[Wannabee]

One thing that is nice is the controls are on the front. This allowed me to have a countertop cut to size for the top of the washer and dryer giving me a folding table.

[fizzbyn]

We bought the LG front loader washer and dryer with the drawers for the new house. It is more complicated than the top loader model we have now, but I'll get used to it I suppose. I've only used it about three times. It has charming little songs to let you know it is finished etc. The drawers are roomy and make the loading levels much nicer but, unless you are tall, you lose the folding area on top of the washer and dryer. Our new house has an extra area in the laundry room where some cabinets with a counter top can be built, so it won't be a problem for us. But it should be a consideration if you have a small laundry room.

[Lucko]

Three years ago we bought high end front load Bosch for out new Illinois home and they are great. Europe has been using front load for 20 plus years. Quiet, use 80 % less water and get the clothes much cleaner. The newer platform drawers are deeper and more useful than three years ago. We are sorry we didn't get Bosch for our Duval ranch, and so will be getting Bosch front loads for the new Hemingway home, probably when they are on sale at Lowe's or when Lowe's will match another sale price. Buy an upgrade model so that it reheats the hot water, "you will never be sorry you bought quality." Also, if you upgrade your dish washer, the Bosch is incredible and quiet. This is not an ad.

[faithfulfrank]

Could I be the lone voice of decent on the subject?

I just had this talk with my sister in law.
She was buying the line from all the appliance salesman...."You GOTTA buy a front loader for the water savings......."

I personally am not thrilled with the front loaders because so many people have complained of mold problems. They even sell products to throw into the washers to fight the problem......
Perhaps you do not have that problem if they are left open. I don't know.

Anyway.....we LOVE our Fisher-paykel washer and dryer. BOTH top loading.

Reasons we LOVE our Fisher Paykel...?
Top loading..no mold.
WATER SAVING.....automatic water filling.
Direct drive motor DC motor. Lower electrical cost AND No belts, No pulleys and the best thing.........NO TRANSMISSION. This benefit is HUGE. Whenever I've replaced a washer it was because of a costly transmission.

Great warranty and great customer service. I'm told parts are not expensive, easy to work on, etc.......(although I never needed to.....)

Clothes come out almost dry. Washer spins at 1000 rpm's Makes drying time WAY less.
We would not own anything else, at least for now.

Also, the units cost much less then the front loaders

My wife loves the top loading dryer. Lint trap is a container on the inside of the unit. It has a moisture sensor that stops when the clothes are dry. Many different cycles. The tops come off of both for easy cleaning. The dryer alternates spins for no wrinkles, etc.

I do wish they sold a stackable set for our Florida home, but not yet. :'(

They sell them at Lowe's and other places.....worth at least a look.....

Frank D.

[TomW]

I wanted to add a comment on the longevity of Kenmore's. In 37 years of marriage we are on our second Kenmore washer and dryer. The "new" ones were purchased in the mid 80's.

Consumer reports has an article on washers and generally favors the front loaders. Never heard of a problem with mold and, in fact, according to CR, the front loaders removes more water from the clothes due to their higher spin rates which also reduces the amount of drying needed.

[MickyV]

Have had mine for 2 years, from sears, love love love it

[Happinow]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Kat, I have a friend who bought front loaders 3 years ago. She says they are wonderful and extremely energy efficient.

Does anyone have any experience with stackables? I was considering buying them for a house I own with limited space for laundry.

I had a pair of stackables where I used to live, as my laundry room wasn't set up for side by side. I am short and the dryer was on top. It was a bit difficult to reach it. If you aren't 5'8" or taller I would suggest you not have stackables. Using a step stool could be dangerous.

[Happinow]

The only complaint I have with my front loaders is that I'm not sure they use enough water. It seems that they save too much water. I don't see my clothes sloshing in water when washing. It's more like barely getting them wet. Otherwise, I really like them and I have the drawers under them. If you don't have the drawers under them it's way too low to bend down.

[Moderator]

5+ year old thread - now closed.

Moderator