Need help! Research New Washer, Bravos is totally trashed.

thepond2007

9 years ago

So confused, so many conflicting opinions. It truly sounds like new machines are only lasting 5 years. Anyone with a 15+ track record doesn't have a newer machine, so....
My Maytag Bravos Top Load is broken, after 5 yrs, too expensive to repair. Didn't love how it cleaned anyway, going to repurchase a Washing Machine.

I've tried to put an idea together, from what I've read here. I think I want Front Load this time.

My "wish" list:
*Extra large capacity (unless that's a mistake)
*Easy to keep fresh smelling
*Quite (at least not the noisiest one)
*Durable (5+ years would be nice)
*Good, reliable Company support
*Pre-soak (if avail on FL)
*Pause to add (on FL)
*Gentle/handwash cycle
*Wash tennis shoes (I can dream, can't I?)

I don't even know what to expect to pay! Bravos was $900, bought from high end appliance company, and I thought it would be our last washer.

So confused. Spend a lot and gamble? Or spend little and risk just not good enough build??

Featured Answer

smith02_gw

9 years ago

Good luck, for every positive comment, you will probably find a negative comment. You wants are very very general and cover at least 90% of front loaders. Whirlpool, Electrolux, Samsung, LG, Frigidaire are the leading contenders. Go to their web sites and narrow down your choice and come back here with your selection list. The forum members are very knowledgeable and can effectively critique specific models. You should also contact your local appliance stores to see what their service department recommends. I did, took their recommendations and am very happy (I opted for a top loader). They also beat the big box stores in price and I have a 10 year warranty on parts but not labor.

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Comments (13)

thepond2007
Original Author
9 years ago
Ok, I will do that, and bring some choices back here. They ought to let you bring a load of laundry and try the machines out, lol! Thank you.
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jdoenumber2
9 years ago
Don't blame the retailer.or the manufacturer. I see this all too often. Do your self a favor buy a speed queen top loader. If it's not big enough buy two of them. They work and are built to last(as long as it wasn't built on a mondAy or Friday). Failing that expect to replace every 5 to 8 years.
dewguy1999
9 years ago
I don't know about their front loaders, but Speed Queen top loaders meet most of your requirements.

Here is a link that might be useful: Speed Queen - Home Laundry
thepond2007
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you, I will look for Speed Queen. I have been shown Samsung front load at Home Depot, along with their extended warranty. Salesman said they handle ALL the repIrs from Day One; under warranty or not.
thepond2007
Original Author
9 years ago
Home Depot has me interested in LG WM3570HWA Front Load, on sale $679 (also an energy rebate $70). I am seriously considering the Home Depot Ext. Warr. because it covers everything else for 5 years. Even a replacement if the same thing is a problem 3 times.

It has a lot of features, a tilted tub, always can pause and add garment. I don't know if it's extremely loud, though.
smith02_gw
9 years ago
It looks like a good deal considering the MSRP is $1000.

I bought a LG from HD with their service contract in 2011 and had service on it twice within 3 years. Bleach dispenser never worked right and water was really slow coming into the washer (lines were OK). The third time, I went with the LG recommended service provider and they seemed to fix the problem. They also reprogrammed the washer software to work better (it did), something I don't think HD warranty covers. The LG cleaned OK but the wash took forever and I mean forever. The time display is LG time, not clock time. For example, whites took 2 hours, 30 minutes when the display indicated 1 hour, 41 minutes. Just wanted you to know. I also could not select water temperatures that were not programmed in already (example, extra hot for whites). Sanitary cycle LG time was 2 hours, 56 minutes if I wanted extra hot. The washer may have a water heater but since it's rated at 10 amps, it would be more like a fish tank heater.

Go back online and read the service manual, especially the care/maintenance section. Lots of stuff to do after each wash and monthly. They now have smart phone diagnostics which is a good thing. If your OK with the maintenance and have local LG service, it's a good price, pull the trigger.

FWTW, we just moved and instead of LG we bought a Speed Queen on the dealer service recommendation (dealer sells SQ & LG), Could not be happier.
thepond2007
Original Author
9 years ago
Lol, LG time! I agree. Since I have been a "slave" already to my Bravos (learning curve, shmearning curve, I read every tip I could find). Great suggestion to read the LG Manual online!! Doing that now. Thx.
thepond2007
Original Author
9 years ago
I'm about to by this LG, but I am reading many reviews about soapy water leakage, and a mushroom shaped thingy that is getting stuck around the drain or something, and LG failing to diagnose :-/. So many of the good reviews are from owners that have only had the machine for weeks. This review is from Home Depot's site. I checked several review sites.
thepond2007
Original Author
9 years ago
Ordered LG; delivery 12/20 so, we'll see if Home Depot's coverage is everything they claim. Thanks a bunch, GardenWeb Forums are the best!!
tigs
9 years ago
Wondering how you have liked the LG 3570? I am about to purchase this week, price not as good as you quoted but still better than my other choice (I would love the new front load speed queen but I could buy 2 LG for the price of one SQ). LG and SQ are the least deep machines on the market and the only ones that fit our space. Thanks!
larsi_gw
9 years ago
My Vote is Electrolux or LG/Kenmore Elite! I honestly find them to be of the best quality, value, offerings, and performance!
thepond2007
Original Author
7 years ago
The LG has performed flawlessly so for, since last December!!