Front-Load Washers/Dryers

[OpenThirdEye]

I'm looking to pick up a new washer/dryer set. I've had my eye on the Whirlpool Duet Series, but I've gotten mixed reviews about front-load washers and dryers in general.

Some say they're great and efficient and they couldn't be happier. Others say that they've had to be repaired over and over again.

So what's ATOT's experience been with front-loaders?? Any recommendations? Should I just stick with the "old school" washer/dryer combo?

 

[ViRGE]

For what it's worth, my folks have had a Maytag Neptune washer/dryer set for 11 years now and have never had an issue.

 

[PricklyPete]

I really don't know. I have a really cheap (so I'm sure crappy) washer/dryer set that I bought off an old roommate for $200 and is still working like a charm...so I'm no expert.

That being said, I was working in Denmark and this Danish lady started going off on how we in America have had really crappy top load washers for so long with the "stalk" in it and that front load washers are unbelievably better and don't damage your clothes nearly as much. My conclusions from this conversation were:

Either
1) You don't argue with women over washers and front load washers really are superior.
2) She was told this by some salesman wanting her to spend more money and has been reciting this to every person she knows has a top load just to make her feel better about herself.
3) She's a raging lunatic (as some of her other antics indicated) and should be *not* be trusted.

So I still have no idea...and probably neither do you. I'd check out something like Consumer Reports...

Ironically, the reason washers came up with this Danish women was that her front load washer went bust and needed to be replaced...and it wasn't as old as my good old $200 dollar job...so if you base your decisions off of anecdotal evidence...then maybe you should try to get a $200 used top load washer as it is clearly the most superior.

 

[Vette73]

Read a lot of reviews about the model you want. Go to sears, amazon, etc... and you will see if there is a pattern. My wife wanted the extra large top loader, like 4.5cu ft. Well aftre reading all the reviews it was out. Just a lot of problems. Not problems with the same compnaies work, just that type of model.
So in the end we went with a 4.2cu ft LG front load washer/dryer. No problems yet after about 6 months.

 

[HannibalX]

My wife and I have had this washer and this dryer (they are a pair) from Frigidaire for many years now. They both do a great job and you can stack them. They are great if you live in a condo or apartment that has a small laundry area (which is why we bought them).

Edit: Also cheap washers will tear up your clothes and cheap dryers will take FOREVER to dry clothes and use more energy. I know this from first hand experience. You get what you pay for.

 

[OpenThirdEye]

Wow! Thanks for the replies! I'm going to start with some more research on reviews from Amazon and the like. Keep the replies coming folks!

 

[aircooled]

My frontload Frigidaire washer/dryer set is 10 years old now and still running as well as the day I bought them. Cost a little more up front, but uses less water and less detergent.

 

[Aharami]

marked, because I'll need to buy a new washer/dryer in the next couple months

 

[Engineer]

My wife and I purchased a Whirlpool Duet Sport (smaller) set about 3 months ago to use in an upstairs laundry room. No matter how much leveling that I did on the unit (and even screwed an additional 3/4" piece of plywood to the subfloor), the unit sounded like a freight train. Replaced it with another Duet and the same thing. Talked to Lowes and replaced it with the Samsung model (ball bearning technology to balance the load) and couldn't be happier. It cost more, but it was definitely worth it.

If you have a concrete subfloor or the unit is in a basement, it might not matter much but if you're in an upstairs situation (or even on a first floor that isn't a slab), you might consider something else other than the Whirlpool.

I'm not biased as I owned a Whirlpool top loader for nearly 15 years and had little issue with it. Just didn't like the front load models because of noise and vibration.

This is the Samsung washer that we purchased.. We did stack the dryer on top of the washer because of our smaller laundry room and am completely happy with the extra room. The stacking kit's cost about $20 for most front load sets if you wish to stack them.

Good luck!!!

 

[OpenThirdEye]

Originally posted by: Engineer
My wife and I purchased a Whirlpool Duet Sport (smaller) set about 3 months ago to use in an upstairs laundry room. No matter how much leveling that I did on the unit (and even screwed an additional 3/4" piece of plywood to the subfloor), the unit sounded like a freight train. Replaced it with another Duet and the same thing. Talked to Lowes and replaced it with the Samsung model (ball bearning technology to balance the load) and couldn't be happier. It cost more, but it was definitely worth it.

If you have a concrete subfloor or the unit is in a basement, it might not matter much but if you're in an upstairs situation (or even on a first floor that isn't a slab), you might consider something else other than the Whirlpool.

I'm not biased as I owned a Whirlpool top loader for nearly 15 years and had little issue with it. Just didn't like the front load models because of noise and vibration.

Good luck!!!

That was another issue I had heard about! I've been spending a lot of time looking at Whirlpool, but I think I'm going to branch out to Samsung and Frigidaire as well!

 

[HannibalX]

Originally posted by: aircooled
My frontload Frigidaire washer/dryer set is 10 years old now and still running as well as the day I bought them. Cost a little more up front, but uses less water and less detergent.

