I’m also looking for a new machine. My sister in law has had 3 front loaders and said DO NOT get one. She had tons of trouble (guess she thought it was just the brands but after the 3rd one figured out it is just front loaders in general are not good).
I can’t figure out what brand of top loader - had a Samsung HE and it worked great for a couple of years, but now getting unbalanced almost every load. Have had it repaired several times and now Best Buy is going to replace it.
Problem is, all the reviews are mostly people who have had their washer for a few months. Apparently the manufacturers come out with new models every year, so you cant get data on one that is 5 years old that everyone loves and go out and purchase the exact same model.
I’d like one that actually lasts several years without breaking down, like the old ones from the 1960s and 10970s.
Consumer reports is pretty worthless, they only give reliability data on a few unknown brands of top loaders.
Even the top loaders don't last that long any more. Read the reviews. it's hard to find a top loader that doesn't leak without spending as much as you would for a front loader.