Posted on 12/16/2013 5:38:50 PM PST by mykroar
Brother and I will be moving into our house at the end of the month and have a washer question. We've heard that front loaders have issues with smell and continual cleaning, so we're looking at top loaders. Anyone have opinions on the new HE washers versus the older agitator models? Thanks up front.
The advantage of the front loader is the wet cloths on top push down on the cloths on the bottom given a better washing function. Also the more cloths you put in the better this works.
One additional point. Do not put to much detergent in it can cause problems. Put in just a minimum amount for any load until you get used to it.
the comment on leaving the door open is a good idea
Had it about 12 years with only 1 service call (front door catch broke).
leave it open after the wash...no smell at all.
If you leave the door open on a front loader it will get in the way, depending on how small your laundry area is. Not so with a top loader.
You need to leave the door open for a little while after use, to let it dry out so it won’t stink.
!
Load the wash, detergent and appropriate amount of water into a 55 gallon plastic drum that is situated over the rear axle of your truck/suv......drive around for a day or so over rough country roads and your clothes will be washed.
For a rinse...repeat a couple of times with fresh water.
For drying...hang out on clothes line in the sun.
They make a top loader without an agitator and with the capacity of a front loader. It’s called the Cabrio. I’ve never had any trouble with it.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_36_0__?productId=3246320
3 months of the year I use an agitator-less top loader. It even tells the matching dryer how long to run and at what temp. for the load settings.
HATE IT. Not enough water to dilute and flush out dirt and kids odors. Dryer is never right and another trip to re-set it each load. Clothing has “spin wrinkles”. Cost a fortune! 3K?
9 months of the year I use an agitator, top loading, only size level adjustable wonderful, perfect washer. Matched dryer is perfect too. Be sure you pay the extra for an auto dry sensor. It will pay for itself over and over.
I think it was under $700 for the pair 3 years ago. (19 years on the previous set) AMANA
I could replace them 3 times in the 10-15 years the other set may last!
yes, same advice the repair man told me
“Buy the cheapest top loader you can find.’
I have a Bosch top loader. No agitator. Stainless steel tub. Works great. Kinda pricey. Got it at Lowes. Gets clothes clean. Uses less water than regular washer.
“If you leave the door open on a front loader it will get in the way, depending on how small your laundry area is. Not so with a top loader.”
I have a front loading whirlpool that I purchased in 2004.The only problem we have with it was the gasket leaking and that was a minor problem.
I still have that machine and I have NO complaints.
The washer I had prior to this one was a top loader and I’m glad that we replaced it.That thing was a maytag which had serious issues with going out balance.
I used to play with that wringer when I was a kid ... :-) ...
Hey I grew up with a set like that. The second tub was the lake and rinsing was done there!
Later we had a Bendix. ( first auto machine maybe 1940’s?) Front loader that spin so hard it actually would walk across the floor...Had to be bolted down! After I was married I had an electric tub with power roller...Lots of diapers done that way!
What a great life I have had!
I prefer top load - I’ve heard mostly negative from friends/family who’ve bought front load.
top vs front loader.
depends on what your priorities are.
Front loaders will be much more efficient(power and water) vs tops. True a surfactant is added to reduce suds, however using no soap is all most as effective as any detergent. The reason for HE soap has to do with the mechanics and survivability. The current front loaders are much better then the early 2000’s.
Before you do anything get the consumer reports $5 one month internet subscription and base your purchase on that.
We bought a trouble some (fl) Kenmore in 2000 and I managed to keep it going with much effort until 2011. the replacement (fl) has been flawless. Newer machines understand the mold issues and have incorporated a timer for a clean cycle (lots of bleach) to prevent issues
Lastly the front loaders spin so fast that the dry time is much less.
In the end its all about research, do the do diligence and you’ll be happy.
We bought a Maytag Bravos two years ago . It takes a little getting used to. It uses so much less water then our previous top load agitator. I cleans clothes just fine.
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