Top Loader Vs. Front Loader

I'm not particularly "green," but I can tell you that in France (my husband is French) they use this type of washer and it is easier on clothes because they are not being spun by an agitator. Generally speaking, clothes wear better -- especially delicate clothes, like the thin layering shirts that are so popular now. That's one advantage I see for the front loader.

so many responses! Don't know if anyone mentioned this. I hate the front loader! It gets dirt and grim stuck around the rubber rim in the front and it smears on the clothes making them dirtier. It is not removable so it's hard to clean. The top loader wouldn't have this problem unless it was way overstuffed. - gravity a great thing.

Top loaders clean by slapping and tumbling the clothes around, so if you overload the washer - then they wouldn't get clean. Don't over load and it's no problem. I find mine cleans wonderfully.

You can't "soak" clothes in them, so pretreating and letting them sit with stain lifter a bit before washing helps for stains.

Front loaders don't last as long as top loaders. But gone are the days when you can expect 15 years out of a washer anyway.

Ps I have a kenmore. I use any kind of detergent. Doesnt seem to matter to me.

We have an LG front loader, but when DS was in cloth, I originally had a top loader. Yes, the front loader cleans clothes just as well, is definitely more water-saving efficient, etc. BUT, I didn't get the LG that allows you to "soak" - there are front loaders that have that option & for the purpose of washing cloth diapers, I would highly recommend considering a front loader with a soak option.

I was still able to get my CD's cleaned, I just had to run a pre-wash beforehand as well as an extra rinse afterwards, so it just added more time to each load is all.

Our LG's aren't loud at all, the wash times are fine & I can't even believe how efficient the dryer is - I would definitely stick with LG's in the future. We've had ours for a little over 2 yrs now.

My personal choice would be to go back to a top loader - especially since they now make efficient top loaders - only because it can be a minor pain to get everything out of a front loader - at least when you have little ones in the (all the little socks, booties, washcloths, etc. - harder to see in a front loader).

Good luck!

I have an LG front loading machine. It uses 14 gallons of water vs. 40 gallons that my super capacity top loader machine used. We have a septic system so I love that I am not overloading the septic with all that extra wash water...I do about 6-12 loads per week for family of five. The wash times are 15-20 minutes longer, but it spins SO fast that the time in the dryer is 10-15 minutes shorter. We cut our PG&E bill by approximately $10-15 per month!

I have heard complaints about the clothes not getting as clean, but personally, I have not had that problem. You do need to use the HE detergent and I have found that the Ecos Laundry Detergent, which can be purchased at Costco works VERY well, smells good and rinses out well. I think that the appliance manufacturers have worked all the bugs out of them as far as issues on cleaning the clothes. My machines are in the garage, so I cannot attest to the noise issue, but I feel good because I am saving water and energy.

They do make the new top loading machines that work similar to a front loader...spin really fast and don't have an agitater and use a little less water. However, they are about $400-500 more than the LG model I bought at Best Buy for $650. If you buy from Best Buy or another store with a good return policy, you should be able to return it within a certain number of days if you don't like your new machine. Good luck!

I've had my front-loader since 1999 and love it for everything except trying to wash a king sized comforter since the opening is teeny. For cloth diapering we used the prewash and then throw in the family's clothing to fill the load for the regular wash cycle. Our detergent is Planet and we use vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser. The washer is very quiet until it does its "airplane takeoff" routine for the super-spin... there's no missing that part of the cycle because it's in the house vs. the garage. The wash cycle doesn't take long - this is one of the original models available in the US so it's plain dials and no fancy digital or sterilize features.. I love it just the same!

My washing machine broke down and we had to go to the laundromat. Wow! I noticed right away how much cleaner my clothes were with the front loader washers they had! So a year later we gave our daughter our set and bought the new front loader set at Sears. Love the Kenmore washer and dryer!
F.

love my front loader...

Does more laundry in one load...
Cycle length has to do with selection... sterile cycle... 3 hours, has to do with heating the water extra, as well as a 2nd rinse...(but that's for things that have been pooped or peed on)

There's a 1/2 hour cycle for something that just needs to be basically rinsed...

