Speed Queen still makes manual control washers.
And that’s what I would get.
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We have a very old dryer (Maytag, about 22 years old - still works!). Had to replace our washer, so they don’t match. Went with a top-loading Sears model (no longer made, but highly rated by Consumer Reports at the time). However, what I like best about the washer is the small agitator. It cleans clothes fine, and I can easily fit pillows, larger blankets, etc. without having to try to wrap them around the full agitator. We also typically opt for the best rated, but simple models in any appliance. I rarely use all the bells and whistles.
They have both manual and electric, in Covid you have to take what you can get, but I’d hold out for the manual if there is an option.
Right now…I’m praying that no more appliances need to be replaced!
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We have a Maytag washer and dryer purchased in 1995. I just keep hoping it works. The repair guy told us to keep fixing them as long as we can…most parts are metal, and the new ones are plastic.
We also have the issue of a washer dryer closet that just isn’t deep enough for the new models…but GE does make one that works…because they know we aren’t the only ones!
Still right now…ordering appliances is not a pleasant experience!
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Our 20+ yr old washer was finally making strange noises so I ordered the Speed Queen top loader and SQ gas dryer. Took 10 weeks to get it and it was installed before the old one died. Love love them both.
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Our Kenmore washer and dryer are very old. I have shopped for new but came across the of the new models being too deep for our closet. Gas dryers also seem to be harder to get.
We too have a problem with the depth of almost all new dryers. A cheap Hotpoint and I think its GE twin were about the only ones we found that would fit.
Yes…the one GE model fits. Also the old Miele small European style fits as well. But I don’t want that at all.
Top load!
I picked my last 2 washers by getting the only model in the appliance store that would fit my skinny and shallow space. It was also one of the cheapest in the store.
We’ve really liked our old/1990 Maytag simple washer and dryer. Yea, we’ve repaired each of them a few times over the past 3 decades, but same would be true if we had bought new along the way. We are at a junction though to consider new… .will be reading this thread and maybe also Consumer Reports.
Recently the dryer has seemed thunkier than usual. And clothes take longer to dry. We kind of ignored it until we started noticing small black streaks on light items. Upon inspection of dryer interior it seems there is a disintegrating drum seal. I was able to scrape most of the small tar-like glops off the drum, but it is probably time to decide whether to call repairman or shop new. I think the part will be cheap, but not sure cost to pull out the drum. Maybe we could consider giving it a go ourselves, but prying the dryer out of of our double-door laundry closet will be painful (must take out washer too).
I don’t know about the plastic parts. About four years ago I bought a Speed Queen pair – top loading washer. My understanding is that for the front loaders, one needs to leave the door open to avoid mildew. With the top loader, I just leave the top open and it doesn’t take up extra space.
When I bought the Speed Queens, the dealer told me I’d never need to buy another washer/dryer. I’m happy with them. I’ve discovered two downsides: (1) Once the cycle starts, you can’t open the lid to add another item, and (2) There is no spin-only cycle – you have to let the machine go through the entire thing. I discovered this when I had some very wet towels I just wanted to spin before putting them in the dryer.
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I was looking at speed Queen options and they have a no lid lock option. I don’t remember if that was for the manual or electronic controlled one.
I have the LG that CR recommends and very happy so far. I got the Turbo version and some of the cycles are really fast. Depends on what I am washing I can get a really fast wash or a longer wash. For whites and tough stains I switched to powder detergent as it does a better job. Persil powder is very good but costs an insane amount (4x the price it costs in Europe). I buy Ariel powder from Target and I love it (use 1/3 cup for a full load). There are 2 things that the front loaded doesn’t do. A true soak and a spin only that keep cloths without rearranging them the way the top loader does. I do textile crafts and need those functions so I might consider getting a speed queen next time. But for my clothes the LG is fine.
Btw I had no mold issue at all and I do not do anything special.
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Here’s a recent CR article. It says about 17% of front load owners reported mold/mildew issues (vs 3% top load). Perhaps they have made recent improvements because it seems I heard the front load mold complaint a lot a few years back.
@VeryHappy, that is the electronic control SQ, I have one of each and much prefer the mechanical one. The only way to unlock the lid is to cancel the cycle and I also am annoyed at no spin. Mine was purchased site unseen under pressure so I’m just glad I got one, but if I had the time, I would look for the mechanical style.
I have always had a front loading washer and no issues with Mold/Mildew but then I wipe in the inside of the washer and door with a soft cloth after each washing or leave the door open for a while after the load is finished. This is no different than cleaning the dryer lint trap after each load.
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I’ve had no issues with mold or mildew in 8 years. We keep the front door ajar but not fully opened when not in use. Occasionally we pull out the detergent dispenser drawer, but not always. We never wipe the inside and only rarely the door, when I’m in the mood to clean everything. We live in a damp but not humid climate (PNW). YMMV
Mine are manual.