Pauline you may want to check with the Laundry forum or at least do a search over there for information on washers. I will tell you, for the most part, they are front load lovers.

I have a front loader but don't know if I'd buy one again or not. Some things it cleans better than a top loader, but others not as well. It's a toss up for sure and there is a learning curve with them. I don't envy you trying to decide what you want.

Pam

I have a front loader & like it because I'm short -- well ok, height challenged and have short arms.. I wish that someone had told me to leave the door open when not in use. The gasket has gotten really icky... but not icky enough for me to have a service call for replacement... yet.
When I buy again, I will buy a front loader - but I'll get one with the drawer underneath, so it's boosted up a bit.

I have been going back and forth on this, as I know mine will be giving up the ghost soon also. But, I am going with a top loader without the tall agitator. I just don't like the fact of so little water with the front loader. I am sure it is fine if you have very few 'dirty' clothes...but we still have "Dirty" clothes!

I am sure the front loaders do use a bit less water, but after watching a complete cycle with all the little fills, drains, little fills, drains, etc, and again with the rinsing, I can't imagine that there is that much water saved. (yes, I am sure there are statistics out there!)

That is just my 2cents worth! I will be buying a top load without the agitator...which I believe is the hardest part on our clothes.

Just wash down the gasket with bleach and it'll get rid of the mold and mildew buildup. Also do some hot washes to clean it out. It's a good idea to occasionally use some Cascade powder in there on the hottest cycle possible either empty or with some old rags to clean out the front load machine. Actually this is a good idea on a top loader too. People do way too many low temperature washes these days and crud builds up in their machines.

Choosing a front load after being used to a top load as stated has a learning curve. Are you an adaptable person? Like to learn new things? Then it shouldn't be a problem. But if you aren't then a top load is probably a better option. There are high efficiency top loaders out there too if water saving is a concern.

The biggest thing to consider is your budget. It doesn't make any sense to ask opinions on brands and models until you know if you can afford it. Miele, Asko, Electrolux, etc are all top brands, but are pricy. Can you afford $2000 for just a washer?

Other things to consider: What features do you use? What do you specifically LIKE about what you have and what specifically do you DISLIKE about what you have? Do you need a dryer with the washer? Or are you thinking of replacing just because you're buying new? For that matter do the washer and dryer need to "match"? You'll get a far better value by mismatched units most of the time. Dryers are very basic and with the exception of the topload Fisher & Paykel dryer they're not much different except for capacity and ironically, many of the more expensive dryers have a smaller capacity!

Personally, I don't think most units really "match" anyway and to me, form follows function. Mine in in the basement. They're not showpieces so I get the best deal I can on appliances and go that route.

The laundry forum has a lot of information to sift through. Beware that there's some people who have their favorites and promote them heavily. But read everything you can and take some with a grain of salt and you'll soon see what's hype and what's real.

Laundry machines have become more complicated. A great basic top loader is Speed Queen. They're built solid and last. They also make an excellent front loader.

Brand names are iffy these days. Be careful since some brands are built by other manufacturers. For instance the Amana front load is built by Samsung and the GE Harmony HE topload is built by LG.

Another thing to consider is who will service them. See if you have reputable service places available. Some brands are not easy to find servicers.

Don't stress out over it. There's a lot to learn and digest.

Pauline, I was in the market for a washing machine months ago. I looked and looked and thought that the front loaders were pretty pricey. Besides the cost of the machine, if you want the drawer on the bottom then that adds a couple hundred more.

I ended up with a top loading Speed Queen and it has a 5 year warranty on all parts and service. Besides that the store where I bought it also services it. When the dryer goes I will definitely go back and get the Speed Queen dryer.

Maybe if you have some friends with front loaders, they might let you come over for some instruction, hints and guidance.

If you don't expect to use it forever ...

... would you consider a "gently used" one?

Much less costly.

Sometimes one does get a lemon, though.

(Need a recipe for lemonade? Just ask here.)

Good wishes in your quest.

ole joyful

Love, love, love my front load machine. There *are* water use statistics available, and if you are on a private well or pay for your water - the water issue can be significant.