Chances are you have a similar model to the one I have since mine is about 10 years old as well. IIRC Frigidaire only sold one front loader back then.

 

[HannibalX]

I solved the vibration issue by take four small (2"x2") squares of double folded box cardboard and placed one under each foot of the washer. The ability of the cardboard to conform to the feat of the washer and the possible unlevel floor surfance elimited ALL vibration. My washer has been running smooth and quiet for a long, long time now. The cardboard squares cannot be seen as they are hidden under the washer.

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: OpenThirdEye
[That was another issue I had heard about! I've been spending a lot of time looking at Whirlpool, but I think I'm going to branch out to Samsung and Frigidaire as well!

I researched for about two full days before I decided on the Samsung. The Whirlpool has a drum suspended by 4 (6 on the larger Duet models) bands with shocks and a very large concrete block attached to the front of the drum. I took the front cover off and it was amazing that it was vibrating so fast and hard (suprised it didn't shake the house more than it did). The Samsung has an inner and outer drum and the layer between them is filled with stainless steel ball bearings. When the load is off balance, the inner drum will displace the bearings (the bearings will fall in behind the inner drum) and will balance the load.

Also, it's amazing how little water the front loader use and because of the super high spin speeds, the drying time for even large loads is cut to 30-35 minutes per load. Saves lots of water and energy (to dry).

 

[Synomenon]

Yes, front-load washers and dryers are great. We have LG Trom washer / dryer set and they're energy efficient units. The washer uses much less water than the old whirlpool traditional type washer we used to have. The LG doesn't ruin clothes like our old washer did. Many of my shirts would get holes on the back of the neck line area with the old washer.

They usually have larger capacities as well.

 

[schmedy]

I also have the LG Trom set and love them. I have nothing but raves, and if you look on some of the other "deal" sites you can find when certain places are having specials on them. Also being Energystar, there was rebates for both of them, and you can at write part of them off on taxes if you itemize.

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: schmedy
I also have the LG Trom set and love them. I have nothing but raves, and if you look on some of the other "deal" sites you can find when certain places are having specials on them. Also being Energystar, there was rebates for both of them, and you can at write part of them off on taxes if you itemize.

I may be wrong, but I think the Energystar writeoffs ended in 2007.

 

[Jessica69]

We bought a front loading washer/dryer set last year to replace a top loading set that was slowly wearingout.....pump was getting weak in the washer and the dryer was just tired (but what would you expect after 12 years?)

While we were hesitant about buying the front loaders, since then our hesitation has disappeared and we're quite glad we made the purchase.

The washer is much quieter when operating than the top loader and have yet to hear it spin (or feel it either....since its rotational axis is 90 degrees off of what the top loader is. We sued to "feel" the top loader spin when it was unbalanced....and the front loader, no matter the load inside, has yet to make itself "Felt" when spinning...if that makes any sense.)

The washer does use much less water than the top loader....and we've noticed a little drop in our elect. bill from that. Not huge by any means, but every bit helps.

The washer extracts much more water from the clothes/towels/whatever than the top loader ever did which reduces the drying time spent drying the load of clothes. Our washer has quite a few cycles pre-programmed into it (delicates, towels, heavy, permanent press, "quick", etc.) with their pre-programmed water temp, spin settings, but all the settings are "customizable", meaning we can override what the washer has preset and pick our own. We usually put the spin at med or heavy instead of the "lighter" spin settings found on the delicate or perm press cycles. Have yet to see what difference the slower/lighter extraction speeds would make....maybe fewer wrinkles on what comes out of the washer, but other than that, we use the faster two setting pretty much all the time....and the clothes come out VERY dry from the washer.

The washer and dryer are physically smaller than the front loaders they replaced and we ended up, after playing around with how to arrange them in the laundry room and after some use, stacking the dryer on top of the washer. And even stacked, the dryer's door is still quite low...and I'm only 5' 2" tall and I have no problem seeing or reaching down into the dryer or operating the front controls.

And the waher does treat clothes much nicer than a top loader. There's no agitator ripping and whipping back and forth...the clothes just tumble. And we've noticed we just haven't been able to overload the washer yet.....and we've tried. 8 pairs of jeans, 6 large bath towels, and more and the washer just works. Pack a top loader with an agitator too much and the clothes won't circulate properly and won't come clean......and this hasn't been a problem at all with the front loader.

We bit the bullet buying the front loaders.....and we'll never go back to a top loading machine. We see now why the Europeans like them so much and wonder why they were so late to the scene here in the states......cost maybe? Just a much superior way to wash....

 

[WolverineGator]

Jessica is right on all counts. Mine are 5 years old and doing great. Check CraigsList for used ones.

