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What Features Are The Most Important - HE Washers and Dryers
DH and I are starting our search for appliances for our new house. We've had regular top loading washers and dryers our whole lives so we have no clue as to what is really necessary considering all of the new innovations in these machines. We've figured out all of the other appliances that we want except for the washer and dryer. Other than being HE, front loading, noise and vibration reduction (laundry room is on the first floor), hand wash cycle, and within $2000 for the pair, we really don't know what is important. Right now it's just the two of us, but we obviously want the pair to grow as our family grows. Plus when we have kids we plan on cloth diapering (not sure if that matters). DH is also a chef so stain removal is a must.
Which leads us to our indecisiveness. One article/person/blog says steam is the best for a washer for stain removal (we're definitely getting it in the dryer) another doesn't. We are leaning towards not getting steam in the washer, however, because I do believe that steam can do more harm than good with some stains and plus it's cheaper. But what about the other bells and whistles a washing and dryer can offer? What are the most important features for you and your family in a washer and dryer?
Re: What Features Are The Most Important - HE Washers and Dryers
Honestly, I'm not sure we did all that much research. Our old washing machine died a week before my due date with DD, so we pretty much checked Consumer Reports, then ran out and bought something.
We have a Samsung front loading washer and dryer. I really, really love them. I don't know what model ours are -- they both say VRT on them, but I think that just stands for vibration reduction technology. Ours both have steam. I really like having steam for stain removal in the washing machine, but I don't use it all that often. If I had to pick just one, I'd want steam in the dryer. It is awesome to be able to use the wrinkle release cycle!!!
Oh, one other thing. We didn't get the pedestals to make the machines stand up taller. I'm tall (5'8''), but I have no problem bending down to reach into the machines. The cost of those pedestals is so high, they're just not worth it to me.
We just bought our first set of front loaders. I did quite a bit of research. I can be quite overwhelming!
We bought a LG set in silver shortly before Thanksgiving for $1200 and it has every single bell and whislte I could ever want on it. Overall we found LG and Samsung to be the best value for the most money and both brands have good reviews. I looked a lot at the Maytags and really I found those to be way overpriced. Whirlpool was my second choice but the only model that offered the VRT stuff was a new model and WAY over my price range. Plus the color options were pretty ugly. I wanted a color only because these things sit right inside the door of my house.
The three brands that have the vibration reduction technology are Samsumg, LG and Kenmore. Some other brands are coming out with it recently too. That is very important in regards to what type of floor you have and since you said it's on the first floor I'm assuming it's not a cement floor so anything with VRT will be good for you.
The steam technology is fantastic. If you are looking to by a matching pair then it will be hard to find a set with only steam in the dryer. Even if you don't like the steam in the washer it's pretty likely you will end up with it anyways.
By purchasing our new machines I have cut down our laundry (family of four) by half. I can stuff those machines so full and everything gets super clean. I have saved a ton on laundry detergent too. We didn't get the largest capicity either, but I bet I could crawl into our dryer and have room to spare.
We didn't buy the drawers for underneath because they are so expensive and I'm short so getting the clothes in and out of the machines doesn't bother me at all. Also we buy the huge jugs of laundry detergent and I'm not so sure they would have fit in the drawer. Since I have a four and one year old on of my favorite features has been the child lock out. So when the machine is running they can't change the settings or turn it off. The one year old loves to push the buttons. They make a beeping noise when he does it.
I saved on fabric softner too because a lot of times I use the static reduction button which just adds in some steam to the drying cycle. One thing that bugs me though on the LG is that you have to fill a little compartment with water for the steam function. On other brands there is a tube that runs from the washer to the dryer for the water for the steam.
My washer has a sanitary feature plus prewash which would be great for cloth diapers. I use the sanitary cycle a lot when the kiddos are sick. Also for bedding and towels.
Keep in mind that the washing cycle will take much longer then and top loader but your drying cycle will be so much shorter.
Another favorite feature is the digital front on it. I can see how much time there is left which is something that has been really nice.
Also I really looked at the in dryer drying rack weird when I got it and didn't think I would ever use it. It's actually been really nice. You can put sweaters, bras, shoes on it and dry them way quicker then laying them on a regular drying rack.
I hope this helps. I'm really happy with what we bought and excited to share!
The drum size was important to me. I wanted to be able to put sleeping bags and homemade quilts in it, and not have to pay for the laundromat. I love our sanitary cycle, it is the only cycle that gets my deoderant out of my work shirts. (Don't know what it is with my uniforms, but they are hard to keep clean!!) Stick with the more reliable brands and you should be fine. They pretty much have similar features.
I just wanted to say "Great Review" We aren't quite ready to purchase a new set...but after your review...I really want a new set now!!! thanks!!! lol
Anyways...no help here, as we are just starting to look at options...but wanted to chime in on this review!!