I find my front load machine quieter, if that is of concern to you. It spins the clothes better, so less time to dry. I can also get more into a load, therefore, less loads. I bought mine on a promotion where the drawer stands were included for free.

I forgot to add energy efficiency. Front load machines are generally much more energy efficient than top load.

Watch the circulars for deals on front loaders. I got mine for half price with free delivery and a rebate from my electric company. I bought the drawer stands on clearance (most home improvement stores will have some stands marked way down.. you may have to ask though as they might not be out on the floor). They don't match my white washer and dryer, but they are a silver color which matches the doors. Looks fine.

As far as reliable brands go... visit you local library and ask to look at their most recent copy of Consumer Reports Buying Guide.

I love my front loaders.

We bought a frontloader a year and a half ago. For the most part I like them. Here are the things I don't like:

The smell, if you forget to leave the door open. I also wipe the inside of the door and the seal down occasionally and this helps.

The time it takes to wash a load of clothes. You can't do a 'quick' load - the shortest cycle I have is 50 minutes.

I like to soak all of the white socks (all at one time) periodically in Cascade. It really brightens them up. I haven't figured out how to do that with the front loader.

I haven't decided if I'd buy another one yet or not.

Definitely get a front loader. I've had a Whirlpool Duet for 2 years. It really does save water. Mine even has a soak cycle that I use overnight (the clothes aren't in a pool of water, but they are thoroughly saturated in soapy water. Just pick and choose the brand you like. Mine has quick cycles. However, a normal cycle takes 40 min to wash and only 32 min to dry.

I've never had a trouble with the musty odor that some people have, but I try to not leave wet clothes in the machine overnight.

Love my front load Samsung washer.

I never have odor problems but then I use it several times a week since with a frontloader you don't have to wait for a large load as it does small loads beautifully with very little water usage.

Well, I don't strong feelings for my W/D, but I really have no complaints about my (top load) Fisher Paykel units. It automatically adjust the water level to my load, has an excellent spin cycle (100 rpms and no belts) and the dryer also has a sensor as to when to things are dry.
I imagine other models have these same features, so I may not be too helpful

I'm another fan of the front loaders. I have a Kenmore set which is the Whirlpool Duet in disguise. Watch for sales because it can make a big difference. Mine are now 5 years old and they haven't had any repairs and we do about 10 loads a week.

As for the musty odor- Yep it can happen. I not only leave the door ajar but I also pull the soap dispenser out a few inches and leave that open. The other tricks mentioned by previous posters are also good- wiping the gasket, running a hot load with clorox. The service tech who came our for my oven mentioned that one of the biggest problems is getting used to using HE detergent and using LESS of it.

He said to throw in a load of towels and just wash it on hot water - don't add detergent. In most cases you'll see suds forming because of detergent residue in the towels. I did and realized that my kids were adding too much Tide HE.

I love, love, love my Frigidaire front loader set. Front loaders use 16 gal. of water compared to 40 gal. for a top loader. I use approx. one tablespoon of liquid Tide HE. You can usually get a rebate from your gas or electric company when you purchase front loaders. They also get your clothes very clean. Mine are in my basement and I always leave the door open on the washer when I am not using it so there is no smell. I have had mine for 4 years.

Font loaders are cheaper to run,clean better.less water..I had both top and front I love the front.I have the redLg Tromm.Also get the pedistals easier on the back.

I have a front loader and love it.
BUT, I would not buy another one.
Our laundry room is very narrow and you have
to walk passed the W/D to get into the house.
Having to leave the door open is not convenient,
but if I don't leave it open, I get the musty smell.
It does help to do a load in the hot setting
with bleach to erase the musty smell.
Kathy G in MI

We bought a top loader GE washer about 8 yrs ago. It has been ok. There is an 'agitator' looking center piece in the tub but it is not powered. Its more of an auger to circulate the clothes. It has a one-way clutch inside the auger so it turns in one direction when pulled by the action of the tub. The main washing action is by oscillation of the tub.

My prior machine was a top loading Kenmore that we wore out. Over a span of 20 years, we raised 3 children through high school and wore out the transmission and linkage. The seal started to leak grease and the mechanism was badly worn when I replaced it.

