topic Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like? in Community Chat

Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

Sooner — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 19:53:50 GMT

I know we have talked about this in the past, but I'm looking for a front load washer and dryer, so thought I'd like to get your experiences with them.

What brands and features do you love/hate?

THANKS! You all are my go to now! You have surpassed consumer reports as my source for ratings !!

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

ilovefall — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:00:11 GMT

I've had an LG front load washer for a little over 8 years and I can't wait to get rid of it (the dryer is fine). I hate it. I have to keep the door open all the time or else it smells like nobody's business! The rubber seal has to be kept clean and wiped down constantly because the build up is slimy and gross. I could gag whenever I have to clean it. Mine also has a little door at the bottom left corner/front of the machine. When you open the door, there is a thin rubber hose that you have to empty out. The smell is enough to knock you over. It smells like horrible rotten eggs. The water that comes out is dark and it's like there is sand in the water. I then have to turn the plastic filter that is there and go wash that off with hot soapy water and then screw it back in. I have no idea if people with newer front load washers have to go thru this once a month or even have this problem. Anyway, I'm hoping to get rid of them this year and get myself the newer top load washer without the agitator in the middle. Good luck!

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

AspenGrove — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:03:15 GMT

Have had Whirlpool Duet front load washer and dryer for about 3 years now. Love them both. No complaints at all.

ETA: I have not experienced any odors like the poster before me describes. When they installed the washer, they gave us simple instructions to gently wipe down the rubber part when done using the washer for the day and to leave the door ajar when not in use. That works perfectly. Never had any odors at all.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

cherry — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:09:02 GMT

My Maytag cleans good, but , it does get an odor . It doesn't happen frequently. When it does, my husband drains the washer hose ,and runs bleach in the washer and it goes away.

I don't wash all my king sheets at the same time. I just feel with the reduced water level , they might not get as clean. I'm probably wrong, but I feel better ,not trying to do the same amount of clothes, as I did in my top loader

I think when it's time to replace, I will go back to a top loader

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

Shelbelle — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:04:23 GMT

I would only buy a top loader.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

DREAMON — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:09:29 GMT

MY SIL just sold her front load washer. She had it for just over 1 year. She said there was a constant mildew odor that permeated from the washer. She cleaned it constantly but it always came back. She said there are numerous complaints on the Internet about odor problems.

I would look in to which ones have the complaints and steer clear of those brands.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

DiAnne — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:14:34 GMT

I have Whirlpool Duet front loader that was purchased at Costco. It has no odor at all. I leave the door cracked when not in use. There is a clean cycle that you run with just bleach - I do that when I think of it. I had had this washer and dryer for approximately 8 years with no problems with either. I would definitely purchase a front loader again.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

mima — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:16:58 GMT

I Love my Samsung set. I have the set with the steam clean and ion sanitation features. Even though they use less water, this washer cleans the clothes better than any washer I have ever had. I think I have had them for 6 years or more (mayabe 8). I can't remember for sure. The clothes come out clean and fluffy!

I do leave my washer door unlatched but closed. In other words, not left wide open. I don't get smells in mine.

I had a Maytag front load set that I hated. The washer smelled bad and the dryer left my clothes terribly wrinkled.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

rustee — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:22:21 GMT

Toploading Whirlpool washer

Frontloading Kenmore dryer

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

BrattyOne2 — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:45:06 GMT

@Sooner

I have an Electrolux set that I love. I also love the pedestals to add additional height and storage space. Mine does have the IQ touch screen that allows me so many different options and specialty cycles. There are special washing machine cleaners that you can purchase to clean the inside drum. This does have to be done periodically. My machine lets me know when it's time to clean it. Typically every two months or so for me. I also love the fact that I can do large items in it. My King size comforter fits easily in it...for washing and drying. It's also very easy to wash My Pillow and then throw it into the dryer. Both the washer and dryer have Perfect Steam. The washer also has a fast wash cycle for small loads, 15 minutes. A few of the things I love is that it has never gotten off balance, they're both so quiet and you can set your three favorite settings to be able to get to them very quickly. The light inside both is very bright. I have pets and haven't had any issues with pet hair accumulating or excessive cleaning around the seals (they get cleaned when I do a washer cleaning cycle) If you do have cabinets above your washer and dryer, getting the pedestals might not be an option for you...but if you can, I'd get them. They really do make a huge difference. I'm short but even I don't like bending down to get my laundry. They put them at a perfect level for me.

The only con I have on my set is the touch doors. If I barely touch them, they open. This happens typically when walking by them with things in my arms. They do lock while doing a cycle and if you're using hot water, you'll have to wait for it to cool down before it unlocks.

