Would you get a front or top loader if you could have a 2nd set of machines?

[ibusymomto5]

Our new laundry room has hook ups for 2 washers and 2 dryers. We currently have a set of FLs that works great for our clothes but that I didn't care for at all when ds was in cloth diapers. It took me forever to figure out a routine that would work, and even then I was limited to using 100% cotton fabric. I'm hesistant to get another knowing that I'll be cloth diapering another baby next spring, but maybe there are some FLs that would work better than the one we have.

So, should I get a cheap, no frills top loader that will undoubtedly be easier to wash cloth diapers in but that will waste more water. Or should I go for another FL that will make it easier to keep up with all our laundry?

I should say too that the top loader could come in handy for extra dirty loads which we have more of now that we live in the country.

[ktgrok]

If you have to run multiple cycles to get something clean in the front loader than it really doesn't save money or energy

Get the top loader.

[Marissamom]

If I already had a front-loader, I would get a cheep top loader just for diapers. and if it was just going to be for dipes I would probably just get one from a place that sells refurbished, a well cared for washer can last a good 20 years, and a used washer can be really inexpensive.

[CookAMH]

I would absolutely get the top loader, especially if you already have a FL. I purposely chose a top loader last year when getting new machines, with cloth diapering in mind! I do not regret it at all!

[daisie31]

We had an almost brand new FL when our twins were born and it did not get the diapers clean enough. I got a VERY old top loader from my Grandma and put the FL in the garage. The TL does a great job and I think we are going to sell the FL because I can't stand the thought of going back to it for any of our clothes. Obviously, I would get the TL...

[HappyMamaBeth]

Since you already have a FL, I'd definitely get a top-loader for the second. You can get them SOOOO inexpensively too.

I missed my HE machines that I had in my old house when my kids were babies, but I remember when I cloth diapered DS briefly and they didn't seem to get as clean as they should. So I'm secretly happy that in the house I live in now (rental) we have a top-loader. I know it will be a lot easier to get the cloth dipes clean.

[ibusymomto5]

Thank you all! You have confirmed what I think I was really wanting to do deep down already. The cheaper price of the machine will make my dh happy too. Thanks again!

[dejagerw]

Maybe you could try posting on freecycle that your looking for a working top loader. Someone maybe getting rid of one to upgrade to a new front loader.