Frontloading Washer Recommendations

We just bought a front loading washer/dryer from Lowes before I got pregnant. It is a Whirlpool sport series, and it is wonderful. The price was pretty good and comparible to other stores. Hope this helps!

The only thing about a front loading washer is that after you start it, you can't open it and put something in you forgot. Something I do all the time. I don't know if they have a soaking system or not. I sometimes like to soak clothes if they have stains I'm trying to get out. Something to think about. Hope it works out. T.

I have had a Whirlpool Duet for about 3 years - the washer and the dryer. I LOVE it! I have 3 boys, too, and I can wash all of their jeans in one load! We bought ours at Lowe's and got the service plan. The only problem I have had with mine is a rock that got between the washer tubs and I had to have removed! Who would have guessed that a mom of three boys would wash a ROCK??!! I know several people that have the Duet and have had good service out of them.

I have the LG front loading washer & dryer. The dryer has the steam dry feature, which works great. I love them both. I also got the pedestals (drawers), which I wish I didn't have. They are too tall, but not tall enough for large bottles of detergent... plus with a 2 year old, I don't want to put chemicals in his reach. The pedestals also make it where I can't reach my cabinets above them without climbing on a step stool. You may want shorter pedestals (drawers) to make it easier to load & unload, but I wouldn't get the big ones. One more thing to think about, is how your current set up is. I have a new house & they built it for the dryer on the left & washer on the right. The doors on the LG are back to back now... which is a hassle. I plan to talk to my builder about moving the water to the other side, but haven't yet. Have fun shopping!

I have a Whirlpool Duet front loader that I bought second-hand (but still very new) on Craigslist, and I really like it, works great, no problems. When I first got it I had trouble with a horrible mildew smell in the rubber sealing ring which was hard to get out. But now that the mildew is gone there is no problem. The trick is to always leave the door cracked after a load so it dries out. Never leave the door closed after a load. Also since they are designed to use much less water, I always select extra rinse because I'm slightly OCD about rinsing all the soap out of everything - whether it is dishes, clothes, my hair, hands, etc. Also make sure you buy HE (high-efficiency) liquid detergent instead of regular. It doesn't cost any more than regular but it doesn't foam as much which is what you need in the front loader due to less water. But anyway my Whirlpool is great, I love it, and I THINK it is in the low-to-mid-price range as far as front-loaders go, but I'm not sure since I got mine secondhand. I would also like to add that it is very quiet compared to our old top loader, and also there is a period at the beginning of the cycle where you can open the door and add a garment, which is handy.

FYI - The front doors can and do come open!! The first one we had did, and flooded our laundry room. And not just once but twice. They said it was a defect with that machine and the second one hasn't done it. But just be warned that it can happen.

D.,

I just bought a Maytag front loader set at Lowes from the clearance area. I saved about $800 on them because the color had been discontinued but I love them. We have 3 Lowes within 12 miles of us and each one clearances things at different times so you might want to check around if you have any located close enough together.

J.

I love mine. I got it at Sears. I think they are all real good so just look for the best price. You do want to get the pedestal as well. I love the no more bending!!!!

I got mine from a dent and ding store. It's scratched up on the outside some but it works just fine. The difference in price was a few hundred dollars.

I have a Whirlpool Duet. My only problem is that I can cram a full load into the washer but have to divide it when I put it in the dryer. :p

D.,
Hello. I don't have any recommendations for the frontloading washer. However, for all major appliances I highly recommend Metro Builders Supply at 53rd & Mingo in Tulsa. They seem to always have a great selection and the best prices in my experience. And the salesmen are friendly and knowledgeable, not pushy. Just wanted to suggest them as an option to check out before you buy. Good Luck.
~ J.

We bought the Kenmore Quiet Pak set from Sears about 3 yrs ago. I love it! I'll never go back to a top load again. I don't know about current pricing, but look for sales at Sears, Lowes and Home Depot. They usually do some good ones around the holidays. The only thing I found that was kind of misleading was Kenmore's ad saying you can wash 16 pairs of jeans at a time. Maybe kids jeans, but not adults. I can still fit 6 pair of my husband's jeans in. It was definately a good investment for us.
J.

I have a "Tromm" by LG that I am very pleased with. It is relatively quiet and user friendly. I can't remember where we bought it... I think Home Depot or Lowes.

Hi D.,

Congratulations on getting a new washing machine! I know I was so excited to get mine. I've had it now for two years and still love it. I did my homework on them and ended up going with an LG. To me, the quality just looked better and I liked the fact that it has a drain hose in the front that catches small stuff and also lets you drain it in case the need arises. We got ours at Home Depot - - check them out!

Good Luck!
R.

Hi. Google "best front loading washer" to compare details, prices, etc. And try ebay to see best prices. We finally went to Sears for ours because of their superior service when and if you have a problem. Pray this helps release any stress.

I have a Maytag Neptune & love love love it! I have had no problems at all & I've had it for almost 8 years.

Hi D.!

We bought the Samsung steam washer/dryer, purchased it at Home Depot. I LOVE my new washer. My husband is a large man, and I can wash 5 sets of his clothing in this washer! We also bought the 4.0 cf size, I would not go smaller if you don't have to. The salesman (who actually seemed knowledgeable about the products at Home Depot) said that they hadn't had any calls for repairs on the Samsung in the time that he had been there. They seem to be a very reliable product.
Hope you find what you want - and happy washing!!!
Kristi

Hey D.,
Those washers are so neat, but I thought I might tell you about mine! We bought the whirlpool Cabrio. It is not a front load, but has the same capacity. So you can do the same amount of jeans, big loads, etc. My husband works construction, so during the winter there are lots of cloths. Sometimes we can do one load each of our cloths! What I like about it verses the front load, is that you dont have to spend the extra money for those stands, so that it is higher up, and if you need to add something to the load you can. Either way GOOD LUCK....those are never easy purchases!

My husband and I bought the Maytag Neptune about 3 years ago, and I love it. I've never had it flood and you can open the door after you start it and throw in something you forgot. I love that you can program cycles for everybody in the family and other loads. I see that your husband in in the guard, mine is in the army national guard and we bought ours through aafes. They had a great deal on it and you don't pay taxes. Plus they delivered it for free!!! You can go on their website and check out their selection. We buy all our major appliance purchases through them and have never had a problem.

I just wanted you to know that I bought the LG front load washer and dryer about a year ago from Home Depot and I love them. The only thing that I really don't care for is, I bought the drawers that make the washer and dryers higher and I like the height, but I use to fold my clothes on top of the dryer and now I am unable to do that. But without the drawers you would have to bend over to put the clothes in and take them out, which will hurt your back. Good Luck!

Don't know if you want to hear it or not, but 2 of my coworkers have front loaders and have already had a lot of trouble with them...ge or kenmore I think! All I can say is do a lot of product research past your advice to make sure you know what you're in for... and make sure you purchase the extended service plan...saved my boss $400 less than a year and a half from date of purchase!