I had my new Frigidaire Affinity Washer and Dryer installed the last week in July. I am part of a testing program for their new line. It has been approximately 9 weeks since I have been using it. Now that the new and exciting of the big (beautiful) set has worn off, I wanted to make sure I touched on some of the negatives, and hopefully future improvements, of this product.
1) Tray: On the washer there is a pull out tray on the top left where you add your detergent, bleach, and fabric softener. I like how its raised up where a child cannot get to it, however I have to stand on my tippy toes to actually see the inside of the tray.
The washer and dryer are on the stands that pull out, so it makes them a bit higher then usual, but its something that the company should have accounted for. While I am short (5′1″), the one thing that baffles me is that the bleach tray is in the back of the pour tray and the softener tray is in the front. Every time I pour bleach, I have to do it quite blindly as its taller then I am and having the bleach in the back makes it extra difficult.
As bleach is not only much dangerous to work with and can ruin clothing if its accidentally poured outside the area it goes into, it seems to me that bleach should be a lot more accessible.
Tip to Frigidaire: Switch bleach to the front and fabric softener to the back ASAP
2) Smell: On the inside of the washer, there is a ring of rubber that separates the door from the washer itself. There is no way to explain it other then that it smells when its wet. It hasn’t transferred to my clothing (that I have noticed), but its a clear stink from the rubber.
In addition to that, there is a groove (I am assuming for flexibility) and Charlotte’s little socks constantly get left there and I have to pull them out and hand wring the water out to throw in the dryer.
3) Doors: Now I am not sure who designed the doors, but they open opposite of each other. That doesn’t sound like a big deal, but as a right handed person, the dryer doesn’t open on the side that it naturally should (think of a door opening).
It opens on the OPPOSITE side.
Even after 9 weeks, my first instinct is to open it on the other side then it does. This is more of an annoying trait then anything else. When we had these installed, because of how our dryer connection was set up in the back (and I am assuming most dryer connections since we have a standard home) they had to put in an additional wire to get the dryer on the other side of the laundry room. This piece cost an extra $75.
Be aware of how these install versus your laundry room and if you will be subjected to this cost upon install.
You can see in this picture that the washer (on the left) opens correctly and the dryer (right) door opens in an odd direction. You try opening a dryer with your left hand today and see how awkward it is.
4) Closing: The latch on the dryer is very weak. It takes an actual thought process to close the dryer and make sure its latched properly. You cannot just close the dryer, you have to intentionally push in and slightly up and secure the latch. When your hands are full with clothing, you have to leave and come back and close it. This leaves it open for kids and cats to crawl into.
5) Noise: I will try to capture some video upcoming, but I can tell you that the noise that they dryer and washer make versus my last set (Kenmore) is a noticable. I do like that the washer beeps in 3 successions so you know the clothing is completed, so that is a plus. However, the water rushing in, the cycles of washing and drying themselves, all make a great deal more noise then I am used to.
Please realize that while I am pointing out the things I do not like with my washer/dryer to make it easier for you to know the improvements needed, that none of these things actually affect how clean my clothes have been.
~Trisha
Other posts of mine that mention Frigidaire
just bought affinity washer/dryer. I have to go to the laundromat up the street to re-wash my whites. The machine can’t even get rid of a simple canola oil smudge on a white apron. my white towels and wash cloths come out mostly beige/tan. hhgregg was told by manufacturer to change out the washer, but the results are the same. I currently have some of my whites soaking in a pail AFTER they have been washed. The manufacturer has promised to refund my $$$. I looked at Consumer reports independent reviews and of the affinity models tested, only one is recommended – the gltf2940f(s). All others are not rated excellent or very good for washing performance.
Before these new-fangled machines, I had a Maytag for almost ten years. I did not have to call Maytag not once; not when it was under warranty and no time during those ten years. Washed like a charm. For the money I paid Frigidaire, I’d rather go down to the river and beat the clothes on the rocks. And the stench!!! another ten years is a long time to put up with that.
So I have paid the price for disloyalty. When they refund my $$$ and remove their equipment, no more Frigidaire for me!!!
Live and learn
Does anybody have encountered a problem like mine that after the washing cycle is done that some of the clothes are not even wet ? Don’t know why but we already checked the water outlet and its on. I have the Frigidaire Affinity washer/dryer combo.
has anyone had a problem with the washer not working because of a code that comes up as Dr?? I’m thinking it has something to do with the door but I can’t see any problems. any suggestions anyone?
Tricia if you are seeing the code dr on you dryer or washer it is the door. It may need to be opened and closed again or push it in slightly and that should trigger the start switch.
I have had a Fridgidare front loader for about three years now. I am glad that I bought a four year service agreement with it because it has been broken over the weekend . You push the start button and all it doese is make a buzzing sound. I hope it is not caracteristic for this machine.
