Exciting Topic, long post: Front load or Top Load washer?

[Luanne]

When we moved a little over two years ago we bought a Samsung front loading washer/dryer. We also bought the mounting cabinet as we wanted them at the higher height. We figured this would be the last washer/dryer we purchased. I also got them in red. So far very pleased. Unless these cause big problems I wouldn't go back to a top load. I find the front load much more accessible.

 

[easyrider]

My Maytag Neptune frontload, dryer on the top, is 16 years old and running strong, but Rick did replace the motherboard about a year ago when it stopped turning off at the end of the wash cycle. That part was around $250 I always check

Love my washer/dryer, which takes up less space in my laundry room.

Out Neptunes are still working great after 12 years. They are for commercial use and get loaded about 3 times a day minimum. We did have a door latch repair under warranty a long time ago.

The duct did begin to restrict the airflow on the dryer and we thought the dryer was on its way out. By accident I ended up finding the duct was filling at an elbow. Easy fix.

Bill

 

[sjsharkie]

With all due respect, and I mean that, I truly believe that all of that is pure marketing hype, and steaming BS. Our first hand experience is the exact opposite. And, I trust Consumer Reports as far as I can throw a piano. When I see bona fide data, I'll buy it.

You are entitled to and I respect your opinion.

But I don't understand how you can state all of it is pure marketing hype. The fact that front loaders ON AVERAGE use less water and use less drying time is based on the independent tests they conduct. The clothes being cleaner -- maybe with a certain degree of subjective error. Do you think they are falsifying data?

With all due respect as well, I will take the word of an independent testing organization over you're first hand experience comparing specific models. I certainly weigh independent reviews that collectively say there is a specific issue with a certain model, but your belief that all of that is pure marketing hype is not based on a reasonable sample size unless you have an enormous washer machine budget and loads of time on your hands.

 

[tiel]

In 2012, we bought CR highest rated top loader, an LG. I avoided buying a front loader after I read about the various problems people were having with them, in particular, the problems with mildew. I am very sensitive to smells, and our laundry area is on the main floor of our house.

The washer we got cleans ok (I am not thrilled with its performance), but it literally stinks! It gives off a sometimes very strong mildew smell. I have used those washer cleaners repeatedly, but they didn't do the trick. Also ran some bleach through it a few times. In addition, I dry out all the wet areas in the dispensers as best I can when I finish with the washing, and then leave the lid open. Not sure these measures are doing anything, but maybe the smell would be worse if i didn't.

Anyway, I am ready to get rid of that washer, and try another top loader, but i won't be relying on CR recommendations as much.

 

[Phydeaux]

You are entitled to and I respect your opinion.

But I don't understand how you can state all of it is pure marketing hype. The fact that front loaders ON AVERAGE use less water and use less drying time is based on the independent tests they conduct. The clothes being cleaner -- maybe with a certain degree of subjective error. Do you think they are falsifying data?

With all due respect as well, I will take the word of an independent testing organization over you're first hand experience comparing specific models. I certainly weigh independent reviews that collectively say there is a specific issue with a certain model, but your belief that all of that is pure marketing hype is not based on a reasonable sample size unless you have an enormous washer machine budget and loads of time on your hands.

Simple. I don't buy what "they" are selling.

 

[stmartinfan]

I have had front loaders for more than 15 years. When I got my first one, I could visibly see that the first loads of clothes looked brighter and cleaner Han with my older top loader. I was amazed.

I wash a lot of clothes and appreciate the lower water use and quicker drying of my fronter loaders. I've currently got an Electrolux. It works well but the finish is coming off the knobs you turn on the front. It's supposed to look like chrome but is some sort of painted coating thst's cracking off. And the words that i.d. the cycles are wearing off. Annoying that they used such cheap parts in such a visible spot on a very expensive machine.

 

[linpat]

Interesting discussion and good for future reference. My top load Maytag washer and Maytag dryer are almost 14 yrs old and my fingers are crossed that they last a few more years.
Maytag had financial problems and was bought out by Whirlpool several years ago. I seem to remember that whirlpool closed the Maytag plants in Iowa and around the U.S. and sent production to Mexico. I really hope my current appliances last!

