Best place to buy a washer / dryer?

[Flaxbee]

We may be in the market for a washer / dryer ... I've never had to buy them before, and wonder what I should look for in terms of good deals, etc.

Any input appreciated. Thanks! :hi:

[HopeHoops]

1. Sears. Watch for sales.

As with any kitchen appliance, keep in mind that the vast majority of problems are not mechanical - they are electronic. Sure, mechanical problems happen, but most of the warranty calls are because the circuit board flipped out and AFTER the warranty, that's going to be a screaming expensive problem. In comparison, replacing a dryer belt costs practically nothing. Simple is an excellent feature for a washer and dryer. Who needs 45 different settings to wash clothes?

[GoCubsGo]

3. Seconded.

My washer and dryer are both Kenmore (made by Whirlpool.) I have been very happy with them, as well as my Kenmore microwave, and the refrigerator that came with my house. I suspect that given Sears' current financial situation, you will probably find some great sales there.

[HopeHoops]

5. Same here. Our washer and dryer are both 23 year old Kenmores.

The only thing I've ever had done to either was replacing the dryer belt about 12 years or so ago. That's it.

They've been through all of the cloth diapers for three kids in addition to all of the regular laundry, and with three daughters that is a shitload to deal with. The washer has a dial with an upper section for cotton and a lower section for permanent press. The only difference is the amount of time and agitation rate. The timer setting determines the temperature - hot/cold, warm/cold, cold/cold. The only other control is the "high/low" water level selector switch (also manual). The dryer has a dial with timers for cotton, air, and permanent press and an "on" push button.

They still make washers and dryers that are almost identical to these and they don't cost much more than what we paid 23 years ago. We got ours at Montgomery Ward. There wasn't a Sears near where we lived at the time. If they ever die, I'll probably get a new pair of simple ones just like these. We lusted after those monster front-load units that are $1200 each (not including the stand), but our eldest is in college now and the younger two aren't far off so I suspect the current units will do just fine. I can't complain.

As for service, I don't think anyone can touch Sears. We bought a refrigerator there about 8 years ago and soon afterward the ice maker stopped working. I called support and got through almost immediately to someone who only asked a few questions other than model/serial numbers before dispatching a technician. The guy showed up the next day, when they said he would, and had the replacement parts with him. He was only here about half an hour and it fixed the problem.

Contrast that with the big box stores. I don't remember which, but it was either Lowe's or Home Depot that we bought our stove from. The sale price was the reason for selecting the location. Anyway, it is completely electronic. Of course, that's what died in the first couple of months. It took them five days to get a tech out to fix it and he didn't even have the part. Despite the rather simple description on the phone - "The electronics are dead - nothing - no lights - dead" - he had to come back two days later with the circuit board. We lived out of the microwave for a week. I was not happy.

I'm currently in the market for a garbage disposal. I'm going to get a 1hp unit. Sears has two for just over and just under $200. The lesser cost one is a Kenmore. I checked Lowe's and their least expensive 1hp unit is over $300. Fuck that. I'll probably wait until after Christmas. The current one sort of still works (getting wobbly and noisy) and I doubt I'll have time to install it until then. I'm going to put in a switch under the cabinet for killing the power when you have to fish something out of it that shouldn't be there in the first place. It happens.

[LynneSin]

4. If you live near a Sears Outlet - even better

My friends swear by that place. You can save a ton of money thru that place. I have one 5 miles away from me in Delaware.

[peekaloo]

2. Any Independent dealers in your area?

or maybe a scratch and dent outlet.

Look online at some of the majors because they will sometime offer exclusive deals on their products.

As the above poster noted Sears is noteworthy. Sign up on their site for e-mail notifications on bargains (providing you're not in too much of a pinch on the new purchases.)

:-)

[rurallib]

7. I buy my appliances from a local mom and pop shop.

I like to keep those guys in business. Just like I buy my books through a local bookstore.
Costs me money, probably, but there is a principle.

[mnhtnbb]

6. Sears. Check on-line for sales.

[Flaxbee]

8. Thanks, everyone, and sorry for a blanket reply..

the snow caught us unaware here, the grocery store lost power, and it's been a bit of a hectic day, just getting back to my thread at 8:37pm Friday.

You've reinforced what I thought - after looking online at Sears, Lowe's, etc., it seemed Sears really had the best deals. Will also look for a Sears Outlet (who knew such a wonderful thing existed??) and/or a scratch/dent opportunity.

I completely agree, I don't need my washer/dryer to put me in orbit or tapdance, I just want it to wash jeans, sheets, towels, etc., well and dry them well. Simple is best.

I appreciate the input of all. Thanks, and stay warm! :hi: