Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: ninifav
Date: 06-11-2005, 11:07 PM (1 of 15)
|
How do my appliances know when I have guests for a week...first the dishwasher decided not to empty...two calls and still no serviceman...no biggie--we can do paper and plastic and wash the few remaining by hand... Dd, sil, two gc are here to visit for a week..which means other siblings and family will be here too...Washing machine burned up!!! smoke and all...Oh, ick!!! Guess who lives in the country??? Well, there is a small Sears store in a nearby town and they have several models in stock for Monday delivery....I was really thinking about the front loaders (this may be the last washer I have to buy in my lifetime)...but the epinions and reviews are mixed on the Kenmores and the Whirlpools ...the lady who owns the little Sears store told me to stay away from the Maytag... I don't mind paying the extra, I do want as large a capacity as I can get; but don't want to pay that much and find out that it is not that good....Please let me know if you all have any feedback from yourselves or your family....I don't have a choice...have to buy something by Monday.... |
User: ninifav
Member since: 09-06-2004 Total posts: 204 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 06-12-2005, 12:12 AM (2 of 15)
|
I'd stay away from Kenmore...I have a Kenmore Elite washer and dryer sitting in my garage I can't GIVE away....and they're only 3 yrs old...washer repaired 4 times, dryer twice. (they replaced 13 yr old Kenmores that had NO repairs.) Maytag has class action suits against some of their models. Whirlpool makes all Kenmore, Whirlpool and Kitchenaid. (Kenmore being #3, Whirlpool being #2 and Kitchenaid being #1 on their manufacturing standards) Fisher Paykel is #1 by consumer reports....I bought Kitchenaid front loaders last month...LOVE'EM.....someone my husband works with has had the same (Kitchenaid) kind for a yr...NO problems...My neighbor across the street has had a Whilrpool for 10 yrs now...no problems. I had problems with those Kenmores from day one...the dryer was repaired 6 days after I got it...the washer 2 wks after that...and they were NEW, off the floor models...(a couple of the repairmen said, and they were from Sears, said that Sears has more repairs than other brands for the last 7 yrs). Chrys
|
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
|
From: Bama
Date: 06-12-2005, 02:27 PM (3 of 15)
|
I've had a Whirlpool super capacity washer for about 10 years. It's been repaired one time when it got a leak in the pump. It was right after we moved, so I don't know if it was damaged when we moved it or it just went out at that time. Other than that, it's been a good machine so far. My MIL also has a Whirlpool and she likes it. I also have a Kenmore dryer that's about 12 years old. Never any problems with it. (knock on wood  ) My mom used the same Kenmore dryer for 24 years. I'm sure they don't make them like that now. (or anything else you buy) When it went out she bought another Kenmore and has had it repaired several times. Look on the bright side. At least it's not the septic tank that's giving out before your company gets there. That happened to my in-laws once. 
|
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
|
From: Magot
Date: 06-12-2005, 03:02 PM (4 of 15)
Chrys - you seem to have abnormal bad luck with regards furniture and fittings.....ever feel it is something you said....  We don't have top loaders here - only front loading machines - I thought top loaders had a greater capacity. I have a hotpoint - works fine though I wish it had a half load ability. Ariston do well and Bosch are a very respected make. Hotpoint can be a bit iffy a previous one had me marching up and down outside the shop I bought it discouraging people from going in there and demanding my money back (well , we held the machine to ransom, as we hadn't paid for it yet, until they gave us a new one) - but this one seems fine!. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
|
From: Julia's Nana
Date: 06-12-2005, 04:13 PM (5 of 15)
|
I have had nothing but Kenmore washers and dryers in my almost 39 years of marriage..............and I washed a lot of laundry for a family of five over the years. I have had great luck with them and when the ones I have now need replaced, it will be with Kenmores. Find out who is making Kenmores........you might find that the Kenmore is made by Whirlpool now?? I think it was years ago. Now I had an Amana side by side refrigerator that was a lemon.........and got NO support from Amana so will NEVER have a Amana appliance again. Just depends on what your experience is I guess. |
User: Julia's Nana
Member since: 08-28-2001 Total posts: 361 |
From: Kay F in IN
Date: 06-12-2005, 08:51 PM (6 of 15)
|
I bought the new Neptune Maytags about a year or year and a half ago. I love them I got the notice on the class action suits, but have not had any trouble with mine. I did not participate in the suit. Since I was taught to not say anything if you could not say something nice, I will only say that you should do due dilligence with internet research before buying. I read some really nasty problems with some of the front loaders before buying mine. Some of the front loaders at that time were ripping holes in brand new tee shirts of some owners. I won't name names. That is for you to research yourself. I have had no rips from my front loading Maytag. I have had no mold problems either which was what was supposedly the problem in the suit. I trust mine enough that I will wash quilts in it. It may not have quite as big an area as a few other manufacturer products, but I can do a pretty big quilt or comforter in it. I hope this helps. It is sure a headache to have to find a new one. Oh, and research the retail providers who are seling machines too. Some of the reviews I read had a lot to say about the undependability of certain stores to be responsible when it came to actually fixing an error or replacing a very flawed item. Kay F in IN |
User: Kay F in IN
Member since: 06-09-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 06-12-2005, 10:02 PM (7 of 15)
|
Ever since I moved to FL it's been one weird thing after another...and thats the truth...my neighbor and my sister both say I should write a book on all the weirdness....maybe I will...you wouldn't believe some of the stuff thats gone on here in this house....(I told my husband before we bought it, and he'll say I said it too, I didn't want to live in this house, it was gonna be trouble....I had a feeling...and it's been that way for nearly 10 yrs...it started the day we moved in and it hasn't stopped yet...it's not only the house and whats in it...it's the cars too...old and new....I sometimes feel like I live in the twilight zone) (I've been seriously entertaining the thought of asking a priest to bless this house....I haven't been to church in 20 yrs, but I feel like I need some help here...I have NEVER in my life had this much trouble in a place I've lived in...and you all have only heard about 5 things....I have hundreds...)
Chrys
|
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
|
From: ninifav
Date: 06-13-2005, 12:39 AM (8 of 15)
|
Poor Chrys, you have had your share of woes!!! Just go over to church and ask Father for a small vial of holy water and a prayer to bless your house..Our church offers it once a year...and it is a sweet little prayer too.. Thanks to you all for your input on the washer...I did as much research as a few hours and a tired body will allow...It was so funny because the lady who owned the little Sears store didn't even try to talk me into the front loader after I told her of my misgivings...these small stores operate more like an old time Mom-and-pop store...and she said that she would rather me buy the tol top loader that we know has no problems...she said that she has sold quite a few of the front loaders and has had no problems....She also said that the "take-backs" count against the store...guess that figures into their profit.... So, I've just got a good ole Sears...maybe if there is a next time, the front loaders will have all the wrinkles out of them by them... Thanks again everyone...now to get the dishwasher repaired!!! |
User: ninifav
Member since: 09-06-2004 Total posts: 204 |
From: Domestic Goddes
Date: 06-14-2005, 05:54 AM (9 of 15)
|
It's funny - I've only ever known front loaders! A few years ago we went to visit Mickey in Florida and went to Epcot. There was an exhibition about an "ideal home for the future" and the man that took us round asked me what was different about the washer. "Nothing", I said. "It is different and there's something missing" said the man, thinking he must have someone a few sandwiches short of a picnic here. "No there's not" says I. "It's a front loader - and there's no paddle" he says, looking at me as though I had come from Mars. "I don't have a paddle in my front loader!" This was followed by a heated debate about washers and the benefits of top/front loaders, whether paddles are necessary and what sort of detergent to use between women from various countries with the Epcot man trying to referee. Front loaders are more envoronmentally friendly (allegedly) as they use less electricity and water. Also supposed to be kinder on your clothes. I have a Zanussi (Italian make but doesn't cook spaghetti) that is a combination washer drier, it is in use every day and has lasted 5 years so far. Houses in the UK are generally smaller than those in USA and Canada. Few of us have basements or cellars. Therefore space is at a premium and most of us can't accommodate big top loaders although they are available. I'm just glad I don't have to use a scrubbing board and a copper boiler like my Grandma did! |
User: Domestic Goddes
Member since: 01-04-2005 Total posts: 108 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-16-2005, 06:58 PM (10 of 15)
|
In 42 years I have had 2 washers and 2 dryers.. Both of the washers were model 70 Kenmores from Sears.(made by whirlpool.. First Dryer was used from 1968 til 2003, Kenmore , cost $125.00 new.. Bought Whirlpool this time.. Only repair I ever have had.. first washer, when we moved DH (ex) pulled wire loose somehow and we had to call a repairman to find it.. That was in 1967.. Only repair bill I ever had to pay on any of the 4.. Current washer and dryer still going strong.. If I had to get another , it would be whirlpool or kenmore..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: paroper
Date: 06-16-2005, 07:43 PM (11 of 15)
|
I had a very used large Kenmore for 15 years until the twins came along...wonder machine AND dryer. The washer died and a week after I replaced it with another Kenmore washer, a mouse managed to get into the top of the dryer and fry all the wires in the dryer would have cost more than a new dryer to fix..so off to SEARS. I purchased a tol w&d in 1978. Worst purchase I ever made. I had the repairman out ever two weeks to work on the washer...would stop at odd times...then go and was always shocking me. After two years and several replacement parts and getting to know ALL the repairmen by their first name, some brilliant repairman noticed that the main plug wasn't firmly seated...you know the one that goes to the motor? Well, in that machine, it looked like a plug in to a telephone. It would never fill, only half fill the 23 pound tub, it dumped scalding hot water into my cold water cycles....let me see now, that had to do with...saving water and keeping the cold water temp. at a certain temp. I never understood why they cared how full my tub of water was and why do you regulate the temp of cold water I never believed it)? The dryer never would dry my clothes. Any after two years of messing with the set, I decided to get rid of it and I replaced it with a very hard working large capacity Maytag set that I never regretted. Last year I retired my Maytag set (still working) and will give it to my daughter when she marries. I also have a basic stacking small Maytag set with the top loading washer...love it! I replaced my mother's stacking Maytag set that was 30 years old with this. I had a chance to purchase a new w&d and decided, with regret to purchase the new TOL Whirlpool Duet frontloading set instead of the Maytag because I like the