Posted: 4/4/2013 7:03:35 PM EDT
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So I need to get a washer/dryer combo for a new apartment, but space is at a premium so I'm 99% sure I need a stackable unit. Any have anything good or bad to say about these things/ any brands to steer clear of? One I was looking at was the Maytag Neptune series |
| If you decide to go that route with front-loaders, consider stacking the washer on top of the dryer. It makes transferring wet clothes to the dryer easier, particularly if your dryer door opens downward - Just open the dryer door, drop your wet clothes down on it, close it, and you're done. |
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Don't buy a stackable unless you absolutely have to. interesting, are they just pure crap? I've always had separate units and a top load washer, so I'm completely new to these front loaders (and kind of skeptical) The drawbacks to a front load is once you start the cycle you can't stop it to toss the one sock you missed in and the rubber gasket can start to smell funky if you don't let it dry out, by leaving the door open after your done or wiping it down. They should be more energy and water efficient. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Don't buy a stackable unless you absolutely have to. interesting, are they just pure crap? I've always had separate units and a top load washer, so I'm completely new to these front loaders (and kind of skeptical) Well they're smaller and expensive as hell. My mother needs a new set and they all seem to be $1100+ for a new set. Typically when you have an appliance that combines two things it's more troublesome though like a TV with a built in VCR/DVD/Blu-Ray player. I remember when I worked at Best Buy in my teens that the employee discount (at cost plus 7%) sucked for insurance on dual use units like that because it's a lot more expensive because they are more problematic in general. |
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I used one for a number of years when I was single. No problems. A bit smaller than a normal set. Using one now. Works just fine for 1-2 people. I dont see it being any more trouble-prone than a regular washer/dryer. Seem to be on Craigslist fairly often. That's where I found mine. |
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Don't buy a stackable unless you absolutely have to. interesting, are they just pure crap? I've always had separate units and a top load washer, so I'm completely new to these front loaders (and kind of skeptical) Well they're smaller and expensive as hell. My mother needs a new set and they all seem to be $1100+ for a new set. Typically when you have an appliance that combines two things it's more troublesome though like a TV with a built in VCR/DVD/Blu-Ray player. You're confusing stackables with all-in-ones. Many of the stackable washers and dryers don't cost one penny more than their non-stackable counterparts - In fact, otherwise identical models are often available in either configuration, at the same price. Essentially, the only difference is that stackable versions have their controls located on the front side, rather than on top of it. |
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I work in an appliance store. If by stackable you mean the one piece unit with the dryer on top I wouldn't. They have VERY small capacities. You could get a set of front-loaders for around the same price. They can be stacked dryer on top with a stack-kit for ~$20. They are mostly 27" wide and when stacked will be around 6' high. As far as the smell, wipe out the gasket with a towel when you're done or leave the door open. Run it every one to three months on normal cycle with a cup of bleach and no clothes. This helps to clean it out and will help with the smell if you notice one. And also make sure you use HE (high-efficiency) soap. Also don't overload it because you'll kill the bearings on the back of the drum.
ETA- Buy the extra warranty at least on the washer. You'll be happy you did. |
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I had an all-in-one in an apartment, but it was the complex's problem, not mine.
Stackable front loaders shouldn't have any problems that Front Loaders don't have. But... a year in an apartment? I wouldn't buy. You only stack if you have to, so you'll dump 'em as soon as you move. |
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I've had two. Still have one. The one I have at my cabin is fine. Probably runs 10-12 loads a year. Have had it for 7 years without trouble. The one I had at my house only lasted about 3 years. It was too hard to fix. I bought a stackable front loader. Still have it 10 years later.
If you can find a newer one cheap on CL, then go for it. If you want it too last 10 years, skip it. |
| My family has owned Maytag products for more the 40 years, they all seem to last a really long time. The last washer we had I gave to a friend because his 70s Maytag the chain had snapped, the mid 80s one we had still worked find, but wanted larger one. The mid 80s Maytag drier we had died in around 2001. The Maytag drier we have had since then is still going strong. I would have no problem buying another Maytag product. The mid 80s washer I gave to my friend is still going strong as well, the only thing we ever replaced on it was a small rubber gasket, that tears about every 10 years or so, it's a $6 part and takes about 5 mins to replace. |