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From: wmartin@brl-tgr.ARPA (Will Martin )
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: Washers and Dryers
Message-ID: <3953@brl-tgr.ARPA>
Date: Tue, 14-Aug-84 11:57:33 EDT
Article-I.D.: brl-tgr.3953
Posted: Tue Aug 14 11:57:33 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 16-Aug-84 02:02:18 EDT
References: <308@hou2f.UUCP>, <212@cbosgd.UUCP>
Organization: Ballistics Research Lab
Lines: 82

I have been reading the series of comments from many contributors 
about the virtues of this or that brand, and I guess its time to
jump in feet-first. It is sad to say, but I think it is a valid
observation, that the evaluations of these appliances can best be
summarized by "They don't make them like they used to."

If you are basing your approval on the washer or dryer that served your
parents or yourself well for the past two decades, or whatever
other long period that began some years (over 10) ago, I fear that
such data is inapplicable to the devices being produced today
(with the possible exception of Maytag).

For example, I used a GE electric dryer that had beloged to my 
GRANDparents for a decade or so; it was probably 15-20 years
old when I got it. There was something wrong with the high-low
heat selection, which could have been fixed if I had wanted to put
money into the machine -- since it worked fine on one position,
I never bothered. If finally failed, not from any electrical or
motor defect, but because of metal fatigue of the dryer drum
itself! (It cracked circularily around the attachment of the shaft
in the center rear, allowing the drum to bind as it turned, since
it sagged against the front panel.)

Does this mean anything with regard to currently-produced GE dryers?
Not a thing. That older device was built with heavy-duty parts, 
thicker-gauge steel, and better fasteners than the current product.

I also had a Frigidaire washer, which I bought at a used-appliance
outlet for $45, and which ran for about 15 years, with periodic
replacement of a plastic agitator part which broke every few years
and a rubber bellows which sealed the agitator to the tub. It died
from what I believe was failure of the motor-starting capacitor, a
part no longer available from Frigidaire service outlets and 
seemingly not available as a generic substitution (though I still
have the washer in case I find one).

Again, this older model is constructed with parts of far
greater durability than current models.

I replaced the GE dryer with a Norge model which had high Consumer
Reports ratings. It had belt problems within the warranty period,
and the motor died and had to be replaced soon after the warranty
expired. (That motor was no more than half the size of the still-
running GE motor from the old machine, and manufactured in such a
manner that it could not be simply opened up and re-wound or repaired.)

I replaced the Frigidaire washer with Maytag's bottom-of-the-line.
I could have bought many different washers with loads of features
for less, or no more than the Maytag cost. I (and my wife) see no
reason for such "features"; they are just things to go wrong.
If you can select water temperature, size of load, and have a
"regular" and "permanent press" cycle, you do NOT need anything
else. 

So, what do I recommend? If there is a good chance that you will move
after a year or two (if you are a student, or change jobs frequently),
buy a used older machine. Ideally, from a relative or friend who will
tell you the history and let you know of any idiosyncracies (also, this
is usually cheapest). Secondly, from an individual at a moving or
estate sale. Thirdly, from a used-appliance dealer -- check out the
older neighborhoods of big cities. You will probably have to work out
some method of moving it yourself in the former two options, and 
that can be a hassle. But if it runs when you get it, it will 
probably run as long as you need it. You can then give it away,
abandon it, or sell it at your own moving sale when you move.

If you are moving into a house and plan to stay there, then buy a
new machine. I honestly cannot recommend anything currently
produced except Maytag. (However, don't believe those "lonely
repairman" ads -- I called our local Maytag service center with
a question for days before I caught a repairman actually there;
SOMETHING was broken that they were out fixing!)

A last comment -- I really would like to hear what negative
comments anyone has about Maytag dishwashers. I sent in my
disparaging remarks about GE dishwashers to the recent "appliance
survey", and I had hoped that Maytags would be good, so I could
plan on putting one in when our current GE finally dies. Now
I see that all is not good news about Maytags. I don't know
where else to look, now!

Will Martin