Bad things I have heard is that the washer gets smelly if you don't leave the door open when not in use. Also, if you get those pedestals that come with them, they are too high to fold clothes on top.

Like all dryers, mine opens in the front. I wish it weren't so deep, since I have to practically crawl in to retrieve the clothes in the back. I'm glad my washer is a top loader so I don't have to bend over.

Personally, I'd stick with a top loader.

I have heard the smelly issues from several people. My DIL is chomping at the bit to have one but honestly, they are so much more than a plain old "good" washer, I don't understand the huge "I gotta have a front loader movement".

Several months ago when I had to replace my washer and researched different brands and models online, I drove to another town to buy a Speed Queen Heavy Duty Extra Large Capacity Top Loader. It has a stainless steel tub where a lot of others have plastic ones. I have a hard time finding enough clothes to fill it up. I paid about
$450 for it. I just wanted something to clean my clothes and I hope I never have to spend $2000 to do that.

I'd like input too. I have a top loading Maytag and it's getting old. Daughter just got a front loader LG and likes it. I want to have something in mind in case the old one conks out and I need to get one in a hurry. Dryers last me forever because I hang my clothes out 99% of the time.

I have the Samsung front loader. Right now I am loving it, but a year or so ago I had the smell issue. I did some research and switched from liquid HE detergent to powdered HE detergent.. after a few months and a couple packets of the 'washing machine cleaners' ... I have no more issues with bad smells. I've read that the liquids have a 'wax' in them that builds up inside the washer.

If you buy the front loaders, be sure to contact your electric company as they sometimes offer a nice energy-savers rebate.. I think I got $200. back.

My washer died yesterday so we are headed to buy a new one in a bit...I'm going with the old top loader...the front loaders just don't float my boat...I open and close my washer far to much to be dealing with a front loader...

New? They have been around for ages!

I LOVE my Maytag front loader.

No smell issues, clothes get wrung out so well they are hardly in the dryer, water bill went down 25%.

I use regular (not HE) Kirkland brand liquid detergent.

"I open and close my washer far to much to be dealing with a front loader..."
I am puzzled by that. I also open and close my front loader, usually to throw forgotten things in. Why do you think that is a problem?

That's exactly what I have - is the $2,000+ Samsung washer/dryer. I've had mine since early 2007 and I just love them.

They do a superior job of soil extraction. Old stains come out, and the front loaders are *extremely* energy efficient, for both energy (electricity) and water.

We had to have the washer repaired last year because one of the mixing valves went bad and it would only let in cold water, but that wasn't a big deal.

And there is no odor problem with these machines. In the earlier front-loading maytags, the boot would fill with water and that would get foul smelling.

I've never had that problem with the Samsung washer.

I wasn't thrilled with the idea of a front loader, using so little water (it only uses a few inches--water never comes up to the bottom of the door) didn't seem as if the clothes would get clean.

However, we bought this rancher, intending on making it totally one-floor living. The laundry room had space for only 2 things--and there wasn't a utility sink in the entire house. SO I took a deep breath and got an LG stackable set, and put a utility sink in the space I saved. That was about 3 years ago. Have to say, so far, I'm delighted with the washer. The dryer's fine, too, but my back deck is 3 steps from the washer and 90% of the time, I hang my clothes out to dry.

The washers are a LOT larger than they look and hold a LOT. I always use about 1/3-1/2 the amount of detergent recommended--I find with less detergent, the clothes get cleaner (no build-up problem) and the shortest cycle possible (dirt doesn't redeposit on clothes that way). Haven't had a problem with smell. I leave the door open for an hour or so after doing a load of wash, then I pull it shut without latching it (it's still open about 2"), and attach a fabric bow I made to hold it there. Bow connects to the washer with magnetic hooks. The washer/dryer are right by the back door that EVERYONE coming to visit generally uses to come in, so I don't like the door flapping totally open all the time.

Oh, it's no problem adding an extra bit of wash once the cycle is started (someone above was worried about that). As I said, the water never gets high enough that it would spill out. If you want to add a forgotten towel, you just push the on-off button, the machine stops, you open the door and toss in the item, then you push the on-off button again and the cycle starts up where it left off. I've done it many times. Not a problem at all.

