We bought a front-loader from Sears (Kenmore) several years ago, and it has worked just fine. It cleans the clothes very well—my wife is very particular about that. And no problem with smell.
But I make a point of following the instructions. In particular, you should leave the door open when not in use to avoid mildew or smell. And you should fish around the drain at the bottom of the door opening after each wash to remove any lint or dog hair. Also any coins or other items that were carelessly left in pockets. That’s a minor chore, but hardly worse than other daily household tasks. And I suppose you could make it a rule that he who cleans the filter gets to keep the loose change.
If you need the space, the stacked front loaders are a good choice. Mildew smells can also affect top load machines if you don’t leave the lid open to let it dry between washes. I would stick with a basic toploader, but that’s just me.
More can be found by simply going to Google and entering Free Republic: Washing Machines.
By the way, and FYI, this post/thread was on Google 39 seconds after you put it up.
The wash cycle seems to take forever in the front loading type.
I bought another top loading washer and I’m very happy.
“Are front loading washing machines bad?”
It doesn’t matter. Your wife wants one. Who’s going to sleep with you, your wife or your mother or your sister or your friend’s wife? (This is a conservative forum, so your public answer is kind of limited.)
If you want to get a top loader, it has to be your wife’s idea to change her mind, not yours.
By the way, I’ve read that new top loaders aren’t as good as they used to be because of the “environment friendly” compromises they have been forced to make to them.
Disclaimer: I do not own a front-loader. What I tell you is 2nd hand.
Pros: Cleans as well as a top load. Seems to use less water.
Cons: The door breaks easily. Mildew and mold are a problem. Can’t wash as much at one time as in a top-load. Noisier. Expensive to replace and/or repair.
they look cool but they are terrible at getting clothes clean
We had a Kenmore with an extended warranty. After 1 year, the control board fried, but it was under warranty so we didn’t have to pay $1400. A few months after the warranty had expired, it happened again, and locked a set of king size bed sheets inside. I replaced it with a GE top loader with an agitator. The guys that brought the new one, hauled away the old one and put the pedestal from the washer under the pedestal of the dryer. Now the dryer is at the perfect height for throwing clothes in and for taking them out. The top load washer hasn’t failed for 3 years so far.
I’ll be most interested in your decision!
I’m also trying to make the same decision...lol.
We have a Frigidaire for over 5 years without a problem. As for mildew, just leave the door open.
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
we’ve got a Frigidaire..
We like it just fine. Wipe the seal down when done and prop the door. Every 6 months the wife runs some sort of “cleaner” through it.
Had mine for 7 year and I love it (well, as much as one can love an appliance)
Got a Whirlpool as the LE were to tall to fit in my basement. (Space issues, have to stack washer & dryer)
Do a load a day, for over 7 year. Had to get it serviced one time. Change from hubby’s pockets finally blocked the drain. Do a better job of pocket screening now.
They’re fine. Bought one a few years ago. The only problem I had was once I must have closed the door on some clothes and it tore the rubber gasket around the door. Costs a few hundred bucks to get fixed.
Well, I remember my mother’s old Bendix, but that was 60 years ago.....yes, they were front load.
I now have the most popular washer in the Philippines. It is quite mobile, uses no electricity, hard working, and never breaks down. It is called a “Filipina”. :)
I try to switch it off, but it just keeps running and running, as long as it can find something to wash.
When I first married I used front loaders at the laundromat, my clothes were never as bright and clean using them. The clothes were dingy.
I was so happy when we were able to buy a washer and dryer! I will never have a machine without an agitator again, even if I need to rummage junk yards.
Never, ever had a mildew problem with mine like others have.
But I do a load a day and a white/hot water/bleach load once a month and i do an occasional machine cleaning cycle, also with bleach.
Washing machine Vs. Rock
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDsuZkQ9vgM
Funny version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Obo42uQ564
I am happy with the front loading LG washer and drier that came with my new house. Dampness was an issue but figured about leaving the door open. It does a great job at washing.
I prefer Cat front end loaders, though Case and Mitsubishi make some good models. John Deers are underpowered and don’t start in the cold.
Oh—washing machines. Never mind...