Our new washer and dryer are here!
Which of course means that our old ones are not. Fortunately our plan to craigslist them worked out swimmingly (thanks for buying ’em Leslie Ann!) even if it did leave us appliance-less for a few days (as you saw in the video house tour).
By selling them for $250 thanks to good old craig and his list, we in effect brought our already-super-discounted total down from $638 to $388. Although after the wall plug, the stack kit, and taxes it was closer to $460 spent. Either way, we’re still feeling crazy good about the deal – and we’re glad that so many of you were able to take advantage of it too (whether you also scored the additional 20% off that we begged for or the amazing base price of $399 per machine that Lowe’s advertised online).
Delivery and installation by the Lowe’s team was mostly uneventful, although they did forget to bring the stack kit (the thing that secures the dryer atop the washer) – even thought we ordered it on the same receipt as the washer & dryer to keep things organized – so one guy had to go back to the store to get it, adding about 30 minutes to the process. And we’re pretty sure the guy that stayed back used part of that time to catch a catnap at our kitchen table while he waited (either that or he’s just a heavy breather).
Even though these Whirlpool Duets are higher capacity than our previous Duet Sports, they have a sightly simplified control panel up top, which is fine with us. As long as they get our clothes clean and dry, we don’t mind. And so far, so good.
Except for one thing. Our washer seems to think it’s one of the Seven Dwarfs. It’s got this whole “whistle while you work” thing going on. We noticed during our first load that it made a loud high-pitched whistle whenever cold water was being pumped in. It was literally whistling while it worked.
After adjusting the cold water supply a few times I couldn’t make it any better, so I called the Whirlpool people and they came out yesterday to take a look. They said it’s not a totally uncommon issue, and it’s just a bum supply valve in the washer itself. Boo. But they’ve ordered the part and are scheduled to come back next week to fix it – which is all free since it’s still under warranty (we didn’t purchase any extra warranty from Lowe’s but they’re sold with some sort of built-in warranty for a year, which is really nice – especially given this problem).
In the meantime, we’re just doing our best to distinguish when the laundry starts and when the tea kettle’s boiling. Same exact sound. I kid you not. We’re also already starting to mentally plan the shelves that we want to someday build next to the appliances and under the window for shoes, laundry supplies, and other mudroom-y junk. Someday being the key word (but that doesn’t stop us from thinking up a million different approaches).
Any other appliance delivery success or horror stories out there? I’m sure someone can top ours.
UPDATE: Due to a somewhat surprising amount of inquiries about my 5’2″ wife (I like to call her pocket sized) being able to reach those top buttons, and three requests for an actual photo of Sherry demonstrating that fact, here you go:
It’s really not a stretch for her at all. Notice that her arm isn’t fully extended and there aren’t even tippy toes going on. Atta girl.
Psst- Thanks to signing up for Lowe’s email list, I just got an alert that they’re doing 20% off all Samsung Appliances that are $229 or more through Monday. You can score that deal at your local store or by checking out their website (you don’t need a coupon code or anything). Just thought I’d pass that along in case anyone’s still in the market.
Pssssst- The repair guys came out to fix our new washer within a week and eradicated the annoying whistle issue. Happy happy joy joy.
Kathleen says
Sherry, can you reach the controls on your wall oven…..just kidding.
I would like to add that I do miss pictures of Burger, seems like since Clara came along Burger is missing in action. I use to love all the pictures and video of his antics. Is he adjusting to the move ok? Could you maybe take a picture of him in front of the new W/D LOL!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kathleen,
He works his way in there like Waldo! He was actually in this morning’s video, but you have to look really hard to find him. I didn’t even notice him on a pillow in the office while filming and I talked about that sleeper sofa for so long with the camera pointed right at him! We’ll be sure to work him into pics whenever we can!
xo,
s
Liz says
Haha! You are such good sports. I was just curious about the height because I’m also 5’2″ and always assumed I wouldn’t be able to get to the back of the dryer drum.
You guys are both amazing! The number of comments seem to have grown so much in the last few months and you do such a good job at commenting on them. Even if you end up answering the same question 30 times! I don’t know how you keep your patience.
Monica says
They look awesome, and you still scored a really sweet deal!
Sherry looks like Vanna White (that’s a GOOD thing) next to the stack, haha.
