Front lloader machines versus Top loading

[cdmaze]

What do you think? As I see them on Craiglist- I'm wondering what is a better choice.

I've heard bad things about front loaders with bad seals and stuff- but they seem to more efficient and gentler on your clothes.

Then, it seems like top loaders have their problems too.

What do you have? Why do you love it/hate it?

Also- anyone have problems with electronic controls (as oppsoed to the good old knob controls?)

[Stone Fence]

I have a Frigidaire FLer. It has regular knobs. I don't have any leaking issues and it cleans stuff just fine. I'm not sure how the capacity compares to those huge electronic FLers, but it holds lots.

I love that it uses less water. It does get a little bit moldy smelling. Occasionally I have to wipe the seal down inside it's fold.

[malyita]

So happy with our fl

We have a Whirlpool fl, and we just love it. It always gets our clothes clean, and is so much more energy efficient. I am also able to put all of our delicate things, including my wool handknits, in on cold/delicate without any trouble since it is so gentle. I haven't had any problems with moldy smells, but we just leave it cracked open a bit after a load until it dries as suggested in the manual, so that might fix it. The detergent is sometimes a bit more expensive, but that seems to be changing and more and more brands are carrying compatible detergents so it's no longer hard to find many options. I think the savings on our water bill more than outweighs that difference. I hadn't heard anything about leaky seals; we certainly haven't had any problem. I think if you buy a quality machine of any type you avoid such basic problems. Ours has a combination of knobs and semi-electronic buttons. It seems like a good system; unlikely to get stuck like older buttons, but unlikely to stop working like flat electronic buttons (like on an oven) when they get old.

PS. I just noticed the washer/dryer set we have is actually on clearance at Lowes right now.

[halfpintwil]

I've had a Whirlpool FL for 1 1/2 years and love it! You do have to be careful not to leave the door closed between washings as it will get musty smelling. I think it cleans better than any of the top loaders I have had. I also like the timer feature on it. I put the clothes in it and can set it to start so the clothes will finish just before I get up in the morning. To get my whites really clean (especially when the kids have been in the mud), I put them in the washer at night and do a quick rinse. Then, I put a cup of vinegar in with about a quart of water, and set the timer for the washer to come on in the morning. That way, the clothes have soaked most of the night.

I have two friends that had another brand, and they hate them as the doors have leaked several times, and although under warranty it always takes a few days to get a repair and the parts, but there is a class action lawsuit against that company.

I use my home made detergent in mine. The directions said I could use any type of laundry detergent, but recommended the HE detergents.
Dawn

[Malva]

I have a Kenmore FL and I love it. It's incredible how cleaner everything is than when we used a TL (which wasn't old at all).

[Tanibani]

Love my Kenmore He? 4t FL. Bought it 2 years ago.

- has Sanitary run (super hot) good to have when I need it
- has more cleaning options/buttons
- there is a Kid Wash (which means it has an extra rinse)
- uses far less water than a TL (they are more energy efficient)
- uses far less soap (less residue) There is a special he laundry soap to buy. I buy it at Costco, same price as reg brand.
- larger capacity. I can was comforters! In the past, I had to lug all my bags of comforters to a public laundromat.

Cons - there was some lawsuit over some FL because of mold. Turns out, the door need to be kept open between washing (which is fine) because otherwise mold can grow.

I have never had a musty smell thanks to this practice.

BTW...

I thought that having a "bigger machine" meant I could "pack more in." I was wrong.

I used to fill it to the top with clothes. But then one of the balancing supports broke (thank goodness I bought the service plan - it has REALLY paid for itself.)

The tech explained I was overfilling it and should only fill it half way. Otherwise the load is too heavy (all those wet clothes) for the machine). Dang. Oh well, I'm still happy with my FT.

I'm happy it uses far less water than a TL.

[UmmBnB]

LOVE my front-loader. Our water provider gives a $200 rebate on the purchase of a FL so our $1000 machine ended up costing $800.

[3happygirls]

I have the LG Steamwasher. I'm still figuring the thing out (a week old). So far I love it. It DOES have Steam WASH and STEAMFRESH available. Steam wash is a super-duper hot wash for diapers and such. I haven't used the STEAMFRESH feature yet, but the book says that you can put about 5 items in there (dry, already clean I assume) and steamfresh them. They're supposed to dry in about 5-10 minutes and be wrinkle free. My dh is looking forward to doing this, since he likes to WAD clothes and I don't iron. All you other FL people....I'm getting ready to do a new post with all my questions about my FL, so please check it out and weigh in.

[andiamomama]

just fwiw, I've had maintenance problems with our Frigidaire front loader. First one died after only 5 years, and no one (repair person, sales person for new washer) seemed surprised - they said that 5-6 years is all you can hope to get out of them. I bought another one (sucker!!) because our stacked dryer was still working, and I didn't want to have to get a new dryer to stack with a different washer, and it's broken _already_ after less than 6 months of use. still under warranty, thank goodness, but what a piece of crap.

They didn't leak when they went, though. First one leaked black oily goop on clothes, repair would cost more than a new washer. New one has a timer and/or computer problem.

Love the front load design- less water, less soap, very gentle. I wash handknits, even cashmere sweaters in it on gentle/cold. I would definitely get another front loader, just not a frigidaire.

[verde]

We have a Kenmore frontloader and it's a set with a stackable dryer -- the dryer on top of the washer. We've have no problems at all with the washer and it uses less soap than a toploader.

BTW -- Although I have a dryer I hardly use it at all -- I hang clothes outside or inside on drying racks. I use the dryer maybe 10 times a year. We got the set because they were offering a fabulous deal.

[Leta]

When we get a new washer (oh happy day), I want this one.

http://www.staber.com/

[A&A]

Love, love, love my front loader. And we managed to find one with "knobs" for controls because the electronic panels scare me!