Hi Trisha,
There are some sharp edges in the metal framework inside.
In response to your dilemma with the dryer door on the Frididaire Affinity. That door is reversable, if you care to take the time to do it. I have the 8000 series washer and dryer and have them stacked in a narrow bathroom, so having the washer open to the left and the dryer open to the right, trapped you in front of the machines (unless you are good at limbo!). You have to remove the door and disassemble it to reverse the latching hardware and the hinge. Just spread a couple towels on your work bench so you don’t scratch the finish. Watch out for the sharp edges!
As for my overall opinion? I am pretty impressed! I have had trouble free operation with mine for the past two years. Clothes are clean, and are practically dry from the spin cycle. I usually hang them on an outside clothes line, but since they are almost dry out of the washer, they take very little time in the dryer. The issue with the water collecting in the door gasket? You aren’t going to solve it. Best you can do is deal with it. We usually just take a dish towel and wipe the water out after we are done washing for the day and hang the towel up to dry. With a 6 person – 2 dog household, it’s not like we are ever going to be completely done with laundry, so it’ll get washed in the next load.
From a service standpoint, I am equally impressed! I just had the opportunity to tear my washer apart to retreive a wire (from an underwire bra, I assume) that had managed to work it’s way down into the drain pump. There is a “change trap” that catches coins and other objects that would otherwise not fit and possibly damage the pump. It is a good design, but didn’t catch the wire! You do have to pretty much disassemble the washer to get to it though, unless you come up from the bottom, which is probably more bother that it is worth. You won’t save much time by going that route, just cut yourself in different places
The washer control module detected that the water was not draining, and generated a E23 error. There is a diagnostic manual under the top cover (at least there was on mine) that gives you the table with all the codes, and the procedure to do some diagnostics to determine the problem. I found a service manual online for a 6000-7000 series which is pretty much the same critter, so assembly/disassembly instructions are interchangable. It clearly outlined what had to be removed to access the pump. A shop vac connected to the drain hose will suck out most of the stale water from the pump do you don’t hasve to wallow arouund in that swamp water when you disconnect the hoses.
I had a Whirlpool top loader for 17 years before getting these. It was very reliable, but was starting to get rusty. These are much quieter, and considerably more effective at cleaning clothes…. with much less water. Since I have a septic system… that is a big plus!
John
We just got the same washer and dryer as you, and the dryer door seems backward to me, too. I see how if the washer and dryer are side by side, the doors will both open outward, making them easier to load. Since ours face each other, one of these days I’ll reverse the dryer door, which the manual describes how to do. Incidentally, I found your page because I was trying to find out if anyone else thinks the drain pump on the washer is really, really loud.
get a step stool.
you should have noticed this before purchasing.
sounds like alot of free time you have to whine.
you are below ave. ht.
Kinda like you have a lot of free time to be an asshole!
For the record, if you had read my post, it states that I am part of a TESTING PROGRAM of this washer/dryer system, therefore its my responsibility to report the negatives and positives of this set over a 3-4 month period to my website.
I was wondering if you find your bleach and softener dispensers, full of water at the end of the cycle? In my Frigidaire washer, those trays are full to the top and I must lift the plastic lid in order to blot all of the water out of it at the end of every wash.
Mine too… and I have only done 5 loads on my new machine… – It filled up on the very first load and hasn’t drained since… how am I supposed to add bleach? – there is no freaking way I am going to blot out that water after every wash… does anybody have a fix?
It’s funny you should say that. I just got mine yesterday and my dispensers have been full of water too. I have to take the tray out and dump the water before each load cause i’m scared it will over flow. I dumped water all over my poor puppies head cause it leaks out the back of the tray when you take it out. That is the only prob i’ve had with it so far.
i have a new maytag washer with all the bells and whistles. it’s a top loader, which i love. but it has a funky smell too. that transfers to my clothes. and you have to buy these pellet things and run the machine with the pellet to defunk the funk.
and there is even a setting on the washer specifically for that reason.
and yes, i still bought it.
hmmm
I’ve been hearing about the smell issue on a few message boards I’ve gone to. I like the idea of a front loading washer but I think I’ll stick with the old school version – no smelling and no worries over leakage.
I appreciate the negative points too.
It should be a lesson or design review for the manufacturers ( sorry my brain can’t find the right word now…)They should also appreciate & note them for the next design, since they usually change something every year. I still have top loader washer, and hubs actually put the washer & dryer up on a landing on purpose. One that is was more useful when we were moving things around in the laundry room & two that the height actually puts less strain on my back when emptying the dryer & I can reach in to easily get anything way in the back.I simply use a small step stool ( you can find nice folding ones to keep out of the way)to get the final garments out of the washer. Since it is a top loader I always leave the top open when I am done for the day, and you still can get a smell left over. So I would take that as a big negative when I am looking for my next set.
