Washer/dryer recommendations

[hammer]

Last night our 13YO washer had a "thermal incident" which I believe puts it on borrowed time...put a load in and got a burning smell, washer shut down, unplugged and plugged back in after a while, and it is working for now. The electric dryer we've had is still working OK but it's 21 years old.

Thinking that it would be best to retire them but I'm not sure what to get...seems like there are a lot of front load washers out now but we have a shallow space so we can't get the bigger ones. Will also need to have a dryer that we can vent out the side if at all possible (will get a gas one because we have the hookup for it).

Any suggestions on brands, features, etc. would be appreciated...

 

[Geoff]

FWIW, Consumer Reports says LG has the best reliability numbers. I just bought a stackable set.

Every appliance repairman I've ever talked to has told me that the old ones are way better than the new stuff. Unless you have rust problems, you may be better off repairing what you have. Due to space constraints, I didn't have that option and had to go with a new stackable set.

The biggest problem with dryers is lint buildup. Reminds me that I need to pull mine apart to get better air flow.