Washing machine emergency

[Anonymous]

Washing machine died recently (Whirlpool duo front load). First, we had to wait for the part. Then, the part did not work in the machine. Repair person is now saying that the availability of parts is highly constrained and suggests that we just buy new. We initially went the repair route because we have the impression that new machines are also highly constrained. Oh 2021...

As I have not been secretly coveting getting a new washer and/or dryer or done any research, 1) where have DMV people had success in obtaining machines recently and what models appear to be in stock? 2) What brands would you recommend?

I don't feel strongly about having a front load, except that it may need to be a front load due to the outlet, dryer exhaust and water configuration in our upstairs laundry room.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

When our washing machine broke a couple of months ago the repair guy was upfront that the piece would take a long time and washing machines are not made like they used to so break more frequently. He suggested buying a new one. I also had not thought about buying a new one so had done no research. Home Depot and Lowe’s had signs on their machines with the estimated delivery date so I shopped with that in mind. I ended up going with Costco and got it in less than a week. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

We bought a $550 washer instead of repairing our 5 year old more expensive one. Between our houses we have multiple higher end machines the $550 outperforms all of them hands down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When our washing machine broke a couple of months ago the repair guy was upfront that the piece would take a long time and washing machines are not made like they used to so break more frequently. He suggested buying a new one. I also had not thought about buying a new one so had done no research. Home Depot and Lowe’s had signs on their machines with the estimated delivery date so I shopped with that in mind. I ended up going with Costco and got it in less than a week. Good luck.

Thanks! An option that we did not think of. Tell me more. Does Costco install and remove the old or did you need to arrange that separately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When our washing machine broke a couple of months ago the repair guy was upfront that the piece would take a long time and washing machines are not made like they used to so break more frequently. He suggested buying a new one. I also had not thought about buying a new one so had done no research. Home Depot and Lowe’s had signs on their machines with the estimated delivery date so I shopped with that in mind. I ended up going with Costco and got it in less than a week. Good luck.

Thanks! An option that we did not think of. Tell me more. Does Costco install and remove the old or did you need to arrange that separately.

Costco did the install and removal as part of the free delivery.

[Anonymous]

We had to do this in November. I shopped online and honestly, looked at ratings and reviews. We also had a tight spot so there were not many that fit our closet. Then, searched till I found them in stock. Like Home Depot had the washer in white and the dryer and black and Best Buy had the opposite and managed to find both in black at Lowe’s. Wasn’t my first choice color, but it was available. Lowe’s price matched the other stores as their price was a good bit higher. There was some confusion and installation took two attempts.

[Anonymous]

Check with M&M on Blair Road about what they have in stock. They're a good family-owned company and they don't push higher-end models than you need. I've found their installation reliable.

[Anonymous]

When our washer died last year, we got a replacement from Bray and Scarff within a few days. There are a couple of models they say they keep in stock. Lowes also had washers in stock that could be delivered within few days. Decide on the size/set up of the washer you need for your space first, then look at availability.

The online reviews for most washers are all over the place -- in that there isn't a machine or brand that people seem to universally like. We got a GE washer and I have no complaints so far.

[Anonymous]

Timely thread for our family:
If you have stacked washer and dryer, what are the odds that the old dryer won't stack on the new washer, if you buy the same brand but 10 years apart? I don't want to replace the dryer.

[Anonymous]

Got a basic tip load agitator washer from Best Buy. Install within 4 days and they take the old machine.

[Anonymous]

I had to replace our dryer and was able to get a cheap, serviceable one at Lowes in two days. They have things in stock if you are willing to get a basic model. It was $450 so I will just replace it in a few years if it breaks. It was an Amana which is serviced by Whirlpool.

[Anonymous]

Our 2003 era machine died last week. We didnt bother with repair bc our local guy said it was not worth it.

I used wirecutters and consumer reports for recs. Both recommend LG front-loading turbo HE washer.
WM3900HWA
WM4000HBA

Home depot had a 3 week lag time for delivery of almost all machines but they do have floor models for sale and we almost got one of them instead. Costco didnt have gray color we wanted for immediate delivery but had the white. Best buy had the model and color in stock and delivered 3 days later (broke Monday AM, ordered Monday PM, delivered Thursday midday).

[Anonymous]

How do you know whether your new washer will stack with your old dryer?

[Anonymous]

I have purchased a washer/dryer, stove, and dishwasher from Costco during the pandemic (yes, my house was last renovated in 2008). They have been reasonably quick all through the pandemic, the delivery folks and installers are good and professional, and they haul away the old appliance.

Plus they help with warranty issues.

Appliance purchases at Costco are not necessarily less expensive than from other stores, but the installation and haul away (and great customer service) is invaluable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you know whether your new washer will stack with your old dryer?

I'm the OP. We ended up going to the independent mentioned above (M&M), rather than a big box, figuring that the odds were better that they would be able/incentivized to tell us. I took a picture of the model/serial number of the dryer with us. We were able to find a new Whirlpool washer that could stack with our dryer. It is now delivered, stacked and operational. So far, so good.

NB: The supply of washers is really constrained. We had two choices. We picked the best of the two.