I have a gas dryer by GE that is over 30 years old. I repaired that on once 10 yrs ago. The drive belt wore out and broke. While I had it apart to replace the belt, I also replaced the lint screen in front as it had started to corrode a hole. I also got to inspect the general condition of the machine and saw no reason it should not hold up well for many more years. It did need lint removal. Its still running. I worry about the controls, but these have not failed.

Its principal enemy is lint buildup. Lint buildup can be reduced by keeping the lint trap clear and on occasion, inspect the vent tubing.

Look up Comsumers Reports. They ran a review of top versus front loaders not too long ago. There was very little difference in performance - its all a matter of personal preference. I've heard a few reports of leakage at the door seals on relatively new front loaders. This report claimed a little more water removal for the cront loader, but this is strictly a matter of tub size and spin speed. There should be no difference in water removal for a tub of the same size spinning at the same speed. It matters little if the spining tub is vertical or horizonatal. A few top loaders may have lesser spin speed.

Don't forget that the news keeps reporting that in the spring the government is expected to offer a stimulus package on new 'energy star' appliances.

One other advantage to a front loader is that since it doesn't have an agitator I can wash delicate items and sweaters that have hand wash on the label.

There are some top loaders that don't have agitators too.

One more thing to think about. Are you a person who adds more to a load once it's going? I don't think you can do that with a front loading machine. That was one of my reasons for going with the stand by top loader a few years ago. I always seem to want to add more to a load once it's going. Stuck with the Whirlpool brand medium to higher end range. No problems and it has even been moved 3 times!

Another thing to keep in mind. Top loaders are supposed to be phased out within the next year or so. So if you want one, don't dilly dally making your decision.

How can a front loader possibly be that much more energy efficient if the SHORTEST load (as someone posted above) is 50 minutes? It only takes me 25-30 minutes to do a full, heavy load in my top loader. What on earth takes so long with a FL? I honestly don't think there is any setting I can use on mine that would take 50 minutes start to finish. And how can running an electrical appliance twice as long produce the promised savings? Also, as a home economist with a concentration in textiles, regardless of what the manufacturers are saying to sell these expensive FL's, it's less wearing on fibers to be swishing in a tubful of water and MORE abrasive for them to be rubbing against each other when they're just damp/wet. Unless the physical characteristics of fibers have undergone a change I'm not aware of in the past few years, it's not possible that the front loaders are gentler on them, UNLESS they simply don't move them around at all?

I, too, need to buy a new washer/dryer. Only have floor space for 2 items in my laundryroom. This house has no utility sink. So, if I want to be able to squeeze in a sink, I'm going to have to go with either a stackable front loading pair, or the single combination machine that both washes and dries (which is expensive and seems to have mixed reviews). Not thrilled with any of the choices I have. And I really hate that the government gets to decide that we can no longer have top loading machines, if that's our preference.

The shortest cycle on my front loader is about 20 minutes- the longest is 120 minutes which is considered a sanitary cycle. I can also further adjust the time on each load by selecting a one of three dirt levels. so I can reduce it by 10 minutes or increase it by 10 minutes.

I can add a garment to my machine even when it's running except for a 5 minute period.

I think the primary energy savings is from reducing the amount of water that has to be heated do a load of wash. Plus most of the front loaders spin more water out of the wash so normally the drying time is also reduced- therefore less energy.

As for washing delicates- my front loader does swish clothing. The gentle or delicate cycle simply rocks back and forth in the wash cycle rather then spinning completely around. It only goes into a full spin in the final rinse/spin cycle.

Are you experiencing problems with your current set? If not, wait until they fail to replace one or both of them.

My Maytag set lasted 28 years -- the 'end' came at the hands of DS, to whom I gave them when I bought a new set. I had the delivery men install the new set and move the old set to DS's house. They whisked the new set in easily, then strained to move the Maytags, which were made of sterner stuff. I'd traded Good for New!

When we built in 2000 I bought a set of Frigidaires w/front load washer ($300). The washer failed after four years, and I replaced it with like (still $300). I could replace the washer again (a third $300) and still have spent less than the cost of some brands of front-loaders.

