Washer and Dryer - Top Load vs Front Load?

[WoodysGirl]

So I've had my washer and dryer for about 10 years now. They work pretty good, just need some work. I'm debating whether to get them repaired or get them replaced. So in looking at the replacement options, I wanted to know what the value is in staying with a top load vs getting a front load.

All my friends have a front load, but one of them hates hers. She doesn't feel it clean as well as her old one. That said, the front loading machines seems to be the thing to buy now, so I'm not sure what to do.

Thoughts?

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Back in the day our store sold appliances... front load washers were just coming on the scene.

Haven't been in that business for about 15 years, and about a year ago replaced our Maytag top-load washer with a Samsung front loader.

While I was aware of the advantages of a front loader, until you have one you really don't know...

I'll start off with the big disadvantage of a front-load washer...

-Cost

A decent front-load washer is going to cost more than a decent top-load washer.

Now to the advantages of a front-load washer...

-Uses a lot less water. We were stunned at the difference between the two.
-Can hold more. Without that agitator in the middle, the front-loader holds more. Not that you should overload it, but for those large bed-spreads and stuff, the lack of an agitator makes all the difference in the world.
-It's much easier transferring the wet/clean clothes to the dryer when both appliances have a front-door. In addition it's much easier for short folks (like my wife) to reach everything on the inside of the front-load washer.
-No door on top of the washer? Cool! You can stack stuff up there too!

As far as its ability to clean, our front-loader does better at getting dirt out than what the top-loader did. At first we weren't sure how the cleanability of the new one would stack up vs. the old, considering the top-loader has the agitator and the front-loader doesn't. But the front-loader does a terrific job... probably because the clothes are being rotated much more in a front-loader than they are in a top-loader. Yeah, clothes are "agitated" in a top-loader but they don't change position (much). And to me that's why front-loader should clean better.

However things like soap and water-quality are going to have an affect also.

Bottom line– We'll never have another top-load washer.

 

[Stash]

I would highly recommend the Speed Queen brand of washers and dryers. The washer is top load (as I've heard numerous horror stories about front load washers), but they are made of the highest standards in parts and production and come with industry-highest warranties.

If you're looking to buy one and not worry about it for the next decade plus, I recommend them. Not fancy, just functional.

 

[trickblue]

Back in the day our store sold appliances... front load washers were just coming on the scene.

Haven't been in that business for about 15 years, and about a year ago replaced our Maytag top-load washer with a Samsung front loader.

While I was aware of the advantages of a front loader, until you have one you really don't know...

I'll start off with the big disadvantage of a front-load washer...

-Cost

A decent front-load washer is going to cost more than a decent top-load washer.

Now to the advantages of a front-load washer...

-Uses a lot less water. We were stunned at the difference between the two.
-Can hold more. Without that agitator in the middle, the front-loader holds more. Not that you should overload it, but for those large bed-spreads and stuff, the lack of an agitator makes all the difference in the world.
-It's much easier transferring the wet/clean clothes to the dryer when both appliances have a front-door. In addition it's much easier for short folks (like my wife) to reach everything on the inside of the front-load washer.
-No door on top of the washer? Cool! You can stack stuff up there too!

As far as its ability to clean, our front-loader does better at getting dirt out than what the top-loader did. At first we weren't sure how the cleanability of the new one would stack up vs. the old, considering the top-loader has the agitator and the front-loader doesn't. But the front-loader does a terrific job... probably because the clothes are being rotated much more in a front-loader than they are in a top-loader. Yeah, clothes are "agitated" in a top-loader but they don't change position (much). And to me that's why front-loader should clean better.

However things like soap and water-quality are going to have an affect also.

Bottom line– We'll never have another top-load washer.

Lots of good points...

Another pro seems at first like a con. The cycles are WAY longer on front loaders, but the clothes come out MUCH dryer than they do out of a top load, thereby cutting down on drying time.

I currently have a top loader but I like front loaders better, although my top loader does a fine job.

A couple of cons. Do a little research on the interwebs. Many brands have issues with the seal around the door. Not so much in leaking but rather mildewing and smelling terrible. This transfers to the clothes. I think there are some lawsuits out there about that issue...

The other issue I had was the washer stopping during the middle of the cycle. I had that happen thrice. Once you get the washer open, which is difficult, you have a small flood on your hands. When I built my second house, I had a drain put in the floor of the laundry room for that very reason. Came in handy on two different occasions...

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Never buy front load. The "gook" stays all over.

Google front load and dirt and bacteria etc.

 

[WoodysGirl]

Lots of good points here...