 

[MuranoJo]

We had a Maytag washer & dryer that ran beautifully for 20 years or so, but decided to try a new front loader (Bosch) on a pedestal. (Gave the Maytag set to my sis and she used it almost daily for another 5+ years.)

No real problems with the Bosch in the 7 or so years we've had it, except the rubber seal around the door needs to be replaced as it leaks just a few drops below the window.

Re. the moldy smell on front loaders, I've heard a lot of that is due to water remaining trapped in the rubber door seal--which I can visibly see after each load. There are 3 tiny holes in the seal for the water to escape, but they're easily plugged.

 

[sjsharkie]

Re. the moldy smell on front loaders, I've heard a lot of that is due to water remaining trapped in the rubber door seal--which I can visibly see after each load. There are 3 tiny holes in the seal for the water to escape, but they're easily plugged.

I have an LG front loader that works great. I do have to unplug those 3 holes on the bottom of the washer seal every so often with a Q-tip, but no biggie. I've been happy with my purchase, especially since I took advantage of the cash for appliances deal with my old washer.

I ended up with a mismatched pair since I kept the old gas dryer. Not the most beautiful thing to look at, but they work fine.

-ryan

 

[Glynda]

Top vs Front

We bought the top of the line front load LG after studying reviews and ratings, including CR, sometime around 2008. We left the door open after washing as much as possible given that it blocked the entry/exit door to the garage when open. It wasn't long before we noticed the odor. Unfolding the gasket revealed mildew. Wiping was a pain because of the multiple folds and by the time we started doing it, the mildew was set into the gasket material. We ran bleach through the washer not having found other products at that time to use. Nothing helped. An Internet search revealed numerous complaints with that model LG and its gasket design and mildew/odor problem. I also learned that LG had changed the design of the gasket in the newer models. I read that nothing could be done with our current washer gasket. By that time, our machine was out of warranty as well. We still own that house, though we don't live in it now. Renters use the machine and have been told of the problem. We didn't even want to move them when hubby retired to our current home. We bought the newer top load machines which have no center agitator post and also conserve water and dry quickly. I absolutely love them! No odor whatsoever! No bending over for the washer! I have the top of the washer and dryer to fold on as I didn't need stands underneath. No front loader for me again!

 

[RebV]

love my Samsungs

To add insult to injury, my washing machine broke down on my birthday two years ago. I replaced my 5-year-old Kenmore set with a top loading high efficiency set and I have to say I haven't had a lick of trouble and I love them. Samsung uses the most water of any top loading HE washer. I have found that my clothes actually do get clean and they do indeed rest entirely in water--something that is a rarity these days. I purchased a 3 year extended warranty from Samsung and got an extra 3 months of warranty by signing up online. My machines are now fully covered for 5 years and 3 months! They will probably break down in 6 years like every other major appliance these days, but at least I won't have to deal with it anytime soon.

 

[Passepartout]

We have been satisfied with our Frigidaire (now Electrolux) front loader. Uncle Sam's stimulus bought them for us 10ish years back. Nice, don'tcha think? Clean duds. No smell. I leave the washer door ajar- or open. When it rolls craps, I'll consult the sages of TUG and CR for recommendations.

Jim

 

["Roger"]

Simple. I don't buy what "they" are selling.

In addition to CR, add Good Housekeeping to the "they" category. Link

Summary, front loaders use less water, get clothes cleaner, but do have mildew problems.

One problem with all washers these days is that soap manufacturers can no longer use phosphates. Necessary, but whites just do not get as white as they used to.

 

[Phydeaux]

In addition to CR, add Good Housekeeping to the "they" category. Link

Summary, front loaders use less water, get clothes cleaner, but do have mildew problems.

One problem with all washers these days is that soap manufacturers can no longer use phosphates. Necessary, but whites just do not get as white as they used to.

I don't buy what they're selling either.

First hand experience and common logic are my teachers.