Here’s Why I will never go back to TL washer again! it’s been awhile since I’ve had to use a TL and my recent usage only emphasizes the difference from FL washers. I used to have a mid-1980s heavy duty large capacity TL washer by Kenmore, which is the same that my sister has. I’ve been here for almost 2 months helping her while she’s undergoing cancer treatments, so lots of laundry. I didn’t remember how little the TL capability was, even though the dimensions of both type of machines are 27” wide, almost 3.8 cubic ft. The TL Kenmore probably is maxed out at 10.0 lbs - adding more laundry and it’s incapable to thoroughly clean it and rips them up. It uses about 50 gallons of water per load (25 gal wash, 25 gal rinse) but if you’re like my sister and need to do a 2nd-rinse to ensure detergent residue is gone then it uses about 75 gallons per load of 10.0 lbs laundry, which really isn’t that much - about 8 large bath towels (30” x 60”), or 3 queen-size bed sheets (2 loose, 1 fitted) with 2 pillow cases. For bulky items, it’s even more restricted. I could only fit a light full-sized comforter. I currently have a 2009 Bosch Nexxt 500 plus and its’ capacity is also 3.8 cu ft. It is rated at 8kg, so just under 18 lbs. It uses 13.5 gallons of water per load (4.5 gal wash, 4.5 gal 1st rinse, 4.5 gal 2nd rinse). I’ll do a 3rd-rinse so that brings the total to 18 gallons of water per load of 18 lbs of laundry. 18 lbs laundry is about 15 large bath towels, or 3 queen-sized bed sheet sets (3 loose, 3 fitted, 6 pillow cases). WATER USED (for 18lbs of laundry): TL - 150 gallons = 75 gallons per load x 2 FL - 18 gallons DETERGENT USED: TL - 250 ml for 18 lbs of laundry (125 mL per 10 lbs load) FL - 22.5 ml per 18 lbs load TIME USED: TL - 220+ minutes to do same 18 lb load; 110+ minutes for full wash cycle and additional 2nd rinse that requires user to be there to reset machine for the added rinse x 2 FL - 110 minutes for full wash cycle and additional 3rd rinse that can be programmed at start of wash In my instance, my FL will use 1/8 water; 1/11 detergent; 1/2 time

I didn't think I had mold either until I pulled back the rubber gasket and took a look. Then what I found there and inside the detergent dispenser was beyond disgusting. I have always left the door open all the way since it was brand new. Now I also leave the detergent dispenser open and I still get mold. It's impossible to get the mold out of the gasket so I will need to get a new one for about $300. It's difficult to get your arm in the dispenser socket to clean as well. This washer/dryer I was told to be one of the best front loaders by 4 different mom and pop appliance stores (Electrolux) and I 've had 5 service calls in 5 years and my husband and I are empty nesters. My neighbor who got the Speed Queen at the same time as I got my FL has had NO service calls and she has 3 kids. I will not be replacing the gasket and instead will get a new Speed Queen top load washer and dryer. I don't need all this hassle. Photos attached.

"Where’s the rest of you LG lovers????" I am happy with my LG - and it is a top-loader. I just am not interested in a front loading machine. I don't want to have to wipe out/clean a gasket or leave the door open. That's just my preference. I do NOT love having to clean the soap dispenser however. My old machine cleaned fine with me just pouring in the liquid. This machine came to me after my parents passed away this summer - my washer got fried in an electrical surge in December so I just took their old (only a couple of years old really) machines. I don't like bells and whistles on my washer and dryer, but since these were free that is what I wound up with.

linda918, In answer to your original question of whether a Speed Queen FL or an Electrolux FL, I would choose a SQ FL in a second. The reason being I had 2 different Fridgidaire FL washers over the span of 12 years. Fridgidaire is owned and made by Electrolux. The first of the two was forever in break down mode. The amount of $$ I spent at laundromats could have gotten us 3/4 of the way to a new washer. It would 6-8 weeks from a call for repair to having a poorly, barely functioning washing machine again. Fridgidaire would rather rebuild the whole darn washer seven times than issue a lemon refund or a replacement. 2nd Fridgidaire FL washer was more reliable. Lasted 8 years, but we never once had clean and fresh laundry with either washer. Our clothes stunk. Our towels stunk. Our sheets stunk and my formerly always pristine and fresh cleaning rags and napkins were filthy, looking and smelling. I only washed on hot or warm, using extra rinses and highest soil settings with top shelf detergent. Pieces of garbage. If I had to go FL washer today (I have a Speed Queen TL washer for several years now), I would choose Speed Queen or Miele. Both will cost you dearly, but your cleaning results will be good. LG makes good FL washers too but I have space restrictions that most do not. If you do choose LG, get a model that has an internal heater (not all do) so you can have the higher temps needed to do sanitize cycles for sheets, towels, socks and underwear. Good luck with your decision!