We bought an LG Steam washer a year ago. I love it! It's very quiet (I don't have door on the laundry room, hubby is remodeling) I never hear it. The clothes are very clean. You actually end up using less detergent, because you can set it to the size of the load. The washer senses the size of the load and adjusts the water accordingly. You can select the type of load and the time is different. For example a standard load is about 50 minutes, but the gentle load is 40. There is also a sanitary load for about 2 hours, and you can do a speed wash for 3o minutes. I would say definitely go for the front loader! It's well worth the extra money. Also, if you're short, get the pedestal. I'm 5'3", I didn't want to spend the extra money, but my hubby talked me into it. I'm really glad I did!

Hi V.!

I prefer the front loaders. The new one's seem to hold more, even a queen-sized bedspread and still come out clean! Also, there is no "middle" in the front loaders, so the washer doesn't get thrown off balance......no comment! I"m surprised that you've heard that they are not quiet, maybe my old one was REALLY loud, but I think they are very quiet.

I forget who told me, but I think you're supposed to use a specific kind of detergent for the new machine's, but I don't. I did at first because it was "new", but I just use my favorite liquid detergent now.....or whatever is on sale!

Either way....a new washer and dryer feels like a "touch of heaven", so pick the one you really want.....enjoy!

~N. :o)

Two things to add. I don't have a soak cycle on my front loader, so if I want to soak I just let the machine fill with water and soap and turn it off for a while. Just have to remember to turn it back on. While the wash cycle may take a bit longer, dryer times are nice and short since the front loaders spin so fast and get so much water out. Also, I can hang a pair of wet blue jeans on the basement clothesline at night, and they are dry by morning!

Hi V.,

I'm sure it all depends on the brand, but the frontloader I've been using for the last few years is quiet and does a fabulous job of cleaning AND rinsing clothes. I don't think it's excessively long a cycle either. It's a Maytag Neptune, but really the most advanced appliance manufacturer in the world (that I know of, and excluding refridgerators, which honor belongs to Sunfrost)is Bosch. They make fantastic appliances and tools, the most energy friendly and long-lived.

Hi V.,

I have a top loader that is 2 years old and IMO it's loud and uses a ton of water. I have a couple of friends with front loaders and when I've been at their houses and they are doing laundry I didn't even know it until they changed the laundry over. The front loaders are also faster with their wash times and they usually have more options for your delicate clothes too. Hope this helps!

Hello. We have a front loader and we love it! I don't know about washing cloth diapers but I have found that a front loader cleans clothes well. We have an LG and it's actually very quiet. I remember the salesperson talking about the spin cycle making more noise, but mostly I never hear it. The wash times are longer (shorter loads are about 30 minutes for delicate and hand wash; normal warm & cold loads are about 55 minutes). However, the spin cycle works so well that they are more dry than you find with a tub machine. I hang dry my clothes (in a sunroom) but when I do dry them in a dryer, it takes less time (around 30-40 minutes). So you are saving on water (for the environment but also for your pocketbook!) and on the energy it takes to dry. We got the Energy Star rebate which made it affordable.

Hello V.: Having been a mom now for 44 years, I can say I have gotten my share of washers and dryers. I just bought a front loader washer and dryer from Sears and I am absolutly thrilled with them. My daughter had bought a set from a discount store and loves hers. I have discovered that they are the best entertainment as well because the little ones like helping to load it and they like watching it go around and around. I am excited that I can wash blankets without any problems or I can wash several pairs of jeans at one time. OH HOW I WISH I HAD DONE THIS SOONER!!! I have to say that my set is very quiet and at first kept checking on the machine to see if it was on. I have also found that my water bill has gone down as it does seem to use less than my other set. I don't think that the extra drawers area big deal infact I didn't accept them when they were delivered. I could not be happier with these machines. Good Luck in your decision: Nana G.

I use cloth diapers and I had a front loader that came with our house and I loved it! I did have to run an extra rinse cycle but the diapers came out very clean. It broke a while back and we replaced it with a top loader because we were trying to save money. I like it ok, but it's harder on clothes because of the agitator and I have noticed a definite increase on the water bill (and that's only with one kid's laundry!). There are also rebates you can get from the utility companies if you get a "he" washing machine. I would definitely get a front loader if I had it to do over again. It made a different noise than the top loader, but I wouldn't say it was any louder.

I have a GE front loader and I love it. I would recommend, if you can afford it, to get the pedestal storage drawers that go underneath. It puts the loader up at a great height, so there is no more bending over to get out laundry!

