Washing machines

[Leanora]

Washing Machines, yeah those things (Miele) that used to last 30+ years . Washes your clothes and if lucky dry them. 

Now apparently they come with  AI, steaming, bubbles ( yes,  bubbles!?)and wifi, for remote access. All for our new  'Smart home' of the modern day future.

 

I've been trying to look for a replacement unit for 2 days now but there's nothing out there that actually tests these things at scale or do long term testing?

 

Sure you see which one is the more popular one based on sales numbers,  or when you do find a match on reddit, you get the horror  story of repair refusal despite warranty and app/ setting unclear. Idk , we got a ton of stuff for gpu,  tv and even cars, but when looking for a washing machine it's hardly anything.

 

These came recommended:

hisense wd5s1045bw

SAMSUNG WD80TA046BE

Someone got experience with them, or recommendations for brands to look at or stay away from? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Needfuldoer]

Speed Queen still makes old-school dumb top-loaders that "just work". My mom replaced her 30-year-old Amana with one, and they were nearly identical aside from the new one having clicky buttons and a porcelain tub. (The old one had a clockwork knob and a stainless steel tub.)

 

Or do what I did and get 20+ year old Whirlpool/Kenmore appliances off Marketplace for a song and fix them up. Both needed cleaning, the washer's agitator needed new dogs, and the dryer needed a new overheat cutoff switch. They're as well-documented as major appliances can be and parts are cheap and plentiful because they didn't change for 30 years. They don't integrate with Home Assistant or IFTTT, but after you do a couple loads you get a feel for how long they take.

 

(If you want to talk about smart appliances in general, we can leave this its own thread. If this is a video suggestion, we'll merge it into the LTT video idea suggestion megathread.)

[manikyath]

i have a bit of inside knowledge of the large device market.. and really, these are devices where the core concept hasnt changed since their invention.

 

all the stuff they've added since the time of mechanical wash cycle timers are basicly just levels of trying to differentiate. some stuff is nice like *having an actual computer in there that monitors sensors instead of an advanced mechanical clock*, but there is no reason your washing machine should show notifications on your smart TV (yes, that is a thing.)

 

also.. my family has had VERY bad luck with miele when it comes to washing machines, pretty much everyone has migrated to electrolux, because mieles keep dying prematurely and their support is actual ass, even for a sector where support being ass is a given.

 

besides, miele is the brand that brought us proprietary soap for dishwashers, which is yet another reason to not buy their manufactured e-waste. (also, our dishwashers last about a year on average. they literally degrade faster than phone batteries in our household..)

 

long story short, look for this in your home appliances:

- NOT smart, in any way.

- ignore the energy label, because you shouldnt use eco setting anyways.

- ideally, get something that's on clearance because it's an older model (not saying 2010 old, i'm saying stuff that's discounted to make room for this year's model)

- have a quick google around for each thing you consider buying, if there's lots of hits for problems with that model better look elsewhere.

- ignore house brand stuff, ignore "suggestions" from webshops like "coolblue's choice". if a webstore tries to recommend you a specific model, it's because they get a good deal on it, you dont.

- before you press buy, search for the maintenance manual online. no manual, no buy.

[Leanora]

8 minutes ago, Needfuldoer said:

(If you want to talk about smart appliances in general, we can leave this its own thread. If this is a video suggestion, we'll merge it into the LTT video idea suggestion megathread.)

Thank you for your reply. I actually would like some insight on this so please leave it as its own thread. 

 

I'll put in a separate entry in the video idea suggestion thread instead.

[GarlicDeliverySystem]

43 minutes ago, manikyath said:

also.. my family has had VERY bad luck with miele when it comes to washing machines, pretty much everyone has migrated to electrolux, because mieles keep dying prematurely and their support is actual ass, even for a sector where support being ass is a given.

 

besides, miele is the brand that brought us proprietary soap for dishwashers, which is yet another reason to not buy their manufactured e-waste. (also, our dishwashers last about a year on average. they literally degrade faster than phone batteries in our household..)

Interesting, my family has made the exact opposite experience so far. Though to be fair, through family connections/experience with buying and using appliances over many years, we got a bit of inside knowledge on which series to get/avoid. Those proprietary soap BS that they are doing for example, I simply ignore. Same with the smart appliance and programming features.

 

However, what I did notice after moving to a different country was that they apparently produce the 'same' model slightly differently depending on region. Found this out the hard way when I wanted to change something on my drier, only to realize that the german, dutch, and french manuals for the same drier model have different instructions for the same operation. So maybe they really crap out in some regions.

