Front Load Washer recommendations?

[Ahultin]

I believe my 20 yr old whirlpool duet washing machine has finally beat me ( it seems to be draining only when it wants to) Other than needing to relace a relay on the main board around 8yrs in and a warranty replacement of the tub at about 14yrs, it has been rock solid. I am inclined to go with another whirlpool set as ive had such a positive experience but also recognize that my current units are german made while the new ones... are not. Anyone have any suggestions on a solid replacement? I am open to research any with the exception of Samsung - i have had zero luck with Samsung appliances to the point that im not willing to give them another chance lol.
1 caveat is that it must be a "standard height" front load as when we built the home we carried the granite counter top over the washer dryer.

 

[txgunlover]

I just replaced a 16 year old Samsung that never had a problem (until the rubber seal on the door got bad after 16 years) with another Samsung. I had a Speedqueen prior to the 1st Samsung.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I’m a top load man unfortunately. Speed Queen is an AMAZING brand of laundry equipment (they started off in the commercial world and do residential too). Solid machines that last forever. No fluff, no bells and whistles, NO WIFI/IOT nonsense. Just built like tanks and designed to outlive you and, possibly, your children.

 

[W.J.Christy]

I just replaced my 14 year old LG front load set with another LG front load set. The 14 year old ones where still operational when I took them out and sold them.

 

[Newdude]

I left the fancy front loader LGs after 15 years for fancy top loader Samsungs and can't wait to go back.

My LG door seal failed at some point and it was a $75 DIY fix courtesy of YouTube. Other than that, neither machine ever complained. The 5 piece Samsung package has kept me busy as an appliance repairman.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Washing machines are like modern cars nowadays - they got way too fancy and the number of subcomponents that can go bad or leak are ridiculous. The hose runs from the various parts of the dispenser compartment are all cheap, thin walled plastic with compression spring clamps … also made of slightly less cheap plastic. That’s why I like my Speed Queen - there is literally one (1) fill line and one (drain) line. The motor is outboard of the drum and connected to it by a transmission. The inverter power supply is a separate module bolted to the inside frame that houses all the electronics and sensors. The top of the machine where the button and knobs are are all analogue switches and dials. There is one wire harness in the entire thing. Everything is accessible from the front of the machine through one maintenance door. You don’t need 5 arms or have to be supermodel gaunt to get to any of it. The parts are all made in the USA (Wisconsin) and you can get them in AZ via overnight mail if you’re in a rush and pay for it. Otherwise standard delivery is like 2-3 days. You couldn’t ask for a more fixable machine. Clearly designed by someone that loathes modern products with their fancy shells and impossible to reach hardware.

 

[JamesW]

 

[wireform]

Washing machines are like modern cars nowadays - they got way too fancy and the number of subcomponents that can go bad or leak are ridiculous. The hose runs from the various parts of the dispenser compartment are all cheap, thin walled plastic with compression spring clamps … also made of slightly less cheap plastic. That’s why I like my Speed Queen - there is literally one (1) fill line and one (drain) line. The motor is outboard of the drum and connected to it by a transmission. The inverter power supply is a separate module bolted to the inside frame that houses all the electronics and sensors. The top of the machine where the button and knobs are are all analogue switches and dials. There is one wire harness in the entire thing. Everything is accessible from the front of the machine through one maintenance door. You don’t need 5 arms or have to be supermodel gaunt to get to any of it. The parts are all made in the USA (Wisconsin) and you can get them in AZ via overnight mail if you’re in a rush and pay for it. Otherwise standard delivery is like 2-3 days. You couldn’t ask for a more fixable machine. Clearly designed by someone that loathes modern products with their fancy shells and impossible to reach hardware.

Model number??

 

[Newdude]

That’s why I like my Speed Queen - there is literally one (1) fill line and one (drain) line. The motor is outboard of the drum and connected to it by a transmission. The inverter power supply is a separate module bolted to the inside frame that houses all the electronics and sensors. The top of the machine where the button and knobs are are all analogue switches and dials. There is one wire harness in the entire thing

The TC3 is $1129 and the TC5 is $1329. So, i'll pay double for half as many things to possibly go wrong. AND be happy about it !!!!

What is the world coming to ?

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Model number??

Washer is the TC5003WN and the dryer is DC5003WE.

