topic Re: front load versus top load in Community Chat

front load versus top load

crazything — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 12:45:49 GMT

It's time to buy a new washing machine. I've always had a top loader and have heard nothing but negative things about a front load. I think a front load would clean better but I think about the negative reviews and am not sure if that would be a good decision.

Re: front load versus top load

nova — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 12:52:09 GMT

I bought a new top loader last year. It's a Maytag Bravos XL. I needed to buy the coordinating dryer as well. I am quite pleased with the machine. My only issue is how deep the tank is - I am barely 5 ft so I use a grabber tool to get the clothes from the very bottom. It can be a little overwhelming to shop for new appliances if you haven't for a long time but in the end you will be so pleased to have a new working machine!

Re: front load versus top load

MyShadowLove — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 12:55:17 GMT

For me personally, I had a terrible experience with my first front load washer which happened to be a Maytag and that experience has left me with never going back to one again.

I now have a top load Samsung and love it...such a difference!

You will get many varying opinions...Be sure to check reviews also on brands you are looking at.

Re: front load versus top load

BarbiHollywood — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 12:58:34 GMT

I bought new LG machines recently. I have only had top loaders and prefer them, especially since friends who have front loaders say the rubber gaskets on the doors tend to stay damp and get mildewy so it's recommended to leave the door open. I agree with the other poster about the depth of the newer machines. It's a stretch on tiptoes to grab everything out. One thing I didn't pay attention to in the store when selecting the washer was how long certain cycles run. I do a lot of towels and was surprised that on this machine, the towel cycle is over an hour long. If you use fabric softener, that's another button and takes even longer. Best advice is to read up and pick what works for you. Post back and let us know what you decided. :-)

Re: front load versus top load

ilovefall — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 13:23:20 GMT

Have to respond about front loader versus top loader. My friend's front loader let go after many, many years so she had to buy a new washer. She called a small business that she had dealt with before and said I need a new washer and fast. She said what do you recommend. Without hesitation he said a Speed Queen. It's a top loader with an agitator (unlike the top loaders now without an agitator). He told her all the pros about it and said you'll most likely never have to buy another washing machine in your life. She said done. They delivered it to her home that same afternoon (it is pricier than other machines, just so you know). They set it up and showed her how to use it. It doesn't have all those fancy buttons like other machines but it is an electronic display. Fast forward to yesterday, when we had lunch at work. My friend could NOT stop talking about this washing machine. She is in love with it. It is so QUIET that she doesn't even realize it's on. It doesn't mangle her clothes like the front loader did. Her clothes are so much cleaner. She literally couldn't stop talking about. You might want to check it out. Have a good day!

Re: front load versus top load

faeriemoon — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 13:35:25 GMT

I currently have the Electrolux front loader with all the bells and whistles. I have had a Maytag front loader in the past also. In between those two machine eras I had a Whirlpool Cabrio non-agitator top loader and that one was my favorite.

I also have front loaders at my beach house; Whirlpool I believe.

I am not a huge fan of front loaders and I honestly don't think they get the clothes any cleaner. Also, in order to not let the interior get funky you really need to leave the door open when not in use. If you have a laundry room, it's doable. But if you have a laundry closet, it might not be.

Re: front load versus top load

Bri369 — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 13:40:53 GMT

I've had both and I prefer a top loader with an agitator. I don't notice one getting clothes cleaner than the other.

I have a front loader at our beach house. It gets used a lot, and I do keep the door open when not in use. I haven't had a problem with it, but I just prefer the top loader.

Re: front load versus top load

CelticCrafter — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 13:41:09 GMT

I don't know anyone that likes their front loaders.

Me personally would never own one unless there was no other alternative available because you can't leave anything to soak.

Re: front load versus top load

LindaSal — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 13:51:11 GMT

When recently downsizing to a condo I purchased my very first front loader. I got an Electrolux washer and dryer. In my situation I didn't have too much of a choice because in the condo they are located in a closet and are stacked. I did not want to buy a one piece in case something went wrong with one and not the other. So far I love it and find it uses way less water and the clothes come out fine. I do, like others leave the door open a bit to allow it to dry (which is actually a good idea for top loaders too). I do wipe the rubber gasket with a towel to assist in it drying. All works fine for me. My husband removed the louver door as mine is located upstairs with the bedrooms but even if it was on the main floor, the appliances are nice so I wouldn't mind if they showed.

Re: front load versus top load

Carmie — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 13:55:51 GMT

I got a new washer in November. My choice was a top loader with agitator with no electronic buttons. I am extremely happy with it.

