Front Load Washer Advice (Need a New Washer Asap!)

Hello,

I was going to buy front loaders, but after hearing so many negative things, we went w/the agitatorless washer and I love it. (Whirlpool) I can leave the door open/closed, it does not mildew. It also is HE, and I would highly recommend it!

There is a lady named Pat Harris who works part time at the Sears on Parmer and IH35. She told me that she has been working there in the washer/dryer department for 20 years. I went with a used washer from a friend to save money, but she really knew a lot and answered every single one of my questions and I had a lot! Good luck!
Store Phone: ###-###-####

we've had a front load washer for years and never had a problem with it. I love it, my 3 yr old can help do laundry since she can reach the front door. We've also moved with it from one house to another with no problems. I would say go for it the front loaders will save you water and money.
have fun shopping.

Our dryer broke a few months ago and when I was looking at replacing it I noticed how expensive they were. When we finally went to the store (Conns) they had a deal on a set of front loaders. I really didn't like the idea of front load because like you I had not heard good things, but my husband was sold on them (like he's the one doing the laundry!). I gave in mostly because we were shopping with my 2 month old(at the time) and I was tired and we just needed to do something quick. Let me just say it's the best decision I've made in a long time. I love my front load washer and dryer!!! The only thing is you have to leave the washer door open a little to dry the machine so you don't get mold. Just a little FYI...I have heard that they are about to do away with top load all together so you might have a hard time getting one repaired in the future.

Good Luck!

Hi B K
I am sure you will get a lot of responses on this one.
I have a front loader I have had for over 8 yrs and have never had a repair(knock on wood) mine are the regular size and I have them staced due to limited space we have. IT is a fridgeidare and I aboltashort and I absolutely love it. I will never hve the top loader machine again- It does not hurt to move them- my daughter has moved hers 3 times- no problem- that is a rumor.....

As for brands, Kenmore, Whirlpool, Fridgidare are all made at the same factory- just different labels- and some have different features- but the inner workings are the same.
my fridgidare uses on 4 gal of water per load vs 15 per cycle in the top loaders- I would look for the stainless steel tubs on both washer and dryer. If you are considering Craig's list- you could be getting something that has an issue- when buying a new appliance I would suggest purchasing from the store and getting your warranty.
Good luck and blessings

Call an appliance repairman and ask what brands he hardly ever services - even top and front loaders. One draw back to front loaders is that you should leave the door open after a load so insides don't mildew/mold from moisture and that is a danger if little ones can get to the washer area.

I've had my front loader for about 3 years now with no problems. We bought the cheapest front loader that Home Depot carried at the time. It's an Amana. I would never go back to a top loader again.

I've never heard that you shouldn't move front loaders and since they have to move it to deliver it to your house, I can't believe that it's true!

Good luck,
K.

I have a Kenmore HE5 washer & dryer. I LOVE them!! The cycles are awesome too! I don't use the sanitize selection often but it is great when you need it. Yes, you need to buy HE (high efficiency) detergent for ALL front loaders and you will notice significantly less wear and tear on your clothes. I haven't had to move them yet but will take the advice from another comment to secure the washer! Good luck!

I love my front load washer, although there are two things I did not think about when purchasing ours. 1: If you want to use dye, which I have a couple times, you cannot do it in the washer. 2: Mine is an HE and while I love that about it, I did try cloth diapering for a while, and found that HE washers are not cloth diapering friendly. (I wash diapers over night because it tends to be a 3 hour process) If you are not concerned about either of those things, I would go with a front load. I would not give mine up no matter what the reviews are. I got mine at Lowe's and we got the extended warranty, and while I have not needed to use it for the washer, I was very happy we got it for the dryer, because they replaced that for us no problem. Good luck in your search!

my parents have front loaders. mom is convinced that you need to use a special type of detergent. all of there clothes smell like apple juice. can you fix the timer on the old set. ours went out and it was fairly inexpensive to fix.

My washer didn't drain and since we had nothing to lose (as I was having to call a repairman or replace it), we took it apart and just looked around at the parts. I found a sock stuck in the gears. Ripped the sock out (it wouldn't come out any other way). We couldn't save the sock, but we saved our washing machine!

I LOVE my frontload washer and dryer. After tons of research, I bought a HE Kenmore Elite set almost 6 years ago. I have had only one service visit in all that time - kid's sock got stuck in the tray under the washer. They use less water, less detergent and hold way more clothes than my old ones.

I bought my new at a Sears Outlet store. Because of a small scratch on the top of the dryer, the set was almost half price. I put them under a shelf and can't even see the scratch.

All major appliances should be moved as few times as possible. Take that into consideration when buying used. Also be sure to test all features before buying if considering used. Hope that helps!

I have heard nothing but bad about front load washers from my friends and on the internet. My advice would be to google the brand/s you want and search for reviews. Go to the library and find a recent back issue of Consumer Reports on the washers. What my friend's mostly experienced was the washers just stopped working after about 2 months or they leaked badly. I think most of them were LG's, but not sure. Research should give you a better idea and you'll always get a warranty anyway, and you MIGHT consider extended warranties also, although I never get them. Also check if you have a Home Warranty (if you own your home) on whether appliances are covered. Ours are. I have never heard that you can't move them, how else would they get to your house?

