The subject of warranty is one that is often overlooked when purchasing a new washer/dryer. Most consumers will ask what kind of warranty comes with the machine, but that is usually as far as it goes. Besides, about a third of all consumers purchase an extended warranty with their new laundry set (that percentage is probably higher with higher-end HE laundry), which in many cases makes the terms of the manufacturer's warranty a moot point.

But it is still important information to have. I have taken the time to research the manufacturer's warranties of every major manufacturer to give you an easy reference when shopping for your new laundry set.


Before we dig in, a few notes.

1) You need to understand that beyond the stated return policy, retailers have no liability or obligation to what they sell. What I mean is if you buy a Whirlpool Cabrio washer (despite my many instances of saying not to buy the Cabrio/Oasis/Bravos) from Lowe's, and you have problems four months after buying it, Lowe's has no obligation to take care of the problem for you. They may refer you to a servicer, but that is likely the extent to which they will go. Not to say they will not do anything, because Lowe's does tend to offer pretty good customer service. But they don't have to.

2) The terms of the warranty, usually spelled out in the use and care guide (the owner's manual), spells out the terms of the warranty and each party's obligations. If you purchase the product, you are also accepting the terms of the warranty, except in states which may prohibit certain exclusions or have other requirements.

3) A warranty is not always all-inclusive. There are two aspects of a repair and a warranty: parts and labor. You need to know what is being covered and for how long. Every manufacturer provides at least one year full parts and labor. What this means is if you have a problem during the first year, all trip charges, costs for parts, and labor charges are paid for by the manufacturer. Some manufacturers offer additional coverage beyond the first year, but those are usually on specific parts and cover only the cost of the part. The consumer would still need to pay for any trip and labor charges.

With that, following is what I have found. I have separated information by manufacturer and listed them in alphabetical order. This made the most sense, since some manufacturers will provide different warranties based on the individual product. Please remember I assume no liability in providing any of the following information as it is subject to change without notice. Consult the warranty documentation that comes with the machine.

Amana (Whirlpool): 1 year full parts/labor. No coverage beyond the first year.

Asko: 2 years full parts/labor. If the appliance is registered within the first 90 days, an additional year is added for a total of 3 years full parts/labor.

Bosch: 1 year full parts/labor. No coverage beyond the first year.

Fisher & Paykel: 2 years full parts/labor. No coverage beyond the second year. More information about Fisher & Paykel can be found in these posts.

Frigidaire: 1 year full parts/labor. No coverage beyond the first year.

GE Profile frontload washer, WPDH8800 (General Electric): 1 year full parts/labor. 4 years additional on the suspension strut assembly, motor and motor controller (parts only). 9 years additional on the outer tub and drive pulley (parts only). More information on the WPDH880 can be found in this post.

GE Profile Harmony (General Electric): 1 year full parts/labor. 4 years additional on the suspension strut assembly, motor and motor controller (parts only). 9 years additional on the motor and outer tub (parts).

GE Profile WPGT9150 (General Electric): 1 year full parts/labor. 4 years additional on the suspension strut assembly, motor and motor controller (parts only). 9 years additional on the motor and outer tub (parts).

GE Profile top load (General Electric): 1 year full parts/labor. 4 additional years on the suspension rod and spring assembly and main electronic control board (parts only). 9 additional years on the shaft and tube assembly and outer wash tub (parts only).

GE (General Electric): 1 year full parts/labor. No coverage beyond the first year. Includes frontload and top load laundry.

Kenmore: 1 year full parts/labor. No coverage beyond the first year.

LG: 1 year full parts/labor. 1 additional year on the electronic control board (parts only). 6 additional years on the motor (parts only). Want to read more on LG? Then check out these posts.

Maytag (Whirlpool): 1 year full parts/labor. No coverage beyond the first year.

Samsung: 1 year full parts/labor. 1 additional year on the electronic control board (parts only). More information on Samsung can be found in these posts.

Speed Queen: 3 years full parts/labor. 2 years additional on the motor and cabinet (parts only). 9 years additional on the transmission. Read a bit more on Speed Queen in this post.

Whirlpool: 1 year full parts/labor.

If I am missing any brands, it is safe to assume the machine comes with 1 year parts/labor, with no additional coverage.

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If you are considering the purchase of a frontload washer, you should do yourself a favor and check out the machines from Samsung. With tremendous capacity, high efficiency, excellent cleaning results, and Vibration Reduction Technology, I am convinced these machines are definitely worth a look.

