Comments on: Washing Machine Shootout: The Staber vs. Whirlpool Duet http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/ Your appliance repair weapon of mass instruction for all your appliance repair needs! Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:30:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Jimmy http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-8124 Jimmy Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:41:45 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-8124 Byron, This was a SUPER review and gave me a lot of information. We're currently trying to decide what to do with a Frigidaire horizontal-axis machine that died after less than 4 years of moderate use, and a Staber is one of the candidates. You've helped quite a bit. However, with all due respect, could I ask you to (a) either use the Firefox browser with built-in spelling checking, or (b) to type your comments in Word first and paste them in? It's very difficult to go through all of the typos and misspellings in your posting to reach to serious opinions that you've posted! Byron,

This was a SUPER review and gave me a lot of information. We’re currently trying to decide what to do with a Frigidaire horizontal-axis machine that died after less than 4 years of moderate use, and a Staber is one of the candidates. You’ve helped quite a bit.

However, with all due respect, could I ask you to (a) either use the Firefox browser with built-in spelling checking, or (b) to type your comments in Word first and paste them in? It’s very difficult to go through all of the typos and misspellings in your posting to reach to serious opinions that you’ve posted!

]]> By: Samurai Appliance Repair Man http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-356 Samurai Appliance Repair Man Sun, 18 Dec 2005 22:07:29 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-356 UPDATE: You can now view the Staber presentation video <a href="http://fixitnow.com/samurais-staber-store/" rel="nofollow">here</a>. UPDATE: You can now view the Staber presentation video here.

]]> By: Ray_Z_Boy http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-354 Ray_Z_Boy Sun, 18 Dec 2005 21:56:16 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-354 Byron, If the motor is made by Siemens (Seymons?), you should be able to contact them for brushes, although I know they're an unwieldy giant of a company to deal with. The brush P/N should be molded into the side of the brush itself and there are very few actual brush part numbers in the world. I deal in industrial automation and could recommend someone if you can draw me a dimensioned sketch of the brush itself. I'd need length, width, and how the spring attaches to it. This is assuming you can't read the printed part number on one of the four sides (again, I'm making an assumption that it's not a round brush?) You can also sand the sides of the brush down with, say 120 grit sandpaper to allow a bit more room to slide, which should prevent it from getting stuck. I'm looking for a Staber but not sure if we can wait for one to arrive. I think I lost my transmission in the Kenmore (less than 5 years old) and the laundry is starting to pile up fast. Good luck and let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Byron,
If the motor is made by Siemens (Seymons?), you should be able to contact them for brushes, although I know they’re an unwieldy giant of a company to deal with. The brush P/N should be molded into the side of the brush itself and there are very few actual brush part numbers in the world. I deal in industrial automation and could recommend someone if you can draw me a dimensioned sketch of the brush itself. I’d need length, width, and how the spring attaches to it. This is assuming you can’t read the printed part number on one of the four sides (again, I’m making an assumption that it’s not a round brush?) You can also sand the sides of the brush down with, say 120 grit sandpaper to allow a bit more room to slide, which should prevent it from getting stuck. I’m looking for a Staber but not sure if we can wait for one to arrive. I think I lost my transmission in the Kenmore (less than 5 years old) and the laundry is starting to pile up fast. Good luck and let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

]]> By: Anonymous http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-258 Anonymous Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-258 Dude! That Staber video tain't 'vailable no more. "Error 2703: Shared file is no longer available." Dude! That Staber video tain’t ‘vailable no more. “Error 2703: Shared file is no longer available.”

]]> By: Henry http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-259 Henry Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-259 I haved owned a Maytag Neptune, and now own a staber, the maytag was great, before it started breaking down, the staber is more of a comercial machine, not alot of bells and whistles, but will keep going and going, example... it has grease fittings on it's bearings, the maytag, you change out the drum assembly $$$$ .<BR/>as far as capacity, a queen comforter will fit. <BR/><BR/>it's your choice... <BR/><BR/>cncguy I haved owned a Maytag Neptune, and now own a staber, the maytag was great, before it started breaking down, the staber is more of a comercial machine, not alot of bells and whistles, but will keep going and going, example… it has grease fittings on it’s bearings, the maytag, you change out the drum assembly $$$$ .
as far as capacity, a queen comforter will fit.

