Friday, August 3, 2012

Washing Machines...Front Loader vs.Top Loader

Sorry for the boring topic!  :)  But my washing machine is on it's last legs and I have been shopping around for a new one, and I'm having trouble deciding what to get.  It seems that the front loaders are very popular now, but I just can't seem to work up any excitement for one.  It might be because I have this irrational fear that water will leak out the door at some point.  Yeah, I'm weird that way. :)

And the new top loaders sort of intrigued me, because I notice that some of them don't have the agitator thing in the middle of the drum anymore.   I kind of liked that, but wonder if that makes them any better.

So if there are any of you out there that have one of these and if you would leave me a comment and let me know pros or cons of either type, I would really appreciate it.  :) 

Thank you!  And I'll try and come up with something more interesting for the next post.  :)






15 comments:

Sandy said...

I know exactly what you mean, because I had the same anxiety about a front loader. However, when we bought our new house, the laundry room would only fit a stackable washer/dryer, so we decided to go with the front loader. Now I absolutely love it!! I have used it over a year now and am happy to report no water leakage at all. We bought LG brand and they are fabulous!

Unknown said...

Hey! I'm from the Netherlands and we almost only have front loading washing machines. I love that I can put things on my machine. For me a top loader looks a bit silly, just because I've only see about 2 my whole life!

Ellyn said...

everyone I know who has had a front loader has had nothing but trouble with them & they have gone back to top loaders. mine just died & I bought an old fashioned top loader, couldn't see spending the extra money on bells and whistles. Until they make a machine that folds your clothes and puts them away for you, I'm sticking with whatever is cheapest!

Annette said...

good luck shopping for a new one!!

Bee Lady said...

Oh boy, looks like your going to have a hard time with this decision even with our opinions. I too will be looking for a new machine in a couple of years and I think i've decided I'm going with top loader. My Sister has a front loader and she has had trouble with a mold type smell. With top loaders you can leave the top up and they dry out when you aren't using them. She said she doesn't like leaving the front loader door open to air it out. You also can't use powder in the front loader. Not hers anyway. And lastly, I'm lazy when it comes to laundry. It's easier to dump clothes in and pull them out from the top rather than bend over to put them in and pull them out, unless you have the machone on a riser. So that's my opinion. Let us know what you decide.

Cindy Bee

Wendy said...

I dont' think you can even buy top loaders over here. The previous commenter said you can't use powder with front loaders - you can. I don't have problems with the smell as I leave the door open ajar. It has NEVER leaked.

Sharon Marie said...

I have a front loader and it is a love-hate thing for me. Front loaders get an odor in them if you don't keep the door open between loads. The love for me is that I can wash larger loads. When it is time to get a new one I will go back to a top loader and check out the ones without agitators.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

I have heard a lot about the front loaders collecting mold and mildew in the front door seal...

cassie-b said...

We just got a new front loader washing machine - and I was dubious. However, since we have it, I noticed that my white laundry is very white - noticeably so. You use a smaller amount of detergent, and I use vinegar as a rinse. It's really great. I believe it's important to leave the door open for a couple of hours, so I do. Doesn't seem to be much of a problem.

Good luck with your decision.

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Tammy said...

I have a front loader only because that is what is popular on this side of the world. If I wanted a top loader, it would cost an arm and a leg. I can vouch for the fact that the front loader does mildew in the front. I've tried to clean it with bleach. I've read there are tablets for cleaning in between washes but I've not seen them here. But other than that, I've never had a problem with the machine. And no, it has never leaked. :) Good luck! Tammy

Anonymous said...

There are pros and cons to either choice. With a front loader, you save significantly on water and you use less detergent. You also save on dryer time because your clothes come out less wet than with a top loader. I like that you can fit more in a front loader, although, if they are making top loaders without an agitator, then I suppose that aspect wouldn't really set a front loader apart from top loaders. I can't tell that my clothes are any cleaner with a front loader than with a top loader. In fact, I feel like they may be even a little less clean, due probably to using less water. You can't leave your laundry in a front loader as long as with a top loader before they begin to mildew. I occasionally forget loads of laundry in the wash, and I could get away with it easier than I can a front loader. You do need to leave the door of a front loader open or it will start to mildew and smell really bad. I haven't had trouble with mildew on the front seal as I am pretty good about keeping the door open. You also need to regularly clean out the detergent drawer because it will grow mold. But I've also had a top loader develop mold in the tub. I haven't had any trouble with my LG front loader, but there is definitely more maintenance involved with a front loader than with a top loader. I haven't shopped for washing machines in over 5 years, so I don't know what advances have been made in top loaders, but I must say that I like some of the bells and whistles that come with my front loader, like the steam wash (although I admit I haven't used that option a great deal) and the sanitize load setting, along with a number of other setting choices. If I had to make the choice again, I would have a hard time deciding.

Project Perci Paws said...

Hi and sorry I did not see your post sooner : ( I love a front load as your delicate clothing do not get stretched or damaged. Right now I have a front loading machine as that is what was in the home I purchased and just have not had the finances to buy a new machine especially since this work so well. However I truly miss my mothers front loading washing machine!!

Therese Kay Creative said...

Had one for over 7 years with no problems - a frontloader, that is. Only issue would be water in the rubber seal that tends to mold. Leave door ajar so it can dry out between loads.