Modern Appliances

Modern Appliances Stink, Quality Of New Appliances

The Handyguys discuss why modern appliances suck stink and briefly discuss how to fix a whirlpool GS6SHEXNL00 side by side refrigerator.

The Handyguys are NOT appliance repairmen

Modern AppliancesFirst off, The Handyuys are NOT appliance repair guys. We are just a couple of handy homeowners who have attempted a couple appliance repairs ourselves. Please don’t call us to come out and repair your appliances. We don’t know everything about all appliances. If it’s a common issue, we have seen it and can give you some advice but generally we will tell you to continue your research elsewhere. Google is your friend. Try googling a model number. If you got here because of a google search then maybe this info will be useful.

Ranting about modern appliances

The Handyguys rant about what’s wrong with modern appliances. So, why do modern appliances stink? More water cleans dishes better, more water gets cloths cleaner, more powerful motors last longer but use a little more energy.  Does it really use less water and energy when you need to run your dishwasher twice because it didn’t get your dishes clean the first time? Same with your clothes washer. If your clothes smell musty and you need to do that extra rinse or a full second wash, does that really contribute to being green? It certainly contributes to frustration.

Brian then discusses his front loading clothes washer. It vibrates like crazy. Yes, it’s level and balanced. The repair guys has been out three or four times to replace parts that have been broken due to the vibration but he can’t fix the cause of the vibration. The manufacturer says my house isn’t built strong enough!!! Hmm, the house is built above code and the floor has been reinforced just to prove it’s not the house. The manufacturer says it should be on concrete and I should move it to the basement or garage and out of the laundry room. Craziness. This was a very expensive washer from a top manufacturer. Bosch, if you are reading this feel free to respond and prove to us that new appliances DON’T suck stink.

Repairing a Whirlpool Gold GS6SHEXNL00 refrigerator

Bad whirlpool circuit boardThe Handyguys discuss how to fix a Whirlpool Gold side by side GS6SHEXNL00 side by side refrigerator. We will be posting a video soon. What were the symptoms? No controls, light wouldn’t work. When the bulb was removed, everything worked. Some other people have similar issues with this series of refrigerators. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix. Essentially, it involves replacing a circuit board. The board is in the bottom of the fridge and accessed from the back. We describe the process in the podcast but the video will show you all the steps.

Defrost or not to defrost

Does it ever make sense to not buy a frost free freezer? YES. Yet another modern “convenience” that causes freezer burn and hard ice cream. Listen to the podcast to find out why.

9 thoughts on “Modern Appliances Stink, Quality Of New Appliances

  1. When I moved into my current house, I had to replace the 70’s stove, and 80’s fridge. Now I didn’t get top of the line commercial grade appliances, but rather mid-range ones.

    The one thing I noticed is that the old fridge was 2-3 times heavier than the new one. It took 5 guys to lift it and move it out of the house! (and only 2 for the new one). For the same size fridge!!

    With this sort of difference, you know corners are being cut somewhere.

    Also, a lot of appliances are still made in North America, but I do believe that a lot of the components (electronics especially) are made in Asia .. could this also be a reason for the the quality degradation? I’ll leave it to your audience to draw their own conclusions about this one.

    1. Thanks for the comment Leon. Yeah, good point. I have noticed that old appliances are a lot heavier. I will concede that some very old refrigerators do cost a lot of electricity to run. BUT, they still work great! Cant we have efficiency AND quality?

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  3. I am with you guys! Modern appliances totally stink!!! I am looking for a *simple* dishwasher– no gazilllion doo-dads, no electronic panel that will fail– wow, they are hard to find.

    I thinking of just going to the junkyard and refurbishing an old one….

    WHY oh why do modern appliances stink?

      1. Modern appliances stink because of lack of Quality Craftsmanship and quality material. Today everything is plastic, fiber, or some type of cheap ass material.

  4. I totally agree with you about appliances with all th bells and whistles can be overrated. But you also have to understand theres a market for modern discount appliances. I do agree the best appliances without all the gadgets last longer. I would suggest to the guy that bought his overpriced Bosch front load washer machine. To maybe try a GE or Whirlpool. these to brands are pretty reliable. I love you post guys keep up the good work. I’m a women and I love fixing stiff and repairing. Saves money. My husband look at me like I’m crazy most of the time. But when I’m finish with the job he gives me the sign of approval. So with that being said. once again keep the informative post coming. Oh for the Fella that bought a Bosch or anyone else that may like to save and get great customer service. Visit Appliances Connection

  5. Yeah I replaced a thirty year old Kenmore dryer and dryer set with a new midrange Kenmore washer and dryer 5-6 years ago. I so wish I could go back in time and get those old ones back. After 2 frustrating year s trying to get the washer to actually wash clothes and not have them come out half dry and filthy, I finally trashed it for a speed queen. Three years in that washer is still working but its rusting all over the top something my old one never did. SO far I have replaced the Dryer belt, the heating element and the computer on the dryer. It just stopped drying again. My old microwave as a really low end one I bought in 1983. You had to smack it to start it. Finally replaced it two years ago at the urging of SO. The new microwave is already rusting out. The three year old dishwasher can’t get the dishes clean. I’ll wash by hand rather then spend another cent on this defective junk. I just ordered a drying rack for the winter. I put up a clothes line a couple of summers ago for under 30 dollars. Two 8 foot 4x4s one 2x4x8 cut in half, two sacks of concrete, six eye hooks and one length of clothes line. Works great. Screw this crappy tech.

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