• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Recommend me a washer and dryer

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
TXHokie said:
I also don't like the front load machines which doesn't let me add stuffs ...
Click to expand...

Eh? I add stuff to my Bosch all the time. Hit the pause button, it unlocks the door, and I throw something else in. Hit start, and off it goes.

...Not to mention mold issues (yeah, I had one).
Click to expand...

Been using front loaders for over a decade. Never had mold issues at all. Just don't lock the door shut when you're done.
 
DON'T GET THE FRONT LOADER!!!!

Stick with the 20-30 year old technology of the top loader washer. They are pretty easy to service and fix.

The best thing, there is TONS of knowledge out there if you want to troubleshoot etc (assuming you are handy of course). Technology has been around for SO long, its common knowledge.

Mind you 2-3 years back I didn't know ANYTHING about a dryer or a washer, now I can take the washer apart in under 5 min. These things are so simple to work on and there is SO much knowledge out there it's crazy.

Front loaders on the other hand. Go ahead and hit up some forums. Between troubleshooting nightmares and complexity...no thanks. These things have motherboards and are VERY complicated. I would stay clear!!!

Did I say, top loader washers are SO much cheaper.
 
I am a huge fan of my new LG HE washer. Thing is so quiet it's fantastic. It also uses very little water and has had no issues cleaning my laundry properly at all.

From my conversations with others, I think the Korean brands are where its at right now for laundry appliances. Samsung and LG are awesome.
 
Vdubchaos said:
DON'T GET THE FRONT LOADER!!!!

Stick with the 20-30 year old technology of the top loader washer. They are pretty easy to service and fix.

The best thing, there is TONS of knowledge out there if you want to troubleshoot etc (assuming you are handy of course). Technology has been around for SO long, its common knowledge.

Mind you 2-3 years back I didn't know ANYTHING about a dryer or a washer, now I can take the washer apart in under 5 min. These things are so simple to work on and there is SO much knowledge out there it's crazy.

Front loaders on the other hand. Go ahead and hit up some forums. Between troubleshooting nightmares and complexity...no thanks. These things have motherboards and are VERY complicated. I would stay clear!!!

Did I say, top loader washers are SO much cheaper.
Click to expand...
This is why i keep saying MAYTAG and no one listens because they don't know what they're talking about.
 
Vdubchaos said:
DON'T GET THE FRONT LOADER!!!!

Stick with the 20-30 year old technology of the top loader washer. They are pretty easy to service and fix.

The best thing, there is TONS of knowledge out there if you want to troubleshoot etc (assuming you are handy of course). Technology has been around for SO long, its common knowledge.

Mind you 2-3 years back I didn't know ANYTHING about a dryer or a washer, now I can take the washer apart in under 5 min. These things are so simple to work on and there is SO much knowledge out there it's crazy.

Front loaders on the other hand. Go ahead and hit up some forums. Between troubleshooting nightmares and complexity...no thanks. These things have motherboards and are VERY complicated. I would stay clear!!!

Did I say, top loader washers are SO much cheaper.
Click to expand...

Why "stick with" 20-30 year old technology, when I can get a front load machine that dates back to 1937?

Why should I use twice as much water and soap?

I have Maytag. They're awesome. I hear Samsung is good too.
 
CraigRT said:
From my conversations with others, I think the Korean brands are where its at right now for laundry appliances. Samsung and LG are awesome.
Click to expand...

This. Samsung is kicking ass on all fronts now. My daughter has a front-load LG that she loves (three boys, and she does a shitload of laundry). FWIW, LG came out on top in the Consumer Report ratings for front-loaders in 2012. Lastly, we have an LG range, microhood, and dishswasher. Only the range impresses me. I'd look at Samsung.
 
Couple of things regarding front loaders. How can you add something to the washer once you've started a load. Won't the water come spilling out if you open it up (assuming you can unlock it). Related to that, the thing I fear is one of my kids fucking around and putting one of the other kids inside
 
dabuddha said:
Couple of things regarding front loaders. How can you add something to the washer once you've started a load. Won't the water come spilling out if you open it up (assuming you can unlock it). Related to that, the thing I fear is one of my kids fucking around and putting one of the other kids inside
Click to expand...

Can't.

Wow, really?
 
dabuddha said:
Couple of things regarding front loaders. How can you add something to the washer once you've started a load. Won't the water come spilling out if you open it up (assuming you can unlock it).
Click to expand...

Generally the water level isn't nearly that high. Front-loaders work by throwing the wet clothes on top of each other, rather than agitating them in a pool of water. (It works very well, uses way less water, and doesn't wear down the clothes nearly as fast as a top-loader.) There's a small pool of water on the bottom that it drags the clothes through, but on every non-commercial machine I've used, it's barely up to the bottom of the door, and not usually visible.

In the case of my Bosch, if for some reason the water is too high that it would spill out, it won't unlock the door. But in the four years I've had that machine, that's only happened a single time. Every other time, I've been able to add items early in the cycle with no problems.


Related to that, the thing I fear is one of my kids fucking around and putting one of the other kids inside
Click to expand...

Yikes!

Some models offer a child safety lock to prevent exactly that. Another option is to simply unplug the machine when you're not using it, which would keep the lock from getting power to engage.
 
Save the money. Go old school. :thumbsup:

4581xiyi01.jpg


clothes-line.jpg
 
right now i am useing some cheap ass whirlpool's that came with the house. they have lasted 7 years and do a good job. i am shocked that they have held up that long.

I think when they finally die i am going to get some front end loaders. not sure i need all teh options they have but i hate reaching down inside to get the clothes.
 
CA19100 said:
Generally the water level isn't nearly that high. Front-loaders work by throwing the wet clothes on top of each other, rather than agitating them in a pool of water. (It works very well, uses way less water, and doesn't wear down the clothes nearly as fast as a top-loader.) There's a small pool of water on the bottom that it drags the clothes through, but on every non-commercial machine I've used, it's barely up to the bottom of the door, and not usually visible.

In the case of my Bosch, if for some reason the water is too high that it would spill out, it won't unlock the door. But in the four years I've had that machine, that's only happened a single time. Every other time, I've been able to add items early in the cycle with no problems.
Click to expand...


I never paid any attention to mine after it started running. I just assumed that once the door locked, you were stuck. Not that it matters to me much, but good to know. Sorry to misinform.
 
No worries, and I'm sure not all front-loaders can be interrupted like that. (I don't believe my previous one, a Kenmore [made by Electrolux], had that interrupt function like my current Bosch does.) Just a feature to check for, as it's really handy!
 
I'm getting ready to buy a new set in the next 2 years. Here's what I've learned doing research....still forming opinions before I try replacing my working washer/dryer.

1. Front loaders are pretty and stack well
2. Front loaders have water/mildew issues.
a. Issues are caused by poor drainage in the unit...the drain is in the back of the drum, but it's not tilted. The newest models are tilted about 5-10 degrees to allow better drainage, but this throws off the balance of the machine.
b. The plastic doors can close after use and cause mildew/mold to grow inside the machine. The newest models have a small magnet that keeps the doors slightly open when not in use to allow ventilation. This is not a true fix as the draining issues are the ultimate cause.
3. Top loaders are still better design, but be careful. New York City water regulations have caused higher efficiency models to come out that use 20-30% of the water old top loaders used....they don't wash clothes as well...
4. Units that don't have agitators will work, but be aware that they aren't as good as models WITH agitators. Read the book and don't load clothes in the middle where the agitator typically is. This is important to get proper friction between the clothes.

Hope that helps. I don't care what brand I get as long as I can set the water level myself. I want a front loader for how it looks, but won't buy one because of the negative reviews I've heard from people I know and the Sears/Lowes staff employees I've spoken to about which units were returned more frequently. 😉
 
Last edited:
I'm on my second set of LG front loaders. Had the first set for six years or so, then moved across the country to a house with gas. I sold the electric set and bought a new, one model higher (steam!) set that was gas.

I absolutely love them and will never go back.

To answer the question of adding things to the wash - Mine have a pause button. It stops the drum, gives the water some time to settle, then unlocks the door. You can't just pull it open but even if you did as mentioned the amount of water is very small compared to top-loaders (nearly 70% less) and doesn't rise above the bottom of the door when the drum is stopped.

I sold my old electric set to a friend for $500. After six years they still functioned exactly as new. I wouldn't hesitate to find something similar locally if the $1200 or so for a new entry level set is out of the question.

I haven't had mold/mildew issues at all in the time I've had mine, but I leave the washer door open all the time. No special care other than just not closing it.

Viper GTS
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top