Shortly after we started dating in 2013, my girlfriend, now
fiancé, moved back into her condo. She had sold her washer and dryer when
she moved out the year before and rented the place out for a year in
preparation to begin her new non-profit, WEGO.
She needed a new washer and dryer. We had already
decided to marry in a year or so, so I went with her to look at appliances.
We started out looking at cheapy- cheapy, preused, discounted machines at
those used appliance shops down in the valley, and I just couldn't lock into
any. So I pulled out the big guns. I dug into my years of
"mavenness" and started a very serious analysis of washing and dryer
machines.
I thoroughly looked through Consumer Reports (both the
magazine and the online services). I looked at ratings and reviews. I talked
with family members about the LGs they owned and learned that they are quiet.
It used to be that the company, LG (Life's good) wasn't
actually promoting a very good life. This was back about 7-10 years ago.
The company is out of Great Britain which usually has pretty good products,
as far as I know, but their products were never really good. LG has
come a long way since then.
I did more research online at different brick and mortar
stores but mostly on Consumer Reports. I knew from the information that I
gathered that LGs were probably the best, with Whirlpool next in line with
Samsung.
Since I'm very particular about getting a good deal (not just
a good product), I didn't want to just frivolously spend money. I analyzed the
pricing in town. I looked around at who was selling the LG. I knew Sears was.
I waited for the sale in a few weeks--I think it was 20% off with an
additional 10% for putting it on my Sears card (which I never usually use). I
got it and by so doing that it saved me close to 30%. My girlfriend was happy
and promised to pay her share until we tied the knot.
I transferred the balance to my credit union card (I'll do a
blog post on credit unions later).
Since the new LG front loaders have so many electronics on
it, I didn't want to worry about any mechanical issues so I got the whole
maintenance package (with all the whistles and bells) One little
electronic piece can run you 3,4 or $500 or more and I just don't want to deal
with that. With the sears maintenance program the mechanics come out once
a year, and check the filters, hoses, computer systems, drain the
thing and run a checkup. If there are any other problems at any other
time of the year, they come out and fix it for free. Since I plan on having
this for a long time, we got the LG HE 4.3 cubic foot front loading silver washer and
dryer, series 302KWHXA5657 from Sears in Spring of 2013. http://www.sears.com/appliances-washers-front-load-washers/b-1101277?sbf=brand&sbv=LG
I don't like top loaders because they waste more water and
energy. Front loaders don't waste as much water, save money on energy on
soap, and they are easier to manipulate the clothes in and out of.
....And as an added bonus, for all my loyal readers, I use
Costco's HE Kirkland Signature lavender scented (for the woman in my life)
liquid laundry detergent, Oxiclean spray stain remover (which works better than
Shout), and I'll also put in some powder oxiclean in the wash (on occasion) to
help get it a little cleaner. And finally I use Wal-mart bought Arm and
Hammer Mountain Spring dryer sheets.