Lauryn says
yay for new appliances!! so weird about the whistling thing… Ive also heard about front loaders being alot louder than normal when they are stacked. Have you guys had that issue? And Sherry you are too cute!! :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Lauryn,
We haven’t been able to hear a peep out of the washers from other rooms except for the whistling, so we’re thinking they might be a bit louder while stacked, but it’s nothing noticeable when you’re out of the room. Even in the kitchen right next door they’re really quiet like our old not-stacked ones.
xo,
s
Claire says
Hey Sherry, you are looking simply fabulous post bub! Bravo!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha thanks Claire, Becca, and Jessica. It was a lucky shot – trust me! Things aren’t exactly back to normal but Clara’s so worth a little post baby padding…
xo,
s
Jessica says
Sherry you look so pretty in that picture! I have to admit that I was thinking it had been a while since we had seen a full picture of you and I was secretly hoping that maybe you were sporting a little baby bump. Doesn’t appear so hehe but you look so pretty none the less!
Becca says
Aw, how adorable is Sherry? :)
Roberta says
I have a stackable unit and LOVE it…it’s a GE and the quietest set I’ve every owned in my 30 years of owning ;) My set is a small unit and actually sits on a rack…and sits in a “closet” that I call my “Laundry Room”. I found that a set of stacking drawers fit right next to the unit and one might work for you as well. Check out my photos in this post from last year…enjoy! Fondly, Roberta
http://con-tain-it.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/01/typical-tuesday-yes-its-a-laundry-room.html#tp
Amanda says
Hmm, I’m not seeing the link to the other post, but it’s probably because I’m on a different computer than usual (links can be strangely hard to see on this one), but I did a search and found it, so no worries!
I’d love to save water/electricity, but aren’t sure about front loading machines, so I’m eager to learn more! Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amanda,
So sorry the link was hard to find! It was the words “already-super-discounted total” which brings you back to the first post about purchasing them. Glad you were able to search and find it!
xo,
s
Liz says
LOVE the new washer and dryer! I so wish we could upgrade now, but I think I’m going to have to wait until one of ours quits working. I am wondering though, where do you guys store your laundry detergent, fabric softener/dryer sheets, etc?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Liz,
John tucks everything into those cabinets up top (he can reach them and he does the laundry enough to not make that annoying). In fact it’s kind of nice because I can say “I’d do the laundry but I can’t reach the detergent you tucked in that top cabinet. Guess it’s your turn!”
It even works sometimes!
xo,
s
Handy Man, Crafty Woman says
LOL about the height thing!! Hey, us short girls have to take things like this into account when we buy tall items.
Shauna says
Omg, I am cracking it up at everyone asking if you can reach the controls! I’m 5’3, an inch taller than you but I really don’t think of myself as THAT short! Also, Sherry, how do you manage to look so good after having a baby not too long ago?! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Shauna,
Haha, not to worry. That was just a lucky shot. A good angle if you will. Things aren’t all back to where they used to be just yet. But Clara’s so worth it.
xo,
s
Sara says
Hey Sherry- I feel your pain with all the repeated questions about reaching the controls. I wonder why people don’t scroll through the comments to get an idea of what’s been asked! I have a similar set-up with GE stackable front loaders and at 5’2″ I have absolutely no trouble loading, unloading and setting the control on my dryer. Not sure why this is such a biggie for people.
Anyway, the real reason for my comment is to tell you that sometimes when full sized front loaders are stacked on top of one another like yours (and mine) they may have a tendency to “walk” a little bit when the washer is in spin cycle. My installers warned me about this, saying it is completely normal but that you shouldn’t put anything touching the sides of the machines (like a shelving unit). You may want to keep this in mind for your built-in shelves in that skinny space- be sure to leave at least 6 inches on the side of your machine, so if in the future it “walks” a little you won’t damage your machine or go crazy from the sound of your washer banging against the built-ins!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sara,
Very good to know! We definitely will have some time to use our machines and see how much they migrate around before adding any cabinetry or shelving in there. Hope they don’t dance around much! So far we’ve done 4 loads and not much floor scootage. But we’ll have to see over more long term use…
xo,
s
Lindsey Portugal says
Our washer whistles too… but it started a few months after we had it. Since we didnt buy the extended warranty… we just have to live with it.. boo.
