NTR: Top Load Washing Machine v. Front Load?

prettypinkypeonies · November 2009

Our washing machine just took a poop , and we're going to have to buy a new one. I really want a front loader, but they seem to be more expensive. If you have one, do you think they're worth the money? Any recs?

Thanks!

Gina418 · November 2009

We just bought the latest Kenmore frontloaders from Sears (they had an unbelievable sale about 2 weeks ago). LOVE LOVE LOVE it! They use less water, I feel like they clean better, and the wash/dry options are amazing.

I would take a look at Sears - and, fyi, the prices they post are for the machines in color (the reds, silvers, etc.) - the white machines are about $100 cheaper on all the models (it's written in the small print!).

livalil319 · November 2009

We've got a new top loader...the whirlpool cabrio. It's HE and does not have the agitator thingy in the middle much like a front loader, but the nice thing is that you can leave it open when you aren't using it so that it can dry. Front loaders sometimes have a nasty mildew smell if they are closed up too much. ANyway. It's awesome. And big. Holds LOTS of clothes or a comforter.

May524 · November 2009

We just got front loads and I love it!

skidunks · November 2009

We have a FL and I really like it. It's a Kenmore and we got it at Sears a few years back.

punkfiction_v.3 · November 2009

we have samsung FLers and we LOVE them.

megs042107 · November 2009

I would do some research on front loaders. We recently looked into some and found that some of the common problems were that they are easier on clothing, but that means that you have to pre-treat a lot more. Also, the rubber on the doors has a tendency to grow mold / mildew so you have to let them air dry quite a bit.

There are some top loaders that are acting more like front loaders that are gentler on clothing but not as gentle. Or look into the steam washer / dryers.

prettypinkypeonies · November 2009

I didn't even THINK to look at Sears! I'm actually going there tomorrow, so I'll have to take a look and see. I want something that can hold a large load, and something that really durable. And, I hate pre-treating.

punkfiction_v.3 · November 2009

prettypinkypeonies:
I didn't even THINK to look at Sears! I'm actually going there tomorrow, so I'll have to take a look and see. I want something that can hold a large load, and something that really durable. And, I hate pre-treating.

ok i dont pretreat. like at all. and my clothes come out totally clean in my FLer.

aaaannnd airing it out is just leaving the door cracked open at night so it dries in there.

and check the home depot and lowes BF ads. they has some GREAT deals.

Gina418 · November 2009

prettypinkypeonies:
I didn't even THINK to look at Sears! I'm actually going there tomorrow, so I'll have to take a look and see. I want something that can hold a large load, and something that really durable. And, I hate pre-treating.

I find that the new Tide Stain Release packets work well - just drop one in with your laundry! No pre-treating necessry.

mel41g · November 2009

I've had a front load for 2 years now, and I sort of wish I'd bought a top load. There are a few reasons why...

1) They hold more clothes.

2) The buttons are bright and at Lucas' level, so he likes to push them and turn the knobs.

3) Once you start a load, you can't "open the lid and throw something else in". If you have JUST started washing, you can STOP the load, wait for the door to unlock, then throw it in.

There have been several times I have started a load of laundry and Lucas has turned if off in the middle of the load. You can't re-start 1/2 way through, you have to start over. It is super annoying.

Also, I usually sit on the floor to load it and unload to the dryer. I didn't pay the extra $200 for the drawer to boost the height (well $400...gott get one for the dryer too!), so it isn't as convenient as I thought.

Aside from saving water, I don't know what is so great about them. I wish I'd bought a top load!

Mrs.DMC · November 2009

I may be the minority, but I dont care for them at all. We have one where I work and I do not feel like it cleans very well at all. When the clothes come out, they hardley feel like they even got wet. Once you start the load, you can't just open the door and add to it the way you can with a TL. Meh, I don't know, I prefer my TL at home.

jays_bride · November 2009

Love my front loader! Got it a couple of years ago ~ Kenmore HE2+. ILs bought the same ones. No problems, quiet, and they use 10-15 gal per load versus 40.

