Washing Machines: Top Load Vs. Front Load?

[Geila]

My 15 yo Kenmore washer decided to quit working today - no agitation and no spinning. The service fee is $59 for an estimate - a week from now! I'm thinking it might be time to get a new washer, this one is loud and knocks around when it spins. I don't think it was a good model to begin with, it was always clunky.

I looked at Sears and Costco and they have similar prices, but Costco has a current special on Maytag front load washers. I'm pretty old-fashioned and thinking, what's the big deal? But I've never actually used one before and maybe it's time to get some info on them. If you have used front loading washers, how do they compare with top loaders?

I can get just a basic washer replacement for around $600 for a top loader, or a front loader for $750, with delivery, install and haul-away included. I'm wondering if it's time to make the switch. We're not huge users of the machine, since it's just the two of us, but now that we have the cuddly puppy, I think that will change. As it is, today I have lots of laundry to do and no machine to do it in. We'd like to get something of good quality that will last a long time.

Also, we have a Maytag dryer that we bought used and refurbished over 20 years ago - and still works - it's probably 30 years old if not older. I saw one like it from the 1970's. Anyway, this dryer works great but it over dries clothing. It gets really hot and the clothes come out almost too hot to touch. I know that the high heat is not good for fabrics, but it doesn't have any kind of sensor so I have to really keep an eye on the laundry to take it out before it gets crispy, and it's probably using too much electricity to get that hot. I'm wondering if it's time to let it go.

Costco has the new Maytag front loader washer and dryer combo for $1900, which includes delivery, install and haul-away. It also qualifies for a minimum $75 rebate from PG&E (possibly more). Normally I would say this is way too much money for a laundry set, especially since we don't really need a dryer. But maybe it's a good investment? We have the savings for it. For comparison - the top loading Maytag combo is $1300 with install/delivery/haul-away, but no rebate applies. So the overall extra expense would be appx $500 for the top load combo. Is it worth it?

http://images.costco.com/image/media/350-813295-847__1.jpg Vs. http://images.costco.com/image/media/350-837840-847__1.jpg
A.) http://www.costco.com/.product.100081551.html?cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-categorypageHorizontalTop-_-PersonalizedClickCPInCategory&cm_vc=categorypageHorizontalTop|PersonalizedClickC PInCategory#BVRRWidgetID B.) http://www.costco.com/Maytag%C2%AE-Bravos-X%E2%84%A2-HE-%7c-3.8-CuFt-Top-Load-Washer-with-Optimal-Dispenser-Drawer-%7c-7.0CuFt-Bravos-X%E2%84%A2-Electric-Dryer-with-Sanitize-.product.100090819.html


What say you, simple-livers?

[Tussiemussies]

We bought Kenmore front loaded years ago and have been so happy with it. It senses the level of clothing and adds only enough water to wash the load, although the clothes are not sitting in water the action of the tub gets them really clean. So it is a big wAter saver. We did buy it at Sears and we did get the extended warranty which came in handy once. We renewed it once again and will have the,door fixtures replaced. One thing you must do with them is whenever you are nog washing, you must leave the door open so mold and mildew do not form inside. Larger plus is that you can do much larger loads if you pick the right one....chris

[razz]

Watching this thread with interest as I am having to replace all my appliances in my new place.

FWIW, I have read some negative reviews of Maytag in general but those issues may have been resolved.

The front loaders used to be more costly, are preferred in Europe, take smaller loads often and use less water if you are paying a heavy water bill. The toploaders have had their vibration problems improved and can take larger loads.

[Geila]

I was trying to figure out why it's more expensive to buy the suite versus the units individually - $400 more. It looks like the suite comes with pedestals. I assume this means that they can be stacked to save space? Any other advantage to the pedestal? $400 extra is a lot!

Tussie - that's good to know about the water. We are in severe drought here and our water prices keep going up, up, and UP! There might be rationing/fines pretty soon.

Razz - we bought a Maytag stove over 10 years ago and have been really happy with it. No problems at all. Our fridge is over 15 years old (Whirlpool) and its been making lots of noise the last year or so. That one is probably next.

[CathyA]

I am so used to a top loader. Plus, many times I add things later, or readjust things, and I couldn't do that with a front loader.
I've also heard that front-loaders have problems with musty smells.
It would be nice if front loaders all worked out their problems, because I've heard they use alot less water.
I've heard Maytags aren't what they used to be at all.
My Maytag washer and dryer are 36 years old. I hope they outlive me.
Good luck with your search.
Do alot of searching online.

[KayLR]

I've had both a front-load and of course, a top loader. Frankly, I wouldn't get another front-loader. Just personal preference, but I didn't care for having to have it open like TM mentioned, and it was difficult for me to reach down and to the back of the drum. Felt like my arm didn't bend the right way or something. I guess that might depend on your setup.

I just didn't notice much advantage.

[IshbelRobertson]

Top loaders are not that common in Europe anymore, although I remember my Mum having one into the 1960 s.

I have a Bosch front loader and I'm happy with it.

[Geila]

Thanks, Kay!

Would you guys replace the dryer? I've been debating that for years now. It seems a shame to replace a working appliance - especially a workhorse like that one. But everything gets so hot in there unless I take it out at just the right time. And it seems that I often miss just the right time. Not a big deal for socks and such, but bedding (especially) and clothing takes a beating. I find myself washing my sheets less because of it. DH thinks that's a good thing - but I like fresh sheets.

[Kestrel]

We have Kenmore front-loader washer and dryer. No room to stack them (built-in cupboards above), but no problem with that. We got a pedestal for each, but really it's not necessary. I guess you're supposed to keep your detergent/softener and stuff in them, but we don't -- not convenient for us. But we like them a lot. We'd only go back to top loader if we had to.

