Big American Washing Machines

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Now our latest 3 year old standard front-loading washing machine has just died, I’ve come to the conclusion that it is yet another appliance whose main aim seems to be conforming to EU energy efficiency rules rather than actually cleaning things well (also have a fairly useless dishwasher, and vacuum cleaner).

I’m thinking of investing in a big, simple American Maytag-type machine.

Has anyone else made the switch, and if so are you happy you did?

Never saw one available in UK. My only worry would be if they would be compatible with hoses,etc and would spare parts or service be hard to get ?

Electrical compatibility would be my worry.

Can you buy them here? We were told when I asked (a good few years ago) it was not allowed except for commercial undertakings for energy consumption reasons. I’m sure there are ways and means (a friend has imported and installed one but she has super deep pockets). I have one combi and a washing machine.
I would still love one dearly!

I've discovered after three w/m in a few years that you need to forget about the bells and whistles, the digital displays, the apps and all the rest of it to get a reliable basic workhorse of a machine.

I replaced a very good Hoover machine (well it was for a while), with a basic Indesit. It just has two dials, one for program, one for spin speed, and a delay button. That's it. It is amazing, no bloody 5 hour eco setting either so I don't feel guilty ha ha. I only use a 60, 40, and express wash. 90, 45 and 15 minutes respectively. There are about ten others but I think we all stick to the same ones!

Oh and importantly it has an option for an extra spin. Great in the Winter.

Never buying anything with lights and flashing numbers again lol.

Have used them in the US, not keen tbh. In a front loader, the whole load gets agitated and mixed up during the cycle but in a top-loader the clothes placed on top pretty much stayed on top and I wasn't sure they were getting a thorough wash. Fine for the few weeks we are there but not sure I'd want one permanently.

Looked it up . Huge water consumption. Used in care homes and large institutions. And almost £ 2000. Can't see any normal domestic scenario where it would be a good idea.

Like you @passpartot all the fancy dancy stuff leaves me cold.
It’s the same with cars- electric this and electric that.
I still can’t get my sunroof to open every time I want it opened and I have the car a year. It’s so temperamental 😀

I recently got a new machine with a 10kg capacity and I struggle to fill it often enough to have the clothes clean when they need to be worn again. How much washing are you doing?

Do you mean a top loader? Dont do it. They trash clothes, and stuff gets wrapped round-the-clock impeller.

I know this isnt your primary concern, but they race through water too

You can get a large capacity machine here. I know someone who has a large family that has one and it's bigger than your average American machine.

Otherwise, a top loader speed queen type washer would be ridiculous here. You would need a hot water feed to the machine and it would take a ton of water. Not really compatible with most domestic heating systems in the UK.

No Maytag is not the brand it use to be in the 80’s.
Because of bedding and king size duvets/pillows etc I don’t know how I’d manage the smaller UK machines (do you send these out).
North American LG or Samsung remain highly rated but then the water here is not prone to mineral deposits. Is your issue a water issue vs machine?

My mum lives abroad (not USA) and has always had a top loader. Hers is only about 8kg, so not some massive thing I thought you were describing. Everyone has a utility there and I'd never seen a front loader, or a machine in a kitchen before moving to the UK. I don't know how hers compares but they have always cleaned well and never been an issue.

Here is some further info
https://www.lg.com/uk/lg-experience/helpful-hints/picking-top-front-load-washing-machine/?srsltid=AU7gw4VfCgt5c6idbw3BZ-gqAzXfYBjXPKme-Ouje1H26Nv2PCStA2lq

And yes, top loaders are sold in the UK
https://www.appliancesdirect.co.uk/ct/laundry/washing-machines/top-loading
https://evansappliances.com/collections/top-loader-washers?srsltid=AU7gw4XZOqweLyh7AH70PwpJxyk3aSq8Axg6BdPqkyt9XRZDei1HwNbO

Had one in the USA, they are not as good as front loaders here. Use loads more water too