 

[manikyath]

43 minutes ago, GarlicDeliverySystem said:

Found this out the hard way when I wanted to change something on my drier, only to realize that the german, dutch, and french manuals for the same drier model have different instructions for the same operation. So maybe they really crap out in some regions.

it'd be a shocker to me that a german manufacturer would make a lesser product for their own region.. but potentially they outsource some regions.. and the outsourcer just happens to be better than miele? (PS, ours come more or less directly from miele's facilities, some ties to before mentioned insider knowledge)

[GarlicDeliverySystem]

4 minutes ago, manikyath said:

it'd be a shocker to me that a german manufacturer would make a lesser product for their own region.. but potentially they outsource some regions.. and the outsourcer just happens to be better than miele? (PS, ours come more or less directly from miele's facilities, some ties to before mentioned insider knowledge)

Oh, it was a case of the german version having screws and what not holding the parts together, while the export version had the piece simply molded in place. Overall it had the same functionality, but the 'foreign' version was definitely easier to produce and oddly enough less complex to work with in this case (swapping the hinge on a door from left to right). 

[manikyath]

5 minutes ago, GarlicDeliverySystem said:

Oh, it was a case of the german version having screws and what not holding the parts together, while the export version had the piece simply molded in place. Overall it had the same functionality, but the 'foreign' version was definitely easier to produce and oddly enough less complex to work with in this case (swapping the hinge on a door from left to right). 

that defenately sounds like a local supplier taking some creative liberties thing.. which is very common in most industries so that's not a jab at miele.. it's just sort of a mark against "shopping for X brand" in general.

 

i defenately do know of an "italian" brand of ovens that's owned by a dutch person, and is made in germany.

[Kisai]

3 hours ago, Needfuldoer said:

Speed Queen still makes old-school dumb top-loaders that "just work".

These are what are installed in apartment buildings. There are also Huebsch ones used in apartment buildings.

But they are also pricey. Both of these brands are typically $1200-$2400CDN for the washer alone.

 

That said, just be aware that if you go looking on youtube about how washers have changed, you are going to be extremely disappointed. Like the guy on this channel

 

Basically does tear downs/repairs of old and new washers (and some other appliances) and one video in the channel about why so many appliances break now (hint, it's because they replaced mechanical controls with computer chips, and the chips die.)

Ah i think it was this one

 

As a side note on why chips are dying on all computerized appliances, it's because they often involve dealing with hot water/air and are not sealed properly. Relays and springs don't have that problem.

 

[Leanora]

I'm originally from the Netherlands and when growing up I was told to just get German made, Siemens or Miele, since Germans like to overengineer. Or look at Japanese  since those too tend to be build to last.  

Now, while trying to do research on a washing machine replacent, lots of functionaly seems to be added and hardly actual informative reviews on the stuff. 

I'll have a look at the videos  you shared @Kisai , thanks. 
Made for obsolence, or low quality control seems to be what's 'in'these days. 

 

[atxcyclist]

I have a set of basic Amana machines that I bought just a few years back. Cannot say a whole lot about longevity yet, but they wash and dry clothes.

[TudorFinalBosz]

Side comment: I got a Miele vacuum cleaner and it's been working perfectly for 5 years, only had to buy filters. Very well made and I got the cheapest one on a 50% discount, so not really something very fancy. The unit has been used about 2 times a week, so that's about 500 times. Every other thing I had before broke down in just a few years (electrolux, samsung, etc).

[Donut417]

On 9/27/2025 at 3:45 AM, Leanora said:

Someone got experience with them, or recommendations for brands to look at or stay away from? 

Look for the most basic one as possible. The smart shit costs you more money and is hell of expensive when you need to get it fixed. 

[Hideki Ryuga]

I will say front-loads don't need to have the load be balanced and are more efficient in general.

--

 

That said people swear by Speed Queens.

[Needfuldoer]

3 hours ago, Hideki Ryuga said:

That said people swear by Speed Queens.

Because they don't take two hours to get a load of wash kind of clean.

 

Residential front-load washers are only good for the spin cycle and washing blankets and winter jackets that float. For regular wash, a top loader with an agitator does a better job in less time.

[Mihle]

I dont think I have personally heard anything good about Samsung appliances like that. Other than that they are pushing smart stuff hard that is for me a negative.

[ewitte]

Dumb appliances tend to work longer.  Although not guaranteed I keep spare parts for my dryer because it breaks every 3-6 months.  

[Beerzerker]

Speed Queen machines might be expensive these days for what they are but are also about the best you'll do. 

My dad-in-law had bought a few years ago a washer and dryer set that, after just a few years of use started having problems and I mean issue after issue. I fixed it a couple of times myself but the problems just kept on coming. 
The dryer itself seems fine but the washer was another thing on it's own, main problems were from the lid-lock and things tied into it electrically so it would work.
It either had a bad sensor, circuit board and so on and after replacing the circuit/control board twice my wife agreed with me to find something that wasn't so "Techy" and Speed Queen was the brand we found to replace it with. 

It's been around now about as long as the old one it replaced and zero problems to even mention - It just works. 

Personally speaking I had to replace our washer and dryer set back in 2009, replaced a set of Whirlpool/Maytag units that were 30+ years old when we got them and they lasted for over 10 years after we bought them.

