Low-tech washing machine?

[AliceLB]

[Topic is now in Personal Consumer Issues - mod mkc]

My 20-year-old GE WHDSR315 washing machine (https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/ ... HDSR315DWW) has finally decided to "retire".

Call me oddly sentimental, but I'm quite attached to this machine - it did an AMAZING job through the last 10 years of incontinence-related daily washes as my parents each battled dementia.

I'm looking to replace it with a low-tech, agitator-based, top-load washing machine in which I can manually control the water level, temperature, and cycle type. I'm not a fan of the newer automated machines after experiencing them in rental homes and friends' homes.

Are there any new models available nowadays that do not have expensive electronics / motherboards? Yes, I realize how ridiculous I sound, but I've also learned how expensive those machines are to repair, based on recent experiences my friends have had with their computerized appliances.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

[JBTX]

Look at speed queen.

[Dottie57]

Look at speed queen.

+1

A friend has said amazing things about speed queen.

[dual]

I agree with you that low tech is better but see this thread for debate

https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/view ... t=321577

[alpenglow]

The ultimate in low tech. No motherboard, just a washboard.
https://www.amazon.com/Large-Washboard- ... 00OSFSKDM/

[yankees60]

Buy used!

That is what I did about 25, 30 years ago. Buying a used 1970s vintage Kenmore washing machine.

A simple machine with none of today's complicated electronics. Mine is still going strong.

Has only required two repairs along the way.

[quattro73]

I need low-tech for all appliances. I have a 7 year old oven with a wonky circuit board and now a 7 year old dishwasher with a circuit board beeping for no reason. Waiting for it to go.

[Mike Scott]

When you want low tech... https://www.lehmans.com/

[bbqguru]

In addtion to Speed Queen, Maytag makes an "old-fashioned" style of machine (MVWP586GW). Manual controls, fills water to the top and gets clothes clean. Takes under 40 minutes for a complete cycle. We've got one and it's been nothing but wonderful. 5 years parts and labor warranty.

[Random Musings]

I wish they would go back to low-tech cars as well. Chrysler made a Town and Country back in the day, perhaps they could revive and simplify this model to a "Hunter and Gatherer" version. I would love to put my flint tools to work, as over the years, they have gotten quite dusty in my rock shelter on the stream bank.

RM

[lthenderson]

I'm on my second set of basic Whirlpool machines that have served me well for the last 35 years of washing my own clothes. My current set it probably 10 or 11 years old and has twist dials to control all the things you mentioned above and one push button dial to start the machine. The twist dials are about the most bombproof selection devices out there as far as longevity goes. FWIW, at my last job, I designed washing machines known for their longevity and reliability but they weren't for the home market.

[ClevrChico]

I'm very happy with our recent purchase of a low end Amana. (NTW4516FW) It was under $500 with tax and delivered. It's not as nice as a Speed Queen, but it does a great job. Water consumption is about $15/month higher than our ultra-efficient machine, but it's worth it to me in time savings and reliability.

[JonFund]

I'm a strong advocate for "low tech" washers and dryers. I had a service tech explain to me that the basic functionality of a washer (dryer too) is a very simple operation. All of the high-tech gadgetry today is over-engineering and only results in higher cost, shorter life-cycle, and more prone to malfunction.
I recently moved into a new home and bought a no-frills Whirlpool washer and dryer. Both are about as simple as you can get. I paid $430 for each of them at Lowes.

[quantAndHold]

Our water bill is going up another 8.7% next month. Very happy with our front loader, and how little water it uses. It’s also easier on the clothes than that agitator.

And yes, the clothes get clean.

[the_wiki]

I like the higher efficiency top loaders. Good mix of old and new tech. Uses a bit more water than a front loader, but about half what a traditional washer uses. Has options for deep fill, soak or extra rinse for special loads. No need for seals that can fail or grow mold, etc. It's more space efficient in some homes to leave the lid open vertically to dry out as opposed to horizontal swing for a front loader.

Old tech may be simpler and thus more reliable, but imagine 100 million households using an extra 20-25 gallons of water per wash load than they need to. That's 2.5 billion gallons of water saved per load cycle. Could be 150 billion per year. That's a big deal, especially in the western US where water is often scarce. Using more efficient washers and toilets can reduce water usage by 10-20% in a typical home.

