Front Load Washing Machines

We looked at lots of different top-load and front-load brands, and ended up getting a Fisher & Paykel top-load. It's supposed to be almost as good as the front loading ones. It seems to use less soap and water, and spins really fast to get the water out, so less time in the dryer. I like not having to bend down to put the clothes in. The only problem I've had with it in the last 5 years was when I tried to wash a king-size comforter(my fault cause I should have known it wouldn't fit). The comforter tore and clogged a valve. Otherwise it's been perfect, and I like the timer so I can set it to wash while I'm asleep.

My mother-in-law has one and has a BIG family. She recently bought a new set of regular w/d and is so happy. She HATED hers and so does my mom. My MIL would have to reduce the load amounts, increase and always use a longer wash cycle and rinse cycle and clothes would still come out SMELLING BAD! Over all, she would use more energy to wash things to try and get them cleaner. The don't have agitators and that's what really helps to get the clothes clean- they need the friction. Anyway, I think they are definitely as waste of money.

I would recommend a HE top loader instead of the front loaders. I have a front loader and to me it hasn't gotten my clothes as clean as my old traditional one. Also, excess water traps inside the rubber lining which, if you're not careful, can cause mildewy smell. My towels, which have never had this problem, have now started to get a funky smell to it after one use. GET the HE top loaders.

Hi K. -
We just bought an LG set from Sears. They're not super fancy, just regular old functions. I like them a lot. Have had no problems with them whatsoever. I have a 3yr old that has some pretty dirty clothes at times and they come out very clean. And you can stuff more clothes in the front loaders than the regular kind. Reading the reviews on Sears online helped us decide on the brand.
Good Luck!

There has been alot of press about how moldey the rim of the door gets and your clothes smell like that. I saw this on TV, however because the cost is so high I would consider how many loads you do a week. We wash once a week doing 3 loads. This way we have a full load and not just washing 5-8 little loads. We have the top load and I love it. But they say the front loading saves on water, it would not save us because like I said we wait until we have full loads then wash. On either washer if you read the instructions and I do on any appliance I buy, it says to leave the door open on the washers, not only does it keep them from rusting (not trapping the dampness). Because the top loaders are so expensive I would wait for them to go down, I do not believe I will ever get them because of the maintence on cleaning the inside rim of the top loaders, I have better things to do with my time. I never have to clean the inside of my top loader.
You can search the internet to find out what I just said.
My water bill for my top loader is almost 1/2 of my friends, so they can not be using that much more water than the Front loaders. And my clothes get very clean also with the Top loader.
Good luck

I have a friend that just got the red, LG front loader washer and dryer and she RAVES about it. She says that she doesn't even take clothes to the dry cleaners anymore because there is a steam cycle. And she said there is a sanitizing cycle for sheets or bath towels. She made me want to get them.....now if I could just figure out a way to get my old washer and dryer to break!?! : )

I didn't think about it until someone else wrote this but not being able to throw in an item or two left out after you start the cycle stinks......I do that ALL the time. : (

I have a Maytag Neptune for 10 years now. I love it. It almost dries the clothes in the spin cycle. It depends if you live where you pay for your water. It saves you bunches of money because it only uses the amount needed for the load you put in--it is a smart washer. It takes very little soap--which inturn saves you more money again. Go to Sears and buy their HE soap it last up to 275 washes for $23. It also save on the dryer since they are nearly dry when they come out. If your husband does the laundry then he should pick it out if you do the laundry you should pick it out. I love mine but get the service agreement forever! I have 7 kids and my washer is going all the time. Get the stand if you do a lot or you will be bending down--it is your choice. Have fun!

K.,

My cheap top loader of three years quit two months ago. After researching front loaders, and going by several opinions of people that have one, my husband and I purchased the LG Steam Front Loader washer and dryer and WE LOVE IT!!!! I was reluctant, initially, about purchasing them due to some reviews I read (ie. the smell of mold if you do not wipe the gasket in the washer dry after a long period of not using it). Quite honestly, in the 2 months we have had it, I have been washing everything in sight! Both my children have eczema and allergies and I have seen a huge improvement since then. It has an allergin cycle and a sanitation cycle, among other things. I can definitely see a different in the cleanliness of our clothes. I recommend it and feel it's worth the money!