Julie says
We have that exact set too and we love it! I wouldnt recommend setting the spin speed on high though…. it will shake the shingles off your roof! haha….
ellen says
soooo glad you posted the photo with sherry. i was wondering the same thing!
Gaby says
Hey Sherry and John,
Next thing everyone is going to ask is whether the washer is too low for John and will he please post a picture of himself next to it. Yikes people!!!
To circumvent any more photo requests I came up with a solution. Sherry can put the laundry in the washer and John can take it out and place it in the dryer.
Ha, ha. Imaginary problem solved:-).
Blair says
The photo update is hilarious! In all fairness, Sherry, it seems to me you’ve got John’s photography skills to blame! When I first saw the picture of the dryer controls, I thought it was really high off the ground, too! Don’t get me wrong – it’s not that I thought you couldn’t reach it or anything. I think because the angle of the photo is pointing up, it’s making it seem like they’re really high off the ground or something. Unless, of course, you took the picture. Then, we’ll just have to blame John for something else. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, nope that was John. Always blame John!
xo,
s
Janette at The2Seasons says
Whirlpool used to give a new stove and refrigerator to every new Habitat for Humanity homeowner. I don’t know if they still do that, but their support of this organization is the reason I buy their products whenever possible. When we finish the remodeling of our new digs, I will buy a new Whirlpool dishwasher and frig for the kitchen. I have to stick to a Thermador professional gas stove though. Love it.
Blanca A says
Gurrl you look like your 16 yrs old in that pic!! :D Good job on the great deal !
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Blanca,
Haha, yeah people have looked at me with Clara like I’m holding my little sister or something. And when John has his hat on we laugh about how we must look like 15 year olds on a date while babysitting. We do not laugh when we get carded for rater R movies though. That’s just embarrassing.
xo,
s
Andrea DePew says
OH MY GOD. My parents old washer started doing this for a while and it used to give me sooo much anxiety.. I was still in high school and I’d try to do laundry then go up and do homework (my room was located right next to one of the water supply things so it was even higher pitched in my room) and I swear to god I had a few mental break downs over it. So horrible. Mk, I’m probably exaggerating but it was really no fun, hope it gets fixed soon! Love.
Sarah says
Ha! That was one of my first questions too- can she reach the top?! I’m a shortie too! Glad to see she can!
Brandie says
FYI: Typically appliances will have a 1 year manufacturers warranty (that will cover defects like yours) even if you don’t purchase the extended protection plan.
Amanda says
This is why you guys are good.
I’m seriously laughing at people over here. Come on guys, read! It only takes a second; their answers are even in green!
Sherry its so nice to know you’re alive (comment from one of your comments from a few days ago!) Looking good girlie.
Kelsey says
Took the words right out of my mouth. I wasn’t worried about Sherry in particular, but launderers in general. HOW could they reach that high?!?! Haha!
Elizabeth says
Hi Sherry (and John!),
I recently found your blog and had to comment to say that I love it!!! Ok, I have a totally random question (not related to house projects or decorating), but, Sherry, is yor hair naturally curly/wavy? I love your long ponytail. It looks like you may have some wave. Do you straighten it to get that look? Blowdry? Again, totally random, sorry :)! Also, how do you get your hair to have so much lift/volume on the top while it being in a ponytail. I am also a ponytail wearing and just wanted so extra tips. I bet you didn’t know that this would be a fashion blog too :)! I look forward to seeing more of your new house!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Elizabeth,
Fashionista I’m not, I can promise you that. I call my ponytail the path-of-least-resistance. Meaning I don’t do a thing. I haven’t even had a haircut in – wait for it- nine months! Not even a trim. My hair does have some wave, so I wash it, throw it into a ponytail, and go about my business (pick up a hammer/paintbrush/baby) and that’s it. The honest reason that it has some body around the crown is just because I have super thick hair and it has a mind of its own, so it does what it wants. So sorry that’s not exactly helpfull!
xo,
S
Bobbi says
Hey guys,
Thank you so much for posting that pic of Sherry next to the washer/dryer…I’ve searched high and low to get an idea how high they were once stacked and couldn’t find anything!! You’ve done your readers and Whirlpool a great service!!