Hello V.,

We just got a new energy star front loader in November 08. It's been great. It has not been loud, it washes fine. And it has an awesome short program that washes in all temperatures. It takes 28 minutes to get a 3/4 full load clean.
Model: Whirlpool Duet Sport
One tip: make sure the washer sits on solid ground such as cement, tile - since wood surfaces can make the washer wobble due to the high spin in these machines. These washers are very powerful. The spin cycle is tremendous in power. The clothes comes out almost dry - no kidding.
I feel it was well worth buying a front loader!

V., I'm on my third set of Kenmore Washer/Dryers. Purchased my first set in '72 back when my babies were in diapers. About two years ago I decided to replace my second set. There were still working at the time but I wanted new front loader. I think they clean just as well or better than the top loader. Clothes are all most dry when they come out of the spin cycle. I beleive that front loader is gentler on the clothes. Just make sure you use detergent that is marked HE.

we've had our front loader (Kenmore) for almost 9 years now and it's great - like others have said, no agitator so it's gentler on clothes, still cleans them well and I think it's less noisy than a top loader. We also like that we can stack the dryer on top of the washer to save space.

Actually, i think front loaders clean better. I don't know about the wash times: I think ours takes about an hour to do a cycle. I wash cloth diapers in it, too. I would never get a top loader. In my experience they wreck clothes and waste water. Maybe I've never used a good one...

V. -

We've had a front loader for years and I love it. I haven't noticed any problem with it's efficiency in cleaning clothes. Also, we wash parachutes on a regular basis from Gymboree and those come out fine too.

J. F.

I had a Kenmore front loader, and liked it fine. What is loud is the super fast spin cycle. You don't have to use it, but it DOES get the clothes much dryer--which pays off in shorter drying times. Money in your pocket, if you use a dryer, and even handy if, like me, you line dry your clothes. It's a minor pain not to be able to add stuff during the cycle, but not that big a deal. If anything, the front loader gets the laundry cleaner than a top loader.
Right now, though, I think I have the best of both worlds--one of the Kenmore "Calypso" machines. It's a top loader, so easier loading, & you can throw a forgotten thing in mid-cycle, but it saves water, and super spins, and cleans as well as a front loader. I bought mine used, and have been very happy with it.

One feature I've had on both washers, that I thought was silly at first, but have found out that I LOVE, is a delay timer. You load the washer, and put the soap in, say just before you go to bed, & set the timer to start the machine, for example, an hour before you get up, and it gives you a head start on laundry day. Or lets you come home to a done load, rather than a load to do, without it having sat clean in the machine for hours.

i loved the idea of front but am not super happy with them. IF You don't take the closthes out of the washer right away they smell like you had them in there for days.

I have had both. My front loader I had for five years and broke a month ago. I had the Maytag Neptune. The washer smelled of mildew because I wasn't able to keep the door open at all times while not in use because of my small wash room and the three doors in that area. Very smelly but cleaned the clothes well, was quiet, and wash times weren't that long. I've changed to the Whirlpool top loader Cabrio washer and dryer and HATE them. They are really noisy, don't clean the clothes well, twists everything in the washer, I've never owned a dryer where I have to iron every load that comes out because they are wrinkled, and did I mention they are really noisy. I'm sorry I ever bought the cabrio but it was either that or get a washer that looked like the laundry mat washer, small with an agitater stick.

I love my LG front loader. It is super quiet, easy on the clothes and does get them very clean. It does take longer for a typical load but it isn't too bad. I would highly recommend a front loader.

HI V.,
I have had my front loader for about a year now. I love it. It is easier to fill and washes beautifully. My husband remarked on how the clothes were cleaner and smelled cleaner. It does have a longer wash time, but I don't know if that is because it is a front loader or just the change in machines in general. We have a Kenmore from Sears and the dryer to match. Good Luck.
Oh BTW I wash for 10 people, so if I am happy, it must be good.
Stac

Hi- We had to get a super efficient front loader due to a remodel and needed water credits. I had heard some negatives like what you mentioned but LOVE my washer. It takes huge loads and cleans clothes really well with a tiny amount of detergent. It is very quiet too. You do need to be careful about not leaving clothes in it overnight and I sometimes leave the door open to dry it out. I understand they can develop mold problems if not dried out between loads. Other than that I can find no negatives and lots of positives for our family and the environment. Good luck!