K.

I bought the Whirlpool cabrio...they are High efficiency top loaders. My laundry rooom is set up backwards and front loaders would have caused the door to swing open the wrong direction. I paid 1200 for the set, and LOVE them. Saves tons on electric and water and the clothing comes out SOOOO clean. I do have the option to ADD one more piece because you can manually unlock them....this is not an option with front loaders. I just hate finding that one stray sock and could not imagine being able to drop it in. I can fit in a huge comforter no problem. Plus the lid stays open so mold does not grow on my stainless steal bucket. My neighbor got rid of her front loaders and bought the same set as me because her clothes were constantly getting tangled and snagged. Good luck with your hunt!!

I got a set by LG, and I really love them! I used to do 8 to 10 loads a week, and it took me all day, sometimes a day and a half. Now I can complete my laundry in 4 loads! I can actually do my ironing on Monday if I want!

As for the cleaning, I think the washer does a great job and is much gentler on the clothes. My old agitator used to cut holes in my husband's undershirts. Also, I've noticed that there is not as much lint in the dryer after the clothes are dry. This indicates that not as many fibers from the clothing are being torn off.

As for the price--shop online for the basic models that you want. I opted for the pair without the steam cleaning feature that really runs up the price. The set cost around $1300, more than a standard washer and dryer, but well worth it when you consider how much time I save and the gentleness on the fabrics. Another thing I love--when I change my beds, I can wash the sheets, mattress cover and blankets all in the same load, and I feel like I am doing a little something to alleviate my son's allergies! (The washer also has a "sanitary" cycle which is great for the guys' underwear!)

Hope this helps you!

I have front loading washer and dryers by Kenmore from Sears. I love them... Do they get my clothes cleaner??? They rinse the soap and stuff out better. They are FAR more energy and water efficient saving me a lot of money, plus the discounts I get for having an energy efficient product in my home.

They also use their soaps and bleach far more efficiently than the older type machines (when added as instructed in the paperwork recieved with your machine)...

So, do I recommend them??? ABSOLUTELY!!! Just so you know they are also available as top loaders now, but I chose the front loaders because my 10 yo often does her own laundry and I don't like her "dumpster diving" to get clothes into and out of the washer and dryer.

I also chose a more basic model. I do not have all the electronics to go wrong on my machine. Mine is still knob controlled. I just wasn't ready to add one more possible headache.

Regardless of the decision you ultimately make...Good Luck and I hope you are happy with your upcoming purchase!!! ;-)

I have a whirlpool front loader and I love it. I think my clothes come out as clean as they did with my old top loader. We looked up info from consumer reports and some of the front loaders had terrible reports. We obviously went with one the better rated models and have been very happy. If you are thinking about buying one, I would do your homework beforehand.

I have the Kenmore and love it. I do keep the door slightly open to help it dry out but I can fit in so much and it uses less detergent (I use High efficiency detergent but it lasts a long time). It is so quiet! So is my dryer.

Also, you can absolutely put in clothes after it starts for a certain time period. You hit the pause and the water stops. I have never had water pouring on the floor. You can also buy pedastools to put it on so the opening is higher and you have storage underneath. We didn't get those.

We bought the kitchen aid front loader washer and dryer and LOVE it. gets everything very clean and without all the pilling and wear on the clothes. uses a ton less water and they can be loaded with A LOT! i can do 2 sets of queen sheets and a few towels if i want! just super nice, best money on a washer and dryer we bought.

whirlpool makes k.a. and they have a couple of different ones to try. if you are costco members get them there; especially if you get the % back. made a huge difference cost wise for us!

D.

I currently have the Duet front loader washer and dryer. I do love my machines! I have a lot of work clothes (office) that I prefer to wash on delicate and that helps. It also has a setting for soak, so I can soak my son's baseball uniform and get all the stains out before I wash it. I would recommend getting the bins that go underneath it to raise the height, though, as it's a pain to be bent over the entire time doing laundry.

My friend bought the LG front loader and said because it uses less water and soap, she feels like it doesn't clean as well and a regular machine. SHe is very pickey and thought she was buying the best out there.

recently bought an LC brand. The guy at Home depot was very helpful. They save ALOT of water in the long run, and on each load. quiet, too.