I got those models specifically because they are old school knobs and buttons. No digital front membrane pads. Speed Queen makes the more “modern” TR/DR style machines with digital front panel controls. I try to stay away from digital where possible as they cost 10X what a button or knob costs to replace.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

And, for what it’s worth, my wife HATES the machines because they require one to think about what cycle and temperature you want. Unlike modern machines that have all the “preset” fabric options. Then again, I do most of the laundry in the house and I’m the family handyman so what I want is what we get …

I told when I’m dead she can sell them and buy nice LG machines …

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Calling @Mdragger88 for back up … she’s another Speed Queen enthusiast …

 

[Bperry]

I believe my 20 yr old whirlpool duet washing machine has finally beat me ( it seems to be draining only when it wants to) Other than needing to relace a relay on the main board around 8yrs in and a warranty replacement of the tub at about 14yrs, it has been rock solid. I am inclined to go with another whirlpool set as ive had such a positive experience but also recognize that my current units are german made while the new ones... are not. Anyone have any suggestions on a solid replacement? I am open to research any with the exception of Samsung - i have had zero luck with Samsung appliances to the point that im not willing to give them another chance lol.
1 caveat is that it must be a "standard height" front load as when we built the home we carried the granite counter top over the washer dryer.

I’ve got the same bias against Samsung appliances after a bad washer experience. We just went back to top load whirlpool (made in the USA) as it’s easier to not have to worry about which side the door opens when it’s next to the dryer.

 

[Mdragger88]

I specifically sought out an older speed queen with straight up knobs only- the newer ones have capacitive touch buttons that I don’t care for. I also didn’t have $2k to drop on a set. I am currently actively seeking the matching dryer to complete my set but in the interim I have a cheepo basic Amana dryer. (ie. Whirlpool)
It gets the job done just fine. Truth be told theres not much to a basic dryer (most components are pretty cheap & easily replaced) & there’s really no need for one to be complicated. I don’t even want sensor dry. Just a timer, heat selection & go button. (Maybe a light - which is nice)
The style of dryer i have is unchanged in the last 40 years.
The washers are the real meat & potatoes of the deal - the dryer is just a side item that people buy because it matches their new washer usually, not generally because theirs is dead. The manufacturers know this & price them as high as the washers they match making tons of profit. With speed queen washers the majority of the cost is in the hard working components. Metal stuff, instead of plastic. So the price is higher even without fancy “infotainment” controls.
Unfortunately The only front load speed queens without fancy controls that I know of are these commercial models which may not adhere to your dimension needs as the controls are on the top sticking up similar to a top load. These are “on premises” models (for army bases/dorms & such)

Speed Queen 963510 $4,938.00

Front Load Energy Star LFN50RSP115TW01 27" Washer with LDE30RGS173TW01 27" Electirc Dryer Commercial Laundry Pair in White

www.appliancesconnection.com

The problem with those neat control panels that sing to you and whatnot is that they’re usually quite expensive to replace along with their motherboards. The cost to repair those things can usurp that of a new washer! Most people use the same setting on their washer 99% of the time anyway.
Alliance laundry systems (who makes speed queen) also makes Huebsch - they are quite pricey as well but very robust & long warranties. All their front loaders have digital controls.
Some dealers carry both lines.
I sold my fancy lg front load set to get the older speed queen and I am very happy with my choice. My lg washer was starting to become off balance quite regularly. I suspect all the hub’s heavy & filthy work clothes were just too much. When you have lots of dirt & grime you need water to wash it away so the front loader just wasn’t a good fit for us. My laundry is also in a closet in my kitchen so it was an eyesore having to leave that open all the time when not in use.
If you must get a consumer grade front loader with a display I suggest looking up the replacement parts for the model you are looking at to get an idea of price & availability. Whirlpool (maytag,amana) parts should be readily available at least.

 

[Mdragger88]

I’ve got the same bias against Samsung appliances after a bad washer experience. We just went back to top load whirlpool (made in the USA) as it’s easier to not have to worry about which side the door opens when it’s next to the dryer.

The doors on front loaders as well as dryers are usually reversible.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I specifically sought out an older speed queen with straight up knobs only- the newer ones have capacitive touch buttons that I don’t care for. I also didn’t have $2k to drop on a set. I am currently actively seeking the matching dryer to complete my set but in the interim I have a cheepo basic Amana dryer. (ie. Whirlpool)
It gets the job done just fine. Truth be told theres not much to a basic dryer (most components are pretty cheap & easily replaced) & there’s really no need for one to be complicated. I don’t even want sensor dry. Just a timer, heat selection & go button. (Maybe a light - which is nice)
The style of dryer i have is unchanged in the last 40 years.
The washers are the real meat & potatoes of the deal - the dryer is just a side item that people buy because it matches their new washer usually, not generally because theirs is dead. The manufacturers know this & price them as high as the washers they match making tons of profit. With speed queen washers the majority of the cost is in the hard working components. Metal stuff, instead of plastic. So the price is higher even without fancy “infotainment” controls.
Unfortunately The only front load speed queens without fancy controls that I know of are these commercial models which may not adhere to your dimension needs as the controls are on the top sticking up similar to a top load. These are “on premises” models (for army bases/dorms & such)