So what's the low-down? While these machines are still relatively new, and reviews online are less available than their better known competitors, the majority of the reviews I have read are overwhelmingly positive. See for yourself.


This thread at GardenWeb offers several comments from a few owners of the machines. A sampling:

"First thing I noticed was how quietly they run. The noisiest part is during the washer fill cycle. Amazing how quiet the high spin cycle works -- the VRT vibration reduction really works."

"Last night I tested the VRT feature. Took TWO heavy full length bathrobes and many hand and bath towels. Pretty much stuffed the drum -- I know this is not recommended... With this Samsung FL, I let it go through the cycle. At each spin cycle, I can hear it speed up, start to vibrate, slow down, rinse, then speed up again. Each iteration brought a higher spin speed and less vibration. Soon it was up to full speed as the load balances. At max speed, vibration is minimal and the washer seems to have plenty of power to handle such a difficult heavy load."

Then there is this other thread at GardenWeb:

"I have had this for a few days - so far, the washer is as advertised: very quiet, minimal wobbling. The machine is on the 2nd floor and I am quite happy w/ it."

"I have had my set for a month and LOVE them. They are on the second floor. There is no vibration and the do a great job!"

"I got this set yesterday and am amazed at how well it works. Our basement flooded over a week ago and I had laundry in a basket on the floor and during that week my 12 year old washer machine called it quits on me. So I had a basket of stinky wet laundry that I thought for sure I would have to throw away because of the horrible smell. But I washed it yesterday in my machine on sanitize/silver care option and my laundry smells fresh and clean. Also the VRT seems to work great."

And then there are the reviews at ePinions.com:

"It's on the second floor of our house and I can't tell when it's running. No shaking or vibration at all thanks to the VRT."

"The VRT really works and the largest/heaviest loads are spun nearly dry with whisper quiet efficiency."

Judging from the praise from owners who have installed the units on upper levels, I am inclined to believe that Samsung's VRT actually works. There is also anecdotal evidence that the SilverCare feature offers legitimate function, although it is tough to tell what other impact the use of silver in wash cycles may have.

Before dropping down a couple grand on a set of Samsung washers, though, you best check availability of service in your area. I have read a few reports when a Samsung owner needed service, only to find there were no authorized servicers in the area. I checked my own area to see if anyone popped up, and sure enough, the local guy who has been around long enough to have probably serviced the first Maytag washer is on the list.

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Several months ago, the EPA indicated it intended to regulate silver ion generators as pesticides under one set of a multitude of bureaucratic regulations. In this case, it was the FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act). The prospect of this action was, to appliance manufacturer Samsung, equivalent to a swift quick to the family jewels from a steel-toed Red Wing boot.

Samsung has been marketing a feature called SilverCare in some of their frontload washers, including their top-of-the-line WF448AAW/P. Samsung introduced SilverCare over a year ago, and their latest machines continue to offer the feature. I believe the marketing of these washers has been altered to conform to the wishes of the pinheads in Washington, but the basic function has remained the same. Both LG and Samsung use trace amounts of silver in the gaskets and liners of their refrigerators due to the antimicrobial properties of the element.


How does it work? Pfft. Beats the hell out of me. "Dammit, Jim, I'm a doctor, not a microbiologist." If those are even the people that discovered this sort of thing. My understanding is that there are silver bars within the machine that release quadrillions of sanitizing silver ions into every wash. That's my understanding because that is what the Samsung website says.

I also gave the use and care guide a lookover and this is what it says: "Press [the SilverCare] button to sanitize your laundry in cold water. Active silver ions are produced from pure silver plates by the process of electrolysis and released into the wash water effectively sanitizing your wash, even in cold water, without bleach. The SilverCare™ system sanitizes while using 92% less energy use than traditional heat sanitization." You can view the entire use and care guide here.

But back to the legal hurdles Samsung is facing with this technology.

From NaturalNews.com:

"The International Center for Technology Assessment (CTA) and a group of consumer, health, and environmental groups have filed a legal petition with the Environmental Protection Agency demanding the agency use its pesticide regulation authority to stop the sale of several consumer products that are now using nano-sized versions of silver."

You can read the story in its entirety here.

There is also an interesting article at nanowerk.com about the use of silver not just in Samsung's washing machines, but also in other products. For instance, I did not know that you could buy socks with silver incorporated into them to help prevent foot funk.