We have a front loader and I don't think it does as good of a job as my older top loading washer (but new things rarely work "better"). For a while I used the engergy efficient settings, but my clothes came out horrible. I now have to use the heavy soil, steam cycle, (1 hour and 20 minutes). It does use less water, but you need water to wash your clothes. I've also have had mine get suck on the wash cycle for hours on end (like 4 hours later it still suck on washing). I have to cancel and start over because the softner is still in there. It's a GE Duet (I think).
Check out reviews on different sites.

Hi V.,
I have a top loader (a pretty standard one, I think -- was in the house when we bought it), and I think the noise and cycle time are comperable to top loaders. The only times I've noticed the washer not cleaning well is when I've put in too big a load. I've found that I need to leave some empty space at the top. That's related to my only complaint, which is that I cannot do as large a load at once as I could in my old top loader, but there may be larger capacity front loaders out there than mine.

Quite the opposite, in my experience. My Kenmore He4t is very quiet, and washes clothes better than my top loader. The wash times are whatever you set them to be.

My sister has a front loader and I think it gets clothes cleaner than a top loader, it is definitely quieter than my 15 year old machine, and I don't think the wash cycles are longer. I am amazed at the capacity of her washer! I swear it does double the size load my washer can handle! Also, the spin cycle removes so much more water that the dry cycle is shorter. I think hers are Whirlpool... but I can find out for sure if you really want to know. It's also really nice that her washer and dryer are on pedastals and open opposite directions so you can stand in one place, without bending or contorting, to move the load from wash to dry. I have appliance envy!

When we were shopping for a replacement washer (ours started leaking), I thought I only wanted a top loader--it's what I was used to and my only experience with front loaders was at the laundromat where if you forgot to put a sock in, you were out of luck. Well, after shopping around and checking reviews (I really wanted a LARGE capacity washer), I decided that a front loader might not be so bad after all, and we ended up with one--an LG.

I LOVE it!!! I will never go back to the top loader if I can help it. It's quiet, our water and power bills have dropped, it holds a huge load, and the clothes come out GREAT (even the delicates)! It does take longer (about 55 minutes for a normal load), but there is a quick cycle (about 30 minutes) and also a delay so I can set it ahead to be finished when I get home. Oh, and no problem if you forget that sock--you hit the pause button and throw in the sock. I don't think you'd be disappointed with a front loader.

I have a maytag bravos which is basically a front loader that has been made into a top loader. I wash clothes constantly due to having a developmentally disabled 19 year old who is only partially potty trained and I just LOVE my washer. It has so many presets that it is a breeze to pick just the right one. It would also be great for cloth diapers because it has a super long, super hot wash and you could bleach them and then rinse them with vinegar so they would be hypoalergenic for baby.

T.

I have an LG Tromm & LOVE it! It has a special baby clothes setting. It weighs the clothes you put in and then only uses enough water to clean them - no more guessing on your load size. It cleans our clothes better than the crappy top loader we had in our last apartment and we don't get little holes in our clothes from the center agitator like in a top-loader. We got the largest drum capacity and it really holds a lot. YOu can't stuff it totally full - you have to leave a little space for the clothes to move freely - jut like a top-loader.
The front loaders do take a while to run - depending on the setting and soil level you program - but the spin cycle gets most of the water out so they take a lot less time in the dryer. If you have your machines professionally delivered ask them to level them and the noise will be minimal except when washing a big bulky item like a rug or big cotton blanket.
If you're tall - I reccomend the storage pedestals so you don't have to stoop down low - plus the storage is great for hangers, dryer sheets, etc.
don't waste money on the trendy colored appliances - they cost more and will look dated eventually. - Remember Harvest Gold, Avocado Green & Burnt Orange a la Brady Bunch?
Check out what consumer reports has to say www.consumer reports.org - if you aren't a member the subscription is worth it!

My washer just broke also. So I purchased the Maytag Bravos 800 model. It is a top loader, but has the same qualities as the front loaders. It has the same capacity and is eco friendly. I love it, the clothes turn out so great, and the washer is so quiet. My parents have an older model and theirs is awesome as well. No problems, check them out!!

