Dryer

I'm very happy with the Maytag Neptune dryers I've bought.

But no matter what you decide, make sure you get something with the Energy Star label.

 

I also have Maytag.
In fact, most of our appliances are Maytag.
Why?
Because my Dear Hubby used to be an appliance repairman

Definitely look for the EnergyStar, and look at the actual numbers, too.

 

I always look at Consumer Reports for this sort of thing. The Neptune mentioned earlier is rated highly, but the GE Profile Harmony is quieter, has a stainless steel drum and programmable controls, and is $200 cheaper. There are new energy efficiency standards for 2007, so be sure you're looking at new stickers when you're comparing.

A clothes line also works great in the summer. On a hot day, it's even faster than the dryer.

 

I've got Whirlpool. But I didn't go shopping for it. Encountered at an estate sale and it was a bargain. Practically new. And same brand as my washer only slightly newer and white instead of almond. They're in the garage so who cares? It replaced a Frigidare that I got for free, was falling apart (literally, the door kept coming off) and was about to die. Olive green and I'd already had it repaired once.

So now I have a Whirlpool recycling washer (it recycles water!) and a Whirlpool gas dryer. They should do me for quite some time as I don't do laundry that often.

I have no problems with the brand.

I do recommend Energy Star. And I don't know about now but when I was looking at dryer brands consumer reports said that Frigidare's were difficult to repair. That may or may not have changed, so I avoid Frigidare as a brand.

 

Get one with a dryness sensor so that it doesn't run longer than necessary. Saves energy and wear-and-tear on your clothes.

Also, ones with a drop-down door instead of a door that swings open are very convenient.

My mother always told me to buy the best appliances you can afford because they last forever. Not sure that is still true. Her oven has worked for 45+ years. Mine went out after 10. The dishwasher broke before the warranty was out.

Guess checking Consumer Reports might not be a bad idea.

 

At this moment, WOOT http://www.woot.com/ has a Samsung High Efficiency Front Load Washer and Dryer for
$1,499.99 plus $5 shipping.

If I didn't just recently purchase a Bosh washer and dryer, I sooooo would consider this pair. It would normally be a $2500 set.
So why did I buy a Bosch? 1) On sale price. 2) Utility rebates. 3) Friend's raving. 4) Highest Energy Star rating for the washer. 5) Unlike many "American" brands . . . the Bosch is actually made in the USA.
I too now rave. After ten washings, a new tee shirt still looks as new as the day I got it.

Energy Star Clothes Dryers? :huh:
ENERGY STAR does not label clothes dryers because most dryers use similar amounts of energy.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=clot...clothes_washers

I do totally agree with buying one with a moisture sensor. I disagree with a drop-down dryer door being more convenient. The swing door on my Bosh dryer swings totally out of the way and I don't have to reach over a door that is now acting like a barrier.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sufferin' Prius Envy @ Aug 6 2007, 02:58 PM) [snapback]491411[/snapback]</div>

I am not sure very high end washer/dryers are worth it. I bought a Maytag Atlantis/stainless tub and it makes all sorts of grinding noises on occasion. I don't expect it to last much longer.

I am not sure dryer technology is as sophisticated as washer technology. I have an old electric GE and it is still going. I am sure newer models might be more energy efficient. But I don't think $1000 gets you much more than a $400-500 dryer. i think you can get a sensor on even the cheap ones.

EVery new appliance I have purchased in the last 5 years is junk - most are GE and have broken.

 

we've had bad luck with kenmore. our current washer and dryer are whirlpool, and they're pretty decent. the dryer is relatively quiet with a loud buzzer, the door swings open (doesn't bother me one bit) and it dries the clothes in what is pretty good time by my standards.

using the energy guide label, we tried to find the most efficient set for our budget at the time. 3 years later they're doing their jobs just fine. seems worth it to me.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sufferin' Prius Envy @ Aug 6 2007, 02:58 PM) [snapback]491411[/snapback]</div>

If you are really, really lazy, you're not reaching over any door. I toss my clothes from the washer to the dryer opening and if I miss, the drop-down door catches it. Sometimes I don't even aim for the dryer opening. I just toss in the general direction and the drop-down door catches it. Then I just shove everything in and am on my merry way. There's no reaching over this door. Also, I sometimes fold clothes on it, using it as a shelf (if it's a small load) before putting things in the laundry basket.

Just a personal preference. I bought it not knowing whether or not I would like it -- and now I'll never have any other kind.

 

When we went shopping for our dryer, they told us the same thing....dryers aren't labeled with energy star data.

I, too, would highly recommend a moisture sensor so that the dryer shuts off when the clothes are done.

I bought a Maytag but was informed by more than one person that you should look for a model that's manufactured in the US, if interested in Maytag. The models that are manufactured in other countries experience more frequent mechanical failures.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(maggieddd @ Aug 6 2007, 02:23 PM) [snapback]491425[/snapback]</div>

I have a Miele vacuum cleaner my previous housekeeper LOVED (my current housekeeper never made any comment about it). It's a pain to get replacement bags for, though.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(formerVWdriver @ Aug 6 2007, 12:22 PM) [snapback]491424[/snapback]</div>

My visuals while reading "really, really lazy" were quite funny . . .
I envisioned you laying on the dryer door and grunting while pulling the laundry out piece by piece. Now THAT'S lazy. :lol:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sufferin' Prius Envy @ Aug 6 2007, 04:40 PM) [snapback]491480[/snapback]</div>

If the floor was clean, I'd be there....

 

About 3 weeks ago, I purchased a Frigidaire Affinity washer & dryer. So far, I haven't had any problems and they are both run quietly, with a volume contral for the buzzer.

I got a really good deal at Best Buy. But my advice is to avoid purchasing anytihing at Best Buy because they don't communicate well with their delivery staff and I had some issues, which contributed to more discount. In other words, I demanded a partial refund and they conceded, but that's another story.

 

We bought Kenmore HE4 washer and dryer from Sears outlet.They were half price.So far they work flawlessly .
The web has horror stories about appliances including the Kenmores .Most of which there is no mention of in Consumer Reports .The HE4 is highly rated by CR.Its good to do a google search before buying.
If we had to do it over again I would buy from Costco who carry Whirlpool.They have an unlimited return policy on many big ticket items.
The high efficiency washer uses very little water and clothes come out almost dry.This saves a lot of energy, but the clothes tend to be more wrinkled and large items tangled.

 

You won't be sorry if you get one with a light inside the drum. Makes finding that missing sock a lot easier!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(maggieddd @ Aug 6 2007, 07:28 AM) [snapback]491161[/snapback]</div>

A piece of rope stretched between two poles or trees. Cheap, reliable, and very environmentally friendly. Seriously, we have a drier but haven't used it in more than 2 years. We use a drying rack during winter through you can still dry clothes outside on a line in below freezing temperatures. My grandmother did it for almost a century.

 

Most people here use three clothes driers.

If its sunny we use a clothes line.
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If its raining we put a flying nun out on the verandah
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If its cold, we use the drying rack over the oven.
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