it’s your choice…

cncguy

]]> By: Henry http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-260 Henry Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-260 here's a link for staber pics and videos...<BR/><BR/>http://www.staber.com/HowtoUse.htm here’s a link for staber pics and videos…

http://www.staber.com/HowtoUse.htm

]]> By: Anonymous http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-261 Anonymous Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-261 I'd be interested in seeing Samurai's BIG video, but it's just not there any more.<BR/><BR/>cncguy, I'm talking about the Duet not the Neptune. Wouldn't dream of touching the latter.<BR/><BR/>Finally, I can't find anything at staber.com that tells me what cycles are available on the machine, how fast the spin cycle is, etc. This is important to me, as I hang dry the majority of my laundry. More water extracted = less drying time. We really valued the cycles on our last front-loader.<BR/><BR/>Basil I’d be interested in seeing Samurai’s BIG video, but it’s just not there any more.

cncguy, I’m talking about the Duet not the Neptune. Wouldn’t dream of touching the latter.

Finally, I can’t find anything at staber.com that tells me what cycles are available on the machine, how fast the spin cycle is, etc. This is important to me, as I hang dry the majority of my laundry. More water extracted = less drying time. We really valued the cycles on our last front-loader.

Basil

]]> By: Henry http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-262 Henry Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-262 try these...<BR/><BR/>http://www.staber.com/FAQ.htm<BR/><BR/>http://www.staber.com/Specs.htm<BR/><BR/>as far as being spin dry, it does a good job, but to be truthful, it seems like the maytag did better, it spins at 1000 vs 750, however it is much dryer than a normal machine. try these…

http://www.staber.com/FAQ.htm

http://www.staber.com/Specs.htm

as far as being spin dry, it does a good job, but to be truthful, it seems like the maytag did better, it spins at 1000 vs 750, however it is much dryer than a normal machine.

]]> By: Anonymous http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-263 Anonymous Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-263 Henry, how do you rate the noise level of the Staber compared to the Neptune? Do you find the Staber's cycle/temperature settings comparable?<BR/><BR/>Basil Henry, how do you rate the noise level of the Staber compared to the Neptune? Do you find the Staber’s cycle/temperature settings comparable?

Basil

]]> By: Samurai Appliance Repair Man http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-264 Samurai Appliance Repair Man Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-264 Working on a re-post of the BIG video. Standby... Working on a re-post of the BIG video. Standby…

]]> By: Henry http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-265 Henry Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-265 noise level is pretty close, maybe a little bit louder when spinning, otherwise pretty quiet. I like the cycles on the staber better than maytag, The staber is more heavy duty to me. I bought it because I want to do minimal repairs, and it is simple, no complex keypad, or leds, just clean clothes. I also started using "Our detergent" It really works well with the staber, and you only use 1-2 oz. per load. between that and hotwater savings, it will pay for itself in couple of years.<BR/><BR/>Hey I gotta save all I can to buy gas for my car!!! noise level is pretty close, maybe a little bit louder when spinning, otherwise pretty quiet. I like the cycles on the staber better than maytag, The staber is more heavy duty to me. I bought it because I want to do minimal repairs, and it is simple, no complex keypad, or leds, just clean clothes. I also started using “Our detergent” It really works well with the staber, and you only use 1-2 oz. per load. between that and hotwater savings, it will pay for itself in couple of years.

Hey I gotta save all I can to buy gas for my car!!!

]]> By: Rob http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-266 Rob Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-266 What about capacity- the duet seems to be 3.5 cu ft, whereas the staber is only 2.5 cu ft... I would like to buy the staber, but.... What about capacity- the duet seems to be 3.5 cu ft, whereas the staber is only 2.5 cu ft… I would like to buy the staber, but….

