Which Washer and Dryer Brands Should You Avoid Buying Used? 7 Warning Signs Every Buyer Should Know
Costly repairs, problem models, recalls and red flags, and why the model matters more than the brand.
The 7 warning signs
- Bearing noise: roaring or grinding during the spin
- A Samsung (or any) model with an unfixed safety recall
- A high-end front-loader that needs a major repair
- Critical parts that are discontinued
- Electronic faults nobody has diagnosed
- Heavy rust, flood damage or a major leak
- A dryer with signs of overheating or electrical damage
If you're shopping for a used washer and dryer, you've probably heard conflicting opinions about which brands to buy and which to avoid. Some people swear by Whirlpool and Maytag. Others prefer GE or Speed Queen. You may also have heard warnings about certain Samsung or LG models and their repair costs.
But here's what many buyers miss: the brand name doesn't tell you everything about reliability. Every major manufacturer has made many different models, designs and generations. Some have excellent service records; others are expensive to repair or have known problems.
At Just Washers & Dryers, we believe you should focus on mechanical condition, repair costs, parts availability and the specific model, rather than writing off an entire manufacturer.
In this guide, we'll cover seven kinds of used washers and dryers we'd approach with caution, the brands that deserve extra research, and how to avoid buying someone else's expensive repair problem.
1. Avoid washers with bearing problems
A failing drum bearing is one of the most expensive problems you can find in a used washer. Bearings support the spinning drum or basket. When they wear out, the washer grinds, roars or rumbles, usually loudest during the high-speed spin.
Why bearing repairs cost so much
On many washers, replacing bearings means taking much of the machine apart, and some models need a whole new tub assembly instead of just a bearing. Say you buy a used washer for $250 and then learn it needs a $400 repair. You've now spent more than another working used washer would cost.
Which brands have bearing problems?
Bearings can fail on LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE and other brands. It isn't a one-brand problem. Front-loaders deserve extra attention because some bearing and tub repairs are very labor-intensive.
Signs of a possible bearing problem
- Loud roaring during the spin
- Grinding when you turn the drum by hand
- Lots of play between the drum and the outer tub
- Scraping noises
- Leaks linked to a worn bearing or seal
These signs don't prove a bearing has failed, but they're reason enough to look closer.
Our advice: skip a washer with unexplained bearing noise unless you know the repair cost and want a repair project.
2. Research certain Samsung washers carefully
Samsung makes a wide range of washers and dryers with modern designs and lots of features, and many models work well. But some Samsung washers have had model-specific reliability or safety problems.
The Samsung washer recall
In 2016, millions of Samsung top-load washers were recalled because the top could come off during use, creating an injury risk. This is a documented safety issue affecting specific models, not every Samsung washer.
Before buying a used Samsung washer, find the exact model number and check it against the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall database.
Other things to check
- Heavy vibration
- Drum or bearing problems
- Error codes
- Drain problems
- Worn suspension
- Parts availability
- Cost of electronic repairs
Should you avoid every Samsung washer?
No. A working Samsung washer with a good service history can still be a fine buy. Just do a little extra research on the model first.
Our take: don't buy a used Samsung for its looks or features alone. Check the model, check for recalls, and watch it run a full cycle.
3. Be careful with high-end front-loaders that need major repairs
Front-loaders clean very well, use less water and often hold more. But some repairs, especially drum assemblies, bearings, control boards and door systems, can be expensive.
Why it matters when buying used
A premium front-loader may have sold new for well over $1,000. A few years later, the owner lists it for $200 or $300. That looks like a steal, but if it has a failing bearing or damaged drum support, the repair could cost more than the asking price.
A practical example
Two washers are listed for $275 each:
- Washer A is a premium front-loader with a big drum and a sleek digital display. It grinds loudly during the spin.
- Washer B is a standard top-loader with a few scratches. It fills, washes, drains and spins normally.
If they're otherwise similar, we'd choose Washer B. The premium machine has more features, but an unsolved mechanical problem is a financial risk you don't need.
Are all front-loaders bad?
Absolutely not. Many front-loaders perform very well. The difference is between buying a machine that works and buying one with an expensive defect. For a brand-by-brand comparison, read What Are the Best Washer and Dryer Brands to Buy Used?
4. Avoid machines whose critical parts are discontinued
This is one of the most overlooked risks with older appliances. A washer may work well today, but what happens if a key part fails in six months and the manufacturer no longer makes it? The repair may become difficult or not worth doing.
Which parts matter most?
