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High efficiency washers: front or top loaders

Our washing machine is on its last legs, and instead of wasting time and spending a ton of money to try to fix it - we're looking to buy a new one.

I definitely want a high efficiency one, but I don't know whether to get a front loader or a top loader. My mom has a front loader, and I really like it - but I've read online that when they malfunction, you often can't get your clothes out because the door is locked. I also hate how they charge you so much extra to buy the pedestals. The front loaders definitely get better reviews, but I don't know if it's that much better to make me choose a front over a top loader.

Any opinions/suggestions/advice?

 

Re: High efficiency washers: front or top loaders

  • We have a top loader - it was the top of line top loader from Sears.  (Which was still less expensive than a middle of the road front loader).  I like it - it has some different settings that I like and it cleans my clothes.  I've never had a front loader, so I can't really compare.  
  • We have a front loader: my main concern when looking for a new washer was the capacity.  We went for a larger capacity model, and I am so, so glad that we did. It's amazing how much that thing can hold.

    We have an LG, have had it for 2 years now, and haven't had any problems.  The door does lock when you shut it and turn the machine on, but all you have to do to open it back up is hit the pause button on the cycle.  And we didn't get the pedestals; we got an  awesome deal on the washer/dryer on Cyber Monday (You might want to keep an eye out!), but the pedestals weren't on s ale at the time, so it was something we said we'd look out for on sale & buy later.  Yeah, 2 years later, they're still on the ground. Stick out tongue  it's low, but I don't have a problem with getting stuff in & out.

    The Blog - Parenting: Uncensored


    imageimage

    Jake - 1.15.08
    Liam - 5.17.11
  • imagewaltsgirl102503:
    We have a top loader - it was the top of line top loader from Sears.  (Which was still less expensive than a middle of the road front loader).  I like it - it has some different settings that I like and it cleans my clothes.  I've never had a front loader, so I can't really compare.  

     

    Do you know what brand you have?

     
  • imageegpitt22:
    The door does lock when you shut it and turn the machine on, but all you have to do to open it back up is hit the pause button on the cycle. 

    That's what I read online is that when the "computer" malfunctions - you can't hit any buttons to unlock it (because the computer freezes) and people have had their clothes sitting in water for days while waiting for a repairman.

     
  • imagevalkaz:

    imageegpitt22:
    The door does lock when you shut it and turn the machine on, but all you have to do to open it back up is hit the pause button on the cycle. 

    That's what I read online is that when the "computer" malfunctions - you can't hit any buttons to unlock it (because the computer freezes) and people have had their clothes sitting in water for days while waiting for a repairman.

    aaaaah....I see, I thought maybe people reviewing online were irritated that you had to push a button to get them out.  Because you know how people who sometimes review things online can be!  But yeah, if that's the case that the computer malfunctions, that would be really annoying!

    The Blog - Parenting: Uncensored


    imageimage

    Jake - 1.15.08
    Liam - 5.17.11
  • I have a Samsung top loader.  http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/WA5451ANW/XAA This particular model is no longer available.  We bought it around this time last year at the Sears scratch and dent for $700 something, I believe.  I love it.  I think it has a great capacity (washed a queen size comforter in it with no problem) and gets the clothes clean with less water.  I am 5'3" and at times it is hard to get toddler socks out of the bottom without really stretching.  I would be very comfortable recommending a Samsung.
  • I did a TON of research when we bought a new washer/dryer when we moved at the beginning of the summer.  I did not want a front loader for several reasons: the reviews, the problems, and the need for the pedestals (it would be a need, not just a want for me!).

    We purchased this matching set from Lowe's: Whirpool Cabrio .   It has a large capacity -- even larger than most front loaders -- and enough features to make us happy. 

    I've had no problems at all with it and it does a great job washing clothes.  I have no idea what goes on when people give things such awful reviews.  I seriously wonder sometimes if they even set up their washers/dryers correctly.  I also saw some bad reviews from people who bought their washer in 2007 (so much changes on models from year-to-year!).  Maybe there is just a bad egg here and there, but we love our set!

    Hopefully we love it just as much when we have 2X the laundry in March!

  • imageInkedMegs:

    I did a TON of research when we bought a new washer/dryer when we moved at the beginning of the summer.  I did not want a front loader for several reasons: the reviews, the problems, and the need for the pedestals (it would be a need, not just a want for me!).

    We purchased this matching set from Lowe's: Whirpool Cabrio .   It has a large capacity -- even larger than most front loaders -- and enough features to make us happy. 

