My washer just stopped spinning - can you recommend a new one?

[NewJeffCT]

My washer seems that maybe it finally died. It would occasionally have a problem with not spinning clothes. However, I would just re-set the washer to rinse & then it would be fine. However, this time, it didn't spin at all and made a loud buzzing sound when it was supposed to be spinning.

I'm sure if I called a plumber or repairman to come to look at it, it would not be much cheaper than buying a new washer.

Any recommendations for a decent washer that is fairly quiet?

Thanks

on the plus side - if we do move in the near future, we can say that the Washer & Dryer stay with the house!

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. I feel I HAVE to say something...It's a given. Don't Buy a MAYTAG.

:hi:

[NewJeffCT]

5. Is anything any good?

I've heard not to buy GE, and now Maytag & Whirpool in this short thread.

[ScreamingMeemie]

6. I cannot tell you about the others. I'm sorry to upset you, but I've had

nothing but trouble and months long waits to get our Neptune fixed. It wasn't worth the lots of money we spent on it and service is not so good. It sounds as if helicopters are landing on our house. My neighbor has a beautiful GE set that she's had for five years with no problems. But, I really would steer clear of Maytag.

[NewJeffCT]

7. I guess it's a crap shoot

I've heard Whirlpool & Maytag are good...

[ScreamingMeemie]

8. My troubles with Maytag were well documented on DU. I have spent

enough money on the laundramat to pay for the machine twice. I wouldn't do it again. :(

[radwriter0555]

20. Epinions really IS your friend. I rely on them to buy all appliances

and major household goods.

See what's out there, on sale and start checking to see how they're rated online.

Another thing, I learned is try to buy from local retailers and not the big box stores. The local retailers have really great local authorized repair people, in the event you need them.

I did have to have my washer's brackets repaired, but it was a risk that came with the machine that I was aware of. It was still cheap, considering the machine was a stackable combo that was only $700.

Also, the less buttons and settings, the better. Less is more, less is less to break down.

It's just washing clothes, it really shouldn't have to be any amazingly modern technology.

Also, I really like my front loader that I have now, it's much gentler on clothes and uses very little water.

[yellowdogintexas]

28. and my GE that I had before the Kenmore frontloader was a POS

the spinning trigger crapped out on it way too soon, and the moisture senser on the dryer quit shortly thereafter.

I was so happy when my husband assassinated the washer!!!

He washed a sleeping bag in it and the strings wrapped around the agitator and it literally spun itself off onto the garage floor. Ripped a hole in the outside tub too. What a mess.

But it was worth it to get the Kenmore.

[tjwmason]

2. It could just be the connections.

I had the same thing happen, it took a repairman less than ten minutes to sort out. I can't remember their formal name, but they connect the motor to the electrical supply - by their very nature they wear out. He diagnosed the problem in about ten seconds, then got a new set from his van and had them fitted in no time.

[NewJeffCT]

3. that's an idea

Sounds like it could be my problem.

[Metta]

4. Don't buy Whirlpool GWS 9650 and definitely get the extended warranty.

We've had repeated problems and have lost hundreds of dollars worth of clothes because it spilled bleach or peroxide directly onto them. Plus, we've had the bleach dispenser replaced three times. We'll never buy that model or possibly another Whirlpool again even though it was a Consumer Reports best buy. I suspect they didn't keep it for the long run.

[maveric]

9. Could be something is wrapped around the agitator spindle...

that the tub spins on. I had this happen years ago and I removed the agitator (thing with the wings that goes back & forth), there's a nut on top, and found some string and fabric strips wrapped around the bottom of the spindle. I cleaned it out and it worked fine.

It could also be an electrical glitch. A burned out switch, loose wire...?

Try removing the agitator and check for debris. If thats not it and you are not electrically savvy, check the phone listings for an appliance handyman. We have them out here and they work for much less than a plumber will.

Do you have appliance parts stores where you are? If so call and explain the problem to them. You mave have to buy a component or two. I had to do that once too. It was pretty simple to replace.

[NewJeffCT]

10. thanks - I'll try that

the trouble is figuring out how to remove the agitator.

[maveric]

14. On the tip of the agitator there should be a cap that screws on & off.

Screw that off, and with some shaking, the agitator should lift off. You may have to loosen it a bit to get it off.
Unplug the machine when working on it just for precautionary reasons.

[MissB]

11. I have a Kenmore front loader

Bought about 5 years ago. Uses much less water than a top loader, cleans better and clothes last longer.

Very quiet too.

[NewJeffCT]

12. thanks

something to look into. The washer is about 9 years old now - it's a Whirlpool, as is our dryer.

[MissB]

13. Our state also gave us a tax credit

because it was a high efficiency appliance. :D

It has paid for itself in terms of water savings.

[NewJeffCT]

17. I like that idea

I'm always trying to find ways to save money & do the right thing, but it's not always easy - sometimes I see an environmentally friendly product and it's like 3 times the price of a regular one (I saw a supposedly earth friendly toilet bowl cleaner at my grocery store for like $4.79 or so, but I can buy a 3 pack of lysol for practically the same at BJ's.

[LeftyMom]

15. You can put more clothes in them too

since there isn't an agitator. :)

[MissB]

16. The only drawback for me

was that I could no longer soak things. But that seems to be mostly balanced by its superior cleaning ability. :D

[NewJeffCT]

18. and...

with a very active 3 year old daughter, I have to worry about her opening it while it's running! Luckily, we have a child-proof handle on the door, though she's been able to get through one of those before.

[MissB]

24. No, the door locks.

You cannot open it easily during the cycle. Not a concern.

[yellowdogintexas]

27. you have to turn the machine off to open the door.

And my machine has a presoak feature.

[donco6]

22. I have a Kenmore top loader.

Didn't have the money for the front loader version. But it works well for me. Had a Kenmore before that that lasted about 12 years.

[yellowdogintexas]

26. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Kenmore front loader. I have the most

basic one, simple squared off, can fit under a counter if need be. Quiet, uses very little water, spins the heck out of the clothes and is kinder to the fabrics too.
Use much less dry time as a result.

Go for it.

[951-Riverside]

19. Hire Karl Rove?

:D

[jukes]

21. used, reman appliances are about 1/2 the price

and will last as long as new.

recycle/re-use and fuck the man(ufacturers).

[madrchsod]

23. buy a real washing machine

best washing machines ever made and they will last forever

[NewJeffCT]

25. what is that?

a tub where you wash by hand?

[GOPisEvil]

29. Go basic. It's the fancy-schmancy machines that seem to break down.

I have a fairly basic Whirlpool that is 2 years old and has given me no trouble at all. My mom has a fancy-pants Whirlpool that has given her some trouble.

I work in insurance and product liability, and I see more trouble with Maytag than I do other brands. They were just recently purchased by Whirlpool though. Oh, and if you shop at Sears, as which company makes the Kenmore you want to buy. Some are made by GE, some by Whirlpool, others by Maytag.