Front Load washer VS Regular washer - opinions please! :)

**Paws** · 11-04-2010, 08:28 PM

I've always had regular top loading washers...never had a complaint...until mine finally died last year.
So MIL and I went washer shopping. Came home with a new Whirlpool Cabrio HE (top leader-which is the same thing as the front loaders, only it loads from the top).
Don't even ask how much we paid for it...

Even though I still cringe at the price tag on it at the time, I love my washer.

Of course, that's after I finally learned how to use it correctly. These machines aren't like regular washers, you really need to read the manual...((lesson learned the hard way))

As far as the complaints about the mildew/mold or musty smells, leave the lid up at all times unless in use.
Also, these washers needs to be cleaned monthly. Either use 1 cup bleach or 1 tab Affresh and set to "clean washer". Let the cycle run entirely and then promptly open and leave lid up.
In the entire time I've had mine-almost 1 1/2 years, I've not had a problem with the mildew/mold or unpleasant odors.

Actually the only problem/complain I've had, involved user issues...the "user" didn't know how to correctly use the machine. If the "user" had of read the manual before attempting to wash clothes, there wouldn't have been issues....

The HE machines use much less water and spin much faster than
regular machines, so like someone else mentioned, less drying time.

So they kinda pay for themselves after a while.

**The Muse** · 11-05-2010, 06:48 AM

I've always had top loaders, until moving to Europe earlier this year where front loaders are the only option.

The only thing I like better about top loaders is that you can add items after the cycle starts. With the front loader if I realize on my way back upstairs that I dropped or forgot to add something, then I'm out of luck.

I think the front loaders are easier on clothes and actually do a better washing job with less water. I've also found that the spin cycle on the front loader gets out more water than the top loader cycle.

In your position though, I'd return the front loader. I'm a big fan of using things until they wear out, and $500 is a lot to spend on something you already have.

**mslolsalot** · 11-05-2010, 07:56 AM

I love my front loader. I bought it when DS8 was a baby and I was washing diapers all the time. We were on septic, so we saved on pump outs as well as water.

Now I'm in the city and I still love my machinge- going on 7 years now. I use so little detergent and I can wash huge loads. Conversely, when i want to wash a small load, i can do that without concern as opposed to before when i felt that I had to wait for a larger load to justify all of the water the top loader used.

I think with front loaders, you must read reviews and research. Some of them are pricey with a lot of features, while others are not and you often hear people complain about them. Mine is a Kenmore and I have no complaints- though I too leave the door open when not in use as there is sometimes water in the gasket of the door. My machine even has a delay timer and a pause button (for that one sock that escaped the load) as well as a multitude of load options.

**littleplum** · 11-05-2010, 11:26 AM

We have a Kenmore Elite front loader, and I love it. When it senses it is out of balance, instead of walking itself away from the wall like that machine from Mr. Mom, it goes into a rebalance cycle.

We don't pay for water here, but we do pay for natural gas to heat the water and to dry our clothes. The lower water usage means we have to heat less water, and because the washer spins so fast, the clothes dry faster. Our natural gas bills over the summer average less than $30/month.

**moasmom** · 11-05-2010, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by craftypam

The other thing is you need to leave the washer door open when not using to dry out so it doesn't smell.

I can't really add anything new, but I wanted to reiterate this statement. I just leave the washer door open an inch or two after each wash and I don't have mildew issues, nor do I worry about washing out my washer regularly. Definitely read and follow the manual. Lots of problems are no doubt user error.

Gentler on clothes, can wash larger items (dog beds, king-size comforters), uses less water, less soap, less electricity, spins clothes drier...so many reasons to love a front loader.

Kara

**amyd** · 11-05-2010, 02:40 PM

My front loader died this spring and we bought a floor model top loader. I will say there has been a LOT more wear and tear on our clothing, and the towels that we'd had for 10 years started fraying in the last few months. Maybe it's because they were 10 years old, maybe because the new washer is harder on them, some of both, I suspect.

**frugalfranny** · 11-06-2010, 01:17 AM

I would take it back too.

I looked at front load when mine died ---couple years ago ---and they were twice the price as top load. That can buy quite a bit of water........with the cheaper washer.

Not sure what I would get today..........and I think the price has come down a little bit..........I like my top load.

**craftypam** · 11-06-2010, 06:08 AM

Originally Posted by The Muse

I've always had top loaders, until moving to Europe earlier this year where front loaders are the only option.