I love my front loading maytag neptune. It is quiet and efficient, and has varying length cylces. I think it gets the clothes cleaner than my old machine, and because it doesn't have an agitator, it's less wear and tear on your clothes. I think the only drawback is that a few minutes into the cylce it locks the door so you can't throw any last minute items in once it starts.

I have a front loader (Maytag) and I like it a lot. The clothes are clean...never noticed any problems there. It used a lot less water and you can adjust wash times if you want it to be faster, although if you are afraid things won't be clean, you can have that extra wash and rinse cycle. It is not loud, either, and is gentler on the clothes since it just spins and doesn't have that grinding back and forth of an agitator to wear the clothes out.

The environment is important to your kids, more than you, because they have to live in it longer...we have to preserve it for them !

We have a top loader and love it. It is easier to fill, washes clothes great....Frigidaire model.

Just another vote for the Kenmore He3 or He4. LOVE mine. Mom has one, neighbor has one, etc. etc. etc. Best thing since sliced bread and you might check with your local water district to see if they're offering rebates for these kinds of washers--we got one from ours when we bought our He3 at Sears. Sears also had a delivery rebate.

(I saw red ones when i was in Sears earlier this week--buy one for me! Mine's just boring white! :) )

M.

Growing up in a laudromat business, I need to give you these facts. Front loaders use less soap and less water. They clean really well if you don't overload or under load them. If you can afford one, go for it. Watch your soap level and if in the event it shows too much soap and might overflow, add liquid fabric softener to the wash and reduce the soapy level. As far as loosing socks in it, after emptying the washer, spin it around a couple of times and the socks or little items will fall down off the walls.

V.,
I have a front loader and it is more quiet than my top loader was. The clothes come out just the same as before, but they use a lot less water to get them clean.
The wash cycle seems to go about as long as the top loader did too. When you look, be sure to understand that there are different tub sizes. They are standard all the way up to holding a king size quilt. WE bought that set, because we wanted to do less laundry.
W. M.

I can only speak for myself but I couldn't disagree more.
My front loaders are 4 years old and I wouldn't trade those for anything.
I have 4 busy, dirty kids!
I also have the pedestals and think they are great.

I have a Bosch front loader and it's great. It's quiet and does the laundry in about the same amount of time as the old top loader. It washes the clothes just as good as our old machine. The Bosch is considered one of the best front loaders

You will love the front loaders

I have the maytag neptune front loader and I Love It!!
I've had it since my twins were a few months old. I've had no problem with getting my clothes clean. It does use a lot less water 15gallons vs 40 gallons for washing. It does take a little longer to wash(10min) but is still much more energy efficient. Because it gets so much of the excess water off your clothes it takes less time to dry (30min)
Good luck in your decision

Now keep in mine, my top loader is a couple years older then my friends front loader. My friend sends me all her hand me down clothes. I always soak them (she uses fabric softener that has a horrible smell and takes 2-3 washes to get them out) and after soaking them over night the water is crystal clear. So I decided to see if it was just her washer or all washers. So, I washed a load of clothes in my washer (without soaking first since she doesn't) dried them and then put them back into my washer and soaked them (not very green, but I was really curious). The water was dirty and murky. Not as bad as if they were dirty clothes, but there was still a lot of dirt in the water. We both use the Costco brand detergent. The only difference is the fabric softener, but I doubt that would make the color difference. I say go for a front loader! I wish I had one :O)
Enjoy your new washer!
I also wanted to add that they aren't as hard on your clothes either, there isn't an agitator in the middle to pull on bra straps and other clothes.

Hi there, Looks like you already have lots of info that confirms this but I'll put my 2 cents in too! I moved into an apartment recently. The very kind landlord showed me the laundry facilities with 2 top and 1 front loading machines. He said that his long time business is actually washing machines, and recommended I ALWAYS use the front if I had a choice as it cleans MUCH better and is easier on the clothes...i think the rinse water tests indicate this pretty effectively. If I ever have a choice, I will definitely choose a front loader. Enjoy..

