I agree all brands are going to have some degree of breakdown.  However, there is no denying that some major brands like Maytag have significantly more frequent and costly repairs for their front loaders.  I have an 18 month old Maytag neptune which is a piece of junk that cost $1400 and would cost another $800 to repair, which is ridiculous!  People did not file and prevail in a class action lawsuit against the company on the Neptunes for nothing.  Maytag is not the only major player that has experienced consumer complaints and class action suits.  I don't agree buying appliances from smaller, or local dealers does anything except support the local economy.  Once the warranty is over, it's over.

M

Brian,

Great posts, thank you for your insight!

Just to give feedback...

We replaced the LG 2688 with the Samsung WF448 VRT, and the vibration problem has disappeared. The Samsung vibrates a little while washing whites during the Extra High Spin, but unless we are actively looking for it, we don't feel it in the family room and kitchen next to the laundry.

The Samsung seems like a solid machine and it washes well. We hope it will last long.

Based on your advice to others, we are giving up on Ultra fabric softener. We use HE detergent in the quanties you recommended elsewhere. Any thoughts on the amount of regular liquid fabric softener we should use? We do plan to run the Sliver Care cycle about once a week, and hope that we will not have the odor problems so frequently reported on this forum.

Lastly, thanks a lot for all your helpful postings!

Rakesh

I havn't compared the floating of the two units; althought we bought the 338 at Lowes and hardly vibrates.

When I installed the unit you have to take out 4 bolt/spacers that keep the unit from floating during shipping/moving (reinstall for moving) maybe the show unit didn't have the bolts removed yet.

I'll agree to your comment here since I've experience this exact bearing failure.  We've built several new homes in the past 13 years and always put in all Whirlpool appliances with no major problems over the years.

5 years ago we installed a front loader Fridigidaire washer and dryer.  This was our first foray into a front loader washer which we were excited about due to the water saving of front loaders.  Well, 2 years ago the washer started to sound like a freight train was rumming through our basement when on the spin cycle. 

I check things out online and saw literally thousands of similar complaints on the very same issue on the Frigdaire washer.  And most everyone failed in their efforts to get it resolved under warranty.  Fridigaire warranties the stainless steel tub...but not the rear bearing which fails due to either being a cheap chinese part or defective design...take your pick.

I called the local dealer and he told me that it was going to cost about $450.00 parts and labor to fix it.....he knew immediately what the problem was....which just reinforces my anger at Frigidaire.

Quite honestly I was very angry that we'd just paid big bucks for a front loader 3 years earlier and it's already ready for the bone yard.  Soooo, I called Frigidaire and spent 15 minutres on the phone with customer service trying to explain to her that regardless of the warranty provisions it was unacceptable for a washer to go the the landfill after 3 years when all my previous washers (top loaders) had lasted 12 or 15 years.

She would not give in....so I worked my way to her supervisor who, and I give her credit for this, spent over an hour on the phone with me telling me she was sorry but it was not covered under warranty.  I just kept firmly, but without anger in my voice, that this was unacceptable performance for a 3 year old piece of equipment.   Finally, after over an hour she asked if I would be happy if Frigidaire/Electrolux would cover the cost of the part only....about $200 bucks. 

I said that would be fine and thanked her for sticking with me on the phone for all that time.  Within a few days the washer was repaired and I paid about $170.00 for the labor.

Quite honestly, I'll probably  never buy another Frigidaire/Electrolux appliance...but at least I didn't need to buy a new washer after 3 years.

Oh, also, the dryer needed reapir, under warranty thankfully, after we had it abouty 9 months.  The sensor that senses dryness went out and the dryer just kept going for hours and hours.  We discovered that when we left for work one day after putting a load of cloths in the dryer and it was still running when we got home 8 hours later.  Talk about a fire hazard !

