World of Washers

From Brian:

Hello Brad,

I found your blog re: washing machines and would be grateful to learn your opinion on the best front-loader for second floors. I live in a condo in Chicago and will be installing stackable frontloaders in a room between my master bath and master bedroom. That’s the only place where I can install a washer and dryer. I will be installing a concrete pad and emergency drainage system so that:

Vibration is reduced
Water spillage won’t be an issue for me or my neighbor below me.

The most important aspects to me are:

As little vibration as possible.
Quiet operation
Quality / can I get a repair person to the machine if something breaks.

I have read that direct drive machines are quieter than belt-driven machines, and that vibration really varies by machine. I am inclined to go with the Samsung VRT, which claims to emit only 63 dB (whereas a “conventional” washer emits over 70 dB). However, it is expensive ($1300) and since Samsung is new with washers, service may be difficult. However, I would expect that service in Chicago should be available.

Since I installing a concrete floor and using the “ShakesAway” rubber pads as a barrier between the washer and the floor, is it overkill to spend $1300 on the Samsung VRT. Do you think I will notice a dicernable difference between the Samsung VRT and other frontloaders that are half the cost? I don’t mind spending the $1300 but I just want to understand if there is a major difference.

Thanks for any advice you can provide.

Brian

Brian,

As you may have read on the blog, I used to own a Maytag Neptune washer which was built by Samsung. I really loved this machine, and can only think the new Samsung washers will be superior to the Neptune.

From what I have been able to gather, the Samsung washers are among the quietest on the market. Certainly installing the washer above a concrete pad will help tremendously. Most of the vibration problems you read about are with machines installed on a wooden floor.

I wouldn't get too excited about a 7db difference, though. Granted, there is a noticeable change at that difference, but having them in their own separate room will help muffle any sounds. Again, just based upon my experience, the Samsung-built Neptunes were not the quietest available at the time, but I did not find the operating noise to be obtrusive.

I doubt you will have any trouble finding service in the Chicago area. A search of servicers in the Chicago area yielded seven results, and many times manufacturers do not have every servicer listed. Hell, I live out in BFE and discovered the old coot Lloyd, our local appliance servicer, is even listed.

As for the difference between Samsung and other less-expensive frontloaders, there are not going to be a lot of differences. I firmly believe even the cheapest Frigidaire or Danby washer will out-perform any topload washer. With the Samsung, you will get one of the largest capacities available. You will also get a machine that washes extremely well and can create extremely hot water.

Plus, they just look freakin cool!

Let me know what you decide, or if you have any other questions.

Brad