Does anyone have an opinion on getting a new front loading high-efficiency washing machine versus an Energy Star top load washer?
By Tiffany Davidson from FL
I love my new front loader, it seems to get the clothes much cleaner and I can fit more in there too. I also use much less soap and I'm sure my energy and water bills are lower.
The only complaint I have ever heard is problems with having a smelly washer over time. I have had it over 6 months and have just recently noticed some small odor problems, which cleared up when I ran the cleaning function. I would recommend never using liquid fabric softener and only using HE soap though, that seems to be why people have problems.
It may be true that you have to bend over more for a front loader but I am short and would have to sort of jump up to get all the clothes out of my old washer.
On my front loader, I have a choice of fast spin or regular. I think my front loader is far easier on my clothes than a top loader with and agitator. Front loaders gently lift and drop the clothes, not beat them to death. They use less water, soap and electricity. At least that's what my research told me when I was considering buying mine about 8 years ago. I love mine. I can put far more in it without squishing them too tightly. I'd never willingly go back to a top loader.
I have a Cabrio top loading washer. It saves on water, using small amounts for small loads. The capacity is huge. I wash my quilted king size bedspread in it, and dry it in my Cabrio dryer.
I like my top loading sud saver Maytag. The few times I wished for the front load for certain things is few in the year, and the laundromat is one block away for those things.
Negatives: Opening the door to check stains on clothing so you don't go the full cycle locked and can't see. Restarting the wash cycle 2-3 times over for more extended swish time. Can't use the washer to dye anything you would need.
Can't just fill. swish for 5 minutes and let it presoak something for a couple hours, check it, soak again.
Also, you can't open it and check it and restart the spin cycle all over again.
My neighbor was forced into choosing which kind to replace hers with and so got the front loader--had to buy special detergent for her new one, hauled over several bottles of what she used to use. Myself, I have used the proper detergent they require since 1977. I use a 1 oz measure with each load.
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When comparing a front loader washer to top loader as it relates to spinning the clothes much faster in the front loader. Does this wear out the clothes faster?
