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felafrom t1_j6cvnhr wrote

My experience is that it's true. I've lost two utility backpacks and one pair of shorts to these heavy duty commercial washers in my dorm (on the most delicate setting mind you). As much as I am a Ron Swanson with everything, I would never purchase a Speed Queen for my personal use. Plenty of sophisticated options out there today from Miele or even Bosch and the likes which don't wreak havoc on my clothes and are just as reliable. Additionally, I'm the man who would prioritize his clothes looking undamaged after 5 years of washing (which is important because clothes often have sentimental value) over "easier serviceability" which will save me like what...20 dollars and half an hour extra? I don't see the point.

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NickCharlesYT t1_j6degci wrote

Yeah this is exactly why we skipped the commercial options when we bought our washer and dryer last month. Ultimately went with a cheaper LG front load set that was 1/3 the cost of the speed queen set. Sure it might only last 10-12 years, but the savings in water and destroyed clothes will be worth it in the long run.

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Thegoodlife2k20 t1_j6dvbyp wrote

Try 4-5 years. Neighbor had a sammy and it pissed all over the floor 4 years in...

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NickCharlesYT t1_j6dvlej wrote

Their first mistake was buying Samsung. Least reliable appliance brand across the board in my experience, never known one in my circle of family and friends that were ever problem free. Don't know why people keep buying them.

I specifically sought out a front load model that was recommended by most appliance repair technicians I could talk to or hear from. Most said the model I have is good and they hardly ever have to service it, and when they do it's only minor issues. So we'll see how it goes, but the same method worked great for our last major appliances purchase.

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rosinall t1_j6fbrlk wrote

I recommend a trip to /r/appliances, where you will find everyone from consumers to seasoned repair people telling you expect the problems to start any day now, followed by terrible customer service and stupidly unattainable parts. Sansung is likewise despised for the same reasons.

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NickCharlesYT t1_j6fd4g6 wrote

Yeah funny thing about brands. Someone, somewhere has already had a bad experience. It can be very hard to judge exactly how reliable a brand or specific model is using only hearsay. The key is the actual service rates and statistics by companies that actually do testing of appliances, as well as the people who service them regularly. Otherwise, you'll find it impossible to navigate the sea of complaints and horror stories.

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packersfan823 t1_j6fhwur wrote

Thanks for the link, it's very informative. I'm saving this link for when I remodel my kitchen.

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Thirdeye242 t1_j6iad1f wrote

Our LG washer lasted us 13 years, maybe a bit longer. The LG dryer is still going strong.

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bgslr t1_j6czgm5 wrote

Appreciate it, thank you! I'll look into Miele or Bosch. I'm moving my laundry hookups upstairs to my steps landing and out of my kitchen (terrible place for them), seemed like a good time to replace my POS combo unit that was here when we moved in.

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felafrom t1_j6h92ha wrote

Yeah you should definitely look at the broader high-end market if you're going to upgrade anyway. Long term, a few hundred dollars are basically equivalent to dirt, but I would cry if my shirt that my mother bought me for college 10 years ago came out torn courtesy of a "hurr-durr rugged washer cuz I'm a construction worker" sentiment.

Miele is very expensive, but many German and European brands have nailed the art of washing clothes pretty well, so I hope you look into that. All the best with your renovation!

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bgslr t1_j6hlqda wrote

Miele does seem nice, but all I'm seeing are the ventless heat pump style from them. Whatever hookups I choose is negligible because I'm going straight up and need to run new water / power lines anyway. Right now I have gas hookups and could easily have the plumber extend gas upwards / add an exhaust upstairs.

Heat pump style does seem neat and more energy efficient. Biggest hangup I have about it is that the loads take longer to dry and the drum is about half the size of traditional laundry machines.

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