[KneePartsPro]

As others have mentioned, Speed Queen. Specifically the TC5 model.

[Onlineid3089]

I'm very happy with our recent purchase of a low end Amana. (NTW4516FW) It was under $500 with tax and delivered. It's not as nice as a Speed Queen, but it does a great job. Water consumption is about $15/month higher than our ultra-efficient machine, but it's worth it to me in time savings and reliability.

I have an Amana that is just under 12 years old that's been good to go. It does look like their current models have been fancied up a little bit from mine, but nothing like most other brands. The new Amana is similar, but mine just has small, medium, and large for load size and cold, warm, hot for temp.

[Onlineid3089]

Old tech may be simpler and thus more reliable, but imagine 100 million households using an extra 20-25 gallons of water per wash load than they need to. That's 2.5 billion gallons of water saved per load cycle. Could be 150 billion per year. That's a big deal, especially in the western US where water is often scarce. Using more efficient washers and toilets can reduce water usage by 10-20% in a typical home.

Don't even get me started on how much water is wasted by HOAs with their silly rules requiring lawns be watered.

[yankees60]

I like the higher efficiency top loaders. Good mix of old and new tech. Uses a bit more water than a front loader, but about half what a traditional washer uses. Has options for deep fill, soak or extra rinse for special loads. No need for seals that can fail or grow mold, etc. It's more space efficient in some homes to leave the lid open vertically to dry out as opposed to horizontal swing for a front loader.

Old tech may be simpler and thus more reliable, but imagine 100 million households using an extra 20-25 gallons of water per wash load than they need to. That's 2.5 billion gallons of water saved per load cycle. Could be 150 billion per year. That's a big deal, especially in the western US where water is often scarce. Using more efficient washers and toilets can reduce water usage by 10-20% in a typical home.

So you applaud me not ONCE washing the car I've now owned for 13 years.

When it finally rained the other day and I was driving in it ... I told myself ... the car is finally again getting a car wash.

I have an old, old, old 70s era top loader. I'm sure it's not water efficient. Except that I only do one load every few months.

[dratkinson]

Research long-established appliance repair businesses in your area:
--Are they recommended by others (internet reviews (Yelp,...)), no complaints (BBB, state attorney general,...)?
--Can they rebuild your washer to like-new condition?
--Can they sell you a recommended refurbished washer, if yours can't be rebuilt?

Search washer reviews on YT: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... +and+dryer
--I like the "Maytag" guys reviews.
--Compare his reviews to several others.

[PoorPlumber]

https://columbuswashboard.com/collections/washboards

[lazydavid]

When you want low tech... https://www.lehmans.com/

Yikes, $1300 and I still have to wash everything by hand?!?!

[PGR]

+1 for SpeedQueen.

Personally I'm leery of appliances with electronics, LCD displays, touchpanels, etc. Based on appliance repair site, blogs, etc. I suspect many of these features are unnecessary, more likely to fail, and costly to repair.

[PGR]

+1 for SpeedQueen.

Personally I'm leery of appliances with electronics, LCD displays, touchpanels, etc. Based on appliance repair site, blogs, etc. I suspect many of these features are unnecessary, more likely to fail, and costly to repair.

[Mudpuppy]

My 20-year-old GE WHDSR315 washing machine (https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/ ... HDSR315DWW) has finally decided to "retire".

How exactly has it "retired"? If you really like it, there's a possibility it can be repaired, unless it's something like a drum leak. In the past year, I've had a trusted appliance repair company rebuild the agitation and spin systems on my old washer (also used for daily incontinence loads) when they failed, and then I replaced the dial controller/timer myself when it stopped reliably turning on. I've also in the past replaced the hoses and drain pump myself when they sprung leaks.

[retiredjg]

I like the higher efficiency top loaders. Good mix of old and new tech.

What makes a top loader higher efficiency? Can you give some examples?

[alpenglow]

When you want low tech... https://www.lehmans.com/

Yikes, $1300 and I still have to wash everything by hand?!?!