Traditionally, I've always had a top loader, so I was thinking of getting one of those oversized top loaders, because as Winks pointed out the cost difference between the two were significant. Color me shocked. But I really like the look of a front loader.

How do you clean a front loader washer? I've never actually cleaned a washing machine before other than just throwing some soap in the washing machine and letting it run with no clothes. What does that entail?

 

[trickblue]

Lots of good points here...

Traditionally, I've always had a top loader, so I was thinking of getting one of those oversized top loaders, because as Winks pointed out the cost difference between the two were significant. Color me shocked. But I really like the look of a front loader.

How do you clean a front loader washer? I've never actually cleaned a washing machine before other than just throwing some soap in the washing machine and letting it run with no clothes. What does that entail?

It's all about that front seal...

 

[WoodysGirl]

It's all about that front seal...

So keeping the front seal clean is what that means?

 

[trickblue]

So keeping the front seal clean is what that means?

It's the point of weakness and it gathers the "gook" as Redvolution mentioned. You can keep them clean, but it is extra work that you wouldn't have with a toploader.

 

[WoodysGirl]

It's the point of weakness and it gathers the "gook" as Redvolution mentioned. You can keep them clean, but it is extra work that you wouldn't have with a toploader.

Aww ok, gotcha... That's good to know.

 

[CowboyGil]

Lots of good points here...

Traditionally, I've always had a top loader, so I was thinking of getting one of those oversized top loaders, because as Winks pointed out the cost difference between the two were significant. Color me shocked. But I really like the look of a front loader.

How do you clean a front loader washer? I've never actually cleaned a washing machine before other than just throwing some soap in the washing machine and letting it run with no clothes. What does that entail?

There is cleaner specifically made for front loading washing machines.You can get it at WalMart or Home Depot or Lowe's. Ours came with some Febreze cleaner. I always leave it open after I'm done washing to let the inside air dry instead of sealing up a wet machine.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I always leave it open after I'm done washing to let the inside air dry instead of sealing up a wet machine.

Great point CowboyGil.

I had forgotten to mention that we were told the same, i.e. don't fully close the door after use.

Haven't had any problems with mildew and/or bacteria.

 

[WoodysGirl]

So leaving it open to air dry is a preventive measure. That said, how often do you clean the seal?

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

It's the point of weakness and it gathers the "gook" as Redvolution mentioned. You can keep them clean, but it is extra work that you wouldn't have with a toploader.

Absolutely. The best way to clean your washing machine is to get a top loader.

Everything falls to and through the bottom. If you wanted to do a double clean then just pass some hot water through. This was described to be me by someone who installed them for a living. He emphasized that you should not get a front loader: dirt issues, less durable, more wear from it rotation and gravity to the ground etc.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

So leaving it open to air dry is a preventive measure. That said, how often do you clean the seal?

We leave it cracked.

We just wipe it down once in a while. It's nothing more than a rubber gasket.

 

[WoodysGirl]

Ok, thanks all! I'm gonna do some more research and go from there. Price and functionality will probably be the deciding factors.

 

[CF74]

I would highly recommend the Speed Queen brand of washers and dryers. The washer is top load (as I've heard numerous horror stories about front load washers), but they are made of the highest standards in parts and production and come with industry-highest warranties.

If you're looking to buy one and not worry about it for the next decade plus, I recommend them. Not fancy, just functional.

This...


Speed Queen makes commercial machines and they are the best. Front loads have all kinds of issues, stick with top load.. The less options the better..

 

[bb721]

We've had front loaders for about the last 10 years and I'd never go back to a top loader. It is true that they have a bit more tendency to collect a little more soap residue than top loaders but we have found that is easily resolved by adding white vinegar to a wash load once a month or so. It does no harm to the clothes and eliminates the residue issue.

 

[jobberone]

I've had expensive front loaders. Mine were European 15 years ago though. No problems except don't get the drain stopped up.

Personally I'd buy good top loaders and I'd look for someone selling them cheap to get fancy ones. They are cheap to fix and clean your clothes fine. I will say colors are more fixed and fibrant in a good front loader and drying is a lot quicker. I'm more impressed with the newer dryers but again you can dry your clothes in the dryer awhile and then hang them carefully to complete and they look good. My wife has Chinese ways to get stains out prewash so we're good with my decades old washer and dryer.

If you want your clothes cleaner and to stay more 'new' then go with a good front loader. If you hand wash or prewash enough clothes then save your money on new clothes for the munchkin.

 

[burmafrd]

Have had both and got a front loader 5 years ago. No comparison as regards getting dirty stuff clean. Never had a problem with mildew or smell but then I am in a dry climate and they dry off real quick. GE front loader and have never had a problem with it; be it seal or smell or anything else.