I'm pleased with the front-loader. It does have a longer cycle for my most-used 'normal' and 'perm. press' wash cycles, but some of that is 'spin' time. Clothes are MUCH dryer coming out of the washer and consequently take less time in the dryer. I'm saving water, detergent and gas, and the clothes get clean.

I use two rinses and Calgon water softener in the 'Softener' dispenser to get all the soap out. I've used the Tide 'washing machine cleaner' occasionally to get rid of gunk on the rubber seal, and I leave the door ajar when the machine is not in use.

Our carpenter built a box/stand raise my set off the ground. I'd never use drawers set that low.

boy , knock on wood, i've not had any problems with my front loader, but then i never close it...do wipe off the seal, now and then..

I just replaced my washer and I told the sales man I did NOT want a front loader. His reply was "good, because there are a lot of problems with them". I bought a top loading whirlpool and I love it. I was not sure about the auto water level but it seems to be okay. For my sheets and towels I do the extra rinse, it is a deeper rinse than the first one.

Maime,

I too am looking for a top loading model. Sears has some with high ratings and reasonably priced. My concern though is that with the auto water level, that it is just an additional thing that 'could' sometime go bad, then leaving one stranded without a washer until it was repaired. Is it possible to shut off the auto water feature if you want to? I saw a model somewhere that had a place to turn it off and see that several of them are Energy Star qualified.

I know I want regular old knobs too, as opposed to some digital buttons.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: All Sears top loaders

Chemocurl, we share some luddite thinking! However, after researching, reading differing opinions and sorting through a lot of info a few things struck me. I really am concerned about the auto water level choosing, but when you look at it, for the most part it works. I have the ability to choose 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 or a full load in my top load washer. So if I do small loads, I could use less water. And I rely on the machine and it's settings to shut it off at the proper time. The new versions are just an improvement on this concept in a way. Also be careful when just looking for knobs. Just because it has knobs doesn't mean it doesn't use a computer controlled circuit board rather than the electromechanical control we're used to. More and more are going to electronic controls, and I'd guess it's because they're probably cheaper to make. I will say, for me it's far easier to turn the knob and give it a pull rather than pushing a bunch of buttons. But I imagine I'd get used to it. Probably will have to when my old reliable gives up the ghost.

There's a lot of misconceptions that should be cleared up:

Deeper rinse: Some will have settings to allow for more water. Sometimes stopping and starting will add more water. Sometimes you can adjust it inside the machine.

Soak: Many will allow a soak feature but it's not necessarily a full tub of water. The clothes will be saturated in water, hence, soaked.

Cycle times: Front loaders take more time in virtually every situation. It can be several hours if you're heating water with a built in heater.

Spinning: Many top loaders have 1000+ RPM spin speeds so the claim that front loaders spin more water out is misinformed.

Cost of operation: This is more debatable. My water costs about $2 for 1000 gallons. There's no significant savings here. Heating water in the machine is more efficient than using a water heater. And some heaters in washers, although not all, will give you near boiling temperatures if you have a need for it. But you also need to factor in the purchase price over the length of use to get a true cost of operation. If you pay $4000 for a set that lasts 20 years and saves you a few dollars a year, it hardly offsets the increased initial cost.

Water use: There are a number of HE top load machines out there that use but a little more water than front loaders. And some of them have far larger capacity than the front loaders too so when you compare apples to apples....

Wear on clothes: This is more an issue of the agitator design. Some machines were dubbed "shredmores" because they were harder on clothes than many. However I have jeans that are 20 years old being washed in my top loader and though they're worn thin, I believe that use caused more wear than the machine. And another issue is the proper loading of a machine. But, it does seem that while a typical top loader used properly will clean well, there's a lot of evidence to suggest that the lift and drop used in a front load, simulating a beating on a rock along with a concentrated saturation of detergent and water will remove a lot of stains that others can't.

Adding garments: Most will have an add garment feature but there usually is a delay in order to do it.

Loads: Using a front load is different. You might need to adjust your washing schedule from several loads on a weekend to doing a single load several nights a week.

