Go with Kenmore or Whirlpool....
Dishwasher recommendations
- Thread starter Rich Stern
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Bill V
Well-Known Member
No, that's not reversed. Not that I think it would matter--they're both crap appliances and crap companies.
The dishwasher never did work right. They sent out repair people over a dozen times--each time needing either my wife or I to be there to let them in. Each time, they thought it was something else, and replaced a different part. Each time, the problem came back immediately. The last one finally declared it "unrepairable"--so Electrolux (Frigidaire's parent) was going to replace it. Only problem--they were only willing to pay any local installer they work with a certain amount, and no local installers were willing to do it so cheaply. So after a month of dicking around with them, they finally agreed to reimburse us our purchase price (although they wouldn't cover the tax or delivery/installation charges we paid for their POS). Seeing no other practical options after going over six months without a working dishwasher, we took the offer--particularly since that freed us to go to a competitor. We went and got a Kenmore, and have been happy with it so far.
The fridge had its compressor die on us late Friday night of Memorial Day weekend. Their repair people were first able to come out Tuesday after the holiday. They made the same diagnosis--and informed us it would take two weeks to get the new compressor. That finally arrived, they came to install it--and while doing that, a refrigerant line fell off in a repair tech's hands. I saw it happen--he barely touched it. It was that fragile/cheap. And that made the refrigerator "unrepairable". So now they are trying to replace it, and have found a local vendor to do it--but rather than let that vendor install a new one he has in stock, they're insisting on shipping a new one out to him from their warehouse, causing another two week delay. Current ETA for the new fridge is next Friday, 6/22. Meaning we'll have gone 4 full weeks without refrigeration capabilities. In the meantime, all our food has been in a neighor's garage refrigerator. Anytime we need milk, or a bottle of ketchup, or whatever, we need to run over to the neighbor's. And that neighbor is throwing a party next weekend, meaning they need their fridge space from about Wednesday on--so we need to find somewhere else to put our stuff for 2 or 3 days. I'll NEVER buy Maytag again.
Alan Peters
Well-Known Member
Fisher Paykel 2 draw dishwashers are the best. I've had it for 7 years and its given me 7 service free years. GE's - I used to call them dish shakers since they were so loud. If not Jen Air is another good brand.
Jeffrey Travis
Well-Known Member
A 6' blonde "model" seems to work the best..........
Johnny O
Well-Known Member
I heard the same thing once from a Sears repairman who came to my office to fix the washer. I own a cleaning service franchise, we wash A LOT of cloths every day. I bought the next-to-cheapest Kenmore washer and dryer when I went into business. Repair guy told me once that they don't build 'em like they used to and to hang on to mine as long as I could. The washer went after about 10 years (if you need a new transmission, just buy a new washer), I bought a cheap unit at a local appliance place which crapped out after 3 years. So far we're still using the original dryer...4 to 6 loads a day five days a week. I put on a new belt and a pair of rollers once, that's all. Knock on wood.
A few folks in my company bought Fisher-Paykels and like them, apparently the washer spins really fast so you end up not having to run the dryer as long. Pricey suckers though.
At home I have an Amana washer and dryer that I bought 9 years ago because they were the largest capacity I could find, this was when I was married the first time with kids. Later the motor goes on the washer, like a month after the warranty expires. I call Amana and say "Look, I'm single, I do maybe three loads a week, it ain't like it gets used a ton." They sent the store a new motor for free and I just had to pay the labor, which wasn't too bad.
Anyhow, if you want a new washer get one quick because pretty soon they'll all have to be water-conserving front loaders that cost a lot more and don't clean as well.
Rich Stern
Well-Known Member
Johnny, a couple years ago, when the tranny went on our 13 year old Whirlpool washing machine, we took the plunge on a Kenmore front loader from the local Sears outlet store (it had a ding in the side panel). Not only does it use less water, but it cleans much better, with less detergent, and the dryer has to work a lot less because the high speed spin of the washer gets so much water out, the cloths aren't nearly as wet going into the dryer. Outstanding product. Everybody I talked to who has a front loader has relayed a similar story.
Update on the dishwasher: Went out yesterday planning to get a positively reviewed Kenmore mid-range model. The only negative reviews for it were about door handle issues. Started at the Sears outlet store. They had three, all with the broken or balky door handles. Went to the local, regular Sears store. They had nothing in stock, except an Amana in the wrong finish color. Couldn't get anything until next week.
