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October 2011 Moms
LCass
member
Washing Machine - front or top load?
LCass
member
Which do you ladies prefer? We need to buy a washer and dryer for the new house (the fridge and stove are included, but not the washer/dryer). I know that the front load ones are generally more modern and water efficient, but they're also more expensive. What say the ladies of Oct '11? What have you got and what's on your pros/cons list?
BFP #1: July 12, 2010 Natural M/C: July 26, 2010
BFP #2: January 30 ,2011 Born: September 29, 2011
BFP #3: January 5, 2013 Born: August 25, 2013
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Washing Machine - front or top load?
I have a top loader washer and I desperately want a front loader. We have no room for folding laundry other than the kitchen table, which isn't always ideal. I want a space to fold laundry in the same room I do laundry.
Im saving up for one and can't wait to get one! We will be getting the Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer when the time comes.
I do not currently have a side loader but I would like one just simply because they look awesome.
My opinion though is to get the cheaper one..there are tons of unforeseen costs when you move and it is better to have the extra cash than a fancy washer and dryer.
We got a front loader, and I actually don't really like it. Because it spins really well to get the clothes drier (so I guess saving energy in drying), the clothes get suped tangled and its such a pain to take them out-I end up with clothes all over the floor if I don't put a basket under as I'm taking them out.
My parents repair man told them to buy the most basic one they could-with the least amount of 'technology' possible, as that is usually what breaks and costs a ton to fix.
We bought a front loader at our old house and then when we moved we went back to the top loader that came with this house. If you keep the door closed on a front loader when it's not in use it can get a smell. They take forever to wash a load and there is no saving on drying time.
When we replace this washer we will go with a top loader.
We just got a new HE top-loader (no agitator, modern display and cycles etc). It's got a huge capacity, works like a dream, and I love not having to stoop down (I'm tall). I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything "cooler". It was mid range in price on the spectrum of all types of washers and dryers, higher range of you look at just top loaders.. I would recommend it to anyone.
Thanks for the feedback, ladies! I hadn't ever heard about the problems with mold/smell with the front loaders. It's good to hear about these practical aspects instead of just the technical mumbo jumbo.
Why do you say the top loader is better for CDs, mamaZ? I also CD and was planning on asking the salespeople about that aspect. I expect to be washing diapers for many years to come (we still want a third after this next baby, hopefully).
BFP #1: July 12, 2010 Natural M/C: July 26, 2010
BFP #2: January 30 ,2011 Born: September 29, 2011
BFP #3: January 5, 2013 Born: August 25, 2013
The mold thing would be an issue on a top loader too but everyone leaves the washer open (that I know of too). Cracking to door on the front loader would be the same concept and would eliminate the mold/smell (I've read this and it makes totally sense IMO). Just to show you another side.
I was told that top loaders aren't as air tight because they don't need to be so the mold/smell isn't an issue. My mom never left our top loader open growing up and was surprised to find out when her current front loader was new that she had to leave it open. Maybe new top loaders are more air tight?
im not sure. My top loader smells real funky if I forget to leave it open. For me its NBD to leave a front loader open to dry out because I'm already used to leaving my top loader on. Makes sense them not having to be as air tight though.
That makes sense. My parents never left the top loader open and it only smelled when wet clothes got left in it for a long time (I always forgot to transfer my laundry - oops!). My only hesitation on leaving a front loader open would be not wanting the cats to climb in it. But I'm guessing they'll probably be kind of scared of the noise when it's turned on so they'll keep their distance.
BFP #1: July 12, 2010 Natural M/C: July 26, 2010
BFP #2: January 30 ,2011 Born: September 29, 2011
BFP #3: January 5, 2013 Born: August 25, 2013
Also my mom has a front loader and it only takes a certain type of detergent and it is more expensive then regular liquid detergent, so keep that in mind when shopping!
I have heard that a lot of the front loaders sense the amount in the load and add water accordingly whereas the simple top loaders don't think and you can choose the water level you want. On the cloth diaper board a lot of the posters talk about tricking their washer with wet towels. I can't speak from experience, just what I have heard/read.
I forgot to add that I CD about 50 to 75 percent of the time. With my front loader, I have never had a problem with the low amount of water and getting the diapers clean. I just make sure to use a long cycle and do a prewash during the cycle. On mine, it takes 87 minutes for a cycle of CD's. My "Rapid Cycle" is 30min on the timer, but really takes 45min.
My mom's old school top loader gets the same job done in half the time.
We also have to leave our washer open, I am still waiting to see how long it takes before Gator noticed and tries to climb in the drum. We have to run a clean cycle once a month. Another complaint I have, is that you cannot open the door once it starts. We had a sock stuck between the door and the seal. The door was locked and it started, with water in the drum, the door wouldn't open and they cycle couldn't be canceled. While washing, it ripped the sock out, tearing the seal, and causing a flood in our laundry room. The seal is over 100 dollars to replace.
What detergent is she using? We just use liquid HE and its the same cost as regular. Our friend works on washers as a living and said the worst thing you can do is use blue liquid laundry detergent....so his best piece of advice for everyone is to steer clear of it. I have never looked it up to see why though, and I may have been a bottle o wine into the convo when it was discussed. Lol
ETA: if you cloth diaper, do not get a front loader. Unless you want a nightmare. I could elaborate based on the experiences of at least a half dozen girls i know who cd, but just trust me here.
BFP 1/18/11, EDD 10/1/11. Born at 37w5d on 9/15/11.
***BFP Chart***
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.
I honestly don't know what kind she uses, just that she mentioned that it is more expensive, she has had any issues with it though and she really likes her front load, but it is something I have taken in to consideration when thinking of buying a new set.
I know I just recently switched to a powder detergent for my top loaf because it is cheaper and we go through so much now and you can't use powder detergent with the front load so I like my cheap powder lol!
We CD part time. MH does our laundry and I haven't heard him complain. Ill have to ask him as he sometimes secretly hates things so its possible its an issue and I don't know because he knows I like CD.
BFP 1/18/11, EDD 10/1/11. Born at 37w5d on 9/15/11.
***BFP Chart***
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.