Wow. I assume you are referring to the Hand Washer with Laundry Wringer. That thing is crazy expensive! The washboard I posted looks like an absolute bargain.

Despite my kidding around, I completely agree with the lower tech solutions. When my wife and I got married, we wanted the most basic manual crock pot without all of the bells and whistles. The registry person was very confused, but ours works great and has only one knob.

[Woodshark]

Another vote for Speed Queen. If they are good enough for commercial laundromats, one should last for decades for home use.

[soretired]

.............. Except that I only do one load every few months.

What? You only wash your clothing every few months? pew....

[bogling]

[Topic is now in Personal Consumer Issues - mod mkc]

My 20-year-old GE WHDSR315 washing machine (https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/ ... HDSR315DWW) has finally decided to "retire".

Call me oddly sentimental, but I'm quite attached to this machine - it did an AMAZING job through the last 10 years of incontinence-related daily washes as my parents each battled dementia.

I'm looking to replace it with a low-tech, agitator-based, top-load washing machine in which I can manually control the water level, temperature, and cycle type. I'm not a fan of the newer automated machines after experiencing them in rental homes and friends' homes.

Are there any new models available nowadays that do not have expensive electronics / motherboards? Yes, I realize how ridiculous I sound, but I've also learned how expensive those machines are to repair, based on recent experiences my friends have had with their computerized appliances.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

Wat happened to it it? Motor, pump, belt? If can't swap one of those easily to fix it, how about a used one from an original owner from CL or FBMP? Went through multiple motors, belt, and cleaned a dime out of a pump before the tub bearing went that didn't have a replacement part. Think that $100 used washer lasted for 20 years ... and swapped in another used washer....

[Valuethinker]

Old tech may be simpler and thus more reliable, but imagine 100 million households using an extra 20-25 gallons of water per wash load than they need to. That's 2.5 billion gallons of water saved per load cycle. Could be 150 billion per year. That's a big deal, especially in the western US where water is often scarce. Using more efficient washers and toilets can reduce water usage by 10-20% in a typical home.

Don't even get me started on how much water is wasted by HOAs with their silly rules requiring lawns be watered.

Having a neatly mown, green lawn was an English thing in the 1700s-1800s.

Rain is plentiful in England and they did not then have the long droughts we have been experiencing more recently (in southern England).

If your lawn was tidy and mowed, that meant:

- you had enough sheep to keep it so
and/OR
- you could afford servants to cut it with scythes (mowing machines only date from the 19th C, from memory - the lawnmower invented by ... an Englishman)

So it's an English social class thing, dating from over 100 years ago, that has transferred to our former colony. Proof that you are a "gentleman" ie rich enough to employ servants.

Did you know "Kentucky Bluegrass" is actually an imported species, not native to North America? I did not.

Sidebar

Someone will no doubt note that domestic consumption is still relatively small - agriculture is c 80% of water consumption in the US West. However as you point out, multiply a certain number of gallons per month x 40m households, say, then it gets to be a big number. Cape Town South Africa verged on "Day Zero" where they shut the water off and everyone would survive on what was trucked in. Perth Australia got close, and has some of the toughest water use rules in the developed world.

Places in the eastern USA, such as Atlanta and Boston, have struggled with water shortages and drought. So it's not only a western thing.

[yankees60]

.............. Except that I only do one load every few months.

What? You only wash your clothing every few months? pew....

Once I stopped buying dairy products for home consumption .... resulted in certain body chemistry changes.

[Outer Marker]

+1 for SpeedQueen.

Personally I'm leery of appliances with electronics, LCD displays, touchpanels, etc. Based on appliance repair site, blogs, etc. I suspect many of these features are unnecessary, more likely to fail, and costly to repair.

The concept of SpeedQueen appeals to me (simple, high quality, low tech) -- but the cost is astronomical. Our nearly new LG "Washtower" crapped out and looked at SpeedQueen as a possible replacment. Nearly $10,000 for stackable units! C'mon. That's rediculous. Will likely replace it with another LG unit at about the $2,000 price point and hope for the best. At least it failed within the warranty period - so no cost apart from the inconvenience.

[mhadden1]

I like the higher efficiency top loaders. Good mix of old and new tech.