So, I'd definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a front loading system.

Edited to say: Others have commented about not being able to add things during a cycle. This is not true....on my set, I just pause the cycle and add whatever I need. If it is hot, I still have to wait for it to cool down prior to adding anything. I just hit the start button and everything starts right where it left off or I can restart the cycle. I've never had any issues with my washer smelling. I have the option for extra rinses in a cycle if I feel I need it.

Also....I've only ever seen front loading dryers....never seen a top loading dryer.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

Carmie — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:29:31 GMT

Everyone I know personally who owns a front loading washer hates it. They complain because you can't open up the door to add something, they complain because they don't feel there is enough water filling the washer to truly clean their clothing and they complain about the stinky smell and all of the work they have to do to maintain the washer's cleanliness

A friend of my daughter accidentally put a child's light-up bracelet into the washer. She could see the bracelet flashing while the clothes were being washed, but she could not stop the washer to remove the bracelet. She had to wait until the water was out and the cycle was over. Lucky for her, none of the chemicals from the bracelet leaked over her clothing.

i own a top load and will never buy a front load washer. My dryer is a front load and is no problem. I know everyone's needs are different, I hope you find what you're looking for.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

tototwo — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:29:37 GMT

I have a Whirlpool Duet set we bought when we moved 10 years ago -- so it's lasted a long time without any repairs. I sure wish it would break so I could buy a top-loader! I always clean the inside and keep the door ajar when not in use - I really haven't had the bad smells and mildew others have talked about. However, my clothes don't get as clean as they did in a top-loader. I've used every detergent known to man, every bleach and additive. Clothes go into the washer stain-free, but come out dingy and gray.

If I had a choice today, I would never buy a front-loader.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

Suziepeach — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:30:59 GMT

I have a Kenmore Elite front load washer and dryer for several years. Have been very happy with them.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

SeaMaiden — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 21:23:58 GMT

I also have the kenmore Elite Sears brand front loadwasher and matching dryer. I think most dryers are front load so that is no big deal really? I bought about the set 8 years ago. Never a problem with the washer or dryer. No mold or smell. The washer has a clean washer cycle I run once a month with just bleach. Leave the door open always and the soap dispenser out when not using the washer. I would purchase again.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

mima — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 21:37:29 GMT

I do want to add that with my Samsung frontload set, you CAN open the door and add another item while it is washing. You just push the pause button and you hear a click. Open the door and add the item, close the door and push the button again and it continues to wash.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

Wsmom — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 21:59:28 GMT

We had a front load washer that broke and they no longer made the part for it, which the Sears repairman said was very common. I was very, very happy to get rid of it and we got a top load washer.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

faeriemoon — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 22:14:49 GMT

I had front loading Maytag Neptunes (hated them), then switched to the top loading Whirlpool Cabrios (loved them). Recently moved and now have front loading Electrolux. Love them.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

Qgirl26 — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 22:23:53 GMT

I have a Kenmore Elite front loading washer and dryer that we bought 16 years ago. The washer is still going strong and I don't have any of the problems with odors that others talk about. It has an "add garment" button that if it's lit up, you can add something if need be. So that has not been an issue. My dryer died a year ago so I'm using an old Maytag that my daughter's boyfriend gave me until my washer dies. IF it ever dies. I want to buy a new set together but I'm a very frugal person so will wait for the washer to die first. Truthfully, I don't have any complaints with my front loaders but only have experience with this one brand. I plan to get another set when the time is right. I agree about having the pedestals. They are worth every penny so if you can get those too, go for it.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

esmeraldagooch — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 22:33:37 GMT

I have a newer LG pair. They were number 1 on consumer reports. I have a mold problem with the washer rubber ring, but just spray it down with Mr. Clean after each washing and the problem is a moot point. The clothes are always clean and there is plenty of water to do the job adequately. I do not hate the washers and would buy them again.

Re: Front Load Washers/Dryers--Which Ones Do You Like?

Sooner — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 22:36:12 GMT

Thanks for lots of interesting responses! I have a top load washer and the matching front load dryer and the washer has been a mess since a year after we got it. It sounds like a 747 landing and it off balance most of the time. We've had it "repaired" a few times but nothing ever really helped.

I just don't want to have to go through that unbalanced load thing any more. We have tried every way under the sun to load it and nothing helps, and it loves to twist up sheets too.

It is a Kenmore set like a Whirlpool Oasis or Cabrio (can't remember at the moment) and I'm sick of adjusting the loads and listening to it.