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
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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. For me, it is much easier. Plus, it is pretty funny to see the kids gather around it and watch the clothes spin around, I may cancel cable! :)
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.
Just think about having to bend over more with a front load. If you happen to have a back ache as most people do as they get older. I'd rather have a top load, good luck.
We bought a new washer and dryer a couple of years ago. Front loading washer smelled awful after only 3 months. The salesman said you have to run a bleach load about once a week and clean the rubber gasket on the front of the machine.
They just had this very topic in Consumer Reports. As magazines always seem to run a month or two in advance I'm not sure which month it was. But if you have access to them, check it out. Perhaps the library would have them if you don't know anyone with them. They listed the pros and cons of each type and the ratings for each type so you can make the choice that's right for you.
I love, love, love my LG front loading washer and dryer. Mine has a presoak setting, it uses less water and is gentler on the clothing. The matching dryer has a rack you can put in for sweaters or sneakers to dry.
When I moved from Europe to Canada I had to use a Whirlpool top loading machine. I hated it so much. After some use something broke and I had to use it with the lid open. I was horrified when I noticed how part of the clothes were floating above the water. I used a long roller pin to constantly pushing them down (not when spinning). I realized why half of clothes were not perfectly cleaned. The stupid agitator ripped my skirt and made some wholes in a blouse. After using front loading washers all my previous life, I can not tell you how desperate I was, as even my clothes didn't come clean. Washing big sheets even winter jackets was impossible, as they floated above.
In the end, when enough was enough, I bought a GE front loading washer and I couldn't be happier. It is gentle with my clothes and cleans as well as my European washers, excellent. The only thing that is different here, is that we can't choose certain temperatures (like30-40-60-100 degrees C). Here it is cold, tap cold???, warm, hot, and sanitize. Not bad, but I still miss those options. It was possible to set a certain temperature as European front washers heat the cold water from 30 up to 95 degrees C having 5C steps (30, 35, 40, 45...95C).
I heard about mold and odor with the front loaders. I have a top loader.
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