<p>Yikes! I have never had to purchase a washing machine before! My machine is doing its death dance … during intersession of all times, no less. I’ve heard that front loading machines are the way to go - though they do seem to be more costly than top loading machines. Any suggestions on what to look for (models, brands, etc.) would be appreciated. Thanks.</p>
<p>Don’t even consider anything but a front loader. They are so much better for your clothes and get them so dry even before the dryer.
Do a search on this forum- we had a big discussion about this about 6 months ago and there was great input.<br>
I have the first Maytag Neptune, and it has some issues with the seal. There are better ones out there.</p>
<p>Really LOVE my High Efficiency front loader Kenmore Elite Sears model…about two years old and still the nicest appliance in my house. Takes so much better care of clothes with serious savings of water. Only tiny complaint is the drawer for detergent and bleach requires pouring a little too accurately (I also only use half amount now of regular detergent or use the HE detergent marketed for these machines). If you get it, seriously consider the dryer as it dries my clothes in half the time and also with much more success and care.</p>
<p>Agreed 100%. I will never again own a top-loading agitator model if I have any choice. The front loaders tumble your clothes and use less water and need less detergent. Win-win-win.</p>
<p>I also have one of the first Maytag Neptunes, MoWC. twinmom, get <em>ANYTHING BUT</em> a Neptune. I’ve had nothing but trouble, mildew, stench, temperature control problems… you name it with this thing. Now that it’s out of the 7-year warranty I bought for it, I’m in the market for a replacement, stat. And it <em>WILL</em> be a front loader, no question.</p>
<p>i, too, love my front loader for the way it does my laundry–love the extract spin cycle for towels and linens. however, i have a neptune–probably a year 2 model, and i will never buy another neptune. lots of problems–but after contacting maytag directly the second or third time, they called the local guy and authorized a complete replacement of the control unit. been fine since then, but the headaches early on really convinced me to not buy another one</p>
<p>I have had the Whirlpool Duet for several years now and love it. Have had no problems whatsoever, uses less water, clothes come out drier, no agitator to get items stuck around, no “unbalance” problems like with my old machine.</p>
<p>We have the LG front-loading washer and matching dryer. I couldn’t be happier. I am constantly amazed at how quickly I can get the laundry done. Our old washer one day just stopped in the middle of a load. The old dryer was taking 2-3 hours to dry ONE load. The machines I currently have make the chore of doing laundry almost pleasant. I highly recommend LG.</p>
<p>MOWC - I searched for the previous thread on this but couldn’t find it. </p>
<p>SplashMom - Is there more than one LG front-loading model?</p>
<p>I will definitely stay clear of the Neptunes! Thanks for the heads up.</p>
<p>Any more suggestions?</p>
<p>Kenmore here - least inexpensive one they have. We are very pleased, and still overwhelmed with cycle choices.</p>
<p>There are several LG front-loading models. We have the WM0532HW which we purchased 22 months ago - I will never forget the old machine stopped working on Valentine’s Day. We bought the dryer (DLE2532W) about a year ago. We have been very happy with both. The only negative at all I could come up with is that the washer can put off a mildew smell if you leave the door closed between loads. Once I realized I could prevent that by simply leaving the door open, we no longer have that smell.</p>
<p>The Europeans never adopted top loading machines. Therefore the Bosch frontloaders are well-engineered. I just got a new one after my 18 year old one starteed retianing water–although it turned out it was the hose leaking form behind and not the machine. Oh well, new machine is bigger.</p>
<p>front loader…LOVE IT!!! stuff dries so much quicker</p>
<p>now I just need a machine that folds and puts away Ds cloths…that would be the best…as their cloths are always in the PROCESS of being sorted, etc</p>
<p>sigh</p>
<p>We have a cheap Frigidaire stacked washer/dryer, and love it. the washer was less than 600$.</p>
<p>We have both a Bosch and an Asko (yes, two washing machines). The Bosch will heat its own water, which means you can get it extra hot, which has been wonderful for getting the sheets and towels really clean. (It’s also nice to get real hot water for clothes washing if you keep the hot water heater low for safety.)</p>
<p>We ended up the the European brands because it’s possible to hook up the dryer so that it uses a front condenser and NOT an outside vent. That means you can put them anywhere you can get water. We set them up so the condenser drains into the washer’s drain. No worrying about outside vents clogged with lint.</p>
<p>They both do a wonderful job of cleaning, using tiny amounts of detergent. Seriously, I use about two tablespoons per load.</p>
<p>I’ll chime in with a favorable review of front loaders. I have had a Kenmore set for the last five years, and will never get a top loader again. When I’ve done laundry at a relative’s house (with a top loader) I can’t believe how much water they use, and how wet everything is when you take it out of the washing machine. I think the front loader is more gentle on clothing, and because they come out just barely damp, I can hang things up that I don’t want to put in the dryer. I also use regular detergent, but half the amount. I haven’t had any problems with the Kenmore brand, and I think service would be simple to obtain, if required.</p>
<p>Another question: We use liquid detergent because we have hard water … can liquid detergent be used with the front loaders?</p>
<p>Couldn’t agree more. We have LGs’ and no problems so far. Get the biggest you can afford. Less loads + can clean and sterilize large comforters.</p>
<p>citygirlsmom: don’t hire a maid. spend $15 on a flip n’ fold at the “As seen on TV” store. I watch footbal, baseball and movies and fold away. My wife sorts and loads, and I fold and put away. Actually very therapeutic. Makes a great gift for anyone, especially Freshmen.</p>
<p>I use regular liquid detergent exclusively. As I said above, about two tablespoons will do an entire load.</p>
<p>Thanks. I wasn’t sure if you meant two tablespoons of powder or liquid.</p>
<p>I’m another first generation, 7 year old Neptune owner. Love the front loader for all the reasons listed, hate the Neptune…lots of motor problems. I’m glad to hear Splash and Barno like the LG, I’ve looked at them as possible replacements.</p>
<p>twinmom-I only use liquid detergent and the clothes come out great.</p>