Does anyone have any strong opinions either way on top loading vs. front loading washers, or HE vs "regular"?

It doesn't even seem like you can buy a decent agitating washer anymore, all of them are HE.

I just got a top-loading HE and regret not getting a front loader, because watching the top-loader wash, it's obvious that for larger loads, the agitating effect is less effective, and that the HE wash cycle puts more strain on the motor of a top-loading washer.

3/3/2015 3:12:00 PM

I went out and bought a $1600 HE front loader.
We had nothing but problems with it for three years.
Went out and spent $400 for a highly positive reviewed non-HE top loader. This thing puts the washer that was 4x more expensive to shame.

I like our front load dryer, but can't stand the front load washers.

3/3/2015 9:38:17 PM

Front load washers suck. Get a top loader that is well ranked by consumer reports and you won't regret it.

3/3/2015 9:49:59 PM

I bought a front loader in 2003. Middle of the pack Kenmore model. haven't had any problems with it. I haven't really used it since 2005, but if there was problems i woulda heard about it from my wife by now.

3/3/2015 10:03:51 PM

I bought a new set in 2012 (HE frontload washer). No problems with them and my clothes get clean and dry. I appreciate the fact the HE supposedly uses less water. I assume whatever the manufacturer says about this aspect is true. Only complaint I have is that I have to leave the washer door open to prevent smells/mold/etc. Really wish these came with some type of drying feature/mechanism so the door can be left closed.

3/4/2015 9:24:15 AM

I haven't had a single problem with 8 years of front loading Samsung washers (knock on wood)

I feel like the lack of an agitator means less wear and tear on my clothes, and i think on average front loaders are more water/power efficient/get clothes dryer. But is that worth a significantly higher price tag and a less reliable machine? Probably not.

Quote :

"Only complaint I have is that I have to leave the washer door open to prevent smells/mold/etc. Really wish these came with some type of drying feature/mechanism so the door can be left closed."

I use a screwdriver to keep the door just barely open. Don't have to leave wide open, if that helps



[Edited on March 4, 2015 at 10:03 AM. Reason : V did you leave the door closed after use?]

3/4/2015 9:48:39 AM

Do your research on all washer/dryers, but extra careful research on frontload. We've had a frontload for the past 5 years. Works fine, but water pools in the inner mold/seal part of the washing machine. First couple of years when it was just me and another male roommate, we didn't give a shit and ignored it. Wife moved in and noticed that it was creating mold and a smell. Couldn't get it out and had to order a new seal and replace it myself (not cheap or easy). Did some research and found out that this was common in pretty much every front-load washing machine (I'm sure there are exceptions).

We're going to avoid front loading washers the next time around if we can (unavoidable with our space limitations in our current house).

3/4/2015 9:58:25 AM

^^not a bad idea; though I guess mine are slightly unlevel because the door swings open if not latched (e.g. won't stay just cracked)

3/4/2015 11:43:34 AM

front loaders are better than the new top loaders. you just have to keep the door open and use bleach regularly to keep mildew smell out.

they stopped making decent top loaders about 4 years ago.

3/4/2015 5:43:28 PM

^my experience tells me your blanket assessment is false.

3/4/2015 5:54:25 PM

find a used toploader on craigslist. they practically give them away. i've got one my dad gave me when he got a fancy HE front loader. drain pump eventually went out, slapped a new one in there for like $40.

3/4/2015 6:07:32 PM

Quote :

"Do your research on all washer/dryers, but extra careful research on frontload. We've had a frontload for the past 5 years. Works fine, but water pools in the inner mold/seal part of the washing machine. First couple of years when it was just me and another male roommate, we didn't give a shit and ignored it. Wife moved in and noticed that it was creating mold and a smell. Couldn't get it out and had to order a new seal and replace it myself (not cheap or easy). Did some research and found out that this was common in pretty much every front-load washing machine (I'm sure there are exceptions). We're going to avoid front loading washers the next time around if we can (unavoidable with our space limitations in our current house)."

I have to wipe out the rubber flex-joint/seal on ours every 3-5 loads to keep the gunk from building up and then dislodging...which of course always happens with a load of whites.

3/5/2015 9:02:45 AM

Quote :

"you just have to keep the door open and use bleach regularly to keep mildew smell out."

Which is fucking annoying. You shouldn't have to do that with an expensive washing machine.

3/5/2015 9:27:49 AM

I'm pretty easily annoyed, but sticking a screwdriver in the door of my washing machine when I'm done with it doesn't really register.

3/5/2015 9:30:57 AM

I meant bleaching and drying it out.

3/5/2015 9:49:12 AM

Quote :

"You shouldn't have to do that with an expensive washing machine."

just like you shouldn't have to clean the mildew off the tiles after your $10k bathroom remodel.

biology happens, money has nothing to do with it

3/5/2015 12:43:54 PM

^^ the screwdriver keeps the door open which dries it out.

I don't feel the need to use bleach in mine for maintenance purposes...but I do use it in the occasional white load. I think the bleach is only if you leave the door closed for a long time (i guess?)

3/5/2015 1:09:16 PM

Or just get a damn toploader and don't worry about anything

3/5/2015 1:35:11 PM

Quote :

"biology happens, money has nothing to do with it "

Biology doesn't happen in a top-loader.

I'm just saying that after my experience with a front-loader, I'll try and avoid them in the next purchase if I can. We either run through about 10 paper towels or have a constantly soggy rag next to the washing machine to dry it out after each wash. That could be on the extreme side...I'm just advising to carefully read user reviews before purchasing a front load washer. I don't think it's asking too much to not have to dry out a $1,000 machine after every wash.

3/5/2015 1:59:57 PM

damn, i'm hoping our washer doesn't break anytime soon. sounds like quality has gone to shit since 2003.


*we do keep the door ajar after washes to avoid the mold/smell issues, but never have to wipe it down or bleach it or any of that shit.

3/6/2015 9:56:53 AM

JUST GET A DAMN TOPLOADER AND DON'T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING!!!!!

3/6/2015 10:20:55 AM

Samsung top load we've been pleased with. Got both for <$1k

Never going back to front load

3/6/2015 8:26:08 PM

MaximaDrvr, what model do you have and how noisy is it? I got a used Kenmore set for $120 about 4 years ago and it's been reliable, but the washer is louder than I would like (damn house was built with the laundry in the middle and it shares a wall with the master closet instead of putting it in the garage).

3/10/2015 9:05:04 PM

So what is wrong with the HE toploaders? We have one in our building (shared laundry room) that's about 1.5 years old and it seems to do a great job at getting the clothes clean. Plus I like the fact that it doesn't have an agitator as you don't have to be concerned about things getting wrapped around it and damaged. I saw the invoice when they moved it in, thing was only about $450.

While it'll be a little odd to intentionally buy an unmatched set, when we do buy a house this year or next, the current plan is to do an HE toploader washer and a front-load steam dryer. (Less ironing FTW...)

3/11/2015 1:30:17 AM

^^ it is a whirlpool brand! but I have no idea on the model. I can try to remember to dig through my warranty binder and find it.

3/11/2015 6:53:53 AM

We have a LG washer/dryer set. Top loader HE washer.



We got it at the Sears Outlet off Fayetteville Rd.

We've had it about a year and a half. We love it. No problems and we use it every single day.

3/11/2015 2:51:03 PM