- Electronic control boards
- Motors and motor-control modules
- Transmissions or gearcases
- Tub assemblies
- Specialized sensors
- Other model-specific mechanical parts
Common parts like hoses, belts, pumps and heating elements are easier to find for many popular models, but availability varies a lot.
How to check
Find the model number, search reputable appliance-parts suppliers, and see whether major parts are in stock and reasonably priced. A washer with widely available parts is usually a better long-term value than a rare or discontinued model.
Our advice: don't assume a machine is easy to fix just because it's simple. Parts availability matters.
5. Be cautious with electronic control problems
Modern washers and dryers often have advanced electronic controls with useful features like load sensing, special cycles and built-in diagnostics. But electronic problems can be frustrating and expensive.
Warning signs
- Repeated error codes
- Random shutdowns
- Buttons that don't respond
- Cycles that stop unexpectedly
- Won't start
- Inconsistent operation
- A display that acts strangely
These can point to a control board, but they can also come from sensors, wiring, motors or switches. That's why proper diagnosis matters.
Why it's important
Replacing an expensive control board without confirming the real problem may fix nothing. A washer listed at $150 because of an "occasional electronic glitch" isn't a bargain if the fix is a $250 part plus labor.
Our take: unless you have appliance repair experience, skip washers with unsolved electronic problems.
6. Avoid heavy rust, flood damage and major leaks
Rust doesn't always mean a washer is bad, and minor cosmetic rust shows up on plenty of working machines. But heavy corrosion can mean long-term water exposure.
Where to look
- The bottom of the cabinet
- The water inlet connections
- Around the drain pump
- Metal support parts
- Exterior electrical connections you can see
- The underside of the machine, if you can safely see it
Severe rust on structural parts can weaken the machine, and water can damage motors, wiring, connectors and controls.
Flood-damaged appliances
We'd be especially cautious with any machine that sat in floodwater. Flooding can contaminate a machine and damage electrical or mechanical parts in ways that don't show up right away. A flood-exposed appliance shouldn't be run until it's been properly checked.
What about small leaks?
Some leaks are cheap to fix, like a damaged hose or loose connection. Leaks from tub seals, major assemblies or structural damage cost more. Either way, find the cause before you buy. For a full inspection guide, see our 15-point used washer checklist.
7. Avoid dryers with signs of overheating or electrical damage
Used dryers deserve as much attention as washers. A dryer can tumble and heat and still have a dangerous electrical or airflow problem.
Warning signs
- Burned or melted wiring
- Scorched electrical terminals
- A damaged power cord
- A burning smell that won't go away
- Signs of overheating
- Heavy lint buildup inside the cabinet
- Damaged or missing safety parts
A dryer with any of these signs shouldn't be used until it's properly checked and repaired.
Why the dryer vent matters
A blocked or crushed vent slows drying and raises the risk of overheating. Even a mechanically sound dryer runs poorly if the vent is blocked or installed wrong. Before using a secondhand dryer, make sure the vent suits the dryer and follows the manufacturer's instructions. When we install a dryer, we use a new vent transition hose, clamped and checked for airflow, and a new 3- or 4-prong cord.
Should you buy a dryer that doesn't heat?
Only if you understand the problem and what the repair will cost. A no-heat dryer may have a simple failed part, but it could also be wiring, controls, the home's power supply or an overheating condition. Don't assume every no-heat dryer just needs a heating element.
Are there brands we'd avoid completely?
Generally, no. We wouldn't rule out every machine from a manufacturer without looking at the specific model. Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, LG, Samsung, Speed Queen, Amana and others have all made many different machines. Some are excellent buys; others have known weak spots or costly repairs.
The real question isn't just "What brand is this?" It's "What model is this, what condition is it in, and what will it cost to keep running?"
Our preferred approach
For many budget-minded buyers, we favor standard washers and dryers with simple controls, common parts and proven operation. That doesn't guarantee trouble-free ownership, but it lowers the risk of expensive surprises.
The biggest red flags on any used washer or dryer
Whatever the brand, think twice about a machine with:
- Loud grinding or roaring while running
- A significant leak
- Heavy rust or flood damage
- Unsolved electrical problems
- Repeated error codes
- Damaged or bypassed safety devices
- Major parts that are unavailable or very expensive
- Signs of overheating
- Violent shaking with a normal load
- A seller who won't explain known problems or the purchase terms
Not every warning sign means the machine is beyond repair, but each one adds risk.
How much can a bad used set really cost you?
