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Hello all. I'm pretty sure I'll be in the market for a new washing machine pretty soon. I currently have a top load, 8-9 year old machine that is acting up and is on its way out. I was scouring the Internet looking for reviews, however, I won't be buying anything new new. I'll more than likely head over to the Sears outlet center for their dings and dents specials. They always have fantastic deals. Usually 40-60% off retail. 4 years ago I purchased a new refrigerator from them. I paid $350 for a nice fridge that originally cost around $650. Yes, there were a few scratches and dents, but hell, it was new and still carried the original warranty.
Because I won't know what kind of washing machine I'll be buying, I was wanting opinions on front loaders vs. top loaders.
If it were me, the first thing I'd do would be to check Consumer Reports.
Front loaders are considered "better" for a number of reasons, including that they use less water. Personally, I prefer top loaders for a number of reasons, including that I can open it after it starts.
I would just not opt for a low water washer. You need water to get clothes clean. I've only used other people's low water washers and they never got my clothes clean.
I prefer a front loader and last summer bought an Electrolux washer and dryer and am more than pleased. One thing to consider, which I did not know, is that if you have a second floor laundry like I do, not every washer should be on a second floor because of vibrations. We had planned to buy a Speed Queen but was advised against it for that reason.
We did use a local appliance dealership that is very well respected. I was unsure about Electrolux but not any longer. Our sales person has been with this appliance company for twenty years and knows their products. I have done business with Sears in the past, but I would suggest doing a good bit of research (not just on this board) before purchasing.
I am not certain about other front loaders, but I can pause my washer on any cycle to open the door if needed, something that I could not do with my Kenmore.
Scratch that off your list of reasons... I open my front loader to toss in a forgotten item.
You can open a front loader after it starts - the one I have anyway. The tub is tilted and there is so little water that nothing spills out. You just pause, wait for it to unlatch and open/close, then restart.
It was a Maytag Neptune.
It did break down after ten years and I went with a top loader. I wanted to be able to use lots of water. My other half liked to use the shortest wash time possible and his clothes just didn't smell clean. He can get sweaty and smelly.
So I went with the top loader to make sure his clothes were immersed in enough water to get clean.
I prefer the ones with NO agitator. They say the agitator gets clothes cleaner. I really don't care. The machine sounds like it's suffering when the weight isn't distributed evenly.
I like an HE front loader, much lower water use and it's gentler on clothes. My dryer lint trap has so much less in it since I'm not using a top loader with an agitator. Our clothes and linens aren't having the heck beat out of them.
Our clothes are cleaner but I also switched detergents I was using. You'll use a lot less detergent but it has to be HE formulated if you go for a high effieciency model.
Consumer Reports have 30 day online memberships for $6-7, they go through all the differences between the types of washers. They also compare washing detergents, that's where I learned the cheaper brand I was using was rated at 40 compared to the best one at 85. It was worth the money to me.
My front loader also unlocks and allow additional items to be put in during the first five minutes, after that I'm locked out.
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