Front load, top load...which way to go?
 

My wash machine is on it's last legs. Before it floods my laundry room or dies mid-load, I want to replace it, but I'm so confused by all the options and reviews out there right now.

Front loader, top loaders, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool... which way to go? Any suggestions about which one to buy or warnings about which ones to avoid?

I have a front loader right now, but I'm leaning towards replacing it with a top loader so I can soak things and leave the top open to completely dry out between uses. I try to leave the door open, but the dogs are always bumping in to it on the way to their piddle pad since the laundry room is tiny.

I prefer the top-loader for the reason you gave. It's just easier for me. I've had mine for awhile now, so I don't have any suggestions on the new models. I have some friends that recently bought a set of the LG and really love it.

I sucked it up and got new front loaders on pedastals last year. The Samsung VRT Steam. I will say that every time I have company every one comments on how good my sheets and towels smell - even the kitchen ones. I do wipe the door of the washer off quite often and use a cleaner tablet in it once a month as recommended. My old set was only 4 years old, but I honestly feel like sometimes you get what you pay for. The only thing I am concerned about is repair cost. With the newer systems being so "computerized" I can only imagine how much it will cost if something breaks down. My Mr. is the one who researched which brand would be the best, so I went with that.

I also like that I can put a king size comforter in both and not have to take it to get dry cleaned.

Good luck with your decision!

I've had both, and I could not get used to the front load washers. Also I would expect the pedestals to come with the machines but they don't. If you're tall, or old and can't really crouch down, you'd have to get the pedestals, and they don't even raise them up that much. I did like how you could take out the laundry and put it in the washer in one motion, instead of bending over a top loader and them bending to the side to put in the dryer.

Plus you say the pee pads are in there, and with the doors open would the pups jump in?

What's the difference? Now ask me about Garage Door Openers!

What about garage door openers?

I like the front loaders the pedestals are a must though. I have whirlpool

Donna, we replaced our washer/dryer about a year and half ago with Kenmore Elite Oasis HT. Washer is HT with dark tinted glass on toploader and glass on the dryer door. I absolutely love them.
I knew I wanted HT but with my back, front loader was not so good for me...darn age anyway:p

I have a Maytag front loader and it is easier for me to take the clothes out of and transfer them to the dryer than it was with the top loader.

We bought a new washer/dryer earlier this year and went in thinking we would get a front loader. After A LOT of research we went with the top loader. I read many complaints about the front loaders (mildew smell, not able to soak, etc.). We bought LG and love both machines!

I have had both and last month replaced my frontloaders with a top load HE washer I love it I can put it on a bulky setting and I can completely fill wash er when I need to do large items or sheets or large loads of towels. I like that it gives me a choice. Brand wise they are whirlpool appliances. Would not trade them for nothing else.

I have brand new GE frontloaders that are stacked in a closet I built for them on the main floor, (existing hookups were in the basement when I bought my wee house). I like them alot but am slightly paranoid about a front loader leaking as my entire main floor is hardwood, so I never set the washing going unless I know I'm going to be home for the whole cycle.

I just had to replace my 6 year old Kenmore Elite front load washer. It gave me nothing but problems from the start, error codes indicating that the door wasn't latched when it was, and the filter was clogged, when it wasn't. I could get it to work sometimes by repeatedly re-closing the door, but toward the end it would stop mid cycle and hold my stuff hostage for days sometimes!:mad: It was going to cost over $500 to fix it:eek: Funny, but the dryer is still going strong:rolleyes: So I bought a top loader GE. The only thing I don't like about going back to a top loader is that it can't handle my king size mattress pad or comforter, and it seems to be tearing up my clothes more. The pee pads never used to leave lint in the dryer screen, but now they do, so I know they are being torn up, and my clothes aren't looking as new now. Of course I was stuck buying the cheapest washer, so there's no gentle cycle:(

If you go with a front loader, try to get one that\'s got the least bells and whistles. You won\'t need 19 cycles, and that is just more to break. Also, NEVER EVER let it sit empty with the door CLOSED, as this will make mildew grow in the door gasket, which is very expensive to replace.

Good luck!!!