It was kinda ironic too they literally died within 24 hours of each other, as if one died and the other grieved itself to death. The transmisson on the washer died (Locked up) and right after we started using the new one the dryer stopped working too - The very next day. 

Over the course of those two days we picked up a set that was a Whirlpool washer and GE dryer, went for what was about the mid-line range of machines so we'd have a few options along with them but not too fancy (Expensive) either - And to this day both are still working great. 

None of the fancy, electronic "Touch" stuff, just the usual dials, timers and switches older ones had. 

Didn't want a front load washer due to them (At the time at least) having issues about leaking so went with a traditional set, which were cheaper anyway and no regrets about it. 

Next one here will be a Speed Queen, no questions or doubt about it.
 

[nbrowser]

On 10/3/2025 at 1:55 AM, Needfuldoer said:

Because they don't take two hours to get a load of wash kind of clean.

 

Residential front-load washers are only good for the spin cycle and washing blankets and winter jackets that float. For regular wash, a top loader with an agitator does a better job in less time.

My apartment has Speed Queen/Huebsch (same company) top loaders, laundry gets done and done in a hurry and quite well.

[Mark Kaine]

What I noticed they all start accumulating water where you would put the "softener" (which I never use lol)

It's just kinda messy and dumb (planned obsolescence?)

[GarlicDeliverySystem]

3 hours ago, Mark Kaine said:

What I noticed they all start accumulating water where you would put the "softener" (which I never use lol)

AFAIK depending on your local water quality and the detergent you use, you might want to think about doing so. The divalent ions that make water 'hard' usually interfere with the surfactants in the detergent and can do deposit soap scum and other stuff inside your machine.

 

Some detergents have chelating agents or ion exchange materials in them, but not all of them have that.

[Mark Kaine]

1 hour ago, GarlicDeliverySystem said:

AFAIK depending on your local water quality and the detergent you use, you might want to think about doing so. The divalent ions that make water 'hard' usually interfere with the surfactants in the detergent and can do deposit soap scum and other stuff inside your machine.

 

Some detergents have chelating agents or ion exchange materials in them, but not all of them have that.

Yeah it's gotta be clogged up somehow, the question is why does it put water there if I don't even use softener... it's not a stated requirement and the thing has seemingly sensors everywhere but it can't detect no softener...  

Also as said they all do this, it's kinda hilarious.

. you're right putting something in there might fix it, but depending on what's actually going on that may be too late...

 

I can't even remove that door like I could on my old washing machine...... 

 

I'm just baffled that machines had this issue 20 years* ago already and it's still happening with brandnew ones (it's 1 year old) 

 

 

* yep, bought in 2002 or so, so actually longer than 20 years, never been repaired either, things last if you take care of them , but nothing can be done about these planned obsolescence things (idk what actually broke, I think it was the motor for the spinning mechanism tho ...)

 

 

[Mark Kaine]

On 9/27/2025 at 10:20 AM, manikyath said:

ignore the energy label, because you shouldnt use eco setting anyways

Why? 

 

I recently started using "fast" mode because well, it's faster (1 hour instead of 3) and clothes get just as clean...

 

Incidentally I think that's about when it started putting water in the "softener opening" just STOPPP OMG

[Mark Kaine]

On 9/27/2025 at 9:45 AM, Leanora said:

Washing Machines

I really like mine, a Bauknecht BPW 814A, but yeah it now started to do that water in the softener compartment thing, which is rather annoying, I think I might still have warranty tho ...

 

The thing is otherwise great, relatively fast, doesn't use much water (in general) and stuff gets clean...

 

It has no internet connection wifi bubbles or similar nonsense it's just a washing machine with some nice functions, you can turn it off and put more stuff in at any time for example, pretty cool!  Also I think you can't put too much weight in either, it can wash down jackets and stuff (my old one couldn't)

 

It's relatively cheap and no negative points in reviews either.

 

 

1 hour ago, GarlicDeliverySystem said:

deposit soap

Btw I just checked, this time there was no water, no idea, it was a different program tho, but also "fast" option enabled...

[GarlicDeliverySystem]

Just now, Mark Kaine said:

Btw I just checked, this time there was no water, no idea, it was a different program tho, but also "fast" option enabled...

I don't know the model of washing machine (and even if, I hardly know enough about my own), but just to be sure: are we talking about water softener or conditioner? Because the latter is optional and on mine only used in some programs (I never use that stuff and have heard from plenty of people they have issue with using it). But the water softener can be critical, if your detergent doesn't already take care of that.

 

Unrelated rant: My washing machine and drier are both 'smart' in that they can communicate with an app to schedule and select programs or see how far it is. Guess what I can't: see what is in the programs and change any fucking parameters (like conditioner yes/no). But I can do that by some super weird engineering menu that works with blinking various icons and using that one selector dial to navigate through a ton of hidden menus. WHY!?