How long does a washing machine last? A typical washer should last 10-13 years. Top-loading washers typically last a few years longer than their front-loading brethren.
Again, you should replace the washing machine if the total cost to repair exceeds 50% of the cost of a new unit. It's advisable to check your warranty when you want to repair or replace a washing machine. Your costs may come down significantly if the appliance is still new and under warranty.
The average life expectancy of a new washing machine is 11 years. Consumer Reports recommends replacing any appliance that's more than eight years old, unless it's a high-end model and has a particular appeal to you. Others suggest replacing any top-loading washer manufactured in 1999 or earlier.
Appliance repair technicians and our product experts agree: Whirlpool is the most reliable washing machine brand in the U.S. Broadly considered a “great-value” manufacturer, Whirlpool offers a wide range of laundry machines at price points that won't prompt you to turn out your pockets.
What brand of washing machine is most reliable? Whirlpool, LG, and Samsung are the most reliable brands of washers. Yale Appliance found that less than 7% of the sales of these units required servicing. J.D. Power also ranks Samsung and LG as the highest-ranking manufacturers in customer satisfaction.
Front load washers are considered superior at cleaning clothes with less water and less wear on your fabrics. Top load washers clean faster and are slightly more ergonomic, so it may come down to the monetary value.
Impeller: Which washes better? Washing machines with an impeller tend to wash your clothes better than with an agitator. That means that, generally speaking, front load washers or top load washers without an agitator will do a better job at getting rid of tough stains and dirt off your clothes.
Pros. The lack of an agitator frees up a lot of room in the drum, creating the opportunity to clean larger loads and big comforters. Non-agitator machines use much less water which leads to less waste, cheaper water bills, and “greener” laundry.
Energy efficiency
In terms of efficiency, front load washing machines are outright winners. This is because front load washers consume around 50% less power and close to 40% less water as compared to the best top load washers.
As a rule of thumb, bigger families (over 3 people in total) will require a 4 to 4.5 cubic feet washer for optimal effectiveness. For reference, 4 cubic feet can wash up to 16 pounds while a 4.5 cubic feet machine can wash 20 pounds of laundry.
As a general rule, if it costs less than 50% of the price of a new washing machine to repair your old one, you should choose the repair option. But, you should also consider whether or not there is a warranty coverage on your washer and think about economic realities.
Washer, 10-14 years, and Dryer, 10-13 years:
The life of a laundry machine is completely dependent on how often it's run. A family average of eight loads a week will yield an average of a (low) double-digit life.
Older machines are heavier and were built to last. Because they were constructed with greater quality materials, they typically have a much longer lifespan than the new washers built today.
"The average lifespan (of a front loader) is just five years, regardless of make. The average lifespan of most top loaders, on the other hand, is about ten years."
Although a top-load washer may last longer, a front-load washer will likely need repair less often over the course of its life. The repair costs typically will be higher though due to the many optional wash cycles and extra features.
Due to the nature of a front loading washing machine's design, there is a rubber gasket that lines the door. This prevents leakage but is also a breeding ground for bacteria and mold to build. Any residual water left in the machine has nowhere to go which is how mold and mildew forms causing the machine to smell.
An agitator is more reliable for getting clothes clean. While the rotating actions of the agitator might cause some wear and tear on your laundry, you will find that stains come out easier and in less time.
Washing machines with agitators use a central post that twists back and forth, rubbing against clothes to help break apart stains. In contrast, washing machines with impellers use a low-profile cone or disc that spins/rotates to rub clothes against each other to get them clean.
3. But, HE Washers Have Longer Wash Cycles. Since they use less water, they take longer to wash and rinse clothes to get them clean.
Both impellers and agitators are devices in top-loading washers that clean the clothes by moving them through the wash cycle. They can both be found in high-efficiency washer models, making them both ideal for saving energy and water.
Seventeen percent of all front-load washer owners reported mold or mildew build-up in their machines—compared with only 3 percent of HE top-load washers and 1 percent of top-load agitators.
The general rule of thumb is that a front-loading washer with a tub that holds at least 3.7 cubic feet or greater can safely handle washing a king-size comforter.