New washer

[Dan C]

Well, I guess you answered your own question, huh?

[zxcvbob]

If you use an electric clothes dryer, you will make up that $37 in a couple of months. (A gas dryer will take a little longer.) That energy star washer is probably a front loader, and the clothes will come out damp instead of wet and they take less than half the time to dry.

The front loader also only take half as much soap. If you use a full measure of soap you will "suds lock" it.

Best regards, Bob

[SQLit]

Before I moved this time and bought the Neptune series washer and dryer. I used to find used washer dealers and get a Kenmore/Maytag for under $200 delivered. (got no idea about now). Most of the time they would take the old one away if I helped a little. I owned 5 used washers in 30 years. Only had one problem and they just replaced the washer.

Just a wild ass thought from the outfield

[Ed]

"The Dave©" wrote

Are they the same brand? What is the brand? If they are the same brand you are unlikely to save energy with the more expensive model. Motor, transmission, pump, etc. are most likely the same.

[Ed]

"The Dave©" wrote

As someone who has been servicing appliances for 30 years may I suggest to you that Whirlpool makes a nicer machine for under $300 and it's super capacity.

$279 Roper $329 Estate, you get a little more.

Roper and Estate are made by Whirlpool, same machine, same warranty, lower price.

[Kathy]

No way it is a front-loader for 400 bucks.

[stevef]

when we purchased our present house, i purchased a new Maytag washer & dryer. this was in 1984.

we are still using both machines. if i purchased a new Maytag today, would it still be just as good as the old one?? who knows? I have done some minor repairs on both washer and dryer; replace heating element is dryer about 8 months ago. but both are still going strong.

BTW, these machines survived two teenagers.

[stevef]

"stevef" wrote

In my opinion, no it wouldn't be as good.

That's interesting. Why would you prefer Kenmore over the Whiirlpool if you think they are the same?

[Ed]

"stevef" wrote

In my opinion, no it wouldn't be as good.

That's interesting. Why would you prefer Kenmore over the Whiirlpool if you think they are the same?

[The Dave©]

I need to buy a new washing machine. I have narrowed it down to two models. One is a base model for $287. The other is an energy saver (Enerygy Star) model for $399. With the energy saver model I can get a rebate from my power company for $75, making the real price $324, or $37 more than the base model. The base model has water level and temperature choices and that's about it, while the other model does more stuff. Being a guy, I wash clothes, I don't get fancy. I can separate colors and whites and wash hot and cold accordingly. I would probably never use the vast majority of the extra features. My question is this: Would the money I save on electricity actually make up for the $37 extra price quickly, or would it take me 8 years to make that back? Just looking for a general answer, btw, I don't need a to-the-cent breakdown.

[The Dave©]

They are the same brand, GE. In GE's whole line, some are rated "Energy Star" and qualify for rebates from the power company, and some aren't. Price is not necessarily a determining factor in what qualifies and what does not as some more expensive ones do not qualify.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

You're going to live with it for 10 or 15 years. Why agonize over $37 if you get some added features or capacity. Just buy a reliable brand. Yes, you will probably save a few bucks a year, but that depends on how much laundry you do. Not enough info to give a number.

[The Dave©]

In this case, both washers are top loaders.

[The Dave©]

I'll check them out. I looked at Whirlpool when I got a new dryer 2 years ago, but I hated their lint trap design. I went with the GE then, and the easier and less frustrating lint trap was a big reason. Simple, I know. I'm not one to be attched to having a matching washer & dryer, so I will check out the ones you suggest. Thanks.

[The Dave©]

I did think of that. I'm gonna have it for a long time, and maybe I'll marry someone who would have a use for the extra features. Generally, when I buy stereo equipment, and the such, I like to buy more than I know or need. That gives me the flexibility should the need or desire arise later and I don't have to replace it too soon.

[Joseph Meehan]

Unless there is some information on the labels of the machines, it is difficult to tell what the difference really is. I am going to guess those extra features got it the energy star notation. By using the right combination of features you can save energy that you could not save on the standard machine. It may be water levels (biggest saver in a washer) or run time etc. I would not expect to save a lot of money, but I am going to guess you will save more than enough to make up for the price difference.

[Travis Jordan]

What are the comparative numbers for annual energy use on the big yellow stickers?

[Phisherman]

[Dee]

About 9 years ago we were on a seriously tight budget when our washer died. We went to either Best Buy or Circuit City and bought a $199.00 (on sale, I think -- reg. price $249.99) Whirlpool washer and it's never given a moment's trouble. There are no bells and whistles other than a short wash and a long wash and water temp. selector, but that was fine with me. I'm a no-frills clothes washer, too.

[Travis Jordan]

Simpler is demonstrably better when it comes to reliability. The low cost and mechanically simple Roper washers and dryers have the lowest repair rates according to Consumers Reports.