DON'T get a Kenmore. I had one for 7 years-at first it got clothes cleaner it seemed but then that quickly became not true. It started leaking occasionally at about 6 years and I ignored it as long as possible. Finally called out the repairman and it was going to be $1200. to repair my $1000. washing machine. The repairman said I was very lucky that mine lasted so long-most Kenmore front loaders last only 5 years and many lasted only 2 or 3 years before they were having service issues. Because I have a TINY utlity room I hated giving up the folding and storage space on the top of my front loader so I did lots of research and ended up w/ an LG Tromm Steam washer. I read all of the opinions on epinions.com re:washers which helped me decide. I have had it a year now and so far I still love it and yes, my clothes seem cleaner-definitely cleaner than the last machine which had gotten to the point of setting stains instead of removing them. It does allow me to add that one item I forgot-something my Kenmore did not-so look for that feature! That said-there are some caveats w/ front loaders. They have a tendency to get moldy or smell musty. They do NOT last as long as the old top loaders. A good life span is considered 7 to 10 years-unlike the 12 to 15 (or even 20) years you can get w/ a top loader. They use less water but I think that ecological saving is offset by the fact the machine will hit the landfill sooner than a top loader. But the government has decided otherwise and front loaders are pretty much what you get these days. Even many of the top loaders that are in the store now have the same "front loader mechanics"-meaning they are not the traditional build. And if you wait another year or two you will not be able to buy a top loader at all- they have been outlawed. Most of what I read on the opinion web sites and reviews is that if you get a top loader - you need to get a good one. Don't go budget. Altho the Neptunes and Calypsos turned out to be disasters and they weren't cheap...so who knows? I decided on making a point of NOT getting a US FL machine because I figure they have been making front loaders in other countries much longer than here...but not sure how that reasoning will pan out. I think if I had the space and I could still get one I would go for the top loader even tho I am currently happy with my LG.

K.
My sister-in-law had one and she loved it. It broke and the computer chip in cost over $500 to fix so she did not fix it. She instead bought a cheap found end loader washing machine. She gave it back to the store it ate many of her clothes in the two months she had it. I have heard they are great but get a name brand. It sounds like you get what you pay for.

R.

Hmm as to cleaning ability I wouldn't really say there is a difference.. however the BIGGEST thing I noticed (and why I kind of don't like them) is when I forgot to put one item in with my load... Well you can't exactly open a front load washer once it has water in it (or it'd be on the floor, and it wont let you anyway) so that is a real pain on that level. But it's enough of a difference for me not to get one (I'm forgetful).

We have a front loader machine and dryer and LOVE them!!! We have the white color LG brand.

I ONLY like how they look! I do not like how they work at all. They don't seem to hold as much (although they tell you they hold more than top loaders). I don't like that they don't use a lot of water either. I always wonder if everything is getting as clean as before. When you take stuff from washer to dryer, everything falls on the floor. Also, the washer starts to smell like mold, so you have to leave the door open. Stick with the top loader! :)

i don't have a front load washer. but i do work for a national repair company that does manufacture warranty work. just to let you know it doesn't really matter what you buy every brand has problems. i set service all day on items that are a few days old up to several years old. there's no rhyme or reason to them breaking, they just do. just want u to keep that in mind. best of luck!

I've had my set for about 5 years and have never had a problem! The advertisements that we saw when we were researching reported they were so big you could wash up to something like 25 pair of pants (a little bit of an exaggeration, but you get my point). Well, you can, they just won't completely come clean - just as they wouldn't any any type of washer where there are too many clothes stuffed into it. The clothes have to have room to move around and do their thing with the soap. So that may be the problem with the people who aren't satisfied. The only thing I have a problem with is finding the soap to wash with. There may be 25 brands on the shelf at the store but only 1 or 2 in stock that are made for front loaders. Good luck!

I LOVE my front load washer, however... we have a Maytag, and so far we have had no problems with it, but of course after we purchased it, and I started reading reviews, the Maytag has a terrible reputation.. My Mom has one, a Maytag, and bought hers around the same time, and she had problems with it and it took forever for them to fix. So I am all for the front load washer, just not Maytag.. Also, if you do get one, remember to clean the gasket now and then, and leave the door open at night... not every night, but several times a week.. This prevents mold.. Good luck!