Speed Queen 963510 $4,938.00

Front Load Energy Star LFN50RSP115TW01 27" Washer with LDE30RGS173TW01 27" Electirc Dryer Commercial Laundry Pair in White

www.appliancesconnection.com

The problem with those neat control panels that sing to you and whatnot is that they’re usually quite expensive to replace along with their motherboards. The cost to repair those things can usurp that of a new washer! Most people use the same setting on their washer 99% of the time anyway.
Alliance laundry systems (who makes speed queen) also makes Huebsch - they are quite pricey as well but very robust & long warranties. All their front loaders have digital controls.
Some dealers carry both lines.
I sold my fancy lg front load set to get the older speed queen and I am very happy with my choice. My lg washer was starting to become off balance quite regularly. I suspect all the hub’s heavy & filthy work clothes were just too much. When you have lots of dirt & grime you need water to wash it away so the front loader just wasn’t a good fit for us. My laundry is also in a closet in my kitchen so it was an eyesore having to leave that open all the time when not in use.
If you must get a consumer grade front loader with a display I suggest looking up the replacement parts for the model you are looking at to get an idea of price & availability. Whirlpool (maytag,amana) parts should be readily available at least.

Great summary!! Agree 100%.

I actually have been thinking of getting rid of the spare Speed Queen washer I bought and put in the casita and going back to closet combo washer/dryer. My son who took over the casita hates that he has to bring the clothes in the house to use the dryer. The combo closet units are tiny compared to standard units but it’s one kid’s worth of clothes … not a big deal. Sadly, the Speed Queen closet combo units are wicked-expensive. My 2nd/spare washer is only a year old with minimal use but I suspect I’d have a hard time recouping what I purchased it for.

 

[Mdragger88]

Great summary!! Agree 100%.

I actually have been thinking of getting rid of the spare Speed Queen washer I bought and put in the casita and going back to closet combo washer/dryer. My son who took over the casita hates that he has to bring the clothes in the house to use the dryer. The combo closet units are tiny compared to standard units but it’s one kid’s worth of clothes … not a big deal. Sadly, the Speed Queen closet combo units are wicked-expensive. My 2nd/spare washer is only a year old with minimal use but I suspect I’d have a hard time recouping what I purchased it for.

Lucky for you they still make a couple “old school” combos. With plain ole knobs.
My mom has one in her little house- her only issue is large comforters so she washes those at the laundry mat. I suspect you don’t need super thick comforters at the casita?

 

[Gebo]

This is what I'm talking about....

 

[Bperry]

The doors on front loaders as well as dryers are usually reversible.

Not on my Samsung washer. it was also hard to get it to drain completely so it would clog up with biofilms and other yuck that was impossible to clean out completely (even with ahhsome!), then the filter would clog up so the yuck would overflow into the barrel onto our clothes. People say you should leave the door open to help it dry out between uses.

Oddly enough the washer was still operational but the dryer kept having problems I I kept spending money on and the goofy door on the wrong side was just the last straw on not repairing it anymore.

 

[Mdragger88]

Not on my Samsung washer. it was also hard to get it to drain completely so it would clog up with biofilms and other yuck that was impossible to clean out completely (even with ahhsome!), then the filter would clog up so the yuck would overflow into the barrel onto our clothes. People say you should leave the door open to help it dry out between uses.

Oddly enough the washer was still operational but the dryer kept having problems I I kept spending money on and the goofy door on the wrong side was just the last straw on not repairing it anymore.

On my lg’s they both flipped. Those extra filter things are definitely a pain. So thankful I never had a backup! Mine were working fine (except the heavy loads) but I knew I didn’t want to be in a bind if they croaked & I couldn’t get parts so I sold them while still operational & as a set to recoup some $$ after I found the good deal on the barely used speed queen. The washer did make alot of noise when filling- I had the valves replaced under warranty but it still did it.
Got the sq for $150 - it was a single older man’s & it hadn’t been used in over a year since he passed away. Ran some ahhsome passes, along with bleach then oxi clean. & Bought a cheap amana dryer off fb marketplace for $60 while I search for the sq perfect mate