Re: front load versus top load

judy0330 — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 13:56:33 GMT

I would only get a top loader with an agitator. I had one without an agitator for years and loved it -- until I realized that it wasn't gettting our clothes as clean as my old one with an agitator. I replaced it with a Speed Queen top loader and have been very happy. This was several years ago and I called a repair person who had been in business for more than 40 years and asked for a recommendation. She said that the only machine she would recommend was Speed Queen. I know that they changed their machines (and not for the better -- you can google it) since then -- so I cannot comment on the newer ones.

Re: front load versus top load

Laura14 — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 14:14:06 GMT

On behalf of us short people, front loaders rule.

I have had one for almost two decades (just got another pair). I have had no such issues with moldy doors. I do keep the door open until it dries and close it (usually after the dryer run) when it's completely dry again.

No issues at all with either set with one exception. My first one I did have to check the rubber around the door because occasionally a sock would escape there. Have had the new one for the better part of a year now and no 'lost' items at all.

Re: front load versus top load

Meowingkitty — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 14:14:49 GMT

I have a front loader and I like it. This is my second one. The guy at the store told me top loaders don’t get enough water in them and clothes can come out just like you put them in. Dry. He also said they are very noisy. In fact on each top loader there was a statement saying they would not accept returns because of the noise these machines make. Don’t know if any of this is true but I like my front loader.

Re: front load versus top load

Sooner — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 14:17:18 GMT

@CelticCrafter wrote:
I don't know anyone that likes their front loaders.

Me personally would never own one unless there was no other alternative available because you can't leave anything to soak.

@CelticCrafter We have had an LG front loader for two years now and are in love with it. It is so easy to load and unload and doesn't wrinkle clothes like the last top loader we had.

The last Kenmore top loader (like the Oasis models of Whirlpool I think) was horrible from the word go. It twisted clothes, wound king sheets up in a twisted mess, banged away because anything you put in it was a lopsided load and it would bang then quit. It was awful and couldn't be fixed.

We do live in a mostly dryer climate, and we have a laundry room and leave the washer door open when not in use, but have had no problems with mold.

It is easier to use, quieter, washes better and so far we have no complaints at all about our front loader washer and dryer.

Re: front load versus top load

cherry — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 14:18:48 GMT

I have a front loader, and I hate it. Mr Cherry drains the washer regularly, and we always put oxiclean in the washer , so it doesn't smell musty

My next machine will be a top loader

Re: front load versus top load

Fressa — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 15:21:38 GMT

I have a front loader that I had a love/hate relationship with for a long time. I now like it since I've learned how to use all of the functions and for which load. The best reason for a front loader is the ease of washing bedding and any other oversized items. I have king size bedding and queen size bedding so trying to pull that from a top loader was a chore.

I'm a big fan of Consumer Reports and checking reviews on line and the QVC Forums. I think that you'll find good and bad reviews on most any appliance. There are sites that list the top 10 best and worse of most appliances so i would start there. Decide on the features that you would like to have and those that you can do without. My two priorites were the king size bedding and the delicate cycle. Compare warranties.Decide on your budget.

I have a Samsung set and I like mine.

Re: front load versus top load

Twoaces — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 15:23:24 GMT

I have had a front loading Kenmore for at least 15 years. It has worked very well as it cleans nicely while being easy on garments. I’m sold on frontloaders and would certainly replace with another one if this machine ever gives out. Note...I do leave the door open between uses. You have certainly gotten a range of opinions! I hope you aren’t totally confused now!

Re: front load versus top load

ROMARY — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 15:33:37 GMT

I prefer top loaders and haven't tried front loading machines.

I always leave the lid up/open.

I recall, years ago, reading about the washer's drums.

Enamel or stainless steel were the best, while plastic would collect mold, and odor, if I correctly recall.

So, I would prefer stainless steel or enamel drums.

Also, I like the agitator feature, rather than spinning around and around.

Also, a front loader would require me to bend down, retrieving the damp clothing/bedding/etc.

Well, whatever you choose, first read the reviews for that particular model.

The best of luck with your choice.

Re: front load versus top load

ROMARY — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 15:38:29 GMT

Hey, CelticCrafter!

I hadn't thought of that!

I'm forever 'soaking' various items for, say a half hour, then going through the entire cycle.

Sometimes I wash very delicate blouses/tops by hand, and just throw them into my top loader to spin dry.

Re: front load versus top load

hckynut — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 15:48:51 GMT

Top load only in our home. I have seen too many problems relatives and friends had with front load machines. I personally see, nor know any advantages of a front load washer.

hckynut