Maytag HE set. Last year we discovered that the washer developed the same problems most other Maytag HE owners were having. There was in fact a class action lawsuit about these issues. So we were in the market. About a year before the Maytag issue, we decided to get a new dishwasher and went with a Miele. We love the Miele so much we moved it with us to our new house. So when it came to replacing the Maytag we decided to check out the Miele options. We liked what we saw, got a set and I set it up in a stacking configuration. I also bought a set for my mother at the same time and set hers up on the optional drawer stands. Miele products are not cheap when you pay for them, but I think they make up for that in several other ways. They are built better than anything else I've seen. They are very quiet, smooth, and efficient. They also clean laundry very well while being gentle on fabric (your favorite old shirt will last even longer). The energy efficiency tag on the washer made me laugh when I saw it. It was off the scale on the low side. Anyway, I'm very happy with their products and suggest you consider them while you're shopping. Models I purchased: W1213 and T1413. Check out their history section online. They made their first washer in 1901. www.miele.com Oh, and we got one of their vacuums too (it's great). (no, I don't own stock or work for Miele)

 

[newcountry]

When we were on the hunt for front-load washer-dryer several stores mentioned to steer clear of the Maytags. Whirlpools seem to be good and they make Kenmore (which is what we ended up with). The Kenmore had a couple 'improvements', I can't remember what those were now (things like a couple metal parts instead of plastic, and the plastic knob on the Whirlpool busted off real easy) but it seemed worth going with it instead of the whirlpool. We didn't look at the 'Premium' brands, although with what we paid we probably could have! That's what I get for taking the wife with me... <font color="pink"> "OOOOOH, 75 different wash cycle would be SO NICE, and beside, YOU'RE not doing the wash!!" </font> /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

<font color="brown"> Yes Dear </font> /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[newcountry]

Forgot to mention our experience /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif -

They seem to work well, the wife is happy with them. We did have an issue with the washer computer unit, had it replaced under warranty and no more problems. They are very quiet, I think all the front-loaders are.

 

[Boondox]

A few years ago in the middle of a drought we replaced our water hog top loader with a water mizer front loader. A friend had had excellent luck with a Miele, but out here in the sticks few repairmen were familiar with it so we opted for a front loading Kenmore. Not the one with all the bells and whistles. We dropped from 46 gallons per load down to 15 gallons! It takes less laundry soap and the clothes are much cleaner. Couldn't be happier!

Pete

 

[Egon]

For efficient use of water this is the machine for you.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Hey, Egon, can I bring you a weeks worth of wash so that you can show me how it's done?!!!!

Thanks for all the input. I tore it down and reseated all the connectors. Sure says 'Made in Italy' on a lot of stuff... It is going again, but I am stilll researching.

I have had some fancy appliances like SubZero and Thermadore. I am pretty much un-sold on the value of them. My latest stuff has been KitchenAid - I feel like Whirlpool has it together mostly. But these Duets/HE3's aren't really Whirlpools either.

I am really curious as to how the new GE's are. Did GE sit back and learn from Whirlpool and bring the right product to play. Or did they rush another me too box.

Sams carries the GE's and they are easily 33% less than the Duets- Half what the LG's are going for...

 

[Egon]

Any time Mike. I'm very good at directing and watching others work. I have actually used one of those.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[_RaT_]

Laundry guy, we are going to replace our Washer/Dryer soon as well. I like the Miele but no gas dryers and small laundry door. Bosch has gas dryers in the Nexxt line, we will check them out. We have the Bosch Axxim's at a second home our family owns, they are stacked and work very well but too small for everyday use. My sister has the Miele but does not like the small washer door. After many folks I know went out and got the Maytag Neptunes and had very poor lifespan, I am going to stay away from Maytag for a while. Our old, old Maytags were bullet proof. I think we will seriously look at the Bosch, the Bosch has arguably the best dishwasher today, a title held for many, many years by Miele, an excellent brand.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I had a Bosch Water heater that freaked out and died within a month. They sped out a replacement. It lasted two. They realized that wasn't going to cut it, so they upgraded me to a much better line at their expense. I would certainly consider them.

Hey _RaT_ hope you get some sense and get some land. I sure don't want to only talk about washing machines with you! (Besides I figured you'd like the Orange ones at Sears...)