We've had Whirlpool Duet front loading washer and dryer for 4 years and love them! No problems and they was so much better than the old top loaders we had. I'm from England where you can't get top loaders since the mid 70's... front loaders are the norm so I'm very much used to them.

You can move front loaders... you just have to put the metal bar in to immobilize the drums (I think its only on the dryer). We've moved our set 3 times now.

They are so much more economoical, easy to use / access, wash and dry more in one load and save water (if you have one with a sensor level for small loads).

My advice would be to make the move now... you won't regret it!

Hi BK,
They just don't make them like they used to! I remember when I turned 30 years old, my mom finally replaced a dryer that she had bought (used for $10) when I was little! Of course, washers don't typically last as long as dryers. but still...

Our washer also broke down at 7 years old (three years ago) and we replaced it with an LG front-loading washing machine. We were expecting our first child and knew we'd be doing a lot of laundry, so we wanted the increased efficiency.

Over the past three years, we've have had no problems with our LG washer. We also had no problem moving it from Dallas to Austin last year...you just have to install a special part to move it without damage (came with the washer).

Good luck...I hope this helps!
D.

Hi,
We have a GE frontloader and I love it. It is easy to use and does a great job. On days when I am tired I find it hard work to bend down to load and empty, but otherwise I love it. It has a flat top so that I can put my basket on top. At the moment I have my GE frontloader dryer there. I had had it for about 7 years but it was sotred for 4 years. It still worked great after being stored for all that time.
Good luck.
It is nice to get a new washer.

W., mother to 2 sons and a husband.

BK,

I have a Maytag Neptune and I love it. I have had it over 7 years and it has been through a move. The only problem that we have had with it was due to using the wrong detergent when we first got it. The rubber ring around the barrel had gotten messed up and when the repair man fixed it (Still under warranty) he explained to us why we shouldn't use regular detergent. No problems since! Good luck.

D.

We purchased the Whirlpool Duet back in May. I love it! Since I had a hard time paying full price for one we went to Giant Appliance in Round Rock off of I35. It's a scratch and dent place and they have new stuff as well. I bought the gray set and the dryer had the smallest scratch on it but we got both for half the price we would have normally paid. You should really check that place out. We got the sanitizer in the washer but did not get the steam in the dryer. That will save you a bit. Good luck!

I have an LG front loader and love it! You do need to use the correct soap. And I do reccomend leaving the door on the washer open till it dries out, otherwise you may get a "smell" in it. As for moving them they can be moved you just need to make sure that moving bolts are installed on the washer. They are bolts that keep the inside of the washer from slamming around-that can damage the washer. If you buy a new one and have it installed make sure they give you the bolts, they run around $40.

I have had my front loader for 5 years and it's working fine. It is a Kenmore Elite. I will never go back to top loaders. Even when we were moving and I had to go to the laundromat, I didn't even consider putting my clothes in a top loader. As a science project, my daughter compared both and the front loader came on top. It is gentler, yet cleans better. I highly recommend that you get one. If you fear that it may break, then go with the ones that have been on the market longer, such as the Kenmore brand. Good Luck!

I have a Whirpool front load washer and would not trade it for the world. I LOVE IT. We have had it about 7 years with not a problem. My washer before that was a maytag top load that we had for 24 years. However the guy at lowes told us that maytag front loading washer had the most repairs of all front loading. I believe him too. A Couple of our friends have had maytag front loader and not liked them. I am 4'11 1/2" tall so I no longer have to climb into my washer to get clothes out to put in the dryer. By the way my husband is 6'2" and is just as happy with the washer and can easily get into it also. Hope this helps

We have a front load washer - 2nd one we've owned - a Kenmore model.

We like it - the washing process is more efficient and the clothes seem to be cleaner. I will warn you that you should use a certain type of detergent (I'll see what it is later this evening and let you know) - all you need a dab. It's the same brands as you would buy (Tide, Cheer, etc) but it is made for these type of washers / parts. We purchase the industrial size from Sam's - Sam's brand.

I'm not sure I would purchase from Craig's List - you loose the warranty and you don't know what has been done to the equipment prior to your purchase.

You can move the units....correctly - without any problems.

After 9yrs, our washer finally went out. We ended up with a large new top load. The agitator is similar to the front load one, (not a large tube in the middle, very small hump) I decided on the top load for the size & the fact that I could pause it if I forgot to put something in once the cycle began. Good luck,

I've had a Whirlpool Sport (smaller version) HE for 3 years now with not a single problem! I wouldn't advise buying used unless you know the individual. I LOVE my machine and it really did change my life...no more laundry EVERY day or hours on end on saturday to catch up on sheet/towels.

Look for sales and then ask for a price match. Sears, Home Depot and Lowes will price match. Also, most of them will do 12 month no interest no payment if that helps you out (as long as you pay by month 11 you're fine).

Good luck!

Hi we bought our front load washer and dryer in April, it has made laundry so much easier! It washes them really well, we bought a large washer so you can fit a huge arm load of clothes in there, it uses way less water, spins the cothes to where they do not need as much time in the dryer, I like that it opens in the front, my 2 and 3 year old help by taking the clothes out of the washer and into the dryer. My only complaint is that they also like to press the buttons, which sometimes resets the cycle. We researched around a lot before we bought one, we looked at reviews on line from sears, home depot, Lowes, plus we went to all of those, talked with all of the sales men, until we figured out what we wanted and what was important to us in a washer and dryer- we picked home depot, they were running the best special at the time, plus delivered and set up for free, and we live in the country. They are pricey- I love the set, but it would have been a better idea for us to just by the washer, due to out dryer still working, we could have saved $900! But the dryer is now big enough to dry those huge loads of laundry! Thanks and Good luck!

We've had our Kenmore Elite since January 2002 and have had no problems. It uses a lot less water, takes less time and needs less detergent (even less than the special HE instructions recommend). I am able to stop it after it starts to add items but not too late in the cycle. In the February issue of Consumer Reports, the top five were a Samsung, two GE's, a Whirlpool and a Kenmore. Best buys listed were GE, Frigidare and Amana. Pretty much all of the frontloaders rated well, the few black marks were in "gentleness" and "cycle times."
Have fun choosing - I hate shopping for appliances, it's so confusing. Just make sure you measure the space before you go; some of the new machines are huge.
Good luck.

I had a front load washer for 3 1/2 years before it was flooded and ruined in Ike. I never had one bit of trouble with it, loved it, bought another front loader to replace it when we rebuilt the house. I don't remember the one I had, but the one I have now is a Maytag. They don't use as much water and are not as harsh on the clothes.

A few tips with front loader...
Don't use nearly as much soap. I don't worry with using "special" detergent for front loaders and have never had a problem.

Once done washing, leave door slightly ajar. When the door is fully closed, it is air tight. Consequently, the moisture left inside cannot dry. When you open the door again it will smell mildewy.

Hello,

We has the same front loading washer and dryer (Fridgidare) for 9.5 years in our old home. We had absolutely no issues. We loved it. Left it in the house when we moved. Got new ones in our new house, they are a year old and have had no problems. My mom has had similar experience. Good Luck!

My parents tried to convince me not to get a toploader. Yes, there were LOTS of complaints of them.

I LOVE mine. But here are my complaints-

1)I would like to leave my washer open but I have small children who put things in it and turn it on. My cat gets in it. I'm afraid they may drown my cat (has happened to other kitties.) Here is a story of a kitty who escaped the awful death but as you can see she had a hard time getting the washer open to get the cat out, which is my next complaint. http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/03/cat-escapes-death-by-...

2) I can't open it quickly once it's spinning. It has a cancel button and when it's still filling with water then I can get it open somewhat quickly. Not so when it's in the midst of a cycle. Just think about it, the water has to drain before you can open it or water will go everywhere when you open it, so it has a safeguard to prevent that from happening.

3) Because I keep it closed the rubber seal is molded.

4) the special detergent is expensive and they don't make the natural detergents that I prefer to use (that use coconut instead of petrol.) However, some of the detergents I use say "if using a HG washer, use x amount." So no, you don't have to use a special detergent, you just have to use LESS regular detergent (3/4 I think it is? The front loading washeterias have a sign that says use half detergent when not using HG detergents.) Which means you are saving money in detergent!! :)

I have owned a front load washer now for about 2 or 3 yrs. and have never had a problem with it. My family absolutely loves it. It saves energy and uses less water. Not only that, it seems to get the dirt and grime out of clothes. Plus the clothes don't ever get twisted up or tangled in a ball like they did in a top loading washer. I only wish i had the dryer now, but it is on the list of things to get and replace.

Wow! I am really surprised! I have never heard any negative feedback about front loaders and I absolutly love love love mine! It's a whirlpool and we have owned it for 6+ years. In that time it has only broken once and it was my fault for slamming the door too hard. They really do save a ton of water too! Good luck to you!

B K,
I have a front loader washer and dryer and it works perfectly.. no problems. I've had them for about 5-6 years now.

Are you picky with the condition of your clothes?
Do you want less wash wear and pilling?
Do you want to save on water and energy?
Get a front loader!

I never saw the difference until I got a front loader and then on vacation I used a washer with an agitator. Clothes showed so much more wash wear and pilling.

I'll never go back to an agitating machine and I am picky.
There is talk of a musty smell but if you experience that, just leave the door open after washes and wipe down the well in the door. No big deal.

I have a KENMORE ELITE HE4. Loooove it.

Also, regarding models, talk to an honest salesmen. There may be several different model names but only about 2 companies manufacturer them all. It's all marketing.

Lastly, you can go to Consumer Reports. ONly Consumer Reports. They are the only publication that doesn't accept money from the manufacturers so you know their data is reliable. If you don't want to buy their yearly publication, you can go online and subscribe for only one month. Go to:

www.consumerreports.org

my front loader that got 5 years ago is the best washer i've ever had--and the maytag that preceded it lasted 17 years. it spins out so much water that the dryer gets finished very quickly. hope this helps!