What makes a top loader higher efficiency? Can you give some examples?

My washer agitates by bouncing the tub around, which is easier on clothes than a central agitator. Then a very fast spin after rinse gets nearly all the rinse water out, leaving less for the dryer to remove. Uses a little more water than a front load, but no worry about door leaks, and can be opened with water in it.

Mine has been working fine for several years - I've had a number of failures for other appliances with electronic control boards so I don't really expect it to last for decades. Realistically, I may not either.

[dratkinson]

The concept of SpeedQueen appeals to me (simple, high quality, low tech) -- but the cost is astronomical.

Idea: https://www.google.com/search?q=used+sp ... rs+near+me

[runr]

As others have mentioned, Speed Queen. Specifically the TC5 model.

Yup, that's the one I got this year, the TC5 is the BEST, reminds me of the god old days. But it still has a circuit board, as all new washers do. It is a little loud though, I used to it now.

[FeralCat]

There is a 1980s Whirlpool top-loader in my basement. I never pre-treat stains because it cleans everything beautifully. It's a bit of a water hog, but I vastly prefer it over new machines. Why not find a good repair person to fix yours?

[afan]

The concept of SpeedQueen appeals to me (simple, high quality, low tech) -- but the cost is astronomical. ... Nearly $10,000 for stackable units!...

Where are you shopping?
A quick check found multiple places selling the SQ TC 500 for about $1,300.
That version is not stackable but if that would tack many thousands on top of the cost, how about go without that feature?
An even quicker look at stackable SQ models finds prices nowhere close to $10,000.

[2019istheyear]

I have a high tech LG washer, approx 10 years old. Top loading. Worst machine ever! My clothes never seem clean and it constantly auto stops for “manual rebalancing of clothes”. If take an old agitator washer any day!

[mrgeeze]

Buy a used washing machine. From an appliance repair shop.
Perhaps from a non-native American.


It’s not at all uncommon that repair people also sell used machines.
They know exactly the ones that last forever and the ones who don’t.
You’ll spend half, it will last a long time and you’ll probably find someone who can fix or replace all the other complicated appliances in your home.
Plus you might learn some new language and meet some fine people.

Depending on where you live you might visit a latin American neighborhood to find such a repair place.

Its worked for me.
Orale.

[ClevrChico]

There are some great Black Friday sales still ongoing for a few days. Lowes has the Amana NTW4516FW on sale for $298!

[Outer Marker]

The concept of SpeedQueen appeals to me (simple, high quality, low tech) -- but the cost is astronomical. ... Nearly $10,000 for stackable units!...

Where are you shopping?
A quick check found multiple places selling the SQ TC 500 for about $1,300.
That version is not stackable but if that would tack many thousands on top of the cost, how about go without that feature?
An even quicker look at stackable SQ models finds prices nowhere close to $10,000.

I need stackable because it’s in a smallish converted closet. I also want a good size drum for comforters, dog towels, rugs and etc. $10K is what I saw on AJ Madison. In fairness, it was $10K for the pair, including dryer. But still…

[testing321]

Here is your low-tech Black Friday doorbuster special for $298 from Lowe's.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Amana-3-5-cu-f ... 1003201568

[the_wiki]

I like the higher efficiency top loaders. Good mix of old and new tech.

What makes a top loader higher efficiency? Can you give some examples?

I don't know exactly what makes them higher efficiency, but if you look at any place that sells appliances they will have a selection of HE top load washing machines. They use less water and power. The downside is longer cycles (although shorter than a front loader) and occasional issues with balance since they have less water to compensate.

This is not a recommendation, just an example of one at Lowes: https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-Profile-5-3 ... 5013546805

[Mudpuppy]

I need stackable because it’s in a smallish converted closet. I also want a good size drum for comforters, dog towels, rugs and etc. $10K is what I saw on AJ Madison. In fairness, it was $10K for the pair, including dryer. But still…

If you need stacked due to space constraints, the cheapest consumer stacked Speed Queens are the SF7 line (SF7007). The SF7 line has an MSRP of around $5k (exact price depending on color and whether you choose gas or electric dryer), and installation shouldn't have doubled the price. They're listed at the bottom of https://speedqueen.com/products/all-products/

At the $10k price tag, I'm assuming they were quoting you for the high-end commercial stacked Speed Queens meant for laundry mats, which is overkill for most home environments.