[Geila]

We have Kenmore front-loader washer and dryer. No room to stack them (built-in cupboards above), but no problem with that. We got a pedestal for each, but really it's not necessary. I guess you're supposed to keep your detergent/softener and stuff in them, but we don't -- not convenient for us. But we like them a lot. We'd only go back to top loader if we had to.

Thanks Kestrel!

For those of you who prefer the front-loader, can you share why you like them better?

I know that Tussie mentioned it saves water, but Kay found them hard to empty out. I'm trying to see what the pros/cons are, since I've never used one.

[Mrs. Hermit]

We decided to get a top loader model when we moved into this house. I had used my friend's front loader before. The only way I could reach the back of the front loader washer was to kneel down in front of the washer, and reach back--to the far back where all the wet clothes seemed to land. Kneeling is painful, so this was not a good choice. Ergo, top loader for us.

[razz]

We decided to get a top loader model when we moved into this house. I had used my friend's front loader before. The only way I could reach the back of the front loader washer was to kneel down in front of the washer, and reach back--to the far back where all the wet clothes seemed to land. Kneeling is painful, so this was not a good choice. Ergo, top loader for us.
Good points for me to consider so thanks.

[Geila]

I decided to go with a basic Whirlpool top loading washer that has excellent reviews from users. I went to the laundromat today to wash two loads and I used the front loader to see how it works. It does use a lot less water and I can imagine that clothing comes out cleaner too - the method is quite efficient. And they also appear to wash larger loads - I used a huge Maytag commercial washer but I can see how it would work. Since we only do 1-2 loads of wash per week, I don't think the efficiency will outweigh the benefit of using the tried & true simplicity of the top loader and the hassle of having to bend or kneel down for the wash. When I have a load that needs extra cleaning I just do the wash cycle twice and that works well. This new washer has a soak cycle and that should also work just as well.

Also, we have an old house and have the laundry in the garage, so the vents and water lines are set for the traditional appliances and would need to be modified for the front loaders due to height issues.

Still debating on the dryer.

I really appreciate everyone's honest responses.
:thankyou:

[Geila]

I just ran across a post on this same subject! I don't even remember what I was looking for when I saw it, but it has reaffirmed my decision to go top load. The reader responses are really eye-opening.

http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/front-loader-or-top-loader/

[Float On]

I had to buy a new set it'll be two years in September. I went with Maytag Centennial top loader. I just couldn't get over the fact that you can't rush back in and toss one more item into the washer once a front loader is going. I've been happy with my choice. The mayor of the town where our Lowes is located happens to work there as an appliance salesman. He gave us lots of pros and cons to front and top as well as different brands within my price range.

[JaneV2.0]

My Kenmore top-loader is 27 years old; I'm hoping it wi'll hang on a few years longer. I had decided against front loaders before I read the link above, and I'm more convinced than ever. I'm really peeved to learn that I'll have to accept lid locks and such foolishness when I'm ready to buy again. I just want plain, no frills equipment with few "features" that can fail. I conserve water by only washing once a week or so, doing a full load, and never watering my lawn, so I can take lengthy showers and run water when I'm hand-washing dishes. Our water cycle is healthy; if dry states want to impose draconian measures to conserve water, it's fine with me, but I want toilets that flush and shower heads that deliver the goods.

[iris lilies]

My Kenmore top-loader is 27 years old; I'm hoping it will hang on a few years longer. I had decided against front loaders before I read the link above, and I'm more convinced than ever. I'm really peeved to learn that I'll have to accept lid locks and such foolishness when I'm ready to buy again. I just want plain, no frills equipment with few "features" that can fail. I conserve water by only washing once a week or so, doing a full load, and never watering my lawn, so I can take lengthy showers and run water when I'm hand-washing dishes. Our water cycle is healthy; if dry states want to impose draconian measures to conserve water, it's fine with me, but I want toilets that flush and shower heads that deliver the goods.

You may remember my post from last December (haha why should you!) but my friend, our age, bought a Speed Queen machine. It's the last of them without all of the stupid saftely locks. Her tale almost made me run out and buy a Speed Queen to keep in my basement as a backup for when our washing machine goes out.

Yes, I hate "features" especially the "sensing" features. I want to tell the machine what to do, I don't want it thinking on it's own because it makes poor decision, it is a dumb machine after all.

[Float On]

I do hate the locking lid but just have to hold the button till it unlocks. I do like that it is self balancing.

[ToomuchStuff]

ONE NEGATIVE TO THE PEDESTALS, that isn't always thought of when buying them, is your going to have to do some construction. I saved my brother hassle, by looking over his house when he had it built (we did phone/network and cable wireing), because he bought a new set and the pedestals for them. As a taller person, he didn't want to bend down and has a preference for the front loaders due to lower water and detergent use, as well as bad memories of standing up into cabinets, above a top loader.
What I pointed out was his dryer exhaust was set up for them to be at floor level. (where is yours?)
The pedestals seem expensive for storage cabinets. My b-i-l isn't handy, so I long ago, sent my sister this site and one project she liked (still won't do until hers dies) is this: http://ana-white.com/2011/01/sausha%E2%80%99s-washerdryer-pedestals

I still have and use a top loader, and do small loads (and have added once started). If I have a lot, I use a front loader at a close laundramat (mulitple loads, 22 minutes a load, average, all done in an hour with drying). I started using a laundramat for large items, or due to work hours (employers medical condition, meant I gained a lot of OT).

[Yarrow]

I bought a new Whirlpool topload that has frontload technology, but with none of the problems of a frontloader. I've had it 3 years now and am very happy with it.