I would NOT recommend a Kenmore Elite to anyone. When it works, it is great, but they are not particularly reliable. I bought one as did my parents 5 years ago. We both bought an extended warranty from Sears. My parents had over 6 service calls on their Kenmore in 20 months. When Sears called to see if they wanted to buy additional warranty coverage, the Sears person acknowledged they were having issues with the washers and suggested they call the store manager. They called their Sears sales manager to complain and after reviewing their file, they agreed to replace their Kenmore with a new one with a couple less features. That washer has proved to be only slightly more reliable. Sears is not the company it once was either. The extended warranty sounded good, but when you call for service, it takes about two weeks for the service guy to "fit you in", then when he gets there, he doesn't have the part, so he has to order it and come back. It often takes a week or more for the part to ship to him, then another two weeks for him to come back so you are down for at least a month each time something breaks. If you don't use Sears and know a local service guy, they can usually get there in 1-2 days, order a part (Reliable Parts ships for next day delivery) and fix it within a couple days.

As for ours, we had one service call the first year for a board. It worked OK for the next two years then we started having problems again. The front door gasket came loose. When we replaced that, we noticed it was never installed properly from the day it was installed. Ours then started getting noisy, and left oil on all our clothes when the bearing went. What they say about a flawed design is true. I believe the Kenmores are made by Frigidaire and share the same poor bearing design. There is a rubber gasket that keeps water out of the bearing assembly and the entire drum rotates around that. As soon as the gasket wears out, water gets into the bearing assembly, rusts it out and when it goes, the oil leaks out. You have to take the entire washer apart and to replace the bearing which is built into the outer drum. The part runs $200 but it is  very labor expensive - total job will cost you $600-$800. While repairing, it is not uncommon for the concrete counter weights to crack as the original ones where not encased in plastic, resulting in more parts/labor.

My brother-in-law, bought a Kenmore a month ago, thinking they must have improved on the design. It began eating their clothes after it was installed. They called for service and it took the guy two weeks to get there, then he had to order a part, came back two weeks later. It was still eating clothes after the repair so they sent it back and got their money back and bought a Whirlpool.

After having nothing but trouble with Sears warranty service, a Kenmore Elite dishwasher, and now the Kenmore washer, I know I will never buy a Kenmore again.

did you buy the electrolux washer and dryer? howis it working? I am in the market for a washer and dryer?? I want the 18 wash and dry cycle.

I had a similar experience with Sears service department. last week.  The washer, a Kenmore 2952 2800 is being sent back after 2 months, mostly because of the service problems but also because it is so noisy and twists my clothes into knots.  It is a top loader with an aggitator, not a front loader.

Brian,

I'm curious about your posts recommending only the Samsung front loaders for 2nd floor applications.  The CR listing for the GE WBVH5200J  I'm considering,  indicates that it should be ok for a wood floor location.  I assume that would include a 2nd floor laundry room.  I can't afford a Samsung and having had a terrible experience in the past with a Samsung electronic purchase, I would be reluctant to buy one of their products.

My Maytag Neptune is finally going after 10 years.  The repairman came and said the bearings were going and to buy a new machine because the repair would cost about the same.

I have been reading these posts and would like help.  I have 3 dogs and wash blankets and clothes that have dog hair in them.

I want a front loader and I have a linoleum floor on top of a plywood on a raised foundation in my laundry room (one story house).

Should I look at Whirlpool Duet and Samsung.  Are there any other brands.  And which models--Samsung has so many I couldn't figure it out.

I appreciate your help.

Susan

LIsten to Brian

Brian,

After 10 years of using my Neptune washer and dryer they are ready to be replaced.  I visited our local Lowes  yesterday and the appliance  salesman  recommended the Maytag "commercial technology"  machines.  I'm presently considering the MHWE300V washer and MGDE300V dryer.  I realize the next model up has the steam clean option; is this feature worth the money?
Are these new  commercial technology machines reliable and durable?

I can't seem to find much info on these new Maytag models, aside from the price and where to buy them.  The CR website has nothing posted as of this writing.

I'd appreciate any insight you can provide.
Grice

My Maytag Neptune is finally going after 10 years.  The repairman came and said the bearings were going and to buy a new machine because the repair would cost about the same.

I have been reading these posts and would like help.  I have 3 dogs and wash blankets and clothes that have dog hair in them.