way the washer worked better...wasn't too excited about the new Maytag agitator. It uses half the soap (this is an incredible savings...I do not buy the special soap, but they told me I could just half my old soap amount and it works very well..I use Cheer and haven't seen it avail in the special "mix") of my old Maytag, is very quiet, quick and does a nice job on the clothes. It also doesn't damage the clothes as bad as the agitation washers so the garments don't pell as bad. I had mine stacked so I could add another freezer to the utility room and I don't particularly like the way the dryer sits back a bit on the washer...but it is OK. I purchased the extra laundry cycle where the water will heat to a high temp when it washes...I've never used that cycle and it probably was overkill and extra expense for nothing. I wash clothes for six people including two teens and a small child. My teen dd came home from a 6 day trip the other night at 5:30PM. She brought me 6 loads of clothes to do before she left for another big week long trip at 11:00PM. The washer AND dryer handled all the large loads well and she was enroute at 11 for her next trip with absolutely no problem. (In the meantime she changed clothes 4 times in those few hours and left all of them in the hamper on her way out the door). We do a lot of laundry around here. I realize that Whirlpool probably still makes the Kenmore and I don't know it there are all that many differences between Kenmore and Whirlpool. I"ve been pretty happy with my Duet set. It is grey and I bought it when the grey was a new color. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-16-2005, 07:48 PM (12 of 15)
|
PS..My mother had a combo washer/dryer (where you put dry clothes in and take dry clothes out) the entire time I was growing up. It was traumatic for her when she had to buy something different. She LOVED that machine and so did I. Kenmore had them off and on for years. I don't know why they stopped. The only problem with the machine was that it took longer to do your laundry because you had to use the same machine for washing and drying. That machine was front loading as were (and still are) the larger commercial washers.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Julia's Nana
Date: 06-17-2005, 08:23 AM (13 of 15)
|
We bought our first Kenmore about 36 years ago..............because of a old beat up washer that someone left behind in a apartment we rented. We were young and poor and had a baby in diapers, (no disposable that long ago but even if they had, we wouldn't have been able to afford them). The apt. manager said the washer was not included in the apt but beings it was there and worked we could use it until it quit and then they would come haul it away. We decided to invest in a service call because we didn't have the money for another one and we just wanted to see what was what with the ancient motor. The service man said it was in good shape but old and tired and it could just die one day but safe to use. It would occasionally flood the floor but I discovered that the filter (a wire mesh thing in those days that you had to clean out) was bent and when I straightened it out, no more floods. We lived in that apt. for over a year and I washed diapers and all our laundry in the old machine. When we moved it was still doing its thing with no problem. So when we did get money enough to buy our own, that machine was what lead us to Sears where we bought a pretty AVOCADO green washer (we called it the Jolly Green Giant) with a button that you could push to have a double rinse cycle...........great for the diapers for number two baby. (it washed them for number three too after a trip to Germany). Doubt the one I have now is anywhere near what those two machines were but they set the standard in this family............. |
User: Julia's Nana
Member since: 08-28-2001 Total posts: 361 |
From: Lise
Date: 06-17-2005, 09:47 AM (14 of 15)
|
After 16 unhappy years with a Frigidare washer I recently purchased a rather fancy Whirlpool from Sear's. Delivery and installation $50. When the delivery men left I tried the washer and it wouldn't work. Next day Sear's repairman coudn't make it work either. Disgusted with Sear's I went to a small local family-owned business, had a new washer delivered, installed and tested at no extra charge. That'sthe last purchase I'll makefrom Sear's ! Lise 
|
User: Lise
Member since: 07-24-2000 Total posts: 231 
|
From: Julia's Nana
Date: 06-18-2005, 03:50 PM (15 of 15)
|
These posts tell you one thing...........there is a lemon in every bunch! I guess it is just luck as to who gets it and who doesn't. Sad but true. We were looking at motor homes and one we saw had a combination washer/dryer unit and I wondered how it worked.........so they still make them. It seemed pretty small to me, I figure one big bath towel and some undies would make a load. Almost more trouble than it would be worth I think. Even though it is just my husband and I now days, I still do a lot of laundry.................... 
|
User: Julia's Nana
Member since: 08-28-2001 Total posts: 361 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-16205.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft