Opinions of front loading washer/dryers

[notposting]

Makes sense. And agreed, I don't quite see how a top loader without an agitator can clean as well.

And if we didn't have water issues here in SoCal...I'd probably still have a front loader since it cleans better!

In Michigan with cheap water, and would use (a good performing, affordable) front loader over equivalent top loader.

 

[Murloc]

let's face it: the love for top-loading machines is just another item in the long list of why 6% of the world population (the US) consumes 25% of the energy.

 

[ControlD]

Makes sense. And agreed, I don't quite see how a top loader without an agitator can clean as well.

I have no complaints with how our LG top loader (no agitator) performs. It gets the clothes as clean or cleaner as any machine I have used, which in the past were always the old fashioned top loader types of machines. Of course the real benefit, as with front loaders, is how much more water gets extracted from the clothes before going into the dryer.

 

[slightlyhuman]

Not a fan of Samsung lately. Their TV's aren't made well. The screens are nice but the speakers are bad, they take a long time to start, etc.

I guess I would suggest not getting a Samsung TV then...

However, so far, their washing and drying units I purchased have been great so far and damn are they sexy looking. I opted for 3 year warranty for an extra $90. I was a little skeptical or the digital panel on the units but the reviews speak for themselves.

 

[NetWareHead]

Front loaders are notorious for mold growth. It requires a cleaning ~monthly via vinegar or some other front loader cleaner.

I have had a front loader since 2004 (2 different washer) and have never needed to vinegar bathe it. I too have heard of this problem and out of fear, started to leave the door open too. However, for the first few years I would keep my door closed when not in use and never had problems or smell ever.

That being said, I think it is a good idea to leave all washers (front or top loader) open after a cycle to allow for the drum to dry and head off an potential problems.

 

[NetWareHead]

Have you ever started a load of laundry only to discover you forgot to put something in? With a top loader, you simply pause the washer, open the lid and add that item. What do you do with a front loader that is full of water? I am guessing you are out of luck.

I do this on my front loader all the time. The horizontal drum does not fill with water completely and items can be added. This is why front loaders are more water efficient than top loaders.

We purchased a LG set a few years ago with a top load washer (no spindle) and it has been great. I would go for a top loader personally. No seals to tear / replace and easier to use overall.

Id venture to say even the top loader has seals/rubber that can fail. The drum has penetrations for hoses etc... which need to be waterproofed.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I have had an LG front loader (I think it was the entry-level model) for about 5 years and always left the door partly open. I have never cleaned it with vinegar, and I have never had any mold/mildew issues. My parents have had a similar model for about 8 years with the same results.

My fiancee is an executive at Best Buy and we will shortly be buying a top-of-the-line LG washer-dryer set - I look forward to the steam features!

 

[ControlD]

I do this on my front loader all the time. The horizontal drum does not fill with water completely and items can be added. This is why front loaders are more water efficient than top loaders.

Yeah, I see that now. The only front loaders I have used were in the laundromat years ago, and once those started it wasn't possible to add items. It makes sense that the newer models would have that feature.

I'm sure the front loaders are a bit more water efficient, but the newer style top loaders also use way less water than the old style machines. They only add enough water to get the clothes clean rather than filling the tub. Both are much more efficient than what I grew up with.

 

[Possessed Freak]

Seal fails, WOW look at that mess!

No, I will stick to top load.

 

[nageov3t]

Seal fails, WOW look at that mess!

No, I will stick to top load.

it's true, top-loading washing machines have never led to flooding.

 

[sao123]

Superior except for higher water usage, doesn't remove as much water in the spin cycle, and doesn't clean as well? Oh, doesn't tear up the clothes like the agitator models do.

The first electric washers were front load. Most of the world uses front load. Commercial - front load. There's a reason.

LOL at DRM. :awe:

Merica - we don't conserve water...

What you mean is front loaders don't clean as well at all, why wash only 30% of my clothes at a time, when I can wash 100%? 1/3 the water = 3x the wash time to get the same results.


erm... no!
the first electric washing machine was a top loader with rollers.

Most of the world is 3rd rate countries without running water.
There is a reason - they don't know any better.


You can lol @ DRM all you want, but front loaders require special high efficiency soap... go ahead, use regular soap, ruin both your clothes and the machine.

no thanks!!

 

[thomsbrain]

I'm all for water savings but our front loader is a mold-farm no matter how many times we clean it, run bleach, leave the door open, et cetera.

 

[NutBucket]

You can lol @ DRM all you want, but front loaders require special high efficiency soap... go ahead, use regular soap, ruin both your clothes and the machine.

no thanks!!

Uh, the soap just produces less suds and is the same cost so I'm not understanding your complaint....

 

[nageov3t]

is there a compelling reason to worry about saving water if you don't live in an area affected by water shortages? I mean, it just gets treated and goes back into the water cycle doesn't it?

 

[feralkid]

I'm all for water savings but our front loader is a mold-farm no matter how many times we clean it, run bleach, leave the door open, et cetera.

Try using less detergent.

 

[feralkid]

is there a compelling reason to worry about saving water if you don't live in an area affected by water shortages? I mean, it just gets treated and goes back into the water cycle doesn't it?

Yes, after being run through some high maintenance piping systems to some pretty expensive machinery that uses a lot of energy, so yeah, no need to conserve.

:awe:

 

[SearchMaster]

We have one of the newer top-load, no agitator models (LG) and matching dryer. They are absolutely great - no complaints.