Buying a clothes washer and dryer, what to look for?

My partner and I are moving to a new and long-term home that won't have a washer dryer when we get there. What do you think we should look for in a washer/dryer?

We thought of getting used and refurbished and may reach out to a dealer for options. We have a lot of other things on our plate now and are not up to buy direct from someone on Craigslist or something like that, we'd want some assurance the appliances work.

Our priorities are energy and water efficiency and reliability, and ideally sleeping-bag friendly. So we're thinking to get an HE top-loading machine with an impeller, as simple and small as we can find, ideally made in the US where we live. The setup will be in a basement on a dry concrete floor next to a sump so noise and vibration is not a concern. Water efficiency is a priority because we'll be on well water but draining to sewer, at least until we get graywater setup which I think is a good possibility. Energy efficiency a priority as we're progressing on much reduced energy use.

We currently use store-bought laundry detergent. It looks like even if we make our own, which we might do later on, it's possible to make low-suds laundry soap which works with HE washers.

I really like Speed Queen. They are used in laundromats. No bells or whistles, just solid dependability. Personally because we use our greywater I don't worry so much about water usage. In my experience, low water machines run for a very long time. We are off-grid so not a good option. I don't want a 75 minute wash cycle.

Stacy Witscher wrote:I really like Speed Queen. They are used in laundromats. No bells or whistles, just solid dependability. Personally because we use our greywater I don't worry so much about water usage. In my experience, low water machines run for a very long time. We are off-grid so not a good option. I don't want a 75 minute wash cycle.

We just bought Speed Queen washer and dryer.  I love them.  Top loader with an impeller for sure.  They are made here in WI, and as Stacy said, they are commercial quality.  They all go down the same conveyor until it Y's off to go for home use, or to get the coin thing put on.  Internals are metal rather than plastic, and parts are easily available for DIYers.

Trace

Does your new Speed Queen have a computer chip to lock and unlock the lid? I know that pre pandemic Speed Queen had one in there line up that did not, but the supply chain problem has made the model hard to find. If your happy with yours could you please share the model number?
My Maytag that I need to replace has been a night mare. That stupid computer has failed 3 times now and makes the machine completely useless each time.

so mr barton get out his old record player. Puts on his favourite record. Its all worn and getting out of tune. However mr barton knows it by heart.

It screeches the old tune of drying clothes on the clothes line. What a sweet set up. Ultra low power use. mr barton enjoys the low power part. No clothes line you say? Try the fence line? No fence line? Try the hand rail on the porch...

We'll certainly be using clothes lines. The question is more about getting a washer.

Thanks for the replies everyone! Speed Queen sounds good. The ones I'm finding are actually more expensive than even HE washers from other brands like Whirlpool or Maytag. I'll keep looking.

Marty Mac wrote:Trace

Does your new Speed Queen have a computer chip to lock and unlock the lid? I know that pre pandemic Speed Queen had one in there line up that did not, but the supply chain problem has made the model hard to find. If your happy with yours could you please share the model number?
My Maytag that I need to replace has been a night mare. That stupid computer has failed 3 times now and makes the machine completely useless each time.

I'm sure it does.  I don't remember the model number off hand, but I'll check when I get home.  I bought one with dial controls because I don't like the touchscreen models.  They seem like just one more thing to have an issue with.

Speed Queen is the only way to go!
Not many places carry them as they are mainly commercial  machines.
Ask about bent and dent .  Our washer was $150 0ff because of a scratch!

Bottom line these are a good long term investment, you'll have them for many years.

Oh Yes;
I almost forgot Old Mr Barton...
Forget that  scratchy record player!
Your using the newest technology available!  
A perfect combination of solar and wind power!
Way to go you old duffer you!