Normally, I would dismiss such concerns as simple hypersensitive pishposh, but there does seem to be a legitimacy to what these people are saying. It will be interesting to see if a serious study is conducted, and the end results. It will also be interesting to see how Samsung rises to meet these challenges.

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Jill writes:

Hi Brad,

I'm buying a new house and have a choice of 2 machines from the builder, one is an HE top loader (Elite, I think) and the other is a Duet. I'm lost as to which one to choose. There are a couple of things that come in to play with our washing needs and here they are...

1. We have a 2nd floor laundry room and I've heard that the vibration from front loaders can be problematic for that.
2. We have a baby and are washing several loads of cloth diapers each week and, frankly, I can dump the entire diaper pail into a top loader whereas with a front loader, I'm going to have to coax at least some of the diapers in with my hands (yuk.) But on the same note, I've heard front loaders get clothes cleaner, and with diapers that's always a plus.
3. We just bought a new low-end front loader which has been ok so far, except that it turns every pair of pants I own into a corkscrew that maintains this wrinkled shape even after I shake them out and dry them. I don't know if it's my cheap model, or if haveing a front loader is going to consign me to a life of wrinkled pants - my mom seems to have the same problem and she's got an expensive one.
4. And there's also the issue with the HE top loaders being a newer unproven technology that I don't know if I can trust.
5. Plus energy efficiency is an important issue for me, and I'm still in the dark as to how they compare in that area.

So there it is, our little dilemma, any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a bunch (or a load... haha bad pun)
Jill


Jill,

You don't hear of builders often including laundry appliances with a new home, let alone higher-end laundry appliances.

The fact that you are washing cloth diapers automatically makes me lean towards a frontload washer. The higher wash temperatures in machines with onboard heaters will be very beneficial to you. While there are a few HE topload washers with onboard heaters, I do not believe they get as hot as some of the frontload washers. (Someone correct me if I am wrong.)

With regards to the second floor laundry, vibration is a legitimate concern. I would discuss this issue with your builder and see if he can provide any feedback on what results they have had in their other homes. I assume you have hired a high-end builder. Find out if they are able to provide any reinforcement of the floor where the washer and dryer sit. Also, if you choose the frontload route, I would advise against the optional pedestals available. In my experience, the pedestals simply enhance any vibration present. If you want the units raised, I would advise a solid, custom pedestal to support them.

Twisting is a very common problem with frontload washers, and the problem exists whether a low or highend machine. The drum does reverse direction while tumbling, but this does not always prevent twisting. The only things you can do to correct the problem is to experiment with different loading techniques and load sizes.

For your last two concerns, the advantage goes to frontload washers.

Efficiency: compare the GE Profile Harmony topload washer (269 kWh/year) to the GE frontload washer (142 kWh/year), and the frontloader has a pretty good advantage. Both are very efficient machines, but the frontload uses almost half the energy as the Harmony. Likewise, compare the Whirlpool Cabrio (307 kWh/year) to the Whirlpool Duet (151 kWh/year), and the frontloader uses half the energy as the toploader.

The most efficient topload washer on the market is the Fisher & Paykel, which comes in at 199 kWh/year.

Of course, these numbers are very subjective and your actual consumption may vary greatly.

You hit the nail on the head though with number four. You should be wary of some of these new HE topload machines. I've tried to make it very clear that I do not like the current offerings from Whirlpool (available as the Cabrio, the Kenmore Oasis, and the Maytag Bravos) due to very issues. I do not recommend anyone buy these machines. Granted, every model from every manufacturer can have issues, but these machines simply seem to have more.

The only topload washers I recommend anyone buy are made by Fisher & Paykel, and Speed Queen. I am starting to reconsider the GE Profile Harmony, but am not sure yet.

So after all of that, and given the choice between the Duet or the Cabrio, I would go with the Duet. Another option would be to ask your builder to credit you the price of the washer/dryer and use that money to purchase a set on your own. You may want to take a look at the Samsung frontload washers if vibration is a concern.

Let me know what you decide, or if I can be of further assistance.

~Brad

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From Brian:

Hello Brad,

I found your blog re: washing machines and would be grateful to learn your opinion on the best front-loader for second floors. I live in a condo in Chicago and will be installing stackable frontloaders in a room between my master bath and master bedroom. That’s the only place where I can install a washer and dryer. I will be installing a concrete pad and emergency drainage system so that:

Vibration is reduced
Water spillage won’t be an issue for me or my neighbor below me.

