Let’s Talk Warranty: The Basics
Alright, first things first—how long does that washing machine warranty last, really? In 2024, the standard warranty length offered by most manufacturers is about one year. Yup, one year parts and labor, covering defects in material and workmanship — think of it as the “we messed up, we fix it” guarantee.
This doesn’t usually cover everyday wear and tear, accidental dings, or clumsy installation mishaps—those are on you, friend.
Beyond Year One: Extended Warranty Options
If you thought 12 months was a bit too short for peace of mind, fear not. Many brands and retailers offer extended warranties you can purchase. These plans typically add 2, 3, or even up to 5 years of coverage on top of the original one-year warranty.
Retailers like Best Buy sell extended plans (e.g., Geek Squad Protection) covering hardware failures, power surges, and repairs after that factory warranty evaporates. Pricing generally runs from about $30 to $150 per year depending on coverage length and brand[Best Buy].
Manufacturer Standouts
- Maytag: Offers a robust 5-year parts and labor warranty on select models, with up to 10 years parts-only coverage on key components like the tub and transmission.
- Speed Queen: Similar to Maytag, boasts 5 years parts and labor and extended coverage on tub and transmission parts lasting up to 15 years.
- Luxury brands (Miele, Asko): Sometimes offer warranties lasting up to 10 years, especially on premium product lines.
Meanwhile, big names like GE, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, and Amana stick to that one-year standard but often sweeten the deal with optional extended warranties you can add.
What Does a Washing Machine Warranty Actually Cover?
In warranty-speak, it’s usually limited to defects in material or workmanship. Translation: if your drum falls off due to poor manufacturing, you’re covered. If it falls off because you overloaded it with rocks, probably not.
- Coverage generally includes repairs or replacement of faulty parts.
- Does not cover normal wear and tear—or damage caused by misuse, accidents, or unauthorized repairs.
- Some parts may have longer specific coverage; for instance, Kenmore offers lifetime coverage on the drive motor within the first year, then free parts (but not installation) thereafter.
Should You Buy an Extended Warranty?
Here’s where the cheeky uncle mentors you with wisdom: statistically, about 20% of washing machines need repairs over a decade, meaning most last with minimal issues[Angi]. Extended warranties can be a nice peace-of-mind buffer if you’re risk-averse or have a model known for pricey repairs.
However, remember to read the fine print — some plans exclude certain parts or types of damage. If you’re curious about maintaining your machine to dodge repairs altogether, check our article on how to clean your washing machine — prevention is cheaper than cure!
Wanna Geek Out? Related Reads
For more laundry machine wizardry, swing by these reads on our site:
- How does an automatic washing machine work? Unlock the mystery behind those mesmerizing cycles.
- How do you repair a washing machine? One-stop guide to troubleshooting common issues.
Grab a Washing Machine with Confidence
Ready to pick your next washer but want a solid warranty to boot? Check out those with standout coverage like Maytag or Speed Queen, or simply extend that standard 1-year coverage with a plan that fits your wallet and worries. Click to shop trusted options:
Amazon India Washing Machines | Amazon Global (Including USA) Washing Machines