Mostly I love the pair--they do a good job. Washer spins things out until they're almost completely dry. Unless it's something really thick like towels or rugs, I can dry most loads in about 20 minutes in the dryer--that's half the time it used to take me at the other house even though the LG is an electric dryer, the other house had a gas one (usually more efficient than electric). Guess if I had to come up with any complaints.... The washer does take much longer to wash than my old, front-loading Whirlpool--many LG loads take 50-90 minutes. And the dryer is a little high--not a problem for me, but a short person might find it a bit inconvenient.

I have the smell issue some times. My Sis in law did too.
She changed to the powdered detergent and didn't have a problem. Her machine gives her the option to fill it with liquid or powdered detergent. Mine doesn't

Thanks guys for the comments. Most are negative. There is a smell problem those who don't have it are lucky. Two salespersons have mentioned it when I ask about negative things. One salesman said he had one and found yucky stuff behind the big seal at the door. He showed me how to wipe it out to clean it. Another told me to leave the door open, another one told me there was no smell. LOL I wouldn't get the stands, I would loose my hanger rod above the appliances and I like that. I have been undecided and thought you all might help me with comments. I think I will just take a trip instead. Thanks again.

I have a front loader and will NEVER go back to a top loader!! uses soo much less water and detergent!! They spin faster, thus get more water out, so that relates to less drying time!!! Win Win!!! Yes they can get a smell, but al one has to do is just leave the door open a bit, doesnt have to be open all the way, just a crack!! Love my front loader!! Clothes come out cleaner as well!!

I have the Samsung front loading washer. I'm not impressed with it. It takes almost 2 hours to wash clothes, I don't see any better clean then my top loader, and my clothes still STINK! If I was to buy another washer it would be a top loader again. Whirlpool that agitates up & down is the best. (if they still make them)

When we built in 2001 I bought a pair of Frigiaire's -- front load washer and gas dryer. I figured I could replace the washer *three times* for the cost of a more heavily advertised brand.

I'm on my second washer -- going strong. Dryers last a LONG time.

So far, so good. Love the cleaning of the washer and the way clothes spin so dry. (Less time in the dryer.) I prefer granular to liquid detergent. I've never wanted 'softener' added to my clean clothes -- use a bit of vinegar in the rinse to be sure the soap is all removed.

I've had the Kenmore brand front loaders for about 8 years. As others have stated, leave the washer door slightly open
when the wash is done, I never close it. It still got an odor after awhile so I use either Tide washing machine cleaner or Affresh.
They both work fine...

I bought a washer and dryer in 2001. Front loader washer, but it serves its' purpose. My SIS has a top-loader, loves it, says it uses lots less water than her old machine. No I'm not itching to buy another. When we moved into our house in 1981, the prior owner had left her washer and dryer. We used them till they completely wore out, which was about 20 years, so we certainly got a lot of use from them. Bought a new pair in 2001, which made us "Sears Best Customers"- we get all kinds of coupons in the mail.

I'll never buy another Sears appliance if I can find what I want any where else. They use to last for years and the last two have needed service before the year is up.

I have the Samsung front loaders with steam and I Love them, super easy to use, lots of load choices, I have never had any smell but I watched the YouTube videos about it and make sure I do what it takes to keep it clean. And one of those things is I never use any kind of liquid products other than bleach occasionally. It is the build up caused by the liquids that start to grow bacteria and stink. I keep clorox wipes on top and use one to clean the door and seals each time I am done using it. I also never fully shut the door, I lay a towel over the door to keep it cracked for air flow and I don't leave the detergent drawer closed until it is dry.

I have only used the Sears brand he powder which is awesome. It has very little scent.

I would get the same ones again. The delivery guys said they were the best too and told me to be glad I had not bought the Electrolux.

