Yeah, yeah, yeah…I know that I’ve been absent for a while. I’ve been REALLY busy and will probably go back into hiding after this.
For those of you that know me, in real life, you know that I’m probably the MOST indecisive person EVER when it comes to big decisions.
Well, my washing machine broke and quite frankly, deciding on a new washer is a big decision. One I’m having serious issues making.
Every day I flip flop between my choices;
Do I go with a regular ‘ol traditional top loader? A lower end front loader? What about a high efficiency top loader?
UGH.
TOO.MANY.DAMN.CHOICES.
So, I think I’ve finally narrowed it down to two.
I’ve eliminated the front loaders because frankly, I’m lazy and don’t want to have to worry about wiping the boot dry or running the obligatory bleach load every week or so to make sure we keep mold away. I’d be hella furious if my clothes started smelling moldy regardless of whether I was forgetful and didn’t follow the standard maintenance and I’d be even more mad if my extended warranty was void because I slacked off.
I also can’t justify spending $400+ more on a HE top loader because as much as I’d love to help the environment and be green, I have to look at the bottom line financially and I can’t justify the extra cost of the washer against the cost savings on my water and energy bill.
So, it looks likes it’s down to these two choices.
1) A traditional Top Load Whirlpool– which has just enough extra features to appease me (hand wash feature, 3 speed motor). It’s generally reliable, durable and built to last however it is not water or energy efficient. The other fault is that it does a neutral drain (almost all top loaders do this now) and the water drains at the bottom of the tub instead of spinning out so the dirt settles right back into your clothes instead of being spun out. Can I really go wrong with this washer though? I mean, it’s the same one I’ve been using for as long as I can remember.
2) A non-traditional Top Load Fisher and Paykel – This also has the hand wash feature. It is a newer model (and very recently replaced the GWL15) so there is not as much information or consumer reviews out there. The energy consumption on this washer is phenomenal (215 kWh per year). One of the major faults, IMO, is that it has an electronic panel and I’ve heard that these (in general) can be extremely faulty and be quite costly to replace. Also, this machine seems way more complex to use. I’m used to layering my clothes around an agitator and with this machine, you are supposed to clump them, not lay them around the agitator. Also, there are so many different features; I can do the ecoactive spray rinse (which I can’t use liquid fabric softener with) but I can select the full softener rinse (which I can use liquid fabric softener with). It is recommended that you wash similar types of items together meaning that I probably shouldn’t wash 3 pairs of jeans with a handful of lightweight t-shirts. But, these machines are so simple in design (no transmission, belts, etc) so they are supposed to be easier to fix.
Can you see why I’m all in a quandry? Sigh.
These are two completely different machines. Just when I think I make a decision, I start to waiver and question it. I’m stuck. I don’t know what the right decision is.
The Fisher and Paykel is great in theory, right? But what about when/if it starts to give me problems? What if Jay can’t stand it and hates it or finds the machine quirks to be a pain in the ass? Then I’m stuck listening to him bitch and moan about it and I was the one to pick that washer. But it’s great for water and energy consumption.
But, the traditional ‘ol Whirlpool is known for reliability. It’s tried and true. Yes it uses double the water for each load of laundry but I KNOW my clothes are getting clean and that I’m going to have minimal problems with it. And, the appliance repair shops say that these are the easiest machines to fix.
I’ve tried doing a product comparision but as you can see, it’s none too helpful.
AGH, I’m in information overload. My brain can’t handle this. So, I’m going to do what any extremely indecisive person would do, and ask everyone that reads my blog for feedback and help me make a decision 
So…have at it. Please, I am all but begging you to help me make a decision.
kthxbai. And smooches. Lots of smooches for those actually willing to help me and play along with me and my nasty indecisiveness.
