A few weeks ago, I wrote a similar post on buying a mattress after helping a friend. After reading that post, someone else asked what to look for when buying a new washer and dryer.
Technically I am a former “insider;” however more than a quarter of a century in the home furnishings and appliance business should count for something plus I like helping people to make informed decisions.
One of the very best salespeople I know once told me all appliances will work for what they are designed to do. A fridge will keep your food cold, a stove/range will cook your food, and a washing machine and dryer will wash and dry your clothes. Brooke was absolutely right.
What made and continues to make her, and other good salespeople succeed is their ability to ask the right questions, to listen and learn what their customers want and then match what they know to allow their customers to make informed decisions about what is the right choice for them.
Preparations.
Regardless of buying for the first time or buying a replacement laundry team, you will have some experience using these types of appliances. Based on what you know, take a moment and prepare a list of what features you like and don’t like. Prepare a budget of what you think you can afford (*read about financing below). Be prepared to update and reprioritize your wants and needs as you do your research and learn more about your choices. Do as much preparation as you can before ever setting foot in a store.
Consider these questions,
How much laundry do you do, and how much laundry do you plan on doing in the next 10-12 years? A young couple with children or plans to have children will do more laundry than a retired or older couple. Laundry teams will typically last for ten to twelve years, never buy anything from a store that doesn’t ask these questions. This is a good place to remind you to never overload either your washer or dryer, it will dramatically shorten the life of both appliances.
Repair/Replace. You may not know to just to get a technician to come to your home, it is likely $100-150 dollars, and any parts and labor will be an additional expense. If your current machines are 10 years old or more, it doesn’t make sense to fix them so you should replace them.
New or used? Unless you know the history of a used machine understand that used appliances are not a long-term solution to your needs; especially when considering the useful life of a machine. The design life for most laundry teams, although they will usually last longer, is approximately 10-12 years according to most experts. If your machines are older, they don’t owe you anything. I recommend a new set if your budget allows it.
Identify and decide what features are important to you and find out what features are available. Remember all laundry teams will clean your clothes in most circumstances. By doing some preliminary research online you can make a list of features you would like to explore. When shopping asks your salesperson to explain the features and what the actual benefits to you will be.
Front-load/Top load. I have used both and both will clean your clothes. I really like using top-load machines because there is less bending over; however, if space is a premium, front-load machines are easier to stack. Note, top loaders come with or without an agitator, both will work well, appreciate that agitators can be harder on your clothes.
Where are they going? Main floor or in your basement, it makes a difference. All washing machines make noise and vibrate. Examine how difficult the delivery path is going to be for you are a delivery crew. Know how narrow your stairs are, measure the width available, especially stairs with railings, and don’t forget to include space for your fingers. Wherever you are going to use the machines ensure there are waterlines, electricity, exterior venting, and shutoffs for your taps. It is very important to have good measurements as most retailers will charge a restocking fee and duplicate delivery fee if your purchase doesn’t fit.
High-efficiency soap (HE). HE soap is different than regular laundry soap. Follow the directions if you currently use the older style detergent, a little HE soap really goes a long way. Also, if you only use cold water washing it is important to leave the hot water tap “on.” HE soaps require water to be 55 degrees F (or 13 degrees C), to activate and many people make the mistake of turning off the hot water to save money. Failing to allow for a little hot water will result in the soap not working properly.
How long do you want to wait? Since the start of the pandemic, supply chain issues have ravaged the appliance industry. If you need a replacement machine, unless you are flexible with your list of features, be prepared to wait, potentially for upwards of 6 months for stock.
What brand. While there are many “brands” typically there are not actually that many different manufacturers. In the last few decades, there has been much consolidation in the appliance world. For example, Electrolux is also Frigidaire. Whirlpool is Maytag, Whirlpool, Inglis, and Kitchenaid. Review online consumer reviews and appreciate that individual brand names are less important today.
Extended Warranty. Some warranties are good, and some are not. Ask about how each warranty covers “dead on arrivals (DOAs), damage, do they have a lemon policy (a lemon policy replaces a unit if there are more than a set number of identical service issues), and who would fix your appliance if there were an issue. Ask what is included and what isn’t. Appreciate that virtually all warranties are “repair” not “replace” service plans, regardless of when the issue occurs. Additionally, ask if the warranty is a true “add-on” warranty or if it runs concurrently with the manufacturer’s warranty included with the machine.
It should not surprise anyone that your salesperson will try to sell the extended warranty hard because they earn extra money as well as most stores has a quota for each salesperson to achieve.
Colors. White is usually the least expensive, if your laundry is done in the basement color really doesn’t matter. Different colors won’t get your laundry any cleaner, it is simply a choice of aesthetics.
Matching dryer. Appliance stores inevitably end up with odd washers or dryers and they tend to be harder to sell. If it doesn’t matter to you when you shop ask about what discontinued models are available, know they are usually in stock to avoid having to wait for delivery, and most retailers will offer better pricing even if they are not on display.
Gas or electric dryers. Most current production dryers will have a natural gas version available. Be prepared to spend more money as they tend to be more expensive than electric dryers. Some but not all gas dryers are convertible to propane. Usually, a propane conversion kit is required for an additional fee. Always get a licensed gas fitter to install a gas dryer without exception.
