We just had a LG washer installed yesterday; the dryer is coming on Monday. We did get the pedestal, and leveling is of paramount importance. After the installers left yesterday, we ran several loads and were very impressed. There was some "more than normal" vibration at the extra high spin, and they came back this morning to tweak one of the feet and all is well. As for clearance, keep in mind that although the drawer that takes the detergent, bleach, and softener pulls out to the front, you still near clearance above the drawer to do your pouring. I would think that you would need more than just a few inches. In our case, we had some cabinets to consider, but there just wasn't enough clearance to do the pouring, so we decided to put the washer on the right and will put the dryer on the left under the cabinets. Anyway, just insure you take into account some "pouring space." As for detergents, you should use the HE stuff, although you will read that some people try to get away with the conventional detergents. There is no huge difference in cost, so I don't understand the rationale. Anyway, Costco sells their Kirkland Signature Ultra detergent, a liquid, that rated quite well in the January 2007 issue of Consumer Reports. It's cost per load is about one-half that of comparably rated detergents (Gain, Tide, and Cheer). Good luck with your new washer and dryer!

Oops! I just noticed that you prefer a powder detergent. The Consumer Reports magazine rated Sears Advanced Formula Plus with Oxi-Clean Ultra HE just a notch below the Costco liquid. Cost per load is the same as the Costco item. Aside from the top rated detergent, SA8 (a powder available only online, but costs five times as much per load as the Costco and Sears items), the Sears powder is the only other powder they rated (total of 10 detergents). All the others were liquids.

We are planning to get the LG's ourself, though our new laundry room doesn't exist yet so it will be a while still...but I heard you say there's a remote?!? Be still my gadget loving heart! What remote? What does it do? Is it standard or an option? :)

- Jim

Oh, once I saw the remote I was totally sold. It cost $99 extra, but so worth it.

It attaches to the units and runs on a wifi connection. The remote itself is tabletop or wall-mounted, and tells me when my load is done, how many minutes left on the cycle, to start or stop it, etc etc. So that way, since my laundry room is downstairs, I can be upstairs and know the status of my washload.

Here it is:

Here is a link that might be useful: LG Washer remote

Hi there,

I have found that just about all brands of detergents make "HE" detergent. "All, Cheer, Tide", and even some of the Eco-Friendly brands have HE as well.

We tend to shop at Mrs. Greens, Trader Joe's, etc etc, and find alot of HE products there, too!

Oh yeah, and PLEASE USE LIQUID detergents in a Front Load washer :)

Powder detergents do not dissipate in water as well as liquid detergent does. Leaving a white blotchy residue on clothing, and especially on larger comforters, blankets, sheets, etc etc.

Chris

We do have a Trader Joe's near us. I will check there! What is a good brand there?

I asked about powder because my husband and 12 year old son dribble the liquid everywhere and it drives me NUTS. But if liquid works better, I'll stick with it. I don't have any issue with powder not dissipating in my top-loader, so that's new to me.

Anyone have any input on the distance between the top of the units and the countertop? They don't need "breathing space" up top, do they?

Hi Snookums,

Uh, I think the brand is called "Eco", or something like that. Big bottle! Lasts a long time. Beige colored liquid....

You may not have a problem with the powder dissipating, but, some people do. Sometimes it depends on the water in your area, as well. (hard water, soft water, well water, PH levels etc, etc)

Chris

Ground temperature has a lot to do with powder detergent breaking down properly. Most of the new machines (especially the higher end front loads) mix the water to make sure the powder breaks down and the enzymes are activated.

Can't speak for the LG specifically, but most machines require 1-2" clearance on all sides in the instruction manual. One manufacturer told us that if you didn't have the clearance on the top, you could double the clearance on the side to provide enough airflow (esp. on the dryer).

ok, now i'm confused. i keep reading on this forum how liquid detergent is a major contributor to the scum and mildew smell on the internal parts of the fl machines, but everybody in this thread is saying to use powder. any thoughts on why? thanks!

liquid detergent is OK if it's HE, but only use 1/2 the amount or less...

powder detergent seems to disolve better.