The most important aspects to me are:

As little vibration as possible.
Quiet operation
Quality / can I get a repair person to the machine if something breaks.

I have read that direct drive machines are quieter than belt-driven machines, and that vibration really varies by machine. I am inclined to go with the Samsung VRT, which claims to emit only 63 dB (whereas a “conventional” washer emits over 70 dB). However, it is expensive ($1300) and since Samsung is new with washers, service may be difficult. However, I would expect that service in Chicago should be available.

Since I installing a concrete floor and using the “ShakesAway” rubber pads as a barrier between the washer and the floor, is it overkill to spend $1300 on the Samsung VRT. Do you think I will notice a dicernable difference between the Samsung VRT and other frontloaders that are half the cost? I don’t mind spending the $1300 but I just want to understand if there is a major difference.

Thanks for any advice you can provide.

Brian

Brian,

As you may have read on the blog, I used to own a Maytag Neptune washer which was built by Samsung. I really loved this machine, and can only think the new Samsung washers will be superior to the Neptune.

From what I have been able to gather, the Samsung washers are among the quietest on the market. Certainly installing the washer above a concrete pad will help tremendously. Most of the vibration problems you read about are with machines installed on a wooden floor.

I wouldn't get too excited about a 7db difference, though. Granted, there is a noticeable change at that difference, but having them in their own separate room will help muffle any sounds. Again, just based upon my experience, the Samsung-built Neptunes were not the quietest available at the time, but I did not find the operating noise to be obtrusive.

I doubt you will have any trouble finding service in the Chicago area. A search of servicers in the Chicago area yielded seven results, and many times manufacturers do not have every servicer listed. Hell, I live out in BFE and discovered the old coot Lloyd, our local appliance servicer, is even listed.

As for the difference between Samsung and other less-expensive frontloaders, there are not going to be a lot of differences. I firmly believe even the cheapest Frigidaire or Danby washer will out-perform any topload washer. With the Samsung, you will get one of the largest capacities available. You will also get a machine that washes extremely well and can create extremely hot water.

Plus, they just look freakin cool!

Let me know what you decide, or if you have any other questions.

Brad

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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

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For various reasons, I have never been a big fan of Consumer Reports. While I feel they fill a legitimate niche in media, I’ve always thought their closely watched ranking system was the product more of voodoo than scientific, controlled analysis.

The June issue is a prime example. In ranking washing machines, the top-ranked LG SteamWasher scored 83 points, while a certain Samsung washer scored 77 points. This placed the Samsung washer nine places below the LG in the ranking chart.

The questions arise when you look at the individual categories that are scored and presented in the table. Each machine scored very good or excellent in every category, with the exception of gentleness (LG=”very good”, Samsung=”excellent”). In another category, LG scored better by virtue of the fact that the normal cycle time was five minutes shorter.

I don’t know why Consumer Reports does not give more information regarding their scoring methods, and precisely what aspects of a machine they analyze. In my opinion, they hurt their credibility be being so secretive.

I don’t question their assertion that the LG SteamWasher is the best washer on the market. Rather, I question their method of reaching that conclusion, and the methodology of their ranking system.

While working the sales floor at my first retail job, I always dreaded the Consumer Reports Shopper. She (or he) had the magazine or book in hand when she walked through the door, and consulted it religiously. The problems arose when I would say something that contradicted the magazine (“No, capacity in the dryer is important”), or when I did not have a model on the floor listed in the book (many times, by the time the book hits the shelves, the models have changed). And I just LOVE how the editors tell their readers to “insist on a dryer with a moisture sensor”… as if I would really try and talk her into a model that didn’t have one.

I’m not trying to disparage those who choose to read Consumer Reports. What I am saying is to take what Consumer Reports says with a pound of salt, and include the magazine as just one (small) part of the decision making process. After all, this is the same magazine that rated the Calypso #1 for how many years, and look how that turned out.

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I owned a Maytag Neptune washer that was built by Samsung. It was a great machine (recalls aside), and the Samsung-brand washers are very similar.

I'll definitely give them credit for building an aesthetically pleasing machine. With people dumping more money into their laundry rooms, their is a demand for laundry machines that are more than just basic white. Samsung, along with a few other manufacturers, have hit a home run in that department.

Not certain about this SilverCare technology, but I'll try and dig up some more info on that for a later post. *END*

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