B
tara says
new washer and dryer look awesome!!
just had to say i LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog and really enjoy reading it!! keep up with the diy posts and the just-because-you-want-to-post posts. i’m really excited to see what happens with your new home:)
Devon says
You want an appliance-delivery-gone-terribly-wrong story? I’m there for you. In fall 2009, we got our fancy new high-efficiency washer/dryer set, and two guys came to deliver/install them. They’re electric, but as one of the guys was squished in between the dryer and the wall to hook up the dryer vent, his butt bumped the (unused) gas valve, making this horrific whistling sound (your whistle has nothing on natural gas eager to escape from a slightly-opened valve) and sending gas spewing into the garage. (Yeah, the washer and dryer were in the garage of the house we rented while building our house. I don’t recommend it.) So I opened the overhead garage door to air out the space…and thank goodness I did, because a minute later, when they plugged in one of the units, a HUGE spark leapt from the outlet to the plug. It turned out they had connected the power cord wrong (positive to neutral or negative to positive or something). Those guys needed to go back to the store, put on their “I Help In All Departments” apron, and not touch ANYTHING. (Different delivery guys came a few days later, swapped out the electrified unit, and hooked everything up properly. And we lived happily ever after.)
Amber says
I just love this blog. I come home everyday from work to see what you all are up to next. I adore the green/aqua lamp in Clara’s room. Is it a DIY project or did you buy it? I see a lot of lamps like that and I think to myself “maybe that’s something I could try make.”
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amber,
We got that at a local lighting outlet on clearance for $50 (down from $119) but we’ve seen some cool DIY capiz chandelier tutorials. Maybe google around for something? Good luck!
xo,
s
jenn says
do you guys ever wear socks in your house? my toes are always freeeezing!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jenn,
Are you in our living room right now? I just begged John to run and get me socks from the bedroom because my toes are cold!
xo,
s
Andrea @ NickelByNickel.com says
haha, cute pic Sherry. Loooove the new washer & dryer… makes me wish I needed a new set & had a Lowe’s around here. Maybe next house! :D
Lori H says
Thanks for the tip on the Lowes emails. I just signed up. I have a feeling we will be in the market pretty soon. My Whirlpool washer and dryer are 21 1/2 years old! I use them 6 days a week, and so far they are still going strong. Maybe if I write to Whirlpool they will give us a discount on a new set…although I bet the new ones are not as long-lasting as they used to make them…I am going to keep my eyes peeled for deals just in case they die on me!
Lori H says
oops, just re-read my comment…no disrespect intended to your new Whirlpools…just a general observation that no one makes ’em like they usta!
Beth@Just{Heart}It says
I always assumed most people read through the comments – I guess just because I do it. Especially the ones you answer. This post, with ALL the questions about Sherry’s height, proves that evidently that’s not how everyone works. How disappointing (but quite entertaining, in this case).
Carrie says
I’m only 5’2″ and can reach the buttons on our dryer in the stacked position. I can not reach socks (or anything else) at the very back on the drum though, even on tip-toes. Can Sherry?
YoungHouseLove says
So far on tip toes I’ve been able to reach every last diaper and sock back there. But I’m sure height and depth varies by model and maker, so maybe not everyone our size will have as much luck with different machines.
xo,
s
Gina @ Temporary Nest says
You know … its funny, the first thing I thought was “can sherry reach it?” I’m even shorter than pocket sized sherry! I’m just shy of 5′ and I can barely reach the bottom of a top loader washer! I’m happy yours works out though! :)
Nami says
Haha, I appreciate the picture. And here I thought good old Lars was on permanent laundry duty because Gina could reach the buttons without a step ladder.
Donita says
I love this post. What a cute picture of Sherry. You are so little/petite and cute. LOVE the new color of your laundry room. You guys get so much done, in such a short time frame. :-) Great job, as always!!!
Blake says
Your blog is fantastic and you have inspired my wife and I to plan lots of upcoming projects to update our very boring house.
As a Lowe’s appliance guy for 9years, I just wanted to say thanks for shopping @ Lowe’s. I hope you enjoy your new set (after the whistle is fixed). You do have 1 year of free warranty on it. 30days from purchase to add extended Lowe’s warranty if you wanted.
