Hey guys, I’m getting ready to move into my first home and I need to buy a washer and dryer. I’m on a tight budget any advice on where I can find affordable but reliable options? How much should I expect to spend on a decent washer and dryer?
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Costco often offers excellent deals on washer and dryer combos.
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You can try Costco or Best Buy.
If you have lots of questions, Best Buy is great for getting detailed answers about different models. At Costco, they might not provide as much help with understanding the models, but they often include all the hookup accessories (like hoses and dryer vent kits) for free, as far as I remember. They also used to offer free haul-away of old appliances, though I’m not sure if that’s still the case.
Retailers like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe’s usually charge $30 or more per accessory and also charge for haul-away services. So, even if Costco’s machines are priced the same as elsewhere, you’re saving $90 or more right off the bat by getting the accessories and haul-away included.
Now is also a good time to buy with Labor Day sales happening. Labor Day and Presidents Day are usually the best times for appliance discounts.
Source: Former appliance salesperson
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Alright! In your view, which brands do you think are the top choices for appliances on the market?
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Considering your budget, LG currently offers the best value for the price. They’re known for reliability, high ratings, and the current sales are really competitive. Models like this front loader or this top loader (along with the matching dryer) would be solid choices.
During my time in sales, Whirlpool, GE, and Maytag also had good reliability records. I personally own a Maytag and have been pleased with it. However, the Labor Day sales on LG machines make them significantly cheaper than most other brands right now.
I’d advise against Samsung. Despite their fancy features, their appliances often lack quality and reliability.
Additional note on washer size: A 4.5 cubic feet washer, like the front loader I mentioned, can handle a king-size comforter. The top loader I suggested is slightly smaller at 4.1 cubic feet, so keep that in mind if you need to wash bulkier items.
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Do I have to have a membership to buy this?
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Do I need a Costco membership to buy appliances there? Yes, but the savings you get from buying through Costco typically outweigh the $60 membership fee.
For instance, at Best Buy, you’d pay for a dryer power cord ($35), dryer vent kit ($30), washer hoses ($35), and haul-away service ($60 per appliance, so $120 for both washer and dryer). That’s $220 just for the required installation accessories and haul-away, compared to Costco where all of these are usually included.
I appreciate your thorough guidance, Dolph. Knowing that LG appliances are currently reasonably priced is beneficial, especially in light of the Labor Day promotions. Your advice on capacity and dependability is insightful and should be taken into account by anyone considering a new washer purchase. LG will be a consideration in my decision-making.
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I’ve been using front loaders for years, both in various apartments and in my own home, and I’ve never had mold or odor issues that couldn’t be fixed with an affresh cleaner pod and a hot cycle for an hour. I believe this is a case where the problem existed with early models but has since been resolved, though many people still think they have issues.
Front loaders provide a good balance of effective washing, water efficiency, and gentleness on clothes. I’ve tried top-loaders without agitators, but they don’t clean clothes as well.
Regarding soaking, I don’t often need to soak clothes, but if I do get mud or something on them, I just use a heavy-duty cycle, which keeps them in the soapy water longer.