As I was carrying the laundry down from the upstairs bedroom, and subsequently up from the downstairs rooms, I thought about how our washer/dryer is almost always being used. It's one of those items that is really worth getting a good one since it is such a staple of family life. I also realized that when you start thinking about how great your washing machine is then you've truly become a Dad, if you weren't one already. That's definitely a milestone (as is wearing dark socks with sandals, I think).
We had a small, rickety, crappy one in our first house and I looked forward to doing some serious research to get a top shelf item after that. Again, "serious research about a washing machine" = "dark socks with sandals."
I was looking for something that was huge but also energy and water efficient. I was also looking for one that was easy to load and unload, had a good reputation for quality and good warranty, and finally one that wouldn't break the bank. I had no desire to get anything with an X-10 interface or other means of home control. What - am I going to wash my towels using my cellphone?
There's quite a range of "white goods" out there, judging by what's at Best Buy. We had a Maytag in the house when I was growing up and it lasted 25 years so I checked out their latest. Their Neptune line is pretty slick, but not cheap, $1500 and up for just the washer. There's also the Miele, but again, over $1500. Their web site has a catchphrase "more than just clean clothes." Hmm . . . actually I thought it was just about clean clothes.
Someone suggested Fisher Paykel (made in New Zealand!) so after more research we ended up with a washer and dryer from them. High efficiency, micro-processor controlled - the works. It has served us very well. The dryer is actually built by GE. I took out a five year warranty which expires in May.
Good timing, since the fancy New Zealand washer crapped out a few days ago. It has a beep code (reminds me of the ol' IBM PC days) and the beep code said . . . you are hosed (component failure).
The repair man showed up and said that it will take two weeks to get the part from New Zealand. Long flight, I guess. It's off the the laundromat tomorrow!
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