Community Chat

[Sooner]

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 !!

[ilovefall]

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!

[AspenGrove]

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. 

[cherry]

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

[Shelbelle]

I would only buy a top loader.

[DREAMON]

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.

[DiAnne]

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.  

[mima]

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.

[rustee]

Toploading Whirlpool washer

Frontloading Kenmore dryer

[BrattyOne2]

@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.