Watch the you tube videos, use powder, keep it clean and dry, that's it

If I keep my Kenmore front loader clean under the rubber seal and don't wait to take the clothes out, the smell stays under control. It uses less water and it takes about 42 to 52 mins to wash.( occasionally I use the 18 min cycle) Because the clothes are wrung out so well, drying takes less time. It also use less detergent yet get the same clean. Having the storage underneath has been helpful because I don't need to lean down so much to reach inside the washer or dryer. The pros win over the cons so far. I like that they are purple too!

Powder is a thing of the past in my city it seems. I used to buy Sunlight powder, and used it for my whites and light coloured clothing. Now the aisles are full of liquid detergents only.

So I use my homemade liquid, and use it in powder form.

My parents bought an LG front loader a couple of years ago. It sings a little tune when the load is done. She loved it. Now that Mom has passed, it will last forever (hopefully) since step-father is alone. They have always had the door ajar because of the potential mould-smell problem.

The Sears detergent comes with a little scoop that is the exact right amount for the front loaders. I use the one scoop and everything comes out much cleaner than they did with my top loaders. I had commercial size speed queens before these and they were excellent machines too.

My Samsungs are so quiet I have to go right next to them to know they are running.

I have had my front loader Frigidaire washer and dryer for 7 years now. I love them and would never go back to top loader. A top loader uses 40 gal. of water and a front loader 16 gal. We are on water meters here. My clothes get very clean and I have had no problem with smells. My laundry is in the basement and I don't go there often. I leave the washer door open a couple of inches. I use liquid Tide HE.

The front loader I had was nothing fancy--a kenmore (made by Frigidaire) I actually had 2 of them (moved) and my parents had the same one--no problems at all! Like others have stated--way less water!!! Was funny in 1 house I bought, we switched out the washer/dryer and a new fridge!! Our electrical and water usage was way way down from the previous owner--not exactly scientific, lol

Sears has change something with their appliances. My ice maker went out just a week or two before the warranty expired. I had a service man out for my new dishwasher within a month of buying it and a service call on my top loader HE washer within 3 months. They do not last as long as they used to or their quality control is not good anymore. And they have bought so many other brands, Maytag, Amana and one other company I believe. I would go with LG next time I need an appliance.

Water is no problem for me except maybe for the environment. I barely use the minimum.

My daughter has LG front loader, and I don't like it. That machine takes 3 times as long as my old top loader to run through a wash cycle. Also, the front loader does not have the ability to soak a load of stained laundry, which I will do to get rid of stains. I also dislike the dryer. The clothes do get clean, but the dryer just doesn't dry the seams of the clothing and sometimes the clothes themselves are damp.

I should say the front-loading machine I had was a very basic one! 1st 1 I bought in like 1999, and the 2nd one was in 2005, both Kenmores, and even though 6 or 7 yrs in difference, both were practically the same!! It had none of these fancy steaming option etc etc!! Was very basic, but did a super job! Washed queen sized comforters in it with ease! Pretty sure it had a soak feature as well. Quickly looking at sears.com, don't really see it, guess they finally changed it!! But it was pretty basic, but did a super job!! The more fancy gadgets on it, the more $$ to fix,and likely to be fixed!! lol

The house we're renting has Amana front loads. The dryer is ok. I hate the washer. (My brother bought our Mom a front load 15 yrs. ago, and now I know why she hated it.) The shortest cycle I can run takes 42 minutes. I think it would be impossible to dye fabric in it. When my daughters washer died in their rental, she washed diapers in my front load with all the pre-rinse, etc. we could figure out and she thought the diapers were not as clean as usual. When they bought a house, they bought a top load. We're closing on a house next month and I'm buying a top load. I like choosing water levels, speeds and times. Oh, and I read online that if you leave the door ajar, you won't get the "smell" issue.

I have had a front load machine for over 4 years, and I won't buy another one. I do have the smell problem, even though I leave the door wide open all the time. And heaven forbid you leave freshly washed clothes in there over an hour or so... if you do that with towels, they stink so bad you can't use them. It takes a very long time to wash, as someone already mentioned. Also, I always liked to soak my white socks in Cascade (which brightens them up like new) periodically and I can't do that in this washer. Plus, the big seal in the front tore (don't ask me how that happened, as I have absolutely no idea) and it cost over $250 to have it replace. Over $175 of that was the cost of the part itself, the rest was labor.