Hi V.,

I just recently upgraded from an old energy in-efficient top loader to a HE front loader in January of this year. I use cloth diapers on my son and have found that the sanitizing cycle on the front loader gets them way cleaner than my old washer. I purchased a Samsung with Vibration Control Technology and my machine is in our main living area (converted garage to family room) and it is so much quieter than my old set. I am so happy with the purchase. My machine also has a proprietary sanitizing system called Silver Care that releases silver ions into the wash. You can sanitize your clothes in cold water! I use Ecos detergent and for a family of three, we haven't even gone through half the bottle since January. The washing times are long, I won't lie about that, but there is a trade off: the clothes come out of the machine almost dry. I used to have a hold up waiting for my dryer to finish drying clothes before I could put the finished wash clothes into it. That never happens anymore. My washer has a short cycle that takes about 35-40 minutes, whereas the sanitize cycle (that I wash diapers on) takes almost 2.5 hours from start to finish. This isn't much of a problem, though, it just takes an adjustment of your expectations. HTH!

-H.

We have a front loader. It cleans clothes very well and uses less water and electricity. BUT here is the problem: if you aren't 100% organized and find somthing dirty after you start the wash you are out of luck because you can't open the door. Also, the washing machine is on hardwood and the water drips from the door when I open it-- so I have to keep a towel on the floor next the the machine. Finally, for some reason our washing machine fills up with water when it is not in use so we have to turn off the main water valve to the machine when we are not using it. Annoying! So ask the sales rep about these issues with the one you are buying.

I have a front loader from Sears as well. It changed my life! With 4 kids, I finally can keep up with laundry with ease. I also believe it cleans better than with more water in my last top loader. Down sides are- not able to soak, and if you leave anything wet in the washer too long it will start to smell. I heard you can get one with some silver or something in it that prevents mildew smell.
I promise you will NOT regret getting a front loader!

New front loaders are quiet and use very little water. They clean clothes well. I think clothes last longer when washed in a front loader because it is a gentler motion.

Dear V.,
I guess it's a matter of personal preference, but I happen to love front loading washers. They use less water and also require very little detergent. As for getting the clothes clean, they're great!

We have a front loader. It's so quiet I can't tell when it's running, and I've never had a problem with stuff not coming clean.

Hi V.,

I've had both and prefer a top loader for several reasons.

1. You have to leave the door open after washing or you will get a smell in the machine....the open top isn't an issue with a top loader but doesn't leave much room to walk around with a front loader.

2. The seal around the door get's dirty after awhile...it looks bad. It isn't easy to clean either.

3. You can't soak a load of clothes in a front loader. I really liked to soak my white clothes in OxyClean every once in awhile but can't do it now.

4. There isn't much you can do if your load is unbalance...Our machine is upstairs and it sounds like it might come through the wall.

Have you looked at Consumer Reports to see what machine they recommend. We've had great luck with their recommendations.

We've had a front loading washing machine for several years. I LOVE it. I have 2 very messy boys and it cleans very well. You just have to be careful not to use too much detergent. Even the High Efficiency (HE) brand you only have to use 1 - 2 tablespoons.

Dear V.,
I always had front loaders, except when living in an apartement as students in Berkeley and any time I am using a top loader on vacations or so I am disappointed at that washing quality. I now have one that not only takes the hot water5 from the pipe but heats it up to almost boiling. Not only are the dirty teenager socks all clean but thing are almost sterile or will be if you iron them afterwards...
I have a Whirlpool duet... Hope this helps.

I purchased a Bosch Vision 500 Series Front load washer in November 09. I love it so much. It is quiet, and it washes beautifuly. We are also saving about 20-30 dollars a month now in water and electricity costs. It did take a bit of time to figure out how much soap to use (you only use 2 to 3 tablespoons max), and how full to fill the machine. We are a family of 6 with an infant and 3 year old to help produce a lot of clothes and a lot of stains. It has a few settings I never use but the ones I do use ie. stain removal or xxxtra sanitary are great. If you follow the instruction manual and wipe out the door at the end of the day and leave it open in the night you will have no problems with odor or mold. I used to have problems with odor and build up in the top loader as well. Like anything, if you want it to last you have to take care of it. I called repair shops in my area that I trusted and asked their opinions about varius machines. The consensus was that LG and Samsung were not a good option at all for several reasons, Kenmore etc were good because of parts/repair were easy to come by, american made and decent machines, and Bosch was and excellent machine but harder to find part and repair locally (washer and dryers are made in US also) So, that's my two cents worth. I hope it helps. :)