Dinday's new washer, from A to Z
Apr 05 '00 (Updated Apr 07 '00)
So you're in the market for a clothes washer! What's the first thing to do? Cook him a really great meal and tell him how you admire how handy he is. Failing that, try this.
STEP ONE: check out Epinions for people's real life experiences with the various brands.
STEP TWO: Check out Consumer's Reports. This kind of appliance is exactly where CR shines. The shape and durability of this kind of appliance does not change much from year to year like a car or a husband. Soooo, you can pretty much judge from prior years.
STEP THREE: Evaluate the usage the washer will be getting. Rental unit in Dogpatch, U.S.A.? Wal' ya'll gonna git da cheapie, ain't ya? YOUR family of seven? Go for the gold. In recent years, Sears has taken some top honors here, but that could change if they decide to have Moe Howard make their machines next year. A long standing good quality brand with rugged durability is Maytag. Yeah, imagine that. A commercial that tells the truth. Go figger.
STEP FOUR: Decide what features you really can't do without. An assortment of load sizes will prevent wasted water on small loads. There are not really many bells and whistles to consider. They all will have temperature settings for permanent press, delicates and cotton. Mine has a special setting for the kids' jeans and sox: It's marked with a skull and cross bones, and a gas mask pops out when you turn the selector.
STEP FIVE: Measure your space where the machine will go, and write down the measurements.
STEP SIX: Fancy that! Go out of your house and shop. Where? If you're looking for a bargain, you might try the warehouse sale location for major chains such as Sears. Scratched units, last year's model, returns, slight defects might not bother you. Try discount warehouse chains like Costco too. It might pay to buy a book that catalogs all the discount and warehouse outlets in your area.
STEP SEVEN: Ask questions. How long a period will the store take it back if it's a lemon? A week? 90 days? None? What is the warranty? On site repair included? Same questions if you are considering an EW (extended warranty) See my separate Epinion on those puppies, but don't buy one if they won't put a copy of the full warranty contract into your hot little hand.
STEP EIGHT: Haggle. Yes! Some places will bargain with you, particularly if you honestly know that it can be bought cheaper somewhere else. Better to buy close to home, even if a few bucks more. Why? Because people talk. If you are close by and the dealer sticks it to you, his local reputation is shot.
STEP NINE: If you think that you might ever work on it yourself, ask if they have a service manual for this model. Ask them to throw one in with the purchase.
STEP TEN: Be sure and ask before you buy what the delivery charge is, if any? Figure it in while comparison shopping, unless you have a pickup truck and can "take with".
STEP ELEVEN: Push the washer close to its eventual resting site. Now connect the two hoses to the two faucets (hot to hot and cold to cold), but first make sure the little rubber rings ("washers") are still inside the hose connectors, so that they won't leak. If they're gone, you can buy replacements for pennies, but don't send your teenage son to the store to get two replacement washers. Ever see a Maytag in the living room and another in the den too? Screw the hose on and tighten with a pliers. Now put the drain hose into the drain pipe for emptying the washer. Finally, plug the washer in and stand back and admire your work. Pat your self on the back. Now go find the BenGay and treat that sore shoulder you just pulled.
STEP TWELVE: Lead all offspring directly to the washer and introduce them to it. Explain carefully what it is. Explain that clothes do not get in there if left on the floor or worse, on their bodies.
Well, that's about it. Ummmm, now that you're all set up, I have these coveralls with thick mud on them, and I was wondering..........
Brian Dinday
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Epinions.com ID:
Dinday
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Member: Brian Dinday
Location: San Francisco, CA
Reviews written: 49
Trusted by: 68 members
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