What accessories will you want? There are stands available for some machines to raise them higher and some with storage drawers. Some front-load washers and dryers can be stacked to save space, note you might need a stacking kit, of course, it costs extra. Make sure you have a metal dryer vent kit and when installing try to ensure as few curves as possible. Also, check and clean out your vent hoses as necessary because of lint build-up and the corresponding fire hazard.
Do you use a clothesline? Surprisingly more and more communities have bylaws against clotheslines. Many non-agitator top load machines are incredibly water-efficient and rely on the dryers to remove lint from clothes. If you notice a build-up, it is not a flaw of the machine, the solution is just putting the affected clothes in a dryer for a few minutes.
How good is your electrical service? Newer dryers are very efficient but may use more power than your old dryer. If your old one “pops your breakers” regularly, the new one likely will too. Have an electrician look at your circuit breakers. As a note as well, if your dryer drum turns and there is no heat, it is 99.9% likely the issue is with your breakers and not the dryer.
Know “THERE IS ALWAYS A SALE.” Every retailer will try to build a sense of urgency to purchase from them. Shop around ALWAYS and appreciate the retailers who want you to make an informed decision. Comparison shop models to determine what the regular everyday price is. Some manufacturers’ retail prices are used as a basis for “savings stories;” some are accurate and some are not. Do your own research to determine what the “regular” price is actually for something you are considering purchasing. Don’t be afraid to comparison shop even when in a store. Use their sales flyers either online or in-store, to create a starting point for your research. Use advertised prices as a component of your comparison shopping but not the only determining factor.
How to get a deal. Retailers will say they don’t negotiate, some don’t, but always ask. Don’t be unreasonable when trying to “grind out a better price,” but always ask about discontinued items or mismatch sets, don’t be afraid to walk away either; you never know what they will say. Try not to shop on busy days for the stores. Most stores have sales targets, you will get better service on quieter days, and on slower days you might get a sales manager who wants to “rock and roll” to achieve their sales goal. As mentioned, always question how much any sale is really a sale. Doing this type of research will help you find which retailers can be trusted.
Financing. If you are replacing a washer or dryer and this is an unexpected expense, consider financing. Look for what deferred payment plans are offered. Ask what must be paid upfront, what the interest rate is, and what happens if you do not pay for the purchase by the due date or only partially pay the outstanding balance. Good plans will only charge you interest on the unpaid balance after the due date, ones to avoid will revert to day 1 and should be avoided. Find out how payments are made and where.
You should consider all these questions before stepping into the first store.
Starting your search
Find a store you trust. This can be difficult, especially for younger customers. A good start is to network with friends and co-workers. Google-type reviews can be helpful; however, know that some retailers actively solicit good reviews so they may not be as unbiased as they seem. For example, look at the reviews for examples of, “Did the store help you find what you were looking for, how did you like the service, did you feel listened to, and did they do what they promised?” Don’t feel that you must shop at one store exclusively, shop around until you find someplace that “feels” right.
Buying online. You can, but I don’t recommend it. Looking online is a great tool for research; however, as much as appliances seem like commodity items; being able to see, touch, and ask is a real advantage for big-ticket items.
Find a salesperson you trust (referrals are good). There are some very good salespeople, like Brooke, and there are many who are not. You have the right, not to deal with anyone you do not like. A good salesperson will ask about you, ask questions about what you would like, they will tell you about their goods and services, will always answer your questions at any point in the sale, will listen and tailor their presentation to your desires, will demonstrate how their suggestions will meet your needs, and then they will follow up until you are satisfied. A good salesperson will ask you to keep them in mind the next time you are looking for something else.
The job of a good salesperson is to provide the right information to help you make an informed decision. You should never feel confused or manipulated afterward.
Additional Comparison-Shopping Questions
Is delivery included? Usually, there is a charge, ask about connection and setup, as well as free removal of your old units. Protect your floors because they will not be allowed to remove their boots and check the delivery path or remove pictures and things in their way. Check for damage to your home and with your purchase before signing for the delivery.
Ask about “Setup.” Your washing machine should be leveled three ways, side to side, front to back, and diagonally. Don’t forget to remove the packing bolts, these keep the drum from moving during shipping and will wreck your machine if you forgot.
Ask questions. Laundry teams are expensive, and you want to ensure you receive proper value. In general, an inexpensive set will not last as long as a more expensive laundry team. If you have a family of several small children and buy a starting price point set, expect that it will not last. Ask lots of questions and if you are not happy, try another store, and keep searching.
Finally, when you use your laundry team for the first time. Watch the first cycle. Washing machines are well made but they are machines. Never operate them when you are not home and check them regularly, especially the first time for leaks and things that are not connected properly.
As Brooke says, almost all washers and dryers will clean your clothes. The secret of finding a set that is affordable for your budget and one that will do what you want is the product of good research. Dedicate spending a day or two comparison shopping, and then you should have the knowledge to make an informed decision. Know that all appliances, stores, and salespeople are not created equal. Appliances are expensive but they are built better now than at any point in history, they are just more complex as well than ever and it is worth the time you invest in making this purchase.
Good luck,
Paul.