[retiredjg]

What makes a top loader higher efficiency? Can you give some examples?

This is not a recommendation, just an example of one at Lowes: https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-Profile-5-3 ... 5013546805

That link was interesting. So it saves water because the washer only fills part way up! That never occurred to me. Not sure what I think about that.

[dratkinson]

What makes a top loader higher efficiency? Can you give some examples?

I don't know exactly what makes them higher efficiency, ... The downside is longer cycles (although shorter than a front loader) and occasional issues with balance since they have less water to compensate.*

This is not a recommendation, just an example of one at Lowes: https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-Profile-5-3 ... 5013546805

* I learned from the YT "Maytag" guy's videos that you can look for an option on the washer to override the efficiency setting to give more water for each load setting, so more water to allow load to self-balance.

Search (found it!): https://www.google.com/search?&q=ge-pro ... with+water

[Outer Marker]

I need stackable because it’s in a smallish converted closet. I also want a good size drum for comforters, dog towels, rugs and etc. $10K is what I saw on AJ Madison. In fairness, it was $10K for the pair, including dryer. But still…

If you need stacked due to space constraints, the cheapest consumer stacked Speed Queens are the SF7 line (SF7007). The SF7 line has an MSRP of around $5k (exact price depending on color and whether you choose gas or electric dryer), and installation shouldn't have doubled the price. They're listed at the bottom of https://speedqueen.com/products/all-products/

At the $10k price tag, I'm assuming they were quoting you for the high-end commercial stacked Speed Queens meant for laundry mats, which is overkill for most home environments.

I did find the SF7 line priced at $4,600. https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmad ... 007BE.html. That's more than 2x the LG washtower ($1,900) and only has a 3.5 cu ft. drum vs. 5.0 for the LG. https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmad ... 00HBA.html. I've always believed in buying quality, but that's an awful lot for a washer/dryer. A number of complaints that the dryer was too high to reach -- and my sig. other is short.

I may live to regret it, but I'm probably going to just replace the LG with the identical model if it's not actually fixed on our upcoming service visit Tuesday. It seems the days of "buy for life" appliances are over -- and they're all just disposable if something breaks. I may actually buy the "5 year protection plan" for $255 -- which is something I ordinarily never do. There are very few good repairmen and no repair shops. Like where the famous "Maytag Repairman" hung out bored waiting for calls. A mechnical device of that complexity is bound to need some service during its life for a broken belt or something -- and there's just no one to do the work on a reliable and timely basis. Speedqueen is probably more reliable and less prone to break down, but when it does, I'm looking at a much more expensive replacement if I can't get it fixed.

[the_wiki]

This is not a recommendation, just an example of one at Lowes: https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-Profile-5-3 ... 5013546805

That link was interesting. So it saves water because the washer only fills part way up! That never occurred to me. Not sure what I think about that.

How else would it save water besides using less water?

They have a different kind of agitation so it doesn't need as much water. And it has sensors to accurately match load size with water level.

* I learned from the YT "Maytag" guy's videos that you can look for an option on the washer to override the efficiency setting to give more water for each load setting, so more water to allow load to self-balance.

Search (found it!): https://www.google.com/search?&q=ge-pro ... with+water

That would defeat the purpose. Using more water every time just so you don't have to think about manually balancing your clothes when you put them in is really wasteful. Maybe 1/50 loads I have to stop and reposition some wet blankets or a single heavy pair of jeans in with a bunch of light shirts. Not a big deal.

[the_wiki]

Where are you shopping?
A quick check found multiple places selling the SQ TC 500 for about $1,300.
That version is not stackable but if that would tack many thousands on top of the cost, how about go without that feature?
An even quicker look at stackable SQ models finds prices nowhere close to $10,000.

I need stackable because it’s in a smallish converted closet. I also want a good size drum for comforters, dog towels, rugs and etc. $10K is what I saw on AJ Madison. In fairness, it was $10K for the pair, including dryer. But still…

Front loaders are usually stackable by default. No need to spend a mint on Speed Queen for that.