** after reading comments about all the problems, I'm having second thoughts. **

Most of the problem have been worked out of the Neptune design since it has been on the market in actual use for 5+ years. Any current model you purchase is not likely to run into most of the problems you may have read about.

** Any comments pro or con on the Duet or any other "front loading" wash machine **

I haven't heard of many problems with them but they are still fairly new to the marketplace.

** any other "front loading" wash machine **

Most (all?) of the front load washers on the market are fairly complex machines with lots of electronic controls. I usually recommend an extended warranty for such a purchase as repairs are generally more expensive when required and also usually more difficult to diagnose.

** Our dryer is dying... it sounds like a cement mixer **

Dryers are not usually expensive to repair if not run into the ground. I would say that just because a dryer needs repair is not sufficient reason on its own to replace both the washer and dryer.

If you just want a new laundry set or have some compelling reason for the water use and/or energy savings of modern appliances, then just go ahead and replace them.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site

=Ð~~~~~~

[This message has been edited by DanO (edited March 07, 2003).]

Thanks for your comments.
Our washer & dryer are about 20 yrs old and the dryer (thermostat? it wasn't heating) has recently been repaired. The repair person said it was probably not worth repairing again. I also feel that the washing machine is probably going to start giving us problems so it's probably time to replace them both. (The old machines are not energy efficient).
I looked at the ***** Kenmore (#1 rated Consumer Report) front loader machine. Any comments on this machine????

** The old machines are not energy efficient **

True but will the savings offset the cost of new appliances? Or come even come close?

** I also feel that the [20 yr old] washing machine is probably going to start giving us problems **

The washer we have is from about 1974 (~29 years old) and has given us very little problem. You know the old saying, "they don't build them like they used to"?

** The repair person said it was probably not worth repairing again. **

Without looking at it this time? Does the company also sell appliances?

If either question is yes, I would have pause to question the value of the opinion.

But as I said previously, if you just want a new laundry set then just go ahead and replace them. You don't need to justify their purchase to me.

Good luck!

Dan O.

[This message has been edited by DanO (edited March 10, 2003).]

Sorry if i've posted too late SPB but i work at Home Depot and the Neptunes are very good products. If anything goes wrong with the unit it would probally be the touch screen. I think the screen has a 5yr warranty. The ones with the screen are the 7500 series. You probally already know the difference between the 5500 series and the 7500 series. I sell a lot of the Neptunes where i live because many of my customers live where they have wells. As you know the Neptune washer uses much less water than any average washer.I would lean towards the 5500 series if you can do with out the on board heater that the 7500 washer has and its stain brain. I do not know anything about the other that you mentioned, sorry. Hope this helps.

SPB,

We've had the Neptune almost two years now. Best appliance investment we've made. Will never buy a top loader again. I disagree with DanO, a 20 year old appliance is just about had it, replace it. One real neat trick on the front loader is put them on a 4" high platform, saves the back.

Bob

We have had our Neptunes for two years now. The dryer is actually noisier than our 15 year old GE, which we still use on occasion. We bought the Neptunes because we built a laundry room upstairs and wanted quiet machines. Lately, the washer is getting out of balance more often. The washer itself is leveled and solid. the curved top is nice to look at, though.

Good to see you here, Bob

Neal Lewis

[This message has been edited by Alfred (edited March 20, 2003).]

Hi Neal,
Check out the Plumbing, the one about a septic for a cabin.

Bob

He does state that he wants to design a CRUDE system! Reading that post helped start my day off with a hearty LOL.

I once bought a 20 year old Kenmore from the Goodwill (back when I was dirt poor). It even had a bullet hole in the side and it ran without a hitch for about 4 years. I then made the mistake of buying a new Maytag washer & dryer. The washer had problems from the start and it took about 10 visits from the repair person to get it fixed. The dryer never has worked well. I think I'll go back to the Goodwill.