Looking for Appliances & Going Cross-Eyed...NEED HELP!

QM · 08-27-2011, 08:09 AM

This is what's going on...

Our dishwasher has been growing black mold in it for the past 2 to 3 years, and no matter how much I bleach, SOS or scrub at the mold it doesn't disappear for very long. I've been putting up with that since that has been the only (yet disturbing) problem we have had with it.

Our washing machine has been leaking into the carpet in front of it. We had the outside tap relocated and directed elsewhere, so it's not water from the outside tap for sure. Sometimes it's damper than other times, but I think it depends on how much we use the washing machine. Not really sure. We've already had it fixed once since moving into the house 4 years ago.

Our dryer has been giving off a "gassy" smell when it's running. It's a gas dryer and we really smelled the smell while it was running and we were on our back the dryer.

Needless to say, I researched how old the appliances are, and they're all manufactured in 1996....15 years old. Not bad for appliances, I guess.

This is where it gets funky.

I've been searching for the best price, best quality, yadda yadda. And I can't make up my mind since there are so many pros for front-loading washing machines. Yes, they take more time, but it takes less drying time, better spinning, more energy efficient and uses less water thant the "old-fashioned" kind. Supposedly you save 60% on hydro, save 66% of water (12-14 gallons instead of 30 gallons) verses the top loading washing machine with an agitator.

Now there's also top loading washing machines without agitators giving you more space and still uses way less water and hydro because it does the faster spinning. Plus since it has no agitator it doesn't tear down the fibres in your clothes and wear them out "like one with an agitator". The only problem with these two washing machines is that you're supposed to use HE soap which supposedly is pricier.

Of course, the top loading washing machine without an agitator is more expensive than with an agitator type of machine and a front loader is more expensive than a top loading washing machine without an agitator.

DH doesn't want to get involved with the decision. I went appliance shopping by myself and filled three large notebook pages full of notes. I think I could become a salesperson other than the fact I don't know what to choose.

Enlighten me more, please! What do you use? Why do you like it? Do you think the extra money purchasing a "better, more energy efficient" model will soon be balanced off by it being lighter on energy and water?

QM · 08-27-2011, 08:20 AM

BTW...If I go the old-fashioned route where it's has an agitator, then this is the one I'm looking at... Whirlpool: WTW4800XQ 27'' Top-Load Washer with 3.5 cu. ft. Capacity, 8 Cycles, 4 Temperatures, 700 RPM Max Spin Speed, Xtra Roll Action Plus Agitator, Fabric Sense Wash System and Quiet Spin Technology

This is the matching dryer we're looking at... Whirlpool WED4800XQ 29" Electric Dryer with 7.0 cu. ft. Capacity, 13 Cycles, 4 Temperature Settings, AutoDry Sensor System, Wrinkle Shield Option, Extra-Large Top-Mounted Lint Screen and Interior Drum Light

If we buy the two, it's $799.99 (with the dryer being gas like we need it!)

This is the washing machine we're looking at... Whirlpool Tall Tub Built-In Dishwasher (GU3200XTXQ) - White : White Built-In Dishwashers - Future Shop We can buy this for $524.99.

For all three it would come to $1,324.98 plus taxes.

My SIL bought a washer/dryer combo for $1,200 plus taxes. Hers is front-loading and an LG.

Do I go for fancy or plain Jane? I'm leaning towards frugal plain Jane even though it's not energy efficient and bad on water and hydro.

Gah! I just don't know!

**2ndGenGranola** · 08-27-2011, 08:45 AM

I know some people love their Whirlpool appliances, but I hate mine. When it is time for me to replace them, it will not be with another Whirlpool.

**2ndGenGranola** · 08-27-2011, 08:47 AM

As far as the mold, do you have your hot water heater turned down too low? I know if I turn mine down according to "frugal standards", I start having trouble with my dishwasher and sinks.

QM · 08-27-2011, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by 2ndGenGranola

As far as the mold, do you have your hot water heater turned down too low? I know if I turn mine down according to "frugal standards", I start having trouble with my dishwasher and sinks.

I really don't think so. If you whip the dishwasher open as soon as it stops, really hot steam comes out and the plates are hot. A theory someone told me is that it's not venting properly. For all I know it could be the age of the appliance making it not function at it's fullest potential. Who really knows.

That's why I'm considering a stainless steel interior while still having the clean white exterior. The bottons on the one I showed you are on the top panel as soon as you open the dishwasher. That should make it easier for little fingers (i.e., my baby and toddler daycare children) to avoid pressing the buttons. Only twice has it kicked on due to them, but it's still a pain seeing them "try" to push the bottons.

