[redwitch]

For the average wash, I'd say the top loader works just fine. However, if you're like me and wash your comforters and other large items at home, then the front loader is really the best machine. Ditto if you're washing a lot of clothes or washing clothes for little ones.

Let's face it, how often do we old codgers really get clothes all that dirty? We need to wash out the sweat, an occasional food stain, our gardening clothes and that's about it in the way of dirt. So, "cleaner" washing really isn't that much of a factor. Neither is the energy savings considering we're not washing clothes daily -- our families have shrunk enough that that isn't necessary.

So, get the front load if you're washing a lot of large, heavy items frequently. A compact one if you have only a little to wash on a weekly or bi-weekly basis or room is truly a factor. Otherwise, I'd say stick with the middle-of-the-road top loaders.

Oddly, got this advice back in California from one of the large appliance dealers (non-Sears) in my area. He also said go gas for the dryer if at all possible. I got the front load washer and gas dryer and never regretted my decision. Here, I have top loader, electric. They work well on my clothing, but I'm taking my comforters and rugs to a laundromat to get them clean.