Washer & Dryer Recs (Steam Dryer?)

[SoonerTexan]

Thinking about replacing our washer/dryer soon. It sits open in a niche between the baby's bedroom and our kitchen and they are so loud it is ridiculous. I was thinking about trying to enclose the space somehow and then I did laundry at my MIL's house and realized it would be a lot more efficient to just get machines that don't sound like a warzone...and aren't so hard on our clothes.

So with that...what do you love/hate? I'm not set on a front loader (that's actually what we have now and the setup is fine with me, they are just old and loud), but I did really like the Whirlpool Duet set my MIL has.

Also...are steam dryers worth it? I do tend to be someone that doesn't get to the dryer immediately when it stops. It looks like it's another $100. Does it save any ironing at all?

[ides]

I don't know about the steam dryers. Sounds cool though.

I have a whirlpool duet front loader set. Works fine. It's the only front loader I've had so I can't compare it to others. It's spin cycle is a bit loud but other than that it's not noisy. If you want to go top loader I suggest a Speed Queen. My friend floves hers.

[JDAZ11]

I have a steam washer and dryer as of last week. Haven't tried either feature, but I think my mom tried the steam dryer on a set of sheets that I usually iron because they get so wrinkled (thanks anthropologie). I think it made a slight difference, but nothing remarkable. But the sheets may be an extreme test. I've never seen anything so wrinkled even after promptly removing it from the dryer.

I don't know the brand, but not sure I've used them enough to really recommend them anyway. They are quiet though.


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[Thirteen]

Washer & Dryer Recs (Steam Dryer?)

We have a steam dryer but it isn't hooked up to the water line presently.
(I'm no help.) 😄

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[scrub-jay]

I never use the steam feature on ours, but I also don't iron. I recommend checking consumer reports and if you buy online, ebates.

[JDAZ11]

They are LG. I will say that there is a slight front loader smell. I don't think it's that bad, but my mom complained constantly (she recently got rid of her front loader - it was new and a maytag). It is totally gone after using one of those washer pods, but I didn't like the way that smelled either and not sure I'll use again. We only have room for stackables, so front loaders are here to stay unless I move the machines into the basement.... Not happening.


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[MrsC]

We have LG front loaders. They're 5 years old with no problems. They don't have the steam feature though.
We got the pedestals for them because of a space issue at our last house and they're very quiet. No vibrations on the floor or anything, less bending and more storage so worth the extra $.
Personally, I wouldn't go back to a top load with little kids. The water savings alone are huge.
JDAZ, I use the tide tub cleaner every couple of months. It smells like detergent and works well. I also wipe around the rubber every now and then. I think that where the water collects. I've never had a smell affect clothes though.

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[scrub-jay]

Washer & Dryer Recs (Steam Dryer?)

We have LG too, I use the Chlorox washing tub cleaner every month or so, faint smell of bleach when it finishes and we have no odor issues. I keep the front loader smell at bay by leaving the door ajar to air out so the rubber won't mildew. We're also good about the regular maintenance (draining and cleaning the filter out).

[Pollyanna]

Get the Maytag Bravos XL. Seriously the best machines I've ever used. It's the best combination of old school cleaning power and new technology. Plus they are huge! I've had front loaders and these are worlds better IMO. The drier has the steam function but I'm and ironer so don't find that I really use it but could be great for those that would utilize the function.

[ides]

I don't have any issue with smell with my front loader. I do the clean cycle occasionally with vinegar as I hate the smell of the cleaner tablets, it works great and is cheaper. I also leave the door open to dry out btwn washes.

[HouseofWool]

I have a front loader and won't do it again. I feel like stuff doesn't get as clean.

When it is time to replace, it will be with a speed queen. They have all metal parts, so no plastic to break down. Also, I want something without electronics.

[Pollyanna]

I have a front loader and won't do it again. I feel like stuff doesn't get as clean.

Yes!!!! Completely agree! The difference is huge! Honestly, I'd get an old fashioned machine with an agitator before I'd buy a front loader.

[mommax3]

We have two Kenmore top loaders that don't have agitators and are he. I love them. One of our dryers has the steam setting and one doesn't....it rarely gets used. Honestly, Downy Wrinkle Release Spray works just as well.


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[civilspouse]

We have a Kenmore top loader with no agitator that is he. I hate it. I am not picky but it does not get clothes clean. When we first moved it I pulled "clean" clothes out covered in dirt. With little ones who get clothes very dirty it is a pain. I've had to get much better about pre-treating. In our last house we had a basic top loading Maytag I think. I miss that. My sister has had the same problem with her machine that is he without an agitator, I don't know what brand it is though. If we replace this I'm going old school.


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[SoonerTexan]

We also leave the door ajar on the front loader we have now and I've never had a smell issue. My MIL does complain about that on her whirlpool though. I was impressed at how clean it got my clothes when I used it.

And duh...I forgot a steam dryer would need to be connected to a water line. I need to make sure that wouldn't be an issue. Sounds like most don't get a lot of use out of it.