My wife bought a "Calypso" washer two or three years ago. It's a top-loader but saves (they say) as much water as a front loader. We've been happy with it. For one thing, it fills to the point where the clothes are soaked, then ONE GALLON more. So it is efficient. And she likes it 'cause she can run small loads without the guilt of wasting too much water. Sure, it's kind of gimmicky, but the price was right--and sometimes you can find front loaders at similar savings.

We found it at an outlet store for a goodly discount. Perhaps there's one of these in your area.

As for dryer, why not go for one with a minimal feature set--the minimum required to get the job done? After all, they're primarily just heating elements with tumble action--why spend a fortune? We have a VERY basic dryer we bought about 12 years ago, and it works fine--although it's gotten kind of noisy. But if you don't mind the appliances not 'matching,' it's a good way to save a few hundred dollars.

And, CONGRATULATIONS on your new home! It's an exciting time! And, you're doing the right thing to question these expenses.

Regards,
-k2 in CO

I suppose I am a little silly, but I do like my appliances to match...it really annoyed me when my apartment complex brought me a beige dryer when our white one went kaput!
That's a personal issue that I really should work on!

I have seen some wildy varying prices on this particular set, and I wish I knew the model name/number to share with you, but we really haven't gotten that far along in the process. We just signed the mortgage application papers yesterday, so the appliance purchase is really a few weeks away still. Gotta spend time looking at paint color and furniture layout too!

Hopefully DanO will respond with some REAL appliance insight.

I understand the desire to have the appliances "match". My philosophy, though, is, before buying something, to think about HOW LONG IT TAKES TO MAKE THE MONEY to pay for it (in this case, the upgrade). I think if more people thought this way, they wouldn't end up so deep in debt--especially credit card debt. And even if it's "rolled" into a mortgage, remember that you're essentially using a 30 (or 15) year loan to pay for appliances. Not really a bad thing--as appliances do add value and should last a good while--it's just something to consider.

By the same token, I also think it's worth paying for the upgrades you REALLY want. Think of your home as a very long-term purchase, and you understand why. You will live with your washer/dryer a long time--but you may (or may not) decide that it's better to put the $ into new furniture, or ??? One of the beauties of home ownership is that it's YOUR call; it's all YOURS! (As you say, it's a personal issue to be worked out. )

Best of luck on the home buying process! This can be both exciting and trying. But home ownership is a wonderful thing (OK, MOST of the time!) Here's to a smooth transaction!

Regards,
-k2

I'm a little confused. You will likely need to bend over to load and unload a front load washer the same as you currently do a dryer.

** Does it live up to it's claims of better wear and tear on clothes? **

Usually but it would depend on how hard a particular top load washer was on clothes which you're comparing it to. Generally speaking yes, a front load washer is suppose to be gentler on clothing.

** I think you can do better than those prices!--shop around! **

You (and others) might be interested in this article:

LINK > Price Fixing In The Appliance Industry

** Hopefully DanO will respond with some REAL appliance insight. **

Most of the insights I can share about purchasing new appliances are in the pages of my web site (linked below) in 'The Purchase' section. I hope that information helps to point out some considerations.

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

=Ð~~~~~~

I'll check out those links you provided, Thank you!

Dznyjenn, see if there's an outlet store in your area. Here (Denver) there's a Seears outlet for appliances. They have 'scratch & dents', returns, etc. The prices aren't always good but they can be. Worth a look if there's one nearby you.

Thanks would help with the stooping to get clothes in and out.

Dan O.

That would be a Whirlpool (also available as a Kenmore). In my opinion, the best domestic front loader sold today. The other front loader Kenmore sells is a Frigidaire, a good machine for a year or so but I have seen a lot of bearing failures and motor control board failures.

The ***** salesperson priced matched +10% of the difference for the washer, which brought it down to 997. There was also a $ 100 rebate, as well as some gift cards for later purchases, and free delivery.

We elected to skip the maintenance agreement for now, but we are understanding that we can add it within the next two weeks.

Sales person then started talking about the special detergent we need...UGH! I haven't seen it in stores, can I only get it from ***** ? I usually buy detergent at Costco's/BJ's for my family of 5! I've also heard that you can just use LESS of the regular detergent. Any input??

Thanks for all your help!