Went next door to Frye's, which had several acceptable models from LG, Amana, and GE. The LG's felt most solidly constructed of the three, and Jeanne liked the features best. Made in Korea, which was ok with me, because I've had some very good service from recent Korean products, and my expensive, assembled-in-America-from-European-and-American-components dishwasher was now sitting in my garage. The Frye folks had trouble figuring out which models were in stock, so we told them we were going to lunch, call us on the cell when you have it figured out.
They call and say they have one of the models we liked. We finish up our Waffle House waffles, decide to walk next door to the Home Depot before going back to Frye's, just to see if there is anything we like better. They have the same LGs and GEs that Frye's has, but slightly more expensive than Fryes. The sales associate approaches us, wants to sell us one, we say no thanks, Frye's has this model we want for less. She says we'll match the price and then take 10% off. Sold. They get it loaded into my ST politely and efficiently. Best Home Depot service experience I've had in years. Literally.
Got it home and installed, ran it, worked quietly. We'll see.
Having talked to a number of people, having read a ton of info on this topic in the last 36 hours, the bottom line, I believe, is they just don't make 'em like they used to. Nobody (except maybe those of us who had one refridgerator our entire lives) expects appliances to last 20 years anymore.
Update on the dishwasher: Went out yesterday planning to get a positively reviewed Kenmore mid-range model. The only negative reviews for it were about door handle issues. Started at the Sears outlet store. They had three, all with the broken or balky door handles. Went to the local, regular Sears store. They had nothing in stock, except an Amana in the wrong finish color. Couldn't get anything until next week.
Went next door to Frye's, which had several acceptable models from LG, Amana, and GE. The LG's felt most solidly constructed of the three, and Jeanne liked the features best. Made in Korea, which was ok with me, because I've had some very good service from recent Korean products, and my expensive, assembled-in-America-from-European-and-American-components dishwasher was now sitting in my garage. The Frye folks had trouble figuring out which models were in stock, so we told them we were going to lunch, call us on the cell when you have it figured out.
They call and say they have one of the models we liked. We finish up our Waffle House waffles, decide to walk next door to the Home Depot before going back to Frye's, just to see if there is anything we like better. They have the same LGs and GEs that Frye's has, but slightly more expensive than Fryes. The sales associate approaches us, wants to sell us one, we say no thanks, Frye's has this model we want for less. She says we'll match the price and then take 10% off. Sold. They get it loaded into my ST politely and efficiently. Best Home Depot service experience I've had in years. Literally.
Got it home and installed, ran it, worked quietly. We'll see.
Having talked to a number of people, having read a ton of info on this topic in the last 36 hours, the bottom line, I believe, is they just don't make 'em like they used to. Nobody (except maybe those of us who had one refridgerator our entire lives) expects appliances to last 20 years anymore.
Gavin Allan
Well-Known Member
Sounds good, Rich!
My Home Depot doesn't carry large appliances in stock-- they all have to be ordered. I even begged to take the floor model, but they wouldn't sell it to me. Sounds like you have a much better Home Depot than I do.
My Home Depot doesn't carry large appliances in stock-- they all have to be ordered. I even begged to take the floor model, but they wouldn't sell it to me. Sounds like you have a much better Home Depot than I do.
Thomas Rogers
Well-Known Member
Good luck, Rich.
We have a local "appliance guy" that has been servicing household appliances for almost 40 years. He too said there isn't a big difference in brands.
What he did say, however, is that almost all appliances today regardless of brand have one thing in common. They are all pretty much made to be disposable. For almost all brands if the transmission in a washing machine goes out it's time for a new washing machine...it's just cost prohibitive to repair.
He explains that the appliance price point has come down so much (when considering the inflated dollar), complexity has gone up meaning parts are more costly and varied, and the cost of servicing has gone up and making it so that for most appliances repair simply isn't a viable option.
He said it used to be repair was 1/2 his business. Now it's less than 1/10th...he makes more on new appliance delivery and setup.
TJR
We have a local "appliance guy" that has been servicing household appliances for almost 40 years. He too said there isn't a big difference in brands.
What he did say, however, is that almost all appliances today regardless of brand have one thing in common. They are all pretty much made to be disposable. For almost all brands if the transmission in a washing machine goes out it's time for a new washing machine...it's just cost prohibitive to repair.
He explains that the appliance price point has come down so much (when considering the inflated dollar), complexity has gone up meaning parts are more costly and varied, and the cost of servicing has gone up and making it so that for most appliances repair simply isn't a viable option.