Be sure to register the machines @ Whirlpool.com so they can notify you if they ever have a recall.
I can’t wait to see what you choose when you update your kitchen appliances.
Paige says
k – totally random but after that picture i need to know! HOW did you lose baby weight so fast? like seriously, had i not read your blog, i would never have even guessed you had carried a baby in there!
YoungHouseLove says
My baby’s almost 8 months old! It definitely wasn’t anything that happened overnight! Watching my portions and walking around the neighborhood (with Clara in a stroller and John walking Burger) seemed to help. And breastfeeding! That got me squeezing back into my old jeans. I definitely don’t have the same body I used to, but Clara’s so worth the extra cushion!
xo,
s
Leslie Ann says
Woo! I got a shout out! Thanks John and Sherry, your washer is working great for me!!! I’m THRILLED that I now own a washer that does not STOP in the middle of the cycle, running water for hours if i don’t cut it off. I can leave with it running! (can you tell i’m thrilled? :-) )
YoungHouseLove says
So glad you gave our old washer a second life! Take care of our baby!
xoxo,
s (& j)
Angela says
Alrighty Sherry… another totally off topic question… where’d you get the outfit you’re wearing? I love the dark jeans! And is the shirt a square neck black top? So cute! Where or where did you get them? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Angela,
The jeans are Gap long & lean (snagged on sale for $29) and the black top is actually a scoopneck from Target. This is probably TMI, but it’s easy access when it comes to nursing, so it’s my unofficial uniform these days. My wardrobe is definitely function over form lately. Here’s hoping Chelsea and Clinton don’t hunt me down…
xo,
s
Sarah K says
Love the picture update! You look great Sherry. Enjoy the new washer and dryer! Our current apartment has a laundry room with only 9 washers and dryers for a little more than 100 apartments .. good times. Although we finally figured out that not many people do laundry on a Thursday night, so we sneak in there with 5 or so loads and get it all done as fast as possible!
Jenni says
LOL….. LOVE the picture of Sherry and considering that the Miss America pageant is on this weekend, you have it down pat. Future Mrs. America, maybe? lol.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I was channeling Vanna White. Same thing I guess…
xo,
s
Annalea says
Congrats on the great score these are!
One caution: I have a high-capacity front loader (Kenmore HE4T, made by Whirlpool, and essentially the same mechanically as your washer there. The rigidity of the floor is crucial to the health of your machine. We scored a six-year extention on our manufacturer’s warranty for 1/3 the cost due to a price tag error (they listed it wrong, but honored the price!), and I’m so glad we bought it. The main bearing has had to be replaced three times . . . and at $700 a pop, that warranty paid for itself oh, about nine times. In talking to our latest repair guy, I asked about the floor (the washer is now sitting on tile, and hasn’t had a lick of trouble with the bearing, for the first time!) . . . he said that regular floors really do need reinforcing if you want your washer to last. Here’s what he suggested:
Get a piece of 3/4″ plywood, and have it cut to fit the part of the room where your washer sits so it’s touching the walls on both sides and behind your machine, then put your machine atop that plywood. I know that you guys just had your machines installed, but if repair guys are going to replace something on the washer anyway, they might need to take the whole thing down to get at the back to replace the valve. You could just slip it under there while they’re doing that. (Painting the plywood with some durable paint to help prevent water damage should you ever get water under your washer would help a ton, too.)
So, just thought I’d pass that on, fwiw.
Congrats, and enjoy your shiny new machines!
YoungHouseLove says
He Annalea,
Thanks so much for the tip! We’ll have to try to get that done while they’re working on it so it’s nice and rigid!
xo,
s
Kiran says
Sherry is a natural fashionista! Wahoo :)
B says
I just want to say how much I love hearing about people who buy American made products – especially when they can say they also got a great deal. I’m from Michigan (home of Whirlpool Corp – as well as some other big manufacturers – ya know the car companies) and it’s great to hear about great products that are from American companies. Whirlpool does have really good products and like another commenter with a 20+ yr old washer, they can stand the test of time!
Sarah says
Woohoo on the new washer and dryer ;)
Stephanie says
I’m SO excited to see that Sherry can reach the dryer. I’m a shorter.. ahem.. pocket size? mommy too!