QM · 08-27-2011, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by 2ndGenGranola

I know some people love their Whirlpool appliances, but I hate mine. When it is time for me to replace them, it will not be with another Whirlpool.

Why do you hate your Whirlpool appliances? Details please!

**stinkbug** · 08-27-2011, 09:06 AM

I hated my Whirlpool appliances also...replaced all of them that came with the house. Just never bonded with them, especially the stove! But the dishwasher didn't get my dishes clean and took forever (Whirlpool Gold) I replaced both with Bosch.
Have you looked up your choices in consumer reports?? At this point, nothing is going to last more than 7-10 years, so I think they are all about equal. I'd just go with the features you like/need. I need a a new W/D (especailly dryer) and I have NO idea what to buy. Mine are Maytag, 8 years old, and I hate them!

**craftypam** · 08-27-2011, 09:09 AM

Just for your information. You do not have to use h/e soap. You use half the amount of regular soap so it doesn't oversuds. The savings on the water has been great for me. The no agitator is less hard on your clothes. The spinning so fast drier time is way shorter. I'm not sure if you are planning on buying another gas dryer, but they are way cheaper to run. I bought the front loader washing machine and did not buy a new dryer, my dryer is very old because dh has fixed it a few times. I do have to dry 2 loads for every load of wash since the washer is larger. My towels dry in 25 minutes. IMO I did not think it was worth it to purchase the matching dryer because while it matches it did not do anything special to warrant the extra price. I also did not purchase the stand.

You do have to keep the door open when not in use. My dh does know how to fix alot of things, but since this is all electronic; I did purchase the warranty.

I have had my front loader washing machine over 6 years and it has probably paid for itself in water, less soap, and less drying time.

My front loader is a Whirlpool Duet

QM · 08-27-2011, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by craftypam

Just for your information. You do not have to use h/e soap. You use half the amount of regular soap so it doesn't oversuds...

Good to know! The salesguy said if you don't use HE soap then you'll cut your appliance life in half. I hope it's not true. I'd die if that was the case.

**craftypam** · 08-27-2011, 09:21 AM

When they were selling me mine several years ago they said I had to use h/e soap; I said I have too much soap at home so he looked it up and said I could use 1/2 the soap

**monkeywrangler71** · 08-27-2011, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by QM

I really don't think so. If you whip the dishwasher open as soon as it stops, really hot steam comes out and the plates are hot. A theory someone told me is that it's not venting properly. For all I know it could be the age of the appliance making it not function at it's fullest potential. Who really knows.

Either let it run through the drying cycle or open it to let it air dry; mold is caused by letting dampness sit. Although it is unlikely that the black stuff is actually mold, it's probably just scum. You can clean it regularly with a dishwasher cleaner, or switch to the tabs with the cleaner included.

Personally, I would opt to repair the old appliances rather than replace them. I have replaced mid-90's and earlier appliances in the past because of relatively minor issues and have always been disappointed in the new replacements. New appliances are built to break.

**craftypam** · 08-27-2011, 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by monkeywrangler71

Either let it run through the drying cycle or open it to let it air dry; mold is caused by letting dampness sit. Although it is unlikely that the black stuff is actually mold, it's probably just scum. You can clean it regularly with a dishwasher cleaner, or switch to the tabs with the cleaner included.

Personally, I would opt to repair the old appliances rather than replace them. I have replaced mid-90's and earlier appliances in the past because of relatively minor issues and have always been disappointed in the new replacements. New appliances are built to break.

I soooooo agree with you. My dryer is probably over 30 years old; they are very simple machines and dh has fixed it.

**chowder** · 08-27-2011, 09:44 AM

I bought the Maytag Bravos,top loader.It doesn't have the agitator,so it takes large loads.I love mine,works great and the dryer is only on for about 15 mins,so conserves hydro.My hydro bill dropped $32.00 the first month.

QM · 08-27-2011, 10:01 AM

Chowder...have you noticed a difference in your water bill? Supposedly, they use much less water (like the front loaders) and you have to use he soap. Do you use he soap?

**2ndGenGranola** · 08-27-2011, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by stinkbug

I hated my Whirlpool appliances also...replaced all of them that came with the house. Just never bonded with them, especially the stove! But the dishwasher didn't get my dishes clean and took forever (Whirlpool Gold) I replaced both with Bosch.

The stove was the first to go! Even the kids stood there cheering as the guy toted it off. I think I had more service calls on that stove then every other appliance combined.

The dishwasher is just a joke.