He said it used to be repair was 1/2 his business. Now it's less than 1/10th...he makes more on new appliance delivery and setup.
TJR
Bill V
Well-Known Member
Rich--
Funny you should mention the front-loaders, because the word-of-mouth info I've received on them couldn't be more opposite what you report. At a recent neighborhood picnic (we're in a new development, where all the houses are under two years old), a conversation turned toward the new appliances that most of them got when they built their houses. Four different couples in the conversation indicated that they got front-loaders, and for all of them, this was their first time owning a front loader. And every one of them wishes they could go back to owning a top loader. They all reported that their clothes aren't getting as clean, that the machines are noisy, and that it's hard on the back to be bending over to reach in. (Three of them owned pedestals to address that last issue, all of them stopped using the pedestals because they made the washers noisier.) All of them indicated that their next washer will be a top loader. Less expensive purchase cost for a better machine.
Funny you should mention the front-loaders, because the word-of-mouth info I've received on them couldn't be more opposite what you report. At a recent neighborhood picnic (we're in a new development, where all the houses are under two years old), a conversation turned toward the new appliances that most of them got when they built their houses. Four different couples in the conversation indicated that they got front-loaders, and for all of them, this was their first time owning a front loader. And every one of them wishes they could go back to owning a top loader. They all reported that their clothes aren't getting as clean, that the machines are noisy, and that it's hard on the back to be bending over to reach in. (Three of them owned pedestals to address that last issue, all of them stopped using the pedestals because they made the washers noisier.) All of them indicated that their next washer will be a top loader. Less expensive purchase cost for a better machine.
Thomas Rogers
Well-Known Member
Rich, BillV, we have a front-loading washing machine. It's almost 2 years old. It replaced a top loader that died after 7 years. This is our 2nd top loader....we had a used one in our old house when we bought it. Rich is right. They use less water and less detergent and get the clothes cleaner and spin them out dryer, saving on drying time and cost. So is the experience with both our front-loaders as compared to the top loaders we have used.
I will admit that the front loader is louder on the highest spin setting...we put ours on medium. BTW, it's a Fridgedaire washing machine (go figure). It cost about $150 more than comparable top loaders.
TJR
I will admit that the front loader is louder on the highest spin setting...we put ours on medium. BTW, it's a Fridgedaire washing machine (go figure). It cost about $150 more than comparable top loaders.
TJR
Johnny O
Well-Known Member
From Consumer Reports:
I have always had good luck with Maytag and Kenmore appliances, but I think it really goes beyond brand names. All brands make cheaper quality units as well as more expensive, higher quality units.
As for dishwasher I would recommend getting a unit with a stainless steel inner shell, and racks that are highly flexible/adjustable for different sized dishes, pots pans etc and avoid plastic-coated wire racks. The number of different cycles is less important. The cheaper dishwashers we have had to repair or replace have not been for mechanical or electrical problems. They died because the washing chamber rusted out, or the wire racks rusted and broke.
We have never used a dishwasher for a plate warmer, and we rarely ever use the drying cycle, etc
...Rich
As for dishwasher I would recommend getting a unit with a stainless steel inner shell, and racks that are highly flexible/adjustable for different sized dishes, pots pans etc and avoid plastic-coated wire racks. The number of different cycles is less important. The cheaper dishwashers we have had to repair or replace have not been for mechanical or electrical problems. They died because the washing chamber rusted out, or the wire racks rusted and broke.
We have never used a dishwasher for a plate warmer, and we rarely ever use the drying cycle, etc
...Rich
Bill V
Well-Known Member
Rich, TJR, just curious--how tall are you? One thing I noticed at our neighborhood picnic discussion was that the people who disliked the front loaders the most were the tall people, while the shorter people, while still disliking front loaders, weren't quite so adamant about that opinion. Which only contributes further to the wariness about such models that my wife and I have, as we're both well over six feet tall.
Another complaint about the front loaders that everyone at the picnic had was that they apparently "stink". It seems that unless you leave the door open when they're not in use, the door seals never dry out fully, causing mold and mildew to form. And leaving the door open isn't practical in some small laundry rooms, and isn't safe in a household with small children.
Another complaint about the front loaders that everyone at the picnic had was that they apparently "stink". It seems that unless you leave the door open when they're not in use, the door seals never dry out fully, causing mold and mildew to form. And leaving the door open isn't practical in some small laundry rooms, and isn't safe in a household with small children.