I have a set from Sears. They are large enough to wash a king size comforter in. They stack or sit side by side. I think they are awesome. I doubt I'll ever go back to a "regular" set. HTH

I've had both and wouldn't change my top loader for anything.
I find my clothes are cleaner, the cycles are shorter and I don't have to worry about drying the rubber ring around the front loader each time after use to avoid perishing and/or mould.

I just went thru the same thing. Bought a front load last weekend. Went to Sears, Home depot, Best Buy, local family store, Lowes, Conns , and back to Home Depot. Bought an LG entry level model on sale for $629, free delivery and 6 months no interest. LG and Bosch are the top of the line. GE, Frigidaire, Whirlpool no good. Maytag not as good as it used to be. Right now they have 10% off all Energy Star appliances. Front loads use 1/3 the water and 1/3 the electricity. Clothes are dryer when they come out so the dryer runs less which means even more savings. If you read the operation manuals, it says there is an extra rinse and another option you can use that gets them even cleaner than on the regular default settings. They are super quiet. They have less moving parts so hopefully less repairs. Do your homework, compare prices, ask stores to meet or beat the price and they usually will.

We went to a scratch and ding store. They sold fridgidair, whirlpool, kithenaid...They were certified. I highly rocommend this. We bought a whirlpool duet for $400 (in store $900). We even bought the extended warranty. It wasn't ever used or anything. It came straight off the truck. I am going to puchase all my major appliances there! I hope that you can find one near you!

Ok some of the benefits of the front loaders are water usage. Top load use about 30 gal and front loaders use about 13 gal. So big decrease in water consumption. Also some of the front loaders generate their own energy so there is a big energy savings. Also, more of the front loaders have larger load capacity and sanitary cycles to go with your delicate. I would certainly go with the front loader.

in the uk where i am from, nobody ever uses top loaders, now i have one and i like it well enough
but if you think about it top loaders are very inefficient
put your clothes in and the black t shirt you put in at the bottom is at the bottom all through the cycle and at the end its still at the bottom, there is no tumbling action that you get with the front loaders, so they use much more water and rely on beaters to get your clothes clesn - this wears your clothes out sooner. the front loaders tumbles your clothes hundreds of times each wash, fubbing them against each other and the side of the machine, getting them much cleaner and rinsing cleaner
if you can get one with a large capacity get a front loader

Hi K.,

I have front load washer and dryer in the apartment that I am in. I like mine from the perspective there is not middle piece for clothes to tangle around and get stretched out or ruined. I have also heard, but do not know this for fact, that they use less water (less of a water bill) and therefore using less detergent. I really cannot tell that one cleans any better than the other. Hope this helps. D.

We got a Maytag Neptune last year and I love it. There is even a hand wash cycle. My hubby found the set on Craig's list for 600.00 and they were less than a year old. The woman hated to get rid of them but she was getting divorced and moving to an apartment w/o hook-ups. I love that I don't have to use as much detergent, I can fit lots more in them and there is a pause button so you can open the door to add that forgotten item as long as you do it before the machine gets full. The dryer has a sensor option so you don't over dry your clothes. I can tell you that clothes really seem to last longer with these machines because there is no agitator and you don't have to over heat your clothes to dry them.

I was the same way about a month ago. My husband talked me into trying one. I love it! It's quicker, quieter and spins the clothes to almost dry. I felt like I got a new dryer because it took half as long to dry. We bought a Maytag and love it.

Hi K.,

I have front loaders and love them! I have had them for about a year now. I can wash so much more at a time than with top loaders and with two boys I need that. They also don't use as much water so my water bill is resonable. The only thing I don't like is that once you start it you cannot get it open. For obvious reason, but I miss being able to add one more thing...

Hi K.,

We purchased a frontloader around the beginning of the year mainly to reduce water consumption. I love it! It significantly reduced the amount of water used and I feel my clothes are cleaner. It doesn't beat up the delicates as much as a regular washer. The only problem is that we did not buy the base (they usually have a drawer). My back does get sore with all of the bending. But overall, I would recommend one. Good Luck!

A.

