<p>I have two stacked front loaders (dryer on top). I can use the counter next to them for folding, although I much prefer to sit on the couch and fold. I guess the door is low, but I don’t care. Even when my knee was at its worst and wouldn’t bend more than a little, I could still get clothes out without problem. I like my European front loaders precisely because they don’t take up much space. They have pretty good capacity as well, washing a king-sized comforter (not a really thick one) easily.</p>
<p>We’re still looking. I’m wondering about gas versus electric. Looking at Kenmore, Whirlpool and Boshe, but open to others. I haven’t see Fisher and Paykel around here.</p>
<p>Get the RED one. They all wash clothes don’t they, just get the one that looks good.</p>
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Look at operational cost - I think gas is much less expensive to operate than electric although I suppose it could vary by geo.</p>
<p>We did see red ones. Very exciting–to seniors like myself!</p>
<p>We bought the gas front loading Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer. Love them!</p>
<p>I would desperately love a stacking washer & dryer. We moved the laundry up to the bedroom floor because I couldn’t bear to have a room with a southwest exposure used for laundry. I put my computer and desk in there as well as a bay window. Joke on me; now have a laptop and don’t need a special room.</p>
<p>But the space we configured (actually H and handyman) has never worked the way I wanted it to-- doors catch doors (as I said they would) and handyman who insisted it would be alright said, “Well what about a curtain.” Yuck.</p>
<p>But my problem is that H had a washing machine when I met him, basically his move - in gift, and it’s still going strong after 30+ years; he got it when he was a child.</p>
<p>I am ghoulishly waiting for it to die so I can have my stackables. Sigh. It seems like it will go on forever!</p>
<p>Another problem is that it is so deep I can reach stray socks only when I am wearing high heels. Oh to be WashDad.</p>
<p>I charge those women at Smith studying engineering to build things for us short gals, including seat belts that don’t press on my trachea. Ouch!</p>
<p>Well, my washer and dryer both died (after 17 years, and they were not new then) in the last few. The dryer was first, and the best deal I found with a moisture sensing mechanism was Maytag. I have an old fashioned midwestern basement, and the laundry area is far from our living areas. An auto drying sensor saves many trips to the basement, as well as energy. When the washer died, I found a basic front loading Whirlpool with rebates. Between the two, as well as the smaller freezer (as long as they were delivering) my utility bills went WAY down. Gas dryers are far more energy efficient than electric. </p>
<p>I did investigate Fisher Paykel. In my area, you have to ask about them, as they aren’t on display. The most energy efficient choice, if you want a top loader, and they are very easy on clothes. But more expensive than my Whirlpool, though cheaper than many front loaders, and less energy efficient. As no one sees my appliances but me and the kids, I put the front loading washer up on a sturdy pallet, which raises it up a bit. If I were handy, I’d find some more asthetically pleasing way to raise it up. But $70 to $90 for a metal painted box just irks me. Yes, my appliances are mis matched, but I could care less, as I think I’ve got the best options for my budget. The dryers that match my front loader are quite expensive. And most dryers are essentially the same, aside from the moisture sensor in the higher end ones. </p>
<p>The gasket mold issue in the washer does concern me, and I leave the door open. I like the idea of it serving as a burgler alarm-maybe the washer belongs in my front entry? </p>
<p>Now my dream of an efficient life would be to have laundry on the sleeping level. This carting clothes up and down two floors must have been dreamed up by someone with servants. Or a martyr complex.</p>
<p>Mythmom: about five years ago I went to Staples and bought one of those step-stools they have in libraries, that roll until you step on them and then stop moving once you do. I use it all the time. Best $39.95 I ever spent. A quick check shows they’re now $50–but they come in all sorts of cool colors. </p>
<p>We are lucky enough to have two stacking washer/dryer sets… one up and one down. I love it. Because they both use front vents (no vent run), all that was necessary was water and a drain.</p>
<p>We are putting the laundry room near our bedroom on the first floor so it should be efficient for my energy. It’s going to be up on a tiled deck so I don’t need the pedestal thingy. Just need to decide on the machines.</p>
<p>I confess that I didn’t read the whole thread but I was told recently that front loaders are much more energy efficient than top loaders. (If you care about that…)</p>
<p>The pedestals are great - when you pull out the drawers you can balance your laundry baskets on them. Of course they also give you a lot of storage, should you need them.</p>
<p>I was concerned about the mildew situation with the front loaders. I leave my washer open a bit all the time, and I have had absolutely no problem with odor or mildew at all.</p>
<p>“…the machine…originally cost a little over $500 in '04. (Front loaders were still a little new in the picture at that time!)”</p>
<p>We bought a front load Whirlpool Duet in 1997 have never had a problem with it. I find machines with agitators to be rough on the articles being washed.</p>