The Expenssive Year Continues-Front Load Or Top Load

[Calamity Kris]

Well, the expensive year continues.  The last time the gentleman who repairs our appliances came out to work on the washer, he said the transmission was going to go soon.   At that point, it would be time to replace the washer because repair cost wouldn't be worth it, if he could get the parts.  (He's the only one in the area that will come out this far.)  The drier is hanging on by a thread so we might as well do both at the same time and have a matched pair.

 

So that begs the question, front load or top load?  I know the first generation of front loaders had issues with gaskets leaking.  I understand that isn't the case now.  I do know there are some maintenance steps you must take with all of the new HE machines to keep mildew from building up in them.  Those are no big deal for me. 

 

Thanks for the opinions.

[Gateway Kid SASS# 70038 Life]

I do most of the laundry around our house, so for fathers day 6 years ago my wife got me a LG HE front load washer and dryer. Generally speaking takes about 2 or 2 1/2 hours for a weeks worth of clothes for two people including fold time. (mostly 3 loads sometimes 4). Our previous machines were also front load and lasted near 21 years but the ones before that were top load washer and front load dryer. The front loader washers hold almost twice as much stuff as the top load and the HE uses about 1/2 the water/soap. The only time it has ever leaked was when it was brand new and I changed the filter without first draining it. not much spilled but annoying. (know better now) The front load dryer takes 41 minutes to dry 6 pairs of jeans and 3 work shirts and somewhat less for other stuff. I typically buy a box of laundry detergent once or twice a year. As far as mildew goes the washer has never developed anything, not even an odor and we do nothing special for it.

Good luck

Regards

 

  

 

Gateway Kid

[Loophole LaRue, SASS #51438]

I'm a big believer in simplicity in washers and dryers.  For the average person, anything beyond the basic 4 or 5 cycles, water height adjustment, and warm-cold-hot settings is overkill, and adds greatly to the complexity and cost of repairs.

 

We have had 3 washers in 40 years - including one at our summer cottage for 15 years.  I have done all of the repairs - largely belts.  Ditto with the matching dryers.  All were/are basic Kenmore/Maytag models.  And our clothes come out just as clean as any super-duper, super expensive high-tech gizmo.

 

Not cutting edge, not showy, not anything but basic white - but it gets the job done with minimum expense.

 

LL

[Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172]

Get UNO a washboard and a galvanized washtub. 

 

Look at all the money you would save, and leisure time you could have. 

[Utah Bob #35998]

Front stuffer. Uhses less water and it’s easier on your back getting the clothes out.

[Pat Riot]

We have always had top load washers. I like my clothes washed in lots of water and rinsed in lots of water. My friends that had front loaders liked them and bragged about the water savings. Good for the earth, they say. They all smelled like laundry detergent. Bad for the skin, I say.

[Charlie Plasters, SASS#60943]

IF you go with a top loader, be sure to get one that has an actual agitator in the center. We bought a supposed top ranked one ranked by consumer reports but it is crap! Without the agitator, there is hardly an motion in the tub and since the ranking was probably based highly on the "green factor"  most setting have hardly any water even though consumer reports also says that the amount of water is the most important factor in getting clothes clean. We use bulky bedding or baby clothes setting for everything just to get agitation and water level.

 

 

 

[Yul Lose]

Top loader. Mrs. Lose had nothing but trouble with the last two front loaders. One had non stop leaky gaskets and the other one sounded like a freight train was coming through on the spin cycle.

[Sedalia Dave]

If you buy a front loader or any of the HE machines. Be sure they will fit where you want to put them. Many of the HE machines are larger than the older washers and dryers. Know 2 people that bought HE machines that wouldn't fit their laundry room.

 

Find a mom and pop appliance dealer and ask the owner what is in their house. Find another and ask the same question. 

 

Remember they can usually have whatever model they want and are not very likely to keep a sub standard unit.

[Outlaw Gambler]

Speed Queen, top or bottom is not the main consideration when buying a washing machine. We purchased a new washer and dryer a few months ago and after much research we decided to purchase a set of Speed Queen's. There were a couple of reasons we chose them.

1. Simplicity, there were the basic 3-5 cycles and not all of the other stuff never used

2. Durability, these machines are made primarily for the laundermat industry and therefore are built better

3. Longevity, Unlike the other makes, these machines do not have plastic parts, all metal. 

4. Guarantee, best of all makes. Longest of all makes including the control panel.

5. Price, is competitive but a little higher depending on which model you choose. 

Wife decided to go front loader since it was easier to access. New soap out that Speed Queen dealer sells that only uses like a tablespoon or so and does real well.

If you check on the internet and ask your dealers that sell both and ask them to compare you will end up with Speed Queen.  If they are honest they will admit that most failures on new machines are computerized control panels.

 

[J-BAR #18287]

We are pleased with a top load LG washer, VERY quiet.  We like our LG dryer too.

[Dorado]

I just bought a pair on Saturday. Top load as I don't trust the front load washers. Simple is better. I got a pair of Maytag, with my contractor's discount I paid $1100 vs $1800. My last pair lasted 15 years. Only really had to change belts and clean it from time to time. 

[Assassin]

I purchase all the washers and dryers for our residential facilities. It's mandated by HUD that some of our homes use front loaders. We have much more trouble

with front load machines, usually electrical problems. And, they are expensive to repair. The Speed Queen top loaders are our most reliable machines. They get used 24 hours a day 7 days a week in a drug rehab facility and the guys are not easy on them. Belle Drewry and I just built an addition on our house and are planing on purchasing new top load machines and getting rid of our current front load washer. 

[Jabez Cowboy,SASS # 50129]

Top load ,,,, My daughters front load has a habit of chewing-up her nice clothes the more expensive the better ...

It is a High-end washer and she can't afford to buy another new washer,,, a top load ....

 

Jabez Cowboy