]]> By: Anonymous http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-267 Anonymous Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-267 also looking into a new machine after disasterous neptune with bearings now gone. makes me a little nervous with repairs to be done by owner on staber. My husband is really handy, but if he wasn't there then I'd have a machine that I needed to fix! Like the simple machine without bells and whistles,though. Also want a quiet machine, with laundry underneath our kitchen. Liked the duet, if only with a little less stuff! also looking into a new machine after disasterous neptune with bearings now gone. makes me a little nervous with repairs to be done by owner on staber. My husband is really handy, but if he wasn’t there then I’d have a machine that I needed to fix! Like the simple machine without bells and whistles,though. Also want a quiet machine, with laundry underneath our kitchen. Liked the duet, if only with a little less stuff!

]]> By: Anonymous http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-268 Anonymous Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-268 Are there any quiet, commercial machines worth looking at? Are there any quiet, commercial machines worth looking at?

]]> By: Samurai Appliance Repair Man http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-269 Samurai Appliance Repair Man Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-269 The Duet is a sweet machine: runs whisper quiet and has a large capacity. Haven't done much service on them 'cause they don't break down that often. But tear-down was moderately easy during the Whirlpool training class, with one or two tricky spots. <BR/><BR/>If noise is a concern, get the Duet. If serviceability is your prime consideration, get the Staber. The Duet is a sweet machine: runs whisper quiet and has a large capacity. Haven’t done much service on them ’cause they don’t break down that often. But tear-down was moderately easy during the Whirlpool training class, with one or two tricky spots.

If noise is a concern, get the Duet. If serviceability is your prime consideration, get the Staber.

]]> By: Anonymous http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-270 Anonymous Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-270 ONe more question. Any idea lifespan generally of a duet? Any commercial machines worth looking at besides a staber for moderately heavy use with 6 people in family.Thanks for all your info!! ONe more question. Any idea lifespan generally of a duet? Any commercial machines worth looking at besides a staber for moderately heavy use with 6 people in family.Thanks for all your info!!

