Is the Cheapest Washer in the USA MORE Reliable Than a Speed Queen?

We wanted to find out how long the cheapest washer in the USA would last. 3 years later we have our answer- and it is quite surprising.

Try my favorite detergents:

[petermaz]

I have a small avocado green whirlpool portable washer that is over 45 years old. I use it every week and it’s still going strong and has never needed any repair.

[theadvocate]

I usually do 2 washes a week, at that rate that machine would last for 65 years! Happy to see that basic old style machine still exist! My actual washer is 25 years in, strong as new...

[erg]

That's why it's important to do your research. Don't go by what other experts think they know about washers. It's best to get info from the source. Think for yourself and use your intuition. If you have a great washer and it's doing a great job it's best to keep it. I love Eugene's videos and I admire his knowledge on washing machines. Knowledge is power.

[ddavejb]

We bought our cheapo Amana version of this set at Home Depot in January 2018 and both the washer and dryer have had zero problems. We average 4-5 loads a week and they clean the clothes well.

[apAvocado]

Completely agree with you. About 10-12 years ago I bought a Speed Queen top loader 3.2 cubic foot capacity. Ran it 7 days a week, 3-7 loads a day. Lasted 7 years only. Paid a little over $1250.00 for it. It rusted out completely. Started leaking, etc. Stopped working. The manufacturer's many-year warranty wasn't covering any part of the machine. So that warranty was completely worthless, in my mind. Bought the cheapest GE washer at a big box store for $600 with the cycles and tub size I needed. It lasted 13 months. Ran it 7 days a week, with 3-8 loads a day. Family of six, lots of washing. Currently, I have a Maytag I got for $680, didn't bother buying the extended warranty. Use only HE liquid detergent, Lysol laundry sanitizer in the fabric softener dispenser, use only warm water (never cold) and clean the machine with a washing machine cleaner once a month. I'll be happy if this lasts more than three years. I agree that washers no longer are built to last ten years, much less 20 years. I was toying with the idea of getting a Speed Queen front loader but when I found out they are more than $2, 000, I decided I'll just stick to the top loader models. I've always been curious about the Amana and Roper brands. I think I didn't buy one of those last time because it was missing cycles I needed (for example, extra rinse). I guess I'll just stick to the lowest-priced top loaders with an impeller than have the cycles I use most. Nothing lasts forever. Thank you for your video. I learned a lot.

[hourgmtchannel]

Still using the matching Maytag washer & dryer I purchased from Best Buy in 2000. Both were made in Newton Iowa. Still using them 24 years later with not one problem.

[RRaucina]

I have one of these essentially identical. 20+ years now and several loads a week. Had one breakdown in warranty and it was fixed free, Another glitch several years later I was able to remedy using the crazy diagnostics built in. There was a tech sheet taped inside and also on line.

[smitastic]

"Massage Parlor", wink wink.

[farside]

Thank you for a very “real “ informative video. I have an old kenmore large capacity top loader with agitator and it’s all metal. A tank! It’s about 25 years old and still going strong. Had a few minor repairs and the repair guys all say to keep fixing it because today’s washing machines are garbage.

[marcystephens]

We replaced a Whirlpool that was purchased in 2002 this year with a new LG. That old Whirlpool lasted at least 18 years before my husband had to make a repair. It did have the issue with the agitator being stripped that last year. I really really thought long and hard about refurbishment, but it was starting to rust in places that came in contact with clothes. I probably did at least 7 loads a week for those 20 years. 6 person household—including 4 children and pets! I even used cloth diapers at times. I really like my new LG, but I certainly don’t expect I’ll get 20 years out of it.

[DylBuilder]

This shows that not ALL modern appliances are garbage! Whirlpool really hit the nail on the head with this one, especially being only a $399 machine! It seems these inexpensive Whirlpool machines have less to go wrong than the higher up models (not the Maytag commercial ofc, that is built better than this but a lot more expensive) so they run longer. 5 cycles, A true dual action agitator, Deep water wash system, what else do you really need? Great video Eugene :)

[chnalvr]

I own a no-frills bottom of the line 22-year-old Kenmore dishwasher that I've used at least once per week and is still washing, rinsing and drying consistently well.

[ngtflyer]

I have a similar machine. An Amana brand. It has a couple more cycles and a different agitator design. It's quiet and it works well. Bought used from a local guy who refurbishes and services them. Seeing this video makes me feel pretty good about our machine. Working great so far! We do maybe 3-4 loads of normal clothing a week.

[depARTmentUhaul]

Fascinating, a guy who appreciates a great machine, my Maytags are legendary (last ones made in Newton Iowa) it's crazy but I love them and nobody is allowed to run them unless their briefed heavily.

[jtokarz]

I have connected the washer plug to a on off plug switch====which then plugs into the wall socket. At the end of wash, switch plug switch off. This protects washer electronics when not in use. Minor power surges can kill components on board and in turn vastly shorten the life of the unit.

[jhomrich]

Overall I wouldn't say this is more durable than a speed queen but for what you pay for this machine you will definitely not be disappointed. I also think what helps this machine out is the fact that compared to other high end machines it's relatively simple because I guarantee you if this was loaded with a lot more sensors and circuit boards I'd say this thing would have been dead 2 years ago. And it actually cleans the clothes not swirls them around in 3 inches of water so you have that too.

[leifharmsen]

The trick I learned is to wash everything on "bulky bedding". On that setting the spin starts super slow and stays slow for a while before speeding up - and that's a good thing because it saves the washer from what I call the unbalance death spiral where the suspension rods and main axil wear out causing it to wear out faster. The worst thing you can do is wash towels on "white" - it goes into fast spin aggressively when the towels are still way too heavy with water - and it will wear your machine out fast. I suspect this one was always run on "bulky bedding".

[alfredvalrie]

I got the Kenmore 20232 version of this for my dad in 2018, and it just broke down. I bought it from Sears, and it was $425 new water hoses, delivery, install, and taxes included. I’m not sure what happened with it, but I just bought something else. I live too far from my dad to coordinate repair, and my aunt was saying she thought the control board was bad. Oh well! $425 for 5 years 😂

[teekay_]

So it sounds like this story has a happy ending.

[ppipowerclass]

I am sticking with my 1995 Kitchen Aid direct drive.