this post was submitted on 17 Nov 2025
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It looks like they're available, but labeled under "cheap." They seem to be just dials. I'm sure a spyware version has crept into the list though. https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/g38757143/best-cheap-washing-machines/
None of those are particularly long-lasting, and definitely not built well. 4 out of 5 of their "best" are all whirlpool family appliances, which have been getting so cheaply built in the last few years that they feel flimsy. The list is basically an ad for whirlpool.
it is. these lists are likely pay for play and run by a pr firm in tandem with the brands' pr teams
Are the spyware ones long lasting? They're much harder to fix as well. You might be right about the ads, so here's more:
https://www.amazon.com/Pataku-Portable-Washing-Function-Apartment/dp/B0C7V5B59G?
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-WA40A3005WPR-White-Washer-Dryer/dp/B0BDMQNBCJ?
https://www.costco.com/maytag-45-cu-ft-top-load-power-agitator-washer-and--70-cu-ft-electric-dryer-package.product.4000251701.html
https://www.wellrigged.com/most-durable-washing-machines/
Disclaimer: this is very US centric information.
I have yet to see laundry that has to be connected to internet to work - there are several that can be connected, but no one can really answer why a consumer would want to (even the mfr reps kinda just stutter and mumble about vague "convenience" features). I wouldn't say laundry is heavily spying on us... yet...
I wouldn't buy whirlpool family because it all feels incredibly cheap and breaks easy. They have service techs almost everywhere, but their part supply is garbage so you are often waiting on parts. LG service is nearly non-existent. If you live in a big city they might have one or two techs that they can send out, but that's it. They are better on parts, but they very rarely admit the appliance is FUBAR and replace it.
Speed Queen makes absolute units. Like, you could probably drop it down a flight of stairs and then hook it up and run a cycle. BUT, they come with downsides - mainly price point and capacity, but they are also very hard on clothes, and the TR series wash cycle sucks because the agitator is fixed to the tub (this design has been tried so many times and sucks every time) - the TC wash cycle is fine.
Samsung units are very similar to LG units, but their service is generally better - much more parts in stock in the US already so fixing it when it breaks is usually pretty quick. They don't have a great service network, but they are quick to admit they can't get a tech out and just offer replacements.
Frigidaire/Electrolux units are "fine". They generally also have service everywhere and reasonably part supply chains, but they aren't built fool-proof.
Cheap GE units are probably the place to be for cheap units, they aren't built as cheaply as the whirlpool family typically, service is generally decent. They still aren't build to last more than 7-10-ish years. Most appliance companies in the US realized their average customer was buying new every 5-7 years anyway due to moving or remodeling. That meant building them to last considerably longer than that means they are building them to be used by the second hand market. Similar to the gaming industry in the last several years, they don't want that because they don't make money on that. Save money during production, make a worse product, more sales/profit.
I feel like this post is already too long... I've been working with appliances both repairs and sales for about 12 years now. If people have questions I'm happy to answer :P
Great info, thanks.
With TVs, which have had a smart version for a longer time than appliances, the dumb, spyware-less versions have actually become somewhat more expensive. Nothing stopping other devices from going the same way.
who the hell pays $1000 for an appliance?
They're top pick is only $500
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Who the hell pays $500 for an appliance?
People who want it to last.
That's a large part of why "things aren't built the way they used to," is wrong. People don't want to pay a lot for appliances now, so they get built with cheap parts to meet that price point.
There were cheap garbage appliances in the old days too.
That's fair. I do suspect those live-forever refridgerators probably did cost a bomb way back when
Yeah, those suckers were the equivalent of like $2k today.
But even cheap appliances can last years if repaired. Washers and dryers are pretty simple to fix (electric only), and it's cheaper than you might think for common issues. Lid switch replacements, drum rollers, heating elements, sensors, etc. run like a max of $50, and you can always find a YouTube video of someone replacing the part in the exact model you own.