Next time, I will buy one of the large HE agitatorless top loaders.

Thanks to all of you, I am glad I ask this question. It really help me decide what to do or in this case what NOT to do. My washer a top loading HE is only 2 years old and I don't like it, so won't spend a lot more for something else I won't like. I think it was more the looks and some of the special features that made me think of getting it.

What don't you like about your HE top-loader Emma?
A friend of mine has that.....the one with no agitator and the clear window and she loves it!

I've heard using your washer to soak clothes is bad, it ruins the gaskets. I often go to the laundromat in town, it's great, their machines work well, and the last rinse leaves them super-dry, just damp. I only use the washers, I bring everyuthing home (wet) in a large plastic bag or plastic hamper and dry it in my gas dryer (Sears Kenmore, 11 years old).Works for me!

Raven, and others that use powder, do you have a cup to put it in? Or do you toss it into the washer? My washer has a place to dispense only liquid detergent.

Jasdip, because it doesn't rinse the clothes well enough. I have very sensitive skin and will itch if there is soap in them. I learned to use the extra rinse cycle which fills the tub and I waste more water now. When people hear that they say "you're using to much soap but I don't.

I don't soak my clothes in the tub, I use resolve when I get a stain on my clothes and/or soak the one item in the sink. I read in my dishwasher not to use vinegar regularly, it was hard on the parts. I would think it would be the same in a clothes washer.

I prefer using granular soap, but I have trouble finding one that is unscented and inexpensive. I will not buy Tide anymore, I am not going to line their pockets with money if something else works. I use generic brands on everything except foods.

kat_wa -- Hmmm...the dispenser for soap on my cheap Frigidaire will take whatever I put in it. When the machine fills, the water flows through the dispenser, taking along whatever is in there. I put a bit of white vinegar in the portion labeled "Softener". (Never understood adding a product onto clean clothes, especially wash that will come out of a dryer 'soft' anyway.)

Frigidaire makes the Sears washers. My Frigidaire cost about $300. The first one was overloaded by a house sitter; the spinning mechanism failed. I'm in for $750 now. I could buy a third without being out more than I would have paid for one Famous Brand 11 years ago.

The lead carpenter for our house built a W/D platform for a few dollars; it's painted to match the baseboard. Why would you raise a washer so you didn't need to bend, then have drawers on the floor? LOL

I love our front loader washer. It's a Maytag, and we've had it for about four years. Uses less water and soap, nice clean clothes, spins until they're nearly dry.

Yes, there can be an issue with smell. It comes from the seal around the door, which is why you need to leave the door open. But not *wide* open, just an inch or so. And we clean under there with a dilute bleach solution every few months, just to prevent any possible mold.

We bought them to stack them, and it allowed us to add a bunch of very useful shelves next to the stack.

I just came from my daughter's where I helped her w/ some laundry. She has the new washer and dryer, and the only thing I noticed was it took 50 minutes to wash 1 load of sheets--my Maytag--which is old, takes 30 minutes. I'd hate to spend so much time doing laundry.

re: 50 minutes.
That's the average cycle time for cottons on mine. I can shortened it... down to 24 minutes. I bet she can too, if she ever wanted to. Personally, I would not go that short for sheets.

Chisue

I have the Samsung and use All free and clear because of skin allergies in the family. I Don't use fabric softener at all.

How much vinegar do you use? Does it soften clothes?

Thanks.

I prefer a front loading dryer, but a top loading washer. The lid of a top loader needs only to be splash proof, not leak proof.

However, there are other considerations and a top loader may not be for everyone. Some reason against a top loader are: 1) too short to reach the bottom of the tub, 2) wheelchair bound, or 3) otherwise physically handicapped. In those cases, a side loader for both a washer and dryer is indicated.

