top loader vs front loading washing machine??

Ilike the top loading because if you forget to add something you can....plus I willnot spend an extra $250 for the pedestal to put the front loader on so that means it willbe low to the ground
My washer and dryer are in the basement and nobody sees it except me so it doesnt have to be pretty kwim??
Ifound a top loader that is a tier 3 energy saver (just like the front loaders)

am I missing a big perk by having a front loader??

anyone with any advice or experience please feel free to tel lme I am not enjoying appliance shopping help is appreciated
thanks

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

I think the only perk to a front loader is load-size.... but from what I understand they make pretty decently sized top loaders as well.

Other than that I'm not overly thrilled with my front loader. I just got caught up in the front-loading frenzy.

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

I had a top loader and just bought a front loader because the other machine broke.

I really decided on a front loader because they are energy efficient with water. And the machine was vibration reduction. Which was important to us. It's also very quiet.

I like Maytag for top loader. They are good quality and will last. I had a whirlpool but it was not a "top" quality machine (not their best model) to begin with and it only lasted 6-7 years.

ETA: Make sure to measure your door openings/hallways/stairs, etc.. before buying a new machine.

I did not get a pedestral. But it's not lower than the dryer that you are using.

Message edited 9/29/2010 6:49:59 PM.

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

I have a top loading HE washer and I LOVE it. I see no benefit to the front loaders compared to mine.

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

I did a lot of research. You can get the same exact size, HE and energy efficient machines in top load as you do front load. so other then looks and how long it lasts, you don't have any difference.

front loads don't last nearly as long and run into more issues vs the top load. Washing machine parts are not designed to be on their side. A sales rep at PC Richard told us that when we walked in the door looking to buy a new washer and dryer. I wanted front load because they are pretty. For basic ones with pedestals it was going to be 2K. I couldn't believe that someone would actually tell me to buy the lesser priced item... odd. so I went home and did a ton of research, turns out he was right.

we went back and bought the largest HE angry efficient machine we could, and they had a sale, it came out to be under 1k for both with delivery, and I didn't need to buy the fancy stands.

a washing machine isn't a piece of furniture or something that HAS to look pretty. but it better do a good job, work fast and save me $. I need it to last and not break after a few years. Top load was the right decision for me. I didn't want to spend a small fortune just to look nice.

then only way I would even consider a front load at any point, would be to buy the electrolux ones that wash and dry in under a half hour or something like that. the dryer also uses steam. but they were $$$$ so maybe when these break

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

I got a Fisher & Paykel top loader washer AND dryer that are both energy efficient. The washing machine senses the size of the load and only uses the amount of water necessary. It also has no aggitator up the center, it is just a low "bump" so you can fit a much bigger load and my clothes with straps don't get damaged on the inside workings of the machine. I love it!

I grew up on front-loader washers and dryers - we didn't have any other options in Irealnd - and I really dislike using my mother's machines when I visit. She had a really bad problem with her new washer and gunge getting inside the seals that DH had to take care of when we were over there - it was nasty

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

This is a super helpful post. I was sure in my new house I'd get front loaders... my DD's have 2 coats from Gap that say "front load machine only", I have ignored it in the past and put them in my top load machine and had no problem but in the back of my mind thought maybe the next machine should be a front loader.

Sounds like the front loading machines may go "out of style" in time if there are that many issues. As one poster said, they are not furniture, you need them to do their job, and to pay top dollar for repairs makes no sense. I appreciate the research others have done, and will consider another top load in my new house.

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

I bought a front loader and I will never buy another one again. I am not happy with them. I do like the no agitator and load size aspect but other than that I am not a fan.

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

Message edited 9/30/2010 3:58:07 PM.

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

We have a top loader.

But I was given a front loader when my BIL moved into his new house (it was left by the previous owners but BIL has one already)
Anyway, I was so excited, couldnt wait to have it. Hooked it up....

1 month later I gave it away.
Didnt see the big deal. Hated not being able to throw in that errant sock or towel....I wasnt using it to the full capacity because I dont have the super duper dryer so that wasnt an attraction. And honestly I just felt more comfortable with my top loader!

ETA: that was another thing although the clothes seemed fine, I felt that the inside of the washer always had a musty smell.

Message edited 9/30/2010 11:16:35 PM.

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

Message edited 10/1/2010 5:48:18 AM.

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

Message edited 10/1/2010 12:17:47 PM.

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

We got new top loaders. We didn't want the front loaders... I guess the main reason was $$ but we have heard from friends/relatives that they don't like one thing or another about their front loaders.

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

I just thought of a pro to front loaders....

If you don't get the pedestal you can put a counter on top if you have limited space.

We did get the pedestals but I'm going to get rid of them so I can do a countertop.

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

I have a he front loader, and will get a he top loader when this one goes.

Pedestal isn't necessary, we just bend or squat. But the smell, even with the door open and using the washer cleaner, is too much. And we have a bag that gets washed every load and THAT smells now too. Makes me wonder when our clothes will.

You can still stop it, up to a point. I have stopped it to put an extra sock, etc., before. I'm just A LOT more nervous doing so.

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

ok so I got the Whirlpool Cabrio and I like it so far my other washer was a dinosaur so this is so quiet and digital and I was a bit intimidated but I think I have the hang of it

nowI want the matching dryer

Re: top loader vs front loading washing machine??

Great thread, as my machine just went today and have been debating the top vs front loaders. We lived in Ireland for 2 years and I swore I would never get a front loader after that.....now they are all the rage. It seems that the new top loaders have a larger capacity (5.0 vs 4.7) than the front loaders anyway. I think after reading this I am going with a top loader too, the thought of my machine smelling is not appealing especially since it is in the basement and humid there naturally.