Anyone have a front loader washing machine?

[charlotte49er]

The woman who runs the Laundromat where I go, said that home front loaders have problems getting rid of all the water. Eventually, it becomes brackish and the water starts to smell. The clothes start to smell as well.

I've never have heard of this. Has anyone experienced this?

[g5jamz]

Just keep the door open after the last load. You can buy this stuff from Cashwell's appliance parts that you drop in there to keep it clean smelling too.

[Jangler]

uh oh, she's on to me, I keep pissing in them.

[Wither]

Never had that problem. The current machine uses hardly any water so I don't really see how it can be true. Maybe it's true for industrial size/brand machines, though.

[TarPanther9180]

I'm actually getting ready to buy a new washer and dryer set. What makes the front load ones better? Or are the top loaded ones better? Since I kicked the ex wife to the curb, I have to deal with all this woman's work and don't know about these things.

[g5jamz]

Front-load ones typically more energy efficient because they use less water and a bit gentler on clothing than the old models we grew up with. Also the top allows for storage top. But there are top feeds that are energy efficient too nowadays.

Just depends on location and what's important to you regarding features.

[LifeisaGarden]

I have heard to keep the door open too. Which is no different that what I already do now with my top loader.

I'm in the market for a new W/D set.

[Crixtala]

The fiance and I just got new appliances last weekend.

The water thing for front loaders is correct. They suggest that you leave the door cracked when not using it so that air can get in and allow it to evaporate. If it's closed all the time, that's obviously an air/water tight seal, so the remaining water has no way of getting out. If it doesn't get out, it can cause mildew and for the washer and your clothes to start smelling. Every place we went to suggested using afresh (I think that's what it was called) once a month to help fight bacteria/mildew/smells.

There's basically no difference in front loaders and top loaders anymore. We got a top loader that uses the same technology as front loaders and saved nearly $300. A top loader without an agitator (column running down the middle of the washer) is using the same technology as a front loader and is as energy efficient as well. The clothes are 'agitated' by the bin moving within the washer while it spins at the same time. It's also better for your clothes as they're not treated as harshly in the washer as they would with an old school agitator where they get beat and wrapped around the column in the middle.

Stay away from LG's, Frigidaire's and (I think the third brand was) GE. Was told that by several different places. As for places to get them, HHGregg is a bit annoying because they're almost like a car dealership... but at the same time, will do just about everything they can to get you the best deal (store manager said he'd sell us the appliances for a dollar over cost, if necessary). But, if you can get them to write you out a quote (tell them it's for a contractor), you can then take that quote to Lowe's and they'll match it. That's what we did because the fiance was more comfortable with dealing with Lowe's.

Unfortunately, I have more knowledge on washers/dryers/dishwashers than I care to have at the moment... at least I purged the stuff about how to run it, so I can't be expected to do the laundry. That's the fiance's job.

[LifeisaGarden]

I want to go with a Samsung set but I just haven't made up my mind which one yet.

I've ready many reviews on top loaders that work like a front loader say they wear out your clothes faster and some reviews from people saying that the machine ripped holes in their clothes.

[Crixtala]

There was actually a Samsung set at HHGregg that was only about $150 a piece more than the top loaders we got, the only problem with the frontloaders for us is that they're so low to the ground unless you get the stands, and the stands are an extra $200 a piece as well. Complete rip off imo.

As far as the top loaders causing issues with the clothes... we've obviously not had ours long enough to see any ill effects, but it is literally the EXACT same technology, just not stood on its side. Can't imagine that would make a whole lot of difference.

[LifeisaGarden]

There was actually a Samsung set at HHGregg that was only about $150 a piece more than the top loaders we got, the only problem with the frontloaders for us is that they're so low to the ground unless you get the stands, and the stands are an extra $200 a piece as well. Complete rip off imo.

As far as the top loaders causing issues with the clothes... we've obviously not had ours long enough to see any ill effects, but it is literally the EXACT same technology, just not stood on its side. Can't imagine that would make a whole lot of difference.

Well, I'm short so not having the pedestal doesn't bother me, plus it makes it easier for my 9 year old to help with the laundry. Not to mention I want to have a folding table installed on top of them. So it would work fine for me.

I thought about the same thing since it's the same technology, it was just weird reading all those reviews about it.

What is this HHGregg store all about? We don't have one locally.

[Crixtala]

Just another electronics store, but they mainly specialize in appliances. They don't get as much business as a Lowe's or Best Buy, so they usually have damn good prices. But, like I said, they're also ruthless sales people, which can be good and bad. We just lucked out with an awesome sales guy at Lowe's and he hooked us up by matching all of HHGregg's prices and giving us a better warranty.

And yes, for a 9 year old, front loaders would probably be perfect. But, my fiance is 5'2", and she was even pretty worried about how low the front loaders were. I'm 6'2" and those doors are pretty much at my knees. If you're comfortable with it though, and you seem to already have a plan, do what's best for you. I'm in no way trying to sway you one way or the other.

[charlotte49er]

There was actually a Samsung set at HHGregg that was only about $150 a piece more than the top loaders we got, the only problem with the frontloaders for us is that they're so low to the ground unless you get the stands, and the stands are an extra $200 a piece as well. Complete rip off imo.

As far as the top loaders causing issues with the clothes... we've obviously not had ours long enough to see any ill effects, but it is literally the EXACT same technology, just not stood on its side. Can't imagine that would make a whole lot of difference.

I want low to the ground, (Wheelchair.) so that's not a problem for me. Top loaders can be a problem for me to reach in and get all the clothes out. When I move into my new place the first thing I'm buying is a Washer & Dryer. Then I"m thinking a Futon for the living room!

One problem I don't have is a basement. So water doesn't have to get pumped up to drain, which is what the lady said at the laundromat. Good to know about leaving the door cracked.