I want a front loader and I have a linoleum floor on top of a plywood on a raised foundation in my laundry room (one story house).

Should I look at Whirlpool Duet and Samsung.  Are there any other brands.  And which models--Samsung has so many I couldn't figure it out.

I appreciate your help.

Susan

I started looking for a Samsung VRT WF448 since our laundry room is on a wood floor near the kitchen.  Sales reps at Lowes and HH Gregg have discouraged Samsung--HH Gregg says they're going to discontinue carrying it and Lowes says it takes a while to get repair parts.  Anyone else getting the same response from stores?

If I really can't find it, I'm looking at the Electrolux as plan B.  Anyone have Electrolux experiences to share?

Thanks!

sandra, how has your experience been with you new "Sears" GE washer/dryer ? I need to purchase a new washer and dryer and am considering buying the front load GE Profile washer and dryer.

I have a Maytag Heavy duty something since 2002. For a while, I have been drying the clothes twice in the dryer. Recently, the clothes have been soaking wet and I notice that the machine is not spinning at all!  Thank God you posted this message, because I was going to try to get it fixed. I do not want to shell out anything for a service person to come out and tell me that I need a new one. I have been searching everywhere and on every department store Website. I want a frontload but they are soo costly. Unlike you, I have 5 kids and cannot afford to have my laundry done professionaly. Wish me Luck on finding a reasonable washer that will be energy efficient, clean and last me more than 6 years!

I purchased a Samsung Front Loader in 4/2007 and had vibration and walking problems from the beginning and after a year and a half fight with Lowes they decided to buy us out. I researched and to my surprise the new Samsungs are apparently the best for not shaking the walls in the laundry room. I purchased (but not yet had it delivered) a Samsung WF328 but want to know if its worth the extra $250/$300 to purchase the WF448 model. I don't think I need the 4.5 Cu. Ft. (sure it would be nice with 6 kids but not necessary) but is the ability to unclog the drain (just in case a penny ends up in the washer) without making a service call and the newer technology worth it? Is the 5 year warranty at Sears worth the extra $300 and/or the 3 year warranty worth the $200.

I purchased a Samsung Front Loader in 4/2007 and had vibration and walking problems from the beginning and after a year and a half fight with Lowes they decided to buy us out. I researched and to my surprise the new Samsungs are apparently the best for not shaking the walls in the laundry room. I purchased (but not yet had it delivered) a Samsung WF328 but want to know if its worth the extra $250/$300 to purchase the WF448 model. I don't think I need the 4.5 Cu. Ft. (sure it would be nice with 6 kids but not necessary) but is the ability to unclog the drain (just in case a penny ends up in the washer) without making a service call and the newer technology worth it? Is the 5 year warranty at Sears worth the extra $300 and/or the 3 year warranty worth the $200.

Please tell me I didn't just blow my money. Bought the same  GE washer/dryer combo with Steam & Smart Dispense Tech. with delivery set for Feb.09. This set was about as much as my first brand new car & in this economy  who can afford a costly mistake? I too need the xtra lge. cap. & the steam feature as well as smart dispense since I have back problems so this would really be life improving for me. I too looked at the Electrolux & was very impressed however the colors were lousy & the push buttons on both the dispenser drawer & the pedestal drawer seemed chintzy (prone to malfunctioning) & unnessasary. Also, although I have an Electrolux central vac. for over 20 yrs. & I grew up with their vacs in my parents home, I could not find any reliable data on their line of washers/dryers in the U.S. Let me know what happens please! Thanks

John recomends the samsung to everyone with wood floors. I can say that we bought the whirlpool duet steam washer and drier 9600 version for far less money and the washer is still where it was when the dealer put it in, and it is on a wood floor. Our bedroom is on the other side of the wall from our laundry room and my wife does a load every night before we go to bed and we don't here a thing. And by the way we've talked to many service men and the Samsung and LG are Korean and hard to get parts for. My wife loves her new washer and drier.Don't buy from a box store either. Get them from a good mom and pop dealer. Ours will give us a loaner if we need service.