Washer/Dryer...front-loading?

[Rika_Tula]

Copied from Black Friday shopping thread:

Originally Posted By: Myrika_Betula

We've got a GE regular washer/dryer which we've had since 2000 and we'll keep to wash the dogs' stuff.

Since you've bought and replaced so many times, do you have a recommendation for brand and store?

Originally Posted By: AllieGI'm not thrillled with mine.I have the duet washer & dryer.It takes forever to wash the laundry and it will say 1 minute left to spin or what ever and 10 minutes later it is finishing.If you need to save water it is awesome but if water is not a problem I would go with the top load ones.Not sure how the water saver top load work compared to the front load.I like to look at the dial and see what it is doing not guess if it is on first spin or 3rd.
On that note I have always bought Whirlpool and had then last over 5 yrs.Mine are going on 5 or 6 years now.

Looking for input on brands of front-loading washer & dryer and store. Also, Allie suggests that they are not all they are cracked up to be and prefers top-loading. Anybody else have input?

Thanks in advance!

[MayzieGSD]

I have a Maytag set which I believe was made by Whirlpool and is basically the same as the Duet. I've had them for about 3 years. Like Allie said, it does take longer than a top loader and often times the 'remaining time' display is inaccurate. However, I think it is gentler on clothing, gets clothes cleaner, and fits much more than a top loader (meaning fewer loads to do!). So I like mine. No problems with them so far.

Edited to add: Just checked - mine are the 'Maytag Epic'

[littledmc17]

I bought a maytag Bravo washer and dryer few years ago top loading and love them
My cousin told me to saty away from front loaders

[Liesje]

My aunt has front loaders and I hate them. I can't remember which brand, but she usually gets high quality/expensive stuff. Part of the problem is that they have well water. I used to stay there and do laundry there and everything smelled funky, either from the well water, or from too much soap and the well water not really cleaning the clothes. Some of my cousin's stuff I'd have to wash 2 times (like undershirts with BO and deodorant on them). A lot of the stuff I was is *really* dirty stuff (dog bedding, really muddy clothes, DH's athletic stuff which is drenched in sweat, etc) so I don't always like the idea of going "green" and using so much less water, it never seemed to really wash and rinse my stuff all that well. It was supposed to fit way more but I could never fill it since it didn't wash stuff very well. It took forever. Also I hate how they "lock" so I can't run down with some socks I forgot and toss them in.

[Mandalay]

I posted in the other thread about this: http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum...=0#Post1269781

Theirs are Whirlpool Duets

[MayzieGSD]

Originally Posted By: LiesjeMy aunt has front loaders and I hate them. I can't remember which brand, but she usually gets high quality/expensive stuff. Part of the problem is that they have well water. I used to stay there and do laundry there and everything smelled funky, either from the well water, or from too much soap and the well water not really cleaning the clothes. Some of my cousin's stuff I'd have to wash 2 times (like undershirts with BO and deodorant on them). A lot of the stuff I was is *really* dirty stuff (dog bedding, really muddy clothes, DH's athletic stuff which is drenched in sweat, etc) so I don't always like the idea of going "green" and using so much less water, it never seemed to really wash and rinse my stuff all that well. It was supposed to fit way more but I could never fill it since it didn't wash stuff very well. It took forever. Also I hate how they "lock" so I can't run down with some socks I forgot and toss them in.

The set I have does a good job of getting clothes clean, even when I pack it full. And mine also has a button you press to pause it and it will unlock the door and allow you to toss in a forgotten sock

[GSDElsa]

The ONE thing I prefer with front loaders is the amount you can throw in there. Really, even the biggest top loaders with a "post" you aren't supposed to put big things like comforters, dog beds, etc in. So I like that for big stuff there is no trip to the laundry mat.

As far as the funky smell...font loaders are a lot of upkeep. The gasket and way the basket is made collects water and will mold and get smelly if you aren't on top of it. I put vinegar in with all my clothes, and about one a month do a load without clothes and bleach loaded in the detergent compartment.

I'm not sold on the "green" aspect. Our water bill hasn't really improved so I'm not sure how much water they are really saving?? Supposidly a lot, but I highly doubt that we started usuing a bunch more water for showers, dishes, etc at the same time that we got the washer and dryer.

But, I'm still glad that we got them. I think it's a selling feature to the house and it is still an improvement over the set that was there when we moved in--18 years old! The dryer had started to go, so we were going to buy just a dryer. Then Black Friday came around and there was essentially buy the washer, get the dryer free deal going on so I snagged it. I ended up spending $100 more than I had originally budgeted and got both--not too bad I think.

[AngelJ]

I love my maytag appliances. I have never had a problem with any of them. About three years ago when we built out laundry/mud room on the main level of the house we bought maytag front loading machines from home depot. We love them. They fit more stuff, use less water, and get the clothes very clean. And you do have time to add stuff to the machine at the beginning of the cycle. We have them on a pedestal that we made which makes them the perfect height. We still have the old machines in the basement, which is a maytag top loading washer and a dryer, that we use for dog stuff that we might not want to put in the new machines. Those are 13 years old and I have not had any problems with them. I have only had to replace the light bulb in the dryer once. Sooo......I do have to recommed Maytag appliances. Chossing between the two, I love my front loading washer!

[MayzieGSD]

yes, I love that I can wash my king sized comforter in my front loader!! and pillows, and the dog bed! When you allow your dog up on the bed like we do, this is a huge benefit!!

I haven't had any problems with odor in my machines but I always leave the door open when not in use.

[Rika_Tula]

We have well water here. The info about the funky smell and possible mold issue is greatly appreciated. Our biggest reason for wanting a front-loader is for the amount of clothes that can be washed, or to be able to wash a comforter (king size). For some reason, I was thinking they were more efficient all around...and easier on clothes.

Maybe I'll check out top-loaders without the center agitator piece.

Great input all, thank you very much...VERY helpful!