What kind of front loading washer? - Page 2

[Shakti]

You might check out consumerreports.org. Here is a link, but it may not work if you are not a member: washer ratings The consumer reports site also has a discussion board, and after just peeking at the washer discussion, there were lots of good threads in there - lots of tips on what to avoid.

We have been looking at front loaders, too. It seems one thing to look at is the spin speed. The high speed washers extract a lot more water so the clothes take less time to dry after you put them in the dryer. Of the pair, the dryer is by far the big energy eater, so the more dry the clothes are that go in the dryer, the less time the energy hog dryer has to work. Not all front loaders are high spin/high efficiency.

Good luck!

Patti

[CharlieBrown]

i have a Kenmore front loading washer, the biggest one. no problems. it is great.

[sunnmama]

I have a Frigidaire Gallery--it has a high-speed spin and very large capacity. Don't know how much it cost, because it came with the house (I swear, it was the nicest feature of this crappy house !) We have been here 5 years, and I suspect it is about 6-7 years old.

I LOVE it, but it has broken down twice for me. Each repair was pricey (more than $200), and took a long time to get parts, etc. Each repair required trips to the laundromat waiting for a working washer

Things I've learned:
-Do not use the recommended amt of detergent--use MUCH less. Too much is not good for the machine's parts.
-Contain all small items (baby socks) in a mesh bag, or they could get sucked into the working mechanisms and wreak havoc.
-Check any underwire bras for faulty stitching, or prepare to be embarassed when the repairman retrieives the "wire" from the working mechanisms of the machine (I have since eliminated underwire bras from my wardrobe)