10 Washing Machines That Aren’t Worth the Money
Knowing which brands you can trust is essential when buying major appliances to put in your home. Washing machines should be designed to make laundry easier, more water efficient and come with few mechanical issues. However, not all washing machines or appliance brands are created equal. Some may promise great features and Energy Star ratings but end up being disappointing investments.
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Quick Take: Common Issues With Washing Machines
No matter if you opt for a top-loading washing machine or prefer a front-load washer, the general rule is that your appliance should come with the peace of mind that it will run smoothly and clean your clothes. Here are some red flags in reviews to familiarize yourself with before buying:
Only a few cold or hot wash cycle options are available.
Low score on Consumer Reports.
Poor customer service or unreliable maintenance.
Water levels used are too high and not eco-friendly.
Low energy efficiency ratings or not high efficiency when running in general.
10 Washing Machines To Avoid Buying
Buying home appliances is a huge expense so you want to make sure you are not bringing home a lemon that will cost you thousands in repairs. Here are a few washing machine brands that may not be worth your hard-earned money:
Costway
Danby
Deco
Equator
Farberware
Maytag
Samsung
Speed Queen
Summit
Whirlpool
Costway Washing Machines
Costway is a newer name in the appliance game, but it could still be working out some kinks in its product line. Though some features are liked by a few customers, here are some that are consistently complained about:
Loud and noisy when running.
Water doesn’t drain properly after a wash cycle.
Though the machine claims to have smart features, it often cannot connect with the app or remote control.
The top load washers are the most unreliable for Costway. For example, the 15-inch consistently comes with noise complaints, especially during the spin cycle.
The washer is easily knocked out of balance with a load which leads to loud thumping and clothes that don’t get fully clean.
Danby Washing Machines
Depending on the model, Danby washing machines could have a variety of varying issues. Here are some of the leading complaints from customers who have purchased the company’s products:
Weak spin cycles cause clothes not to be cleaned well or efficiently.
Expensive repairs outweigh the cost of the unit.
Complaints have been made that some cycles are too rough and can even damage or rip clothes.
Some wash cycles are so bumpy and vibrate so hard that the machine can unplug itself.
Certain parts can smell like they are burning or burn out easily such as the belt that spins the agitator.
Deco Washing Machines
Designed for use in apartments or more compact spaces, the U.S.-based appliance brand Deco makes washing machines that are hit-and-miss for consumers. Make sure to do some research before you invest in any of the models from its product line. Here are some key takeaways from buyers:
The machine consistently stops working in the middle of a cycle.
Control panel malfunctions lead to you not being able to run the machine properly.
Even the small machines use a lot of power and are not energy efficient.
The warranties offered for washing machines are short and are not backed by sufficient customer support.
The front-loading models are especially notorious for breaking down or malfunctioning.
Equator Washing Machines
Known for their aesthetic design, Equator washing machines may be pretty but there is no shortage of issues. Here are some things to know before you buy:
Poor customer service makes getting repairs or addressing issues unreliable.
Complaints about numerous error codes and malfunctioning dry cycles.
Most models cannot take heavy loads leading to problematic cleaning efficiency.
Farberware Washing Machines
More than just a knife manufacturer, Farberware has dipped its toe into major appliances as well. However, it would seem that the company’s main focus on utensils has hurt the quality of the washing machines it produces. Here are some major issues to consider:
Drain issues lead you to have to drain the machine manually or risk washing your clothes in dirty water.
High noise levels and squeaking for many wash cycles.
Difficulty in connecting the washer to your faucet can make setup problematic.
Issues with the machine stopping in the middle of wash cycles and not completing the task even when restarted.
Maytag Washing Machines
Maytag is a name you might know for appliances. They even imply that each purchase comes with its own repairman. However, many of the washers it produces leave customers regretting their purchase. Here are some reasons why some Maytag washing machines should be avoided:
A malfunctioning start sensor may mean you have to reload and restart the machine several times.
The machines are sensitive to being imbalanced, so unless you have it on a perfectly flat surface, you could have issues.
