Tips on buying washer dryer?

[Mixolydian]

I don't know much about washing machines - what's the difference between a regular top-loader and an HE top-loader?

As far as brand goes, I've always had very good experience with Maytag.

 

[allisolm]

Check with local utilities to see if they are offering any incentives. My city is currently giving $200 in rebates for buying an Energy Star washer.

Think thats pretty common with most utility companies. I know mine was doing it when i got mine.

But they don't run all the time here. The current $200 one is a double rebate and ends Apr 30.

Watch for sales at places like Lowes/Home Depot. They have washer/dryers go on sale all the time. I bought mine as a labor day sale and it included something like sale prices on each unit (i went LG), plus 10% off for buying a "set", plus free in home installation. Was a pretty nice deal but had ot wait a week or so for the installation.

I just bought a set at Lowe's. Just pay attention when it rings up. Mine were advertised as reg. $899 ea, on sale for $649 ea but with an additional 10% off Energy Star appliances - that extra 10% off the washer didn't ring up and I had to get them to change it. Also advertised was free next day delivery. Yup. Delivery charge still rang up and had to have them take off the $79.

 

[burntfish]

I don't know much about washing machines - what's the difference between a regular top-loader and an HE top-loader?

As far as brand goes, I've always had very good experience with Maytag.

HE stands for High Efficiency. So the HE washers uses less water while getting the same result.

 

[Mixolydian]

HE stands for High Efficiency. So the HE washers uses less water while getting the same result.

Yes I know, but how do they do that?

 

[kt]

Front load washer is the only way to go. Clothes come out drier and cleaner. Also spend the extra $ on a gas dryer.

 

[velillen]

Top loaders are generally pretty trivial to repair. No one uses the million extra features and settings that most washing machines have. I have no experience repairing front loaders, so I can't comment on that.

Thats definitely so very true. I didnt get one that was super fancy but it was still "mid range" or so. I honestly use two setting out of all the possible ones. Either a cold wash or a just normal. Never used any other cycle options

But they don't run all the time here. The current $200 one is a double rebate and ends Apr 30.

Very true to double check. Just seems like they just cycle through them. One rebate for Quarter 1, a different for Q2, ect. But thats just what ive found in my area

 

[Midwayman]

HE stands for High Efficiency. So the HE washers uses less water while getting the same result.

In theory that's true. Its never been true in practice from my experience.

 

[Tommy2000GT]

I have a Kenmore Elite HE4 front loader for 8 years. The only problem I had was a leaking inlet valve causing it fill up with water even when it's off. I bought a new valve from Ebay and replaced it myself for like $20. There are lot of of bad reviews about front loaders but it's people who don't take care of them. They complain it smells but they shut the door right after they finish their wash so it never dries out.

 

[FearoftheNight]

When would be the best time to buy one? Should I wait for a holiday sale of some sort?

 

[rockyct]

When would be the best time to buy one? Should I wait for a holiday sale of some sort?

If you have a Fry's nearby, check the sales every week for the model you want. They actually can have great prices on appliances.

 

[FearoftheNight]

If you have a Fry's nearby, check the sales every week for the model you want. They actually can have great prices on appliances.

Thanks! Sadly I'm in new York.... :-(

 

[Midwayman]

Thanks! Sadly I'm in new York.... :-(

I've found that some online places are quite a bit cheaper than the locals even with shipping, and especially if you get to skip sales tax.