The only thing I like better about top loaders is that you can add items after the cycle starts. With the front loader if I realize on my way back upstairs that I dropped or forgot to add something, then I'm out of luck.

I think the front loaders are easier on clothes and actually do a better washing job with less water. I've also found that the spin cycle on the front loader gets out more water than the top loader cycle.

In your position though, I'd return the front loader. I'm a big fan of using things until they wear out, and $500 is a lot to spend on something you already have.

I have a Whirlpool Duet and there is a light that is on to add an item until it is too late. Before its too late I push my pause button and can ad an item.

**xrysti** · 11-06-2010, 03:52 PM

I've got another vote for front loaders, since they are super efficient compared to top loaders. Which is probably why they are so commonplace in laundromats!
After having used a front loader that was in the house we were renting previously and now having a top loader in the apt we're in now - I hate it! The stupid thing is incapable of washing very small loads without wasting a lot of water, and I find that I have to use *more* detergent than what's recommended on the package to get stuff clean -- though that my be just due to it being a very cheap washer.

**KeithBC** · 11-07-2010, 12:19 AM

We got a front-loader when we moved here because the well only produces 5 gallons per hour. They use a lot less water.

Our first front-load washer was a Kenmore, and it worked fine until about a month ago. Then, just as the warranty expired, so did the machine. The tub started beating itself to death. After consulting with the local repair expert, we concluded that it was not economically fixable. We did the last few loads, while waiting for the new one to arrive, on the "delicate" cycle.

The new one is an LG (brand name). They have good reviews, and this one has a ten-year warranty on the drive train.

The mildew problem is easily fixed by regular cleaning and drying. The new machine has a tub clean cycle, which you are supposed to use once a month. We have found that front-loaders not only use less water, but they spin clothes drier, so you don't have to use the dryer so much (in winter. In summer, we use a clothes line.) They have fewer moving parts than a top-loader, so in theory at least, they should last longer than top loaders.

**Cricketlegs** · 11-08-2010, 01:04 PM

I love my whirlpool duets washer and dryer! There is no way I would go back. I really like the way the pedestals raise it up so I don't have to bend over and that I can wash my king size bedding. As for smell/mold, I have had mine at least 3 if not 4 years and it is a non issue for me. I just get a rag wet with vinegar and wipe down the tub every so often.

**annymoll** · 11-08-2010, 07:32 PM

I have a top loader machine in both laundry areas of our house. My daughter has a front loader, which I have used. I have noticed that the front loader is much quieter. I think it does better on delicate items.I haven't noticed it spinning the clothes out any better.I think the front loader takes more time cycle wise.I hope my machines last and last.

**Live2Love** · 11-10-2010, 09:51 PM

We have a top loader, however recently I did a lot of research on front loaders as we were planning to replace the washer when our dryer died (buy a set) We ended up replacing the dryer belt and rollers and never purchasing a set, but the research was done anyway, lol.

The mold/mildew problem occurs when people leave the door closed for too long after a cycle is complete or when the washer isn't being used at all (i.e between loads) As with any air tight seal, if there's water/moisture inside mold/mildew will begin to grow.

Every manufacturer site that I've read clearly stated that the door needs to be open when the machine isn't in use, or the washer needs to be wiped dry before closing the door.

Some are better than others, in terms of the simplicity of keeping the mold/mildew out and others seemed to be a pain (one company recommended bleaching the washer at least 2x a month and cleaning the entire door area with a "special brush & cleaner")

All in all, when we go to replace this washer when it finally does die I will get a front load OR an agitator free top loader, even some of those are very good on water usage.

**Saule** · 11-13-2010, 10:54 AM

We had a front loader most of the time I was growing up. It just got the laundry cleaner. I love using the larger frontloaders at the laundromat, when I need to use one, because of that. The water savings for me would be substantial, but my washer is pretty new and it makes no sense to change it right now. I don;t remember seeing the frontloaders at the store when I replaced it. Since my last washer lasted 20 years, I think it will be a while before I'm in the market!

**mom2three** · 11-13-2010, 04:44 PM

We had a first generation Maytag frontloader -it was junk and the subject of a class action suit. It did not clean well and had issues draining. Even following cleaning protocols, the seal got moldy because it didn't drain properly. I've had top loaders since, but will buy a front loader next time as they are much better now.