Builder forcing a front load when side load is the standard
Vanessa Schmidt
2 years ago
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Top vs Front Loading Washers
Comments (47)The problem of today's market is that sometimes you have to sacrifice something for another. A couple of reasons for the development of front loader washers is eco-friendliness and space-savings. Eco-friendly in the sense that the front loader uses less water and therefore less detergent. They are also a space-saver because of the ability to stack the dryer on top of the washer, install them in a closet space or even under a kitchen cabinet (like the ones that ASKO produces - http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/W6984FI.html?brand_store=1). But then again there are companies out there that are taking the "less water" concept into consideration when developing top load washers. Take for example, WA42T26GW1 from Fisher & Paykel (I found it here - http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/WA42T26GW1.html) which has an auto water level that senses the size of the load and selects the optimum water level automatically, eliminating water wastage and fabric damage caused by too little water. The only thing is that you can't stack it, but if that isn't a problem for you then it doesn't matter. I use to own a top load before converting to my Electrolux Wave Touch machines, and my machine use to emit a nasty smell (well, maybe not nasty but definitely not pleasant) after a couple of weeks of use and I use to hate cleaning the dispensers which use to get all greased up and nasty (I tend to use this word alot!). So smell there always will be whether you use a front load or a top load. And cleaning the tub is definitely not that difficult as my machine reminds me when I need to do it and all I have to do is run a cleaning cycle with bleach. Like PC vs Mac, there will always be arguments around which one is the best and it will always come down to which one YOU are most comfortable with....See MoreRecomended Front Load Alternative to Miele
Comments (7)The electric vs. gas decision for me, was based on my cost for electricity here where I live in California. Gas is much cheaper and much more common for dryers around these parts because of the outrages power rates. Yes its true, the dryer does do a bit less reverse tumbling than the electric model but the results are great, can't see them being much better. However, I did crack into the programming menu and add the 10 min cool down option, during this time it does a lot of reversing so this may compensate for it somewhat. The only thing I don't like about this dryer is the 45 min warm program (the only timed heat program). I use it if the moisture controlled programs sense something is dry when deep down inside it's not, like a comforter. Here is the problem.The moisture-based programs will shut down after about 20 seconds or so if the dryer detects the load is already dry.Your only option to further dry items or fluff your clothes before you wear them like many do is the 45 min warm, if you want heat. Problem is if you forget about them for very long the dryer gets everything way too hot, so hot you can't hold the items. I had Miele check it and apparently it's fine, operating as designed. Definitely the biggest disappointment about the entire set. It should be called 45 burn you stuff program. I rarely use it anymore. Found better ways to dry comforters and bought a steamer to steam my clothes. None the less a little disappointing. Note on the gas dryer. I think it does less reverse tumbling because when it does reverse the gas shuts off. The flame is dependent on proper airflow, when it reverses for those few seconds there is none. Obviously you don't want that too often. Electric dryers obviously are not affected the same way. This is all speculation on my part however. With all that said they are still so good overall I would buy them all over again. However you may want to wait for the Miele IntelliQ set. I would if I could, they should be out in a few months here in the USA. Here is a link that might be useful: Miele IntelliQ...See MoreFront Load Washers, please help
Comments (32)fahrenheit_451: "I see this as opening the door to others of the same ilk and both the quirky charm and interactions between GardenWeb forum members runs the risk of deterioration." I, on the other hand, see it as a very creative ploy by an excellent and accomplished graduating college football player who was passed over in the first round of the NFL Draft last evening (Chris Polk, RB of the University of Washington) to enhance his chances of being picked in the second or third rounds this evening. See the link below. Here is a link that might be useful: Video of the perpetrator in action...See MoreSpeed Queen Front Load AFN50 Washer Review - Long Post
Comments (236)You don't say whether your FP washer is a TL or FL. In my opinion and experience, having to buy ANY washer & dryer these days is a dilemma in itself. If you buy some Top Loaders you can have some control over the water level; otherwise, forget that with any and all Front Loaders. My Speed Queen FL (cost $1800) is built like a tank and works like a charm except for the water level (13.4 gal split between washing and rinsing!???). San Diego Steve will tell you that is plenty and he has even posted that he sold that model and bought the newer one which uses even less total water per wash cycle (11.xx gal I think). He and I are in complete disagreement on how 4 gal of water can rinse a set of King size sheets that remain in a wad. So FL vs TL is the first hurdle. I'm not sure how much water a SQ TL uses, but that would be my first question. My FL spins like crazy. I would have bought an FP but they are not sold anywhere in the Dallas, TX area. Maytag used to make a Centennial model which my daughter in law has and it has a deep rinse which fills the tub, but might no longer be made. Sorry not to have any more helpful information. The Chinese factor would scare me off as well with the FP. Good luck and please post your final decision with the outcome. It will be up to date and may help others....See MoreJeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
2 years agoVanessa Schmidt thanked Jeffrey R. Grenz, General ContractorVanessa Schmidt
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