front load versus top load

crazything · ‎05-23-2010

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.

nova · ‎03-09-2010

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!

MyShadowLove · ‎01-05-2015

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.

~~Formerly known as "WildFlowers"~~

BarbiHollywood · ‎11-09-2011

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. :-)

ilovefall · ‎03-30-2011

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!

faeriemoon · ‎03-14-2010

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.

~What a terrible era in which idiots govern the blind.~ William Shakespeare

Bri369 · ‎11-03-2018

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.

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

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.

LindaSal · ‎05-15-2014

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.