]]> By: Byron http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-271 Byron Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-271 I have owned a Staber since 1995, I am currently on my second machine and we are a family of 4...no we don't take in laundry for money and yes we are a normal family of 4! The first machine suffered from weak struts and poorly designed soap / bleach / softener dispenser that plugged, a circuit board issue that required a field motification by yes you the home owner. The good news is that all these items were replaced or resolved under warranty, then the bearings went out...since I live in Ohio I visited the factory and decided that generation 1 was not for me and was offered a great deal on upgrading to the "2000" model in late 1999 as you can guess the above problems were resolved in the "generation 2" design. I installed the new washer and completed my first load of laundry to be treated by a screaming noise when the unit went into the spin cycle. The problem was caused by improperly seated rivets on the washer's drum. When the unit went into a spin part of the drum door seperated...this prompted a call to Staber and they in their defense provided a speedy replacement washer. I was a "Most Happy" Customer for 4 years but allas started having problems with the motor not wanting to turn. This issue was caused by the brushes on the Seymons motor becoming stuck in the brush holder assembly (this must be a common flaw). Since the motor is a very simple design I tore it apart and requested replacement brushes from Staber just to discover that they do not sell them. They also could or would not provide me with a part number or a contact with Seymons...upset customer cloud looming! Since I could find no part number on the motor I was forced to purchase a new motor for $187.00 through Staber; all that for a $5.00 item... To sum it up do you know where I can get brushes to fix my now "spare" drive motor? I can only guess that this issue will be back to haunt me. Now that I have told you all the bad things it would only seem fair to mention the great things about this washer; it cleans cloths like no other machine I have ever owned or used! If you hate<BR/>1. High electric bills<BR/>2. Water bills <BR/>3. Live in the country and have an aging septic system (this alone is worth the price of 5 machines)<BR/>4. Suffer from dry skin that is overly sensative to soap residue..<BR/><BR/>Then you may want to consider this machine. It has saved me money in spite of the problems I have experienced not to mention what it means to my overly sesitive skin. Something to think about if you have a baby in your house! Staber warns you to NOT put any detergent in with a load of clothes that have been cleaned with your normal run of the mill washer. This is due to the soad residue that they leave in your clothes! It will over suds the unit! How's that for washing action.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Things not to do with a Staber<BR/>1.Top load design can allow small items to fall into washer tub assembly...not cool and very hard to get out, tip of the day always leave the doors open on the washer drum assembly until you are ready to close the top, if you drop something it will then land inside the clothes hopper, not the tub!.<BR/>2. Pocket change can be an issue! A quarter fell out of a pair of pants and as you can guess left the hamper to find it's way to the bottom of the washer tub. This is easy to diagnose since you washer will now not drain due to the pump motor getting jammed. The fix? Undo the hose and remove quarter. This was not the end of the world but a pain to empty a tub of water and dripping cloathes...if you think me accident prone or just unlucky I guess I leave that to for you to decide! In spite of it all I still have a soft spot in my heart for the darn thing, it cleans oh so well and has been overly kind to my septic system! I just wish I could find a part number for those darn brushes.... Another word of final warning, dont forget to grease the bearing every three years with Lith grease, front and back spindel. I have owned a Staber since 1995, I am currently on my second machine and we are a family of 4…no we don’t take in laundry for money and yes we are a normal family of 4! The first machine suffered from weak struts and poorly designed soap / bleach / softener dispenser that plugged, a circuit board issue that required a field motification by yes you the home owner. The good news is that all these items were replaced or resolved under warranty, then the bearings went out…since I live in Ohio I visited the factory and decided that generation 1 was not for me and was offered a great deal on upgrading to the “2000″ model in late 1999 as you can guess the above problems were resolved in the “generation 2″ design. I installed the new washer and completed my first load of laundry to be treated by a screaming noise when the unit went into the spin cycle. The problem was caused by improperly seated rivets on the washer’s drum. When the unit went into a spin part of the drum door seperated…this prompted a call to Staber and they in their defense provided a speedy replacement washer. I was a “Most Happy” Customer for 4 years but allas started having problems with the motor not wanting to turn. This issue was caused by the brushes on the Seymons motor becoming stuck in the brush holder assembly (this must be a common flaw). Since the motor is a very simple design I tore it apart and requested replacement brushes from Staber just to discover that they do not sell them. They also could or would not provide me with a part number or a contact with Seymons…upset customer cloud looming! Since I could find no part number on the motor I was forced to purchase a new motor for $187.00 through Staber; all that for a $5.00 item… To sum it up do you know where I can get brushes to fix my now “spare” drive motor? I can only guess that this issue will be back to haunt me. Now that I have told you all the bad things it would only seem fair to mention the great things about this washer; it cleans cloths like no other machine I have ever owned or used! If you hate
1. High electric bills
2. Water bills
3. Live in the country and have an aging septic system (this alone is worth the price of 5 machines)
4. Suffer from dry skin that is overly sensative to soap residue..

Then you may want to consider this machine. It has saved me money in spite of the problems I have experienced not to mention what it means to my overly sesitive skin. Something to think about if you have a baby in your house! Staber warns you to NOT put any detergent in with a load of clothes that have been cleaned with your normal run of the mill washer. This is due to the soad residue that they leave in your clothes! It will over suds the unit! How’s that for washing action.

Things not to do with a Staber
1.Top load design can allow small items to fall into washer tub assembly…not cool and very hard to get out, tip of the day always leave the doors open on the washer drum assembly until you are ready to close the top, if you drop something it will then land inside the clothes hopper, not the tub!.
2. Pocket change can be an issue! A quarter fell out of a pair of pants and as you can guess left the hamper to find it’s way to the bottom of the washer tub. This is easy to diagnose since you washer will now not drain due to the pump motor getting jammed. The fix? Undo the hose and remove quarter. This was not the end of the world but a pain to empty a tub of water and dripping cloathes…if you think me accident prone or just unlucky I guess I leave that to for you to decide! In spite of it all I still have a soft spot in my heart for the darn thing, it cleans oh so well and has been overly kind to my septic system! I just wish I could find a part number for those darn brushes…. Another word of final warning, dont forget to grease the bearing every three years with Lith grease, front and back spindel.

]]> By: Samurai Appliance Repair Man http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/03/08/washing-machine-shootout-the-staber-vs-whirlpool-duet/comment-page-1/#comment-272 Samurai Appliance Repair Man Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://fixitnow.com/wp/?p=778#comment-272 Great comments, Byron, thanks for posting 'em! Great comments, Byron, thanks for posting ‘em!

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