The price of washers and dryers..WOW!

Beeman · #1 10/25/08, 11:09 PM

We need a new washer and the dryer is 21yo too so it's probably not long for this world either. We don't use the dryer much and usually wash about 3 loads a week. We looked at the new frt. loaders as the stackability might be nice in gaining some space. WOW, I cannot believe the price of the pairs. They look at you like you're a fool if you don't think $1600 is a deal for a washer dryer.

MELOC · #2 10/25/08, 11:21 PM

yeah, i hear you. when i can no longer patch up the machines i have, i will be cruising the classified ads for someone else's surplus. my sister just dropped some major loot on a new front loader...wow! no way i would pay more for a washing machine than i ever have on a car! i don't care what the energy saving or soap saving would be, it would take a very loooong time to recoup $1600.

**ladycat** · #3 10/25/08, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beeman

We need a new washer and the dryer is 21yo too so it's probably not long for this world either. We don't use the dryer much and usually wash about 3 loads a week. We looked at the new frt. loaders as the stackability might be nice in gaining some space. WOW, I cannot believe the price of the pairs. They look at you like you're a fool if you don't think $1600 is a deal for a washer dryer.

Some tips.

Look for a place that sells Roper brand washers and dryers. Ropers are cheaper than the other brands and very well built.

Look for an appliance outlet place that sells dented appliances for a deep discount. Don't picture "dented" as being smashed up. You usually don't see the dent or scratch without looking for it. After they unload appliances from the truck, and they are moving them from one spot to another in the warehouse, sometimes they scrape or bump a spot.

Or do like me and get a nephew who manages a furniture warehouse and saves the dented ones for friends and family (for free).

MELOC · #4 10/25/08, 11:41 PM

good tip. i bought a roper fridge in something like 1998 for between $200-$300...closer to $200 i think, and i still have it.

Boss Cooker · #5 10/26/08, 05:42 AM

If you don't mind used equipment. Check craigslist in your area. I found a front loader for a hundred bucks that is a year old.

Fae · #6 10/26/08, 06:27 AM

My DD has a stackable washer and dryer that was not that expensive. I can't remember the brand but the machine is a top loader. My neighbor also has one. My DD found hers at Hudson's Salvage Store for $700. Of course, there is no warranty from those stores. It has been doing great for at least 2 years. When I have to buy new that is the one I plan to get. I don't have to do more than 5 loads a week so I don't need anything really heavy duty or fancy.

cider · #7 10/26/08, 06:32 AM

Another satisfied Roper customer here!

DAVID In Wisconsin · #8 10/26/08, 07:49 AM

I bought a Roper w & d about three months ago. Just under $700.00 for the set, delivered and set up. Good enough for me. I almost had a stroke when I saw the expensive ones! I'd beat my clothes on a rock first.

6e · #9 10/26/08, 08:08 AM

I will say the front load water saving washers are very expensive, but for people like us that live where there's no water and we have to haul water on top of having 4 kids and A LOT of laundry, the price of the washer was more than worth the gas it costs us hauling water.

Alice In TX/MO · #10 10/26/08, 08:15 AM

Also go to estate auctions. I just picked up a very nice dryer for $50. The washer (which was newer) went for $200.

clsmith15 · #11 10/26/08, 08:24 AM

Lowes often has appliances on clearance. I recently got a dishwasher for half price because it had a ding on the bottom metal piece. It's black and you can't even see the damage. The machine is super quiet and does a great job. I did not price the clothes washers on clearance but they always seem to have them. I've been checking weekly for a range as the oven on mine is broken and I can buy a brand new range (not on clearance) for $50 more than the replacement part costs.

texican · #12 10/26/08, 12:59 PM

We've got a local repair place that sells great used washer/dryers... for about a quarter of retail.

Freecycle, Craigslist, and even better, our local "swap shop" radio show has these things on all the time... we've got two extra washers sitting in the barn...

Front loaders might be nice, but they'd have to bake bread, and change the oil in my truck, for me to pay that much for them...

MELOC · #13 10/26/08, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAVID In Wisconsin

I almost had a stroke when I saw the expensive ones! I'd beat my clothes on a rock first.

unilever actually makes soap formulated just for that purpose, lol. it is sold in third world countries.

Callieslamb · #14 10/26/08, 04:18 PM

Just don't complain when all the American jobs go to Mexico! There are plenty of washers and dryers out there for a lot less than $1600 that are USA brands.

Kathy NW Ohio · #15 10/26/08, 05:01 PM

My Roper washing machine is 15 years old now. Have not had any problems with it. Does a good job !

MELOC · #16 10/26/08, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Callieslamb

Just don't complain when all the American jobs go to Mexico! There are plenty of washers and dryers out there for a lot less than $1600 that are USA brands.

which brands are actually still made in america?

morrowsmowers · #17 10/26/08, 05:38 PM

We bought a new washer about a year ago. We got a good deal on a Maytag top loader from Home Depot. Paid $400 for a mid level washer and it was about $45 for delivery, set up, and removal of the old unit. They gave us a mail in rebate for the delivery fee and we also got a $25 dollar gift card. The same machine was selling for $450 and higher at other stores.

We got our dishwasher from Lowes about 4 years ago on a half price sale. we paid $340 for a machine that sold for a little over $700. We let them install it and remove the old unit and paid for the extended warranty. They just replaced a pump motor that went free of charge.

Ken in Glassboro, NJ

**ladycat** · #18 10/26/08, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MELOC

which brands are actually still made in america?

This only names one brand:

http://www.americansworking.com/washing.html

I'm still looking...

**ladycat** · #19 10/26/08, 05:42 PM

Hmmm

http://www.usstuff.com/clothwsh.htm

**ladycat** · #20 10/26/08, 05:45 PM

Maytag/Whirlpool moved to Mexico about a year ago (I think that includes Kitchen Aid - not certain).

I had already read recently that Electrolux moved to Mexico.