Mrs.DMC · November 2009

mel41g:

I've had a front load for 2 years now, and I sort of wish I'd bought a top load. There are a few reasons why...

1) They hold more clothes.

2) The buttons are bright and at Lucas' level, so he likes to push them and turn the knobs.

3) Once you start a load, you can't "open the lid and throw something else in". If you have JUST started washing, you can STOP the load, wait for the door to unlock, then throw it in.

Aside from saving water, I don't know what is so great about them. I wish I'd bought a top load!

And you have to wait for the water to stop draining or else you open the door and end up with a puddle. I dont have time for that...lol.

And back to the whole saving water thing. That is whay I dont think they clean clothes as well. It just doesn't seem possible to really clean something with a small amount of water.

racegirl723 · November 2009

We have the Whirlpool Duet Sport washer and dryer and I really like them. There are lots of wash cycles to choose from and you can wash much bigger loads than in a traditional machine. My only caution is that I've noticed some stains don't come out as easily and require treatment with Oxiclean or something and/or washing separately on the heavy soil cycle. It also uses less water so it should save you some money on your water bill.

If I had it to do over again, I would buy the Cabrio that PP mentioned b/c my laundry is in a closet so I can't leave the door open to air out the machine. I clean it regularly, but wish I had a top loading HE machine so I could let it air out. This isn't an issue for people who have an actual laundry room, though.

Jaimers375 · November 2009

jays_bride:
Love my front loader! Got it a couple of years ago ~ Kenmore HE2+. ILs bought the same ones. No problems, quiet, and they use 10-15 gal per load versus 40.

We have the same one, we love it. It cleans really well. The small amount of water it uses works because the clothes spin through the water that's at the bottom rather then having to fill up a whole tub. You use less detergent, too.

momtoRaegan041008 · November 2009

We purchased the Kenmore HE2 washer and dryer 3 years ago. Loved them at first. We got rid of them for Fisher & Paykel top loading washers and dryers. They are a lot more effecient than the front loaders. The front loaders were so loud and noisy that I couldn't run them when DD was sleeping or me either. My washer smelled because you have to constantly clean out the rubber seal located at the front of the washer. It holds water and also collects little socks. You have to watch this, otherwise your washer will not drain properly. Towels would take almost 2 hours to dry in my front loader, now they take an hour.

Fisher & Paykel are made in Ohio, that's right, 1,000 feet down the road from me. They stand behind their products and I think have a lifetime warranty (not 100% sure it's lifetime, but they do carry a warranty). They are a high end washer and dryer. You will get what you pay for pay. I would at least check them out. Lowes.com carries them or just go to their website. They are based out of New Zealand.

momtoRaegan041008 · November 2009

Here is our washer

https://www.us-appliance.com/wl37t26cw2.html

Here is our dyer

https://www.us-appliance.com/de27cw1.html

Forgot to add that my favorite part is the self-cleaning lint trap. You just pop the bucket out and dump! It's great. The machine will also tell you if you are using too much soap. "help, I have too many suds." That's what it stopped and told me half-way through my first load of laundry!

Mustang Sally · November 2009

Read this before you buy. We have a front load washer and definitely notice this problem.

https://bit.ly/iPDRE

jerzeygirl4ever · November 2009

I honestly don't think they (HE) clean the clothes as well. We've used 2 different brands with the same results. I've tried different detergent, a longer cycle, etc. with no luck. I feel like i have to "pre-treat" everything I wash.

Yes, it def. saves on water, but that's all the good I can say about ours.

sara1817 · November 2009

We got a front loader with dryer combo at Lowe's for a really good deal. We bought the floor model. The great thing is that they sell their warranty for the floor models as well. So if something goes wrong and they can't fix it, they replace it with a brand new one. I think we spent $1200 for the washer and dryer.

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