Whoa! With the paperwork that came through today for the house we're buying, I found out that the dryer and front load washer are included. Bonus, right? Uh, kinda. I'll probably keep the dryer. The washer is going on Cragslist and I'm buying a top load washer.

Red Lover -- The vinegar is to rid the wash of any soap residue. I don't want 'softener'; I use that dispenser for vinegar because it empties into the rinse cycle. I use about a quarter cup.

Sometimes 'stiffness' in a wash is due to soap (and 'softener' products) that are not rinsed out thoroughly. If you run a wash without adding soap and see bubbles or feel that the water is 'slippery'...your wash isn't getting rinsed thoroughly. (You may be using too much soap for the rinse to eliminate it.)

love my duet from costco, and yes bought the drawer cause it was a pita to lean down... buy generic x detergent, and found a top that has just the right amount...i love the differnt wash cycles...the longest is 90 minutes but only use it for heavy duty loads...the dryer is amazing getting things done in 35 min for "light weight" clothes...

best was the price, well under that 2 grand...of course i've had mine for several years...samsung hadn't gotten into the market yet...

oh and solved the folding top space...we found a tool chest with a wonderful wood top that works fine...it's on wheels and rools wherever i want it...actually most of the time i fold right from the dryer into the laundry basket...shirts are hung up out of the dryer so no ironing...we have 3 possible rods to use...our laundry room is the size of a postage stamp, lol...

Chisue--wow, thanks. I didn't know. I will definitely start using vinegar in my fabric softener dispenser.

The active ingredient in vinegar is acetic acid. The acid content is diluted with water to 5% for food quality products. It attacks and helps to disolve lime (calcium compounds). Clear (white) vinegar is recommended for cleaning as it has been distilled to remove other products that may carry a stain. Other vinegars such as cider vinegar have a brown or other color tint.

our washer bit the dirt last week so we bought a Samsung Top Loader...(or at least I think that's what it was...I don't really care other then I didn't want a front loader...I haven't had a chance to use it yet...been working every other day but hubster has used it twice and loves it...I'm gonna domesticate this man yet!! LOL

Last October we bought the Whirlpool Duet front loading washer and dryer. I use Charlie's Soap HE Laundry Powder and never need any vinegar or fabric softener. I leave the door open on the washer when not in use, and have never had any smell whatsoever.

All in all very pleased with the purchase. Wash cycle does not take longer, drying time is less (clothes are well wrung out), and we are using less water.

I'd have to say I would not buy a front loader again. It may use less water, but the cycles are way longer. I don't see any better cleaning either. If you don't have a pedestal they are very low. I also like filling the tub and then adding the clothes; can't do that with a front loader! Or, if you find one more thing to throw in, can't do that with a front loader either.

If you have one of the new top loaders, open the door, wipe behind the big rubber door seal after you have washed a load and see if you find any yucky stuff. Someone told me she was shock at what was on her rag, I suppose that is where the smell comes from.

On my kenmore front loader---I cant stop it and add clothes. Each make/model has different options//capabilities.

Yes the smell comes from the rubber seal. Some wipe it down with diluted bleach now and then......and other just leave the door open a bit.

Well ... As the saying goes "The old grey mare ain't what she used to be".. The same goes for top loading washing machines, the ones with agitators. There are new "Government" regulations and the new top loaders do NOT fill up like the old ones used to. I forget exactly what the limit is, something like 14" of water. That seems like it would be hard on clothes and you would have to break the loads up into smaller ones. I have Samsung from loaders and I am very pleased with them. Someone here said theirs takes 2 hours to wash a load... I have never used a cycle that took that long. Mine has a "quick wash" cycle and you can choose from light, normal and heavy. The light takes about 27 minutes, the heavy is 33 minutes. I have not found anything that does not get perfectly clean on the 33 minute cycle. At any point during the wash I can "pause" it, open the door and add additional clothes. Also, if it doesn't have quite as much water as you think it should, or want all you do is push pause, when the door unlocks open it, then shut it and push the continue button and it adds more water, you can do this as many times as you want. I rarely add more water unless it is a bigger, bulkier load such as my mattress pad. Picking a new washer is a huge headache....