    I've had no problems at all with it and it does a great job washing clothes.  I have no idea what goes on when people give things such awful reviews.  I seriously wonder sometimes if they even set up their washers/dryers correctly.  I also saw some bad reviews from people who bought their washer in 2007 (so much changes on models from year-to-year!).  Maybe there is just a bad egg here and there, but we love our set!

    Hopefully we love it just as much when we have 2X the laundry in March!

    Thanks. I think our washer now is a Whirlpool and it only lasted 5-6 years - so I don't think we'll be buying another. I'm aiming for Maytag or Samsung, I think.

     
  • imageegpitt22:

    We have a front loader: my main concern when looking for a new washer was the capacity.  We went for a larger capacity model, and I am so, so glad that we did. It's amazing how much that thing can hold.

    We have an LG, have had it for 2 years now, and haven't had any problems.  The door does lock when you shut it and turn the machine on, but all you have to do to open it back up is hit the pause button on the cycle.  And we didn't get the pedestals; we got an  awesome deal on the washer/dryer on Cyber Monday (You might want to keep an eye out!), but the pedestals weren't on s ale at the time, so it was something we said we'd look out for on sale & buy later.  Yeah, 2 years later, they're still on the ground. Stick out tongue  it's low, but I don't have a problem with getting stuff in & out.

     

    yeah I agree about getting a larger capacity. We have front loader and did not get the big capacity and it is small. What I dislike about it is with a too loader you can shove things in and get things to fit. With the front loader that is small things start falling out while you are putting things in. You can still shove in there but it's annoying. Otherwise the front loader has been fine. We've had ours for 6 years and never got the pedestals. I wish we did though. I have joint issues now so bending down can be a pain at times. 

    Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers
  • Val, it's a Kenmore.  I believe this is the similar one.  Ours is  4-5 years old.  (It predates Brody, who is 3).

    http://www.sears.com/kenmore-3.6-cu-ft-high-efficiency-top-load/p-02626002000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

     

     

  • We have a front loader but wouldn't buy another one.  Unless we leave the door open it gets a mildew smell which is then picked up by the clothes.  This wouldn't be such an issue if it wasn't for the fact that our laundry room is really the hallway between our living room and first floor bathroom.
    image
  • Thanks ladies! I think we may try a top loader and see how it goes.
     
  • I love my LG top loader. It has a huge capacity, stainless tub and no agitator. I do 3 loads for us a week and that takes care of sheets, towels and clothes. It's a big time saver. I hated the thought of paying extra for the pedestals.
    "Never go with a hippie to a second location." ~ Jack Donaghy, 30 Rock
  • imagewaltsgirl102503:
    We have a top loader - it was the top of line top loader from Sears.  (Which was still less expensive than a middle of the road front loader).  I like it - it has some different settings that I like and it cleans my clothes.  I've never had a front loader, so I can't really compare.  

    Married, September 23, 2006

     Lilypie - (mSKC)

    Lilypie - (uxBQ) 
     
  • imagewaltsgirl102503:
    We have a top loader - it was the top of line top loader from Sears.  (Which was still less expensive than a middle of the road front loader).  I like it - it has some different settings that I like and it cleans my clothes.  I've never had a front loader, so I can't really compare.  

    this ^

    Married, September 23, 2006

     Lilypie - (mSKC)

    Lilypie - (uxBQ) 
     
  • imageegpitt22:
    imagevalkaz:

    imageegpitt22:
    The door does lock when you shut it and turn the machine on, but all you have to do to open it back up is hit the pause button on the cycle. 

    That's what I read online is that when the "computer" malfunctions - you can't hit any buttons to unlock it (because the computer freezes) and people have had their clothes sitting in water for days while waiting for a repairman.

    aaaaah....I see, I thought maybe people reviewing online were irritated that you had to push a button to get them out.  Because you know how people who sometimes review things online can be!  But yeah, if that's the case that the computer malfunctions, that would be really annoying!

    We have had our front loaders for 5 years old at our house but we bought them from Craigslist (they were only a year old but the people moved into a new house that had better ones so we bought them for more than half off!)  WE have had a few malfunctions.  There is a code that is displayed.  DH looks up the code online and orders the part and replaces it himself.  Our quote from Sears was $250 for the part, installation, visits, etc.  DH bought the part for $40 and did it himself. 

    We did have an issue when I overloaded the washer and something got caught and it pulled the rubber in and stopped the spinning barrel.  I think if I can find a toploading, large volume HE then I will likely get that for both the first floor and second floor laundry rooms in the next house because I'd like to be able to throw a shirt in after it has started instead of stopping the load, having it drain, unlocking, etc.

    ourblackandgoldworld.blogspot.com
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