Life: Very few, if any, machines are built to reasonably expect 20+ years of totally trouble-free service. It's not like the machines of old, the old GEs, Dependable Care Maytags, old Whirlpools, etc. I'm of the opinion that a good value can be had by buying a mid to low range machine and replace it more often if you must. When you spend $2k on a washer it's hard to not spend $300 for a service call when it breaks down. A $500 (or less) machine, well, that's an easier decision.

Personally, if and when I need to replace, I'm still intrigued with the Fisher & Paykel, the Speed Queen toploader and the Amana front loader (made by Samsung). I would need to build a platform for the frontloader if I got one but it is an interesting little unit.

I have a 4 year old set of Whirlpool Cabrio, topload HE, that I would love to get rid of if the darn things had not cost so much! I absolutely hate the washer (no complaints on the dryer). All of my towels have been destroyed, the edges are tattered and "stringy". I had 15 year old (seriously!) towels that were still in great shape until I got the Cabrio. I don't know what it does to them, but it shreds them in short order. It only seems to affect towels and washcloths, clothing and sheets do okay.

My only stipulation when we were washer shopping was large capacity so i could wash my king size comforter. The Cabrio certainly fits that bill - its huge. It does a decent job of cleaning, no matter how much stuff is in it (although it seems to like large loads better than small, it tends to get off-balance with smaller loads).

Overall, I would not recommend this model.

tkaye, when you load the machine are you dropping the towels in there around the washplate or are you dumping them all in at once, or are you wrapping them around the washplate? Sounds like the machine isn't being loaded correctly. Or possibly being overloaded.

I have the Kenmore front loaders, about 5 years old now. I like them (also have the pedestals) but I always leave the washer door ajar so as not to build up mold or odor. Mine has the super hot setting but not the steam setting, it came out later.

cynic, items are supposed to be dropped around the washplate, not wrapped around or dumped on top. I load the washer correctly, according to whirlpool directions. Forums are full of people complaining about the same thing I complained about, namely shredded towels. As I said above, I've tried both small loads and large loads, although whirlpool claims its almost impossible to overload this washer.

I've had the Kenmore version of Duet frontloader for about six years - very happy with it. Cleans better, does not mutiliate my clothes like the agitator did and I can wash things like rugs and comforters that would not fit in my old toploading Maytag. I like the low water consumption since I'm on septic. I got a Frigidaire Affinity for my weekend lake place about a year and a half ago - I needed a shallower pair than the Kenmore/Duet or I would have purchased same. The Affinity seems to be good too - though it is used much less.

I actually found the Gardenweb forums for the first time when I was looking for reviews of washers and dryers. There were all kinds of horror stories about frontloaders. Fortunately none of them have have been the case for me. I do leave the door ajar and detergent dispenser open after use to prevent the mold issue.

Amazing how many opinions are out there on a creature that spins soap, water and clothes. I bought a Maytag for here after hearing raves about them maybe 12 years ago. The transmission went out the first year and it was covered by warranty. Then it went again. I bought a regular Whirlpool top loader. It mixes soap and water and cleans clothes. I too add things as it washes and like my top loader. We have well water and not so delicate clothes or maybe I would be pickier. I just need something that swishes soap and water.
What do you NEED? That is the first place to start.

Cynic mentioned "Loads: Using a front load is different. You might need to adjust your washing schedule from several loads on a weekend to doing a single load several nights a week. "

I'm not sure which front loaders would have such a long cycle that you couldn't easily keep your same washing schedule. As I wrote in my post my shortest cycle is 30 minutes for a light 'hand wash' load. I can also add or subtract minutes to every wash cycle depending on the soil level of the clothes. The normal cycle is 45 minutes. I can select 'light soil' and 10 minutes will be deducted from the wash. If I select 'heavy soil' then 15 minutes will be added.

Having front loaders hasn't altered my schedule at all. If anything it has enabled me to do more loads if I wish because the clothes come out dryer than my old washer so they spend less time in the dryer. My favorite selection on the washer is 'extended spin' - it adds 5 minutes of high speed spin which is great for getting excess water out of towels, blankets and jeans.

I just need something that swishes soap and water.
That's what I want...the simpler, the better.