Here's a hypothetical example. You find a used set for $300. The seller says both machines work, but they're disconnected and can't be tested. You buy them and arrange a truck. After hookup, the washer won't drain and the dryer squeals loudly.
| Expense | Untested set (example) | Our refurbished set |
|---|---|---|
| Washer and dryer set | $300 | $485 |
| Getting it home | $100 | $25 delivery |
| Hookup, hoses, cord and vent | Your time | Included |
| Washer repair | $175 | Covered for 90 days |
| Dryer repair | $125 | Covered for 90 days |
| Total | $700 | $510 |
The $300 bargain became a $700 purchase, $190 more than our delivered set. Refurbished machines can still have problems, which is why ours carry a 90-day parts and labor warranty. The example simply shows how surprise repairs can wipe out the savings of a low price. Our delivery fee is $0, $25 or $75 by ZIP code; this example uses $25. For more on pricing, read How Much Should You Pay for a Used Washer and Dryer?
Dealer or Facebook Marketplace?
Both can be good values. Private sellers sometimes charge less because they're moving, upgrading or clearing out a property. But private-sale machines are often disconnected, untested and sold without any warranty. A dealer may offer inspection, refurbishing, delivery, installation or a warranty, but these vary, so confirm them before you buy. See private seller or dealer for a side-by-side look.
Questions to ask any seller
- Can I see the machine run?
- What's the exact model number?
- Are there any known problems?
- Has it been repaired?
- Is there a written warranty?
- What happens if it fails soon after I buy it?
- Does the price include delivery and installation?
A seller who answers clearly gives you more confidence than one who can't explain the machine's condition.
How we answer those questions
Every machine we sell is cleaned, inspected and run through full cycles, with worn parts replaced. Our team runs a test cycle with you after hookup, and you can inspect your machines at the door before you pay the balance. You get a 90-day parts and labor warranty in writing (see our Terms of Service), and the delivered price includes hookup and haul-away of the machines we replace. The order form shows your exact total before you order.
How to avoid buying an unreliable used washer or dryer
The best strategy is to check the machine before you pay.
- Test the washer. Make sure it fills, washes, drains and spins. Watch for heavy shaking, leaks, odd noises and error messages.
- Test the dryer. Make sure it starts, tumbles and heats. Listen for unusual noises and look for signs of overheating.
- Identify the model. Look up known problems, parts availability and recalls.
- Understand the warranty. Ask what's covered, for how long, and whether service or transport charges apply.
- Compare the total cost. Include price, delivery, installation, parts and possible repairs.
Our perspective at Just Washers & Dryers
We believe you should be able to buy affordable laundry appliances without taking on needless risk. For many households, a standard top-load washer and electric dryer do everything they need. We especially like machines with common parts, simple operation and reasonable repair costs.
We also know every household is different. Some people want a big drum, some want a matching pair, some care most about efficiency, and others just want the most affordable dependable set. Our job is to help you find practical refurbished laundry equipment that fits your needs and budget, delivered and installed across Metro Atlanta.
Frequently asked questions
What is the worst washing machine brand to buy used?
No single brand is the worst across every model and generation. The specific model's known problems, its condition, parts availability and repair costs tell you much more than the brand.
Should I avoid buying used Samsung washers?
Not automatically. Research the exact model, check it for recalls on CPSC.gov, and inspect it carefully before buying.
Are LG washing machines expensive to repair?
Some repairs can be, especially major drum assemblies, bearings or electronic parts. The cost depends on the model and what failed.
Are older Whirlpool washers better than newer ones?
Many older Whirlpool designs are fairly easy to repair, but older machines can also have a lot of wear. The specific model and its condition matter more than age.
Should I buy a washer with a bad bearing?
Usually not, unless you know the repair cost and want a repair project. Major bearing repairs can cost more than a used washer is worth.
Is it safe to use a dryer that smells like it's burning?
No. A dryer with a burning smell that won't go away shouldn't be used until the cause is found and fixed. Common causes include lint buildup, overheating and electrical damage.
Can a refurbished washer still break down?
Yes. Refurbishing fixes existing problems, but it can't rule out every future failure. That's why a written warranty matters. Ours covers parts and labor for 90 days.
Should I buy a used washer that can't be tested?
It carries extra risk. If you go ahead, the price and the return terms should reflect that uncertainty.
Final thoughts: avoid problem machines, not just brand names
When shopping for a used washer and dryer, the smartest approach is to judge the specific machine rather than the logo on the front. See it run, check the model for recalls and parts, look for the seven warning signs above, and get the warranty in writing.