 

[freeway]

I have the whirlpool duet sport also, however I have only used them for about a week. I bought them a couple months ago when Lowes had 10% off appliances and a MIR for a $100 gift card and I had an extra 10% coupon so they cost me about $520 each. They sat around until I completed my second floor laundry room. So far I like them. The washer vibrates some when on the top spin speed, but neither the washer nor the dryer seem to vibrate excessively. Drying time is much better than with my old top loader washer and dryer, averaging about 30 minutes. I was surprised the normal wash cycle takes 54 minutes, but I have been using the quick wash function which takes a little over 30 minutes. I can't tell the difference between the two cycles. So far I am happy, but I have only put about 10 loads through them so time will tell. BTW the washer is a lot quieter than my parents Fisher Pakel top loader and both vibrate less then my old Maytag washer and dryer.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Big fan of front loading washers.

Had a set of Kenmores(rebadged Frigidaires) that I used for several years with no issues and then gave to my brother when I moved cross country and he's been trouble free for a couple of years.

I now have a set of LGs stacked-up on my third floor bedroom. Hardly any vibration and noise, so that I can use them when I sleep. They do take longer to wash clothes than a top loader but clothes come out cleaner, dryer and uninjured.

Read reviews on Sears, BestBuy and HomeDepot's sites.

 

[OpenThirdEye]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Big fan of front loading washers.

Had a set of Kenmores(rebadged Frigidaires) that I used for several years with no issues and then gave to my brother when I moved cross country and he's been trouble free for a couple of years.

I now have a set of LGs stacked-up on my third floor bedroom. Hardly any vibration and noise, so that I can use them when I sleep. They do take longer to wash clothes than a top loader but clothes come out cleaner, dryer and uninjured.

Read reviews on Sears, BestBuy and HomeDepot's sites.

Hrmm...I never even considered Kenmore! I'll have to add them to the list as well!

 

[robphelan]

research, research, research...

we bought a set of Bosch front loaders... the washer was total crap... after a year it retained a very digusting modly smell..

i had bought the 4 yr warranty from lowes.. they were VERY good about sending people out to fix if there was a problem...

however, when they weren't able to fix the issue of the moldy smell 3 times, they basically refused to replace it - they said it did not affect the way the machnine worked.

I got Bosch on the line in a 3 way conference... they saw my repair history and after about 8 minutes, volunteered to replace my washer for free with a newer model (and an upgraded one with internal water heater). they sent out a delivery service to take out my old one and install the new one.

that's been over 2yrs ago and this washer has been great.

As it turned out, a LOT of people on epinions.com and other sites had the same exact issue I did.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: robphelan
research, research, research...

we bought a set of Bosch front loaders... the washer was total crap... after a year it retained a very digusting modly smell..

i had bought the 4 yr warranty from lowes.. they were VERY good about sending people out to fix if there was a problem...

however, when they weren't able to fix the issue of the moldy smell 3 times, they basically refused to replace it - they said it did not affect the way the machnine worked.

I got Bosch on the line in a 3 way conference... they saw my repair history and after about 8 minutes, volunteered to replace my washer for free with a newer model (and an upgraded one with internal water heater). they sent out a delivery service to take out my old one and install the new one.

that's been over 2yrs ago and this washer has been great.

As it turned out, a LOT of people on epinions.com and other sites had the same exact issue I did.

In regards to moldy smell, I always leave my front washer's door open to let it air out.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: OpenThirdEye

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Big fan of front loading washers.

Had a set of Kenmores(rebadged Frigidaires) that I used for several years with no issues and then gave to my brother when I moved cross country and he's been trouble free for a couple of years.

I now have a set of LGs stacked-up on my third floor bedroom. Hardly any vibration and noise, so that I can use them when I sleep. They do take longer to wash clothes than a top loader but clothes come out cleaner, dryer and uninjured.

Read reviews on Sears, BestBuy and HomeDepot's sites.

Hrmm...I never even considered Kenmore! I'll have to add them to the list as well!

Kenmore and Frigidaire are just rebadges. I have Frigidaires that are Maytag rebadges.

 

[robphelan]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: robphelan
research, research, research...

we bought a set of Bosch front loaders... the washer was total crap... after a year it retained a very digusting modly smell..

i had bought the 4 yr warranty from lowes.. they were VERY good about sending people out to fix if there was a problem...

however, when they weren't able to fix the issue of the moldy smell 3 times, they basically refused to replace it - they said it did not affect the way the machnine worked.

I got Bosch on the line in a 3 way conference... they saw my repair history and after about 8 minutes, volunteered to replace my washer for free with a newer model (and an upgraded one with internal water heater). they sent out a delivery service to take out my old one and install the new one.

that's been over 2yrs ago and this washer has been great.

As it turned out, a LOT of people on epinions.com and other sites had the same exact issue I did.

In regards to moldy smell, I always leave my front washer's door open to let it air out.

that wasn't the problem, and frankly, you shouldn't have to do that - do people with top loaders leaver the tops open? Also, with 2 kids under 4, that could be a hazard.

there was a design issue with that model - not all of the water was pumped out.

i tried leaving the door open, using vinegar, and bleach... the smell would go away for a day or two, but would come right back.

Bosch acknowledged there was an issue and they had received lots of complaints.