Great review & valid points!
It’s nice to know that someone else has similar issues with their washer/dryer and it’s not just user error on my side. I’ve had my front loader set for about a year and have learned a few things. Yes, they do recommend leaving the washer door open to keep the mildew smell away(never thought about kids/pets getting in there) but they also suggested running an empty load with bleach once a month to help if you close the door. As for the kids socks, put them in a mesh bag. The repairman said he has pulled tons of kids socks out of water lines because they get in that gap and then work themselves into the water drain area. This can lead to BIG plumbing bills and pains. Besides adjusting how I do laundry a little bit, I think the laundry comes out cleaner and with less wrinkles than it ever did with my top loaders. Keep up the reviews because they will never fix these issues if we don’t get the word out there that there is something TO fix.
I’ve been looking at a new washer and dryer. I’ve never purchased anything but Kenmore. I think I’ll stick with them.
We have a Frigidaire front loading washer and dryer that we bought in 2000, back when front loaders were still new fangled ideas. And here this the thing… the things you are complaining about are similar to the problems I have with mine! The socks getting stuck in the little rubber well… I have conditioned myself to check it every time, even if I haven’t been washing little kid socks. Now, ours are stackable and the stand to put them on wasn’t invented yet, so I don’t have a problem with the detergent/ bleach drawer. But, the weak latch was on our washer (push up and in at the same time) and it did eventually break and lead to a longer laundry list of problems we had to have fixed (fortunately my husband was able to fix it, we just paid a repairman to come out and diagnose the issues).
Purchased in 2000 and yours installed in 2009… maybe they will finally fix these problems!
Thanks for the review. We have an LG Front Loading Set with the drawers underneath. I can barely reach it and that bleach spot is in the way back too. We’ve had Best Buy out to fix ours at least 5x. Our warranty just expired and my husband told me to not get it again. He HATES front loaders now.
We have major issues with mold and smell. I have tiny holes in my clothes from things getting stuck in the washer.
My only pro so far is that you can fit A LOT of stuff in it.
I love this post for many reason. Not everything comes with glamour and its about time those non-glamourous traits are pointed out.
The set is gorgeous, the clothes are clean
Few of the things would pose small irrations to me but honestly I could live with them all if I could afford a set like that.
Product lines come out with better improvements to help consumers be more satisfied with their products if they didn’t we’d all be stuck with the ringer washer/ and a close line.
Excellent post Trisha!
I agree with Marianna, the doors were designed to be easier to move clothes from washer to dryer. Front load washers stink after a while and you have to run the cleaning cycle…I have always left the door open a bit to air out, but they still smell after a while….never had a problem with clothes getting caught in ring but my mother has quite a few times with her Kenmore. We have a Whirlpool and the only problems I have had with it is the knob falling off. I think the bleach dispensers are all in the same place. I’m only 5′ so I know how you feel about the height issue!
Thanks for the review. I love to see both sides of the story.
Kasandria
yeah I can’t stand to see the name Frigidaire at all–tossed the washer I had to match the dryer that caught on fire!
I got a Kenmore set and they seem to have got it right because they are fabulous so far! the tray is the same with the bleach thing and the door is the same BUT the smell thing from the rubber doesn’t happen {but–I did read in the manual that you are suppossed to leave the door open after you wash?}
leave the door open? What? isnt that dangerous?
Yeah, I think all front load washers these days tell you leave the door open so it can dry out. Otherwise you will get a nasty mildew smell in there. My LG is the same way. Ours is in the basement so we don’t have an issue leaving it open since the kids aren’t down there. But I would NOT want to leave it open if my kids could climb in there. I wish they would come up with better ventilation or something.
I don’t think most of the people replying here understand that Kenmore does not make appliances. Kenmore items are made by other companies and then badged for Sears. Your Kenmore washer or dryer is actually either a Whirlpool (also makes Admiral, Amana, Jenn-Air, Magic Chef and Maytag), Frigidaire, or LG. SO, if you are saying you will never by a Frigidaire but will stick with Kenmore….chances are you are getting the same thing either way. I have a Kenmore sewing machine….but it is actually a Janome.
Thanks for pointing out the negatives. I like knowing the pros and CONS of a product before I buy.
Thank you for your very honest feedback! I must say they are beautiful! lol.
We have an LG washer/dryer and the bleach spot is in the back of the tray in theirs too and I hate it. Must be a common design thing I guess. I rarely use bleach, but when I do it is a pain.
Our doors also open opposite each other but I actually like it. It makes it easier for me to grab the clothes from the washer and then toss them right into the dryer without having to work around the door. If that makes sense.
You have a good point on the washer/dryer opening that way for that reason. I still find it awkward but you may be right on that was the intention.