Thomas Rogers
Well-Known Member
Bill V, I am 6' (okay, 5' 11 and 3/4"), and my wife about 5'9".
I don't think I am tall, or short...more average these days (Americans are getting taller).
As for the smell, yes, now and then you do have to clean the accordian-shaped rubber seal around the door. It catches water and holds it (and loose change). I asked our appliance guy about it and he said many were initially designed with a drain in that seal, but it would clog and was more of a hassle than a help.
The solution is to clean the door regularly with a few paper towels and hit that seal in the spot where the water collects. My wife does laundry almost every day and once a week when she knows it might be a couple of days is when she cleans it. She often cleans it and the door when cleaning towels, as she pulls the towels out and before putting them in the dryer...the water is clean and not that much.
My only real complaint about the front-loader is you can't open it back up mid-cycle to add something or fix an off-balance load...which isn't really an issue that often. It's more the issue of the kids bringing the clothes down to wash and dropping a sock or something along the way and finding it once the load starts....not a big deal.
TJR
I don't think I am tall, or short...more average these days (Americans are getting taller).
As for the smell, yes, now and then you do have to clean the accordian-shaped rubber seal around the door. It catches water and holds it (and loose change). I asked our appliance guy about it and he said many were initially designed with a drain in that seal, but it would clog and was more of a hassle than a help.
The solution is to clean the door regularly with a few paper towels and hit that seal in the spot where the water collects. My wife does laundry almost every day and once a week when she knows it might be a couple of days is when she cleans it. She often cleans it and the door when cleaning towels, as she pulls the towels out and before putting them in the dryer...the water is clean and not that much.
My only real complaint about the front-loader is you can't open it back up mid-cycle to add something or fix an off-balance load...which isn't really an issue that often. It's more the issue of the kids bringing the clothes down to wash and dropping a sock or something along the way and finding it once the load starts....not a big deal.
TJR
I've never heard about front-loaders smelling?? Is the smell noticable when the door is closed, or is it something that is noticed only when the door is open.
My current Maytag is a top-loader, but we have been interested in getting a front-loader since they are more economical on water and I understand that they do a better job cleaning clothes with less damage to the fabric?
...Rich
My current Maytag is a top-loader, but we have been interested in getting a front-loader since they are more economical on water and I understand that they do a better job cleaning clothes with less damage to the fabric?
...Rich
Thomas Rogers
Well-Known Member
The smell is only noticeable when the door is open, and then only when the water is left in the seal of the door to get stale. The seal on ours holds less than 1 cup of water (measuring cup)...not much at all.
They do a better job of cleaning with less water, soap and wear on the clothes. The biggest reason we got one was because our youngest has eczema really bad and detergents bother her...even the hypoallergenic ones if we use too much.
TJR
They do a better job of cleaning with less water, soap and wear on the clothes. The biggest reason we got one was because our youngest has eczema really bad and detergents bother her...even the hypoallergenic ones if we use too much.
TJR
Mike Wilson
Well-Known Member
Wife and I have a Whirlpool "Quiet Partner III" (I'd never heard of it before I bought it!).
About a 2004 model. Been trouble free the whole time. It has the easily removeable
sprayer wands and filter/strainer baskets for easy cleaning, and has a seperate cup and
cycle for adding bleach, vinegar, or whatever cleaning solution for deoderizing and cleaning
of the unit for maintenance.
It's been running twice a day for the whole time we've owned it.
(Now watch me get up in the morning and find a puddle under it!!!:lol::lol::lol
About a 2004 model. Been trouble free the whole time. It has the easily removeable
sprayer wands and filter/strainer baskets for easy cleaning, and has a seperate cup and
cycle for adding bleach, vinegar, or whatever cleaning solution for deoderizing and cleaning
of the unit for maintenance.
It's been running twice a day for the whole time we've owned it.
(Now watch me get up in the morning and find a puddle under it!!!:lol::lol::lol
WXMotorSports DecalsPartsAccs
Well-Known Member
We have a GE dishwasher that came with the house in 2000. It's been trouble free.
We have a front loader Maytag washing machine. The smell is the rubber seal. If you unplug the unit and leave the door crack the smell goes away. Service guy recommended running a quick cycle with bleach once a month to keep the smell out. It does wash clothes better.
We have a front loader Maytag washing machine. The smell is the rubber seal. If you unplug the unit and leave the door crack the smell goes away. Service guy recommended running a quick cycle with bleach once a month to keep the smell out. It does wash clothes better.