The lid is prone to cracking, which is an expensive part to replace if you are past your warranty period.
Several issues with the front door leaking and the detergent drawer malfunctioning.
Samsung Washing Machines
Samsung is well known for its electronics and appliances. Though some models are well reviewed, unfortunately, many washing machines from Samsung are riddled with issues such as the following:
Malfunctioning drainage and spin cycles.
There have been recalls on multiple models.
Unreliable customer service and ability to maintain or repair machines easily.
Frequent breakdowns, and once it breaks down the first time it is likely it will happen again consistently.
Metal parts on the machine warp and rust easily.
The control board and stainless steel drum often need to be replaced within months of purchase.
Speed Queen Washing Machines
There have been reported problems with several Speed Queen washing machines. Here are some of the most common problems customers have voiced:
Loud banging, thumping, squeaking or other noises make running the machine less than ideal.
Prone to leaks after only the first year of usage.
Consistently unable to complete spin cycles effectively leaving clothes drenched.
The washing machine’s wash cycles are not energy efficient.
Faulty remote controls that don’t pair easily with the mobile app.
Summit Washing Machines
The Summit washer and dryer combo machine is designed to go in small spaces or compact homes, but unfortunately, its size might be its only convenient feature. Customers frequently complain about the following issues:
The machines are not energy efficient and take too long to finish even basic cycles for the washer and even hours longer for the dryer.
It is hard to determine the water level in the machine which makes cleaning your clothes properly more difficult.
Clothes are often left with stains and are not cleaned well even after long wash cycles.
Whirlpool Washing Machines
Whirlpool enthusiasts will be disappointed to find its name on this list. However, unless you are willing to pay top dollar for its higher-end models, the standard line of Whirlpool washing machines leaves customers on a cold cycle. Here are the leading reasons why many Whirlpool washers are poorly reviewed by consumers:
The washers don’t spin properly resulting in unclean clothes.
Wash cycles are longer than expected or necessary for water usage and efficiency.
Water levels often don’t reach the desired amount leaving clothes tangled and dirty.
Highly sensitive sensors lead to an abundance of malfunctioning error codes.
Poor engineering leads to loud noise levels during certain wash cycles.
Better Washing Machine Investments
If you are going to spend big bucks on your next major appliance, you want to make sure your money goes the furthest possible. Here are some tested and well-reviewed washing machines:
GE Appliances UltraFresh Front Load Washer: It is a solid machine overall that has good aeration to dry out the machine and prevent musty mildew smells.
LG Mega Capacity Washer: It has a variety of wash cycle options and is great for large families that do heavy loads frequently.
Miele W1 TwinDos Compact Front Load Washer: One of the best-reviewed compact washers, this is great for you if want a high-quality machine that doesn’t need a lot of space.
LG WashTower Laundry Center: Great for a space that needs a stackable wash and dryer unit with user-friendly controls.
GE Appliances Top Loading Washing Machine: This machine comes with the most value for its capabilities and excellent sanitizing cycle.
Final Take To GO
Before investing in the newest front loader or top loader washing machines, it’s crucial to research thoroughly and consider customer reviews and reliability ratings. While these models may promise a range of features, they ultimately may not live up to expectations, leaving you disappointed and your finances in a downward spin cycle. Choose wisely to ensure you get a washing machine that’s truly worth your money.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about washing machines.
What brand of washer has the least problems?
Here are some highly functioning and well-reviewed washing machines on the market:
GE Appliances UltraFresh Front Load Washer
LG Mega Capacity Washer
Miele W1 TwinDos Compact Front Load Washer
LG WashTower Laundry Center
GE Appliances Top Loading Washing Machine
What is the most common washing machine failure?
Many customer complaints about washing machines center around noise levels, customer service availability, expensive repairs and chronic breakdowns or malfunctions.
What washing machines last the longest?
Some of the washing machine models that have the longest estimated lifespan come from companies such as LG, GE or Miele.
Reviews were sourced from Consumer Affairs and individual product websites.
Information is accurate as of Feb. 27, 2024.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Washing Machines That Aren’t Worth the Money
