Reader Mail: Washer/Dryer Recommendation Please!

From Trina:

First of all, thank you for creating such a helpful
blog!

I am in the market for a new washer/dryer. I've been researching online and checking out the major stores (Home Depot, Lowes, Sears, etc), but I can't seem to find a washer that fits my needs. I would love to hear your recommendations. I don't really need any fancy features, but here is my criteria (in no particular order):

1. Second-story. Our laundry room is located on the 2nd story and I've read that many front-loaders don't do well there.
2. Price. I preferably want to stay under or at $1000/each range.
3. Needs to be energy efficient/water saving.
4. Front-load/top-load. I really don't have a preference, but I've read that the HE top-loaders leave clothes extremely wrinkled if you don't take them out right away.

If you get a chance, please let me know which washer works for me (I'd most likely purchase the matching dryer).

Thank you in advance!
Trina

Thank you for writing, Trina!

Based upon what you have told me, I would recommend a Fisher & Paykel top load washer, or a Samsung front load washer. Let me tell you why.

1) Second story installation: You are correct that many front load washers do not perform well on the second floor, although manufacturers are attempting to remedy the problems. If you decide to go with a top load washer, vibration will not be much of a concern. And with the Fisher & Paykel washers, you can get the advantages of extremely high spin speeds in a configuration that won't be knocking pictures from your walls.

Samsung front load washers offer something they call VRT, short for Vibration Reduction Technology. I do not know exactly what they have done to reduce vibration, and it is hard to find credible user data since the machines are so new, but I believe these machines would be worth exploring.

2) Price. Points for the Fisher & Paykel washers, which run around $600, more than half the cost of the $1,300 Samsung washers.

3) Energy efficiency. Both washers are extremely efficient. You can view the Fisher & Paykel energy guide here, and the Samsung energy guide here. What's remarkable is that the Fisher & Paykel is so efficient, and is really the only high-efficiency top load washer I would recommend.

So based on your needs, my first choice for you would be a Fisher & Paykel top load washer. I have sold a lot of them, and know a lot of people who have had them a while and love them. You get a lot of washer for about half the price (or more) of a high-end front load washer.

If you decide to splurge and go the front load route, I would recommend the Samsung with VRT. Yes, these are new washers, but early reports online are saying the VRT does exactly what it is supposed to do. I owned a Maytag Neptune, designed and built by Samsung, and it was a great washer. Yeah, a couple recalls, but you can probably rest assured they fixed those problems for this new generation of washers.

Thanks for writing, and let me know what you decide!

Brad

UPDATE: July 29, 2007

Response from Trina:

Hi Brad,

I just wanted to thank you for your recommendation of the Fisher and Paykel washer. I ended up purchasing the EcoSmart washer and matching dryer at Lowe's. I've used it for about a week now and I absolutely love both. They are just what I was looking for and through your guidance, I found them! So, thank you, thank you, thank you. My sister, who also has a second floor washroom, bought a pair as well!

I will definitely recommend your blog to anyone who is in the market for a new washer.

Keep up the great work,

Trina