I HATE my front loader washing machine. The cloths do not get as clean because they use less water and soap so you have to wash in small loads to make up for that fact. Also, I find that if I don't wipe the inside down after doing laundry, then my cloths have a mildew smell. I will buy a regular one next time.

Hi K.,

In my opinion, front loaders are better. I was first introduced to them when I lived in Russia back in the 90's. I noticed that my clothes lasted longer and colors stayed their true colors longer than with top loaders. The agitator in the top loaders actually wears and tears on the clothes. The front loaders don't do that. Cleaning is about the same. I've had both and I love my front loader. My mother sold washers and dryers for years before retiring - her opinion is the same. Front loaders get the clothes clean and clothes last longer since they aren't ripped by agitators. My husband and I have four kids, so having clothes last longer is a financial issue. I hope this helps!

W. K.

Well, I really don't think they get my laundry any cleaner, but I do love my front loaders. My old washing machine was pretty basic so I'm not sure what options are and aren't available in new top load machines, but the final spin cycle on my machine is super fast. It gets my wash so dry that I only have to dry them for a short time, which also saves on my electric bill. One other thing that I absolutely love is the fact my 5 year old son can now help with laundry, which he loves to do.

I have been using front loaders for 6 years. Huge difference in water and energy costs. I have one of the original sets in our beach house and just upgraded to front loaders in our Houston home. I got the least expensive set recommended by Consumer reports. I CAN open the door and add clothes on both washers... I haven't experienced any problems and we do a LOT of laundry. Clothes dry very quickly.

My sister just got the zillion $$$ LG washer w/steam and she said it took blood out of a pillowcase w/o pre-treating (it was her "test" piece when trying her new washer out)

Also consider trying Charlies soap (it ships for free)
http://www.charliesoap.com/

Don't get a front loader! I just bought one in December and having a horrible time with the humidity leading to mildew on the rubber gasket---not a good thing here in Houston! Sometimes the good ole fashioned things are better!

I want a set also, but can't afford it. If your hubby is giving you the green light, go for it! I would check with Consumer Reports and go with their recommendation. We do that with all of our appliances and have really gotten great things.

C.

I have a Maytag, it's the best I've ever had. Gentle but clean. I've always had the top loading washer. Now I wouldn't trade.

My parents and I (when I was much younger) owned a couple of laundromats (in Australia) and we would always trade out the old top loaders for front loaders. You use much less soap and much less water. They are very economical and they wash a lot better. they are more expensive. But you make that up over time as with a lot of other things that are worth buying.

K.

We bought one when we moved into our new home. We bought a simple one from Conn's. I did not even get the risers. But I love it. It take less detergant and it has different settings and if I have a load that just needs a quick wash it will be washed in less then 10 min. I can put my comforters in there. Towels etc. I also feel ok putting my delicates in there because of the adutator ( not there) and settings. It saves us money in the long run. I would recommend it.

I love my front load. When my washing machine went out, I couldn't afford a really expensive one. I got the least expensive model available at Home Depot. Since my dryer still works fine, I kept it. No sense to waste money.

The front load doesn't seem to be as hard on the clothes. I don't get near as much lint out of the dryer now.

I have found that I can use half as much detergent.

I wouldn't have a top load again.

Morning K.;

I was the Westinghouse Rep for this area in the 70s and at
that time it was the only "Front" loading machine and had
all the patents, now it seems everyone makes one.

Actually we ran test against all other washers and the front
loader always won for cleanliness and used less water and
less soap. I've seen them in stores like Lowe's and Home Depot and it seems they are actually built by the same manufacture with different names put on them.

This to me means you should "Shop" the different stores like
Conn's, Hopps and even "Appliance Depot". Look at the "tag"
on the machine which tells you the manufacturer. Then get
the best price available on a pair that "YOU" like best.

I'm sure appliance sales have slowed the same way most consumer goods have so you should be able to get a great deal some place, be careful and take you time!
Do Not buy a Used Machine!
B. C

I have no idea from personal experience, but I've heard great things about them. Someone did mention that they would have kept their old dryer, b/c it worked fine. that it was a lot of money for a simple dryer - the front loaders didnt do anything special. just something to think about...i'm excited to hear your responses...i might be interested myself! :)