<p>The repairman has announced that the cost to repair the old washer is not worth it. He suggests going to Sears and buying the equivalent but 9 year newer model. A basic old fashioned top loading machine. That is unless we want to get a more energy efficient and water saving machine at double the cost.
Any opinions?</p>
<p>I bought a front loader several years ago when my top-loader died. It was a great decision. The energy and water use are much lower, and I like the large capacity. You can do a king-size comforter. I use almost no detergent - only about 2 tablespoons (liquid concentrate HE) for a huge load. The clothes come out almost dry; therefore drying time is considerably less. After I started using the front loader I noticed that the clothes came out much cleaner.</p>
<p>It takes a long time to do a load; the cycle times range from 46 minutes to over 2 hours.</p>
<p>I have also heard that front loaders are easier on fabric - things will last longer, less pilling, etc. No first hand experience. Although I’d like to have some ;). We are buying a second home and I’m planning to go cheap-cheap-cheap on the washer/dryer. But I really want the front-loader instead. They also <em>look</em> cool (as if I were going to showcase my laundry closet? :eek: ).</p>
<p>WE LOVE OUR FRONT LOADER>>></p>
<p>drying time is minimal</p>
<p>I have read great things about front loaders but have never personally tried one. We have the Maytag that was top-of-the line when we purchased it in 1988. It has worked very well for us. My sister-in-law has a front loader (German brand, I believe) & it’s quieter but doesn’t hold as much stuff as mine. A friend who purchased a new washer also opted for a front loader since she says she notices it gets clothes considerably cleaner than the top loaders she’s always had. (Another advantage of a front loader is you can sort & fold clothes & store things on the top of your machine.)</p>
<p>Yes, but can you throw in that sock you find in the bottom of the basket starting the machine?</p>
<p>I am on the 4th washer in 21 yrs. The last 3 in the past 6. The first 3 passed the consumers reports rating test-then they tumbled down a yr after I purchased them. My present was recommended by the local Maytag dealer-a no frills Speed Queen w/a 2 yr warranty-8 mos and it has been great. I was also able to buy a 10 yr (total) extended warranty for $100. There are only 3 people in the family-H & I wear clothes to work that are dry cleaned, son has been at school 2 yrs. Previous were expensive Whirlpool and GE models with lots of features.</p>
<p>Moominmama, Yes, it is possible to pause the cycle during the first 10 minutes or so, and open the door to throw in that stray sock.</p>
<p>One more advantage of front loaders - no more unbalanced loads! I’d almost forgotten… the rattle like a jackhammer coming from the basement, the machine finally stopping after vibrating its way halfway across the floor, thereby pulling out the hose and dumping water all over.</p>
<p>Have the whirlpool frontload and love it. Holds bigger loads. Nothing gets tangled around agitator, clothers come out drier, no unbalanced problems, less water and detergent used. I have mine up on those little drawer pedestal things which make them a great height plus extra storage underneath.</p>
<p>Buy the new front loader…I did and my girlfriend did a year later. Love it. Gets things almost dry in spin, easy on clothing, low on water and energy consumption. Quiet. Sears version is a consumer reports fave and cheaper. I don’t like bending down that much to peak into it but otherwise…it handles everything better including large items like coats and comforters…Spin is very very fast but washing is gentle.</p>
<p>I am another happy owner of a front loader for all the reasons previously listed, energy efficient, much less detergent, easier on fabrics and considerably less drying time necessary. I have a Maytag and my sister has been very happy with her Kenmore front loader.</p>
<p>I have a four year old Maytag Neptune front loader (stacked washer & dryer) and it has given me nothing but problems. I would buy another front loader but not a Maytag…the motor burnt out and has already been replaced. It has needed servicing for other problems as well.</p>
<p>I was all set to save at least $500 and now all of you have me rethinking the decision.
I have been happy with the washer I have. Will I really be that much happier with a front loader? Do you notice the difference in your water bill? And can the no-brain teenager figure out how to use it?
The appliance repairman who has been at this for 30 yrs said the quality of Maytag has gone way down and doesn’t recommend them. He also doesn’t like the new top loaders without the agitator.
Luckily we can still use the old one as long as we don’t load it to heavy while I think about it.
I need some time to think about over $1000 for a washing machine. Plus the additional 250 for the stand if I don’t want to be bending over.</p>
<p>I also have a Maytag Neptune front loader, bought right after they first came out. And I’ve had some problems with it (My motor also burned out, plus something else) and while I don’t think I’d buy a Neptune again, I will only buy a front loader. I hear very good things about the Whirlpool and just today a salesperson was telling me the LG is better, more solidly made but that could have been just a sales pitch. I don’t know if I’ve noticed a big difference in the water bill (it’s not that high to begin with). The biggest thing I noticed is that my “gentle” clothes have stayed in much better condition while still getting clean.</p>
<p>As to the no-brain teenager, well, I’m pretty sure they COULD figure it out (just look at some of the techno-gadgets they have mastered!) but I don’t know if they WILL figure it out (just like I don’t know if my son WILL study for his finals even though he COULD). But that’s another thread…</p>
<p>Go with the front loader, but not the Maytag. I, too, have had problems with my 7 year old Neptune. It washes great, but the rubber sealing ring gets mildew on it (a defect in the early models) and I have burned out a motor.
You will definitely thank us all once you get your front loader.</p>
<p>My husband, with his Ph.D. in high-energy physics, cannot manage to separate dark and light clothing. Planned incompetence has allowed him to evade laundry duty for our entire marriage, after those first few loads when everything turned pink.</p>
<p>I have a Kenmore, and it’s been trouble-free. I seem to remember that the Neptunes had problems when they first came out.</p>
<p>I don’t have the pedestals, and don’t mind bending over. Bending over is good for you - I pay to do it at yoga class!</p>
<p>Speaking of mildew, I never shut the door of mine completely.</p>
<p>Another tip: I use white vinegar instead of fabric softener. It’s much better for my allergic sons, and the clothes come out beautifully.</p>
<p>The Kenmore version is very reliable. I didn’t buy the stand to save money and it gives me that little joyful bendover stretch a day.<br>
Seriously…it is scary how fast everything dries and how dry your towels are after spin. You will have to pace yourself to a new speedy conclusion on loads.</p>
<p>My top-load Maytag is reliable, but was purchased around 1988. From what everyone is writing, it doesn’t sound like a good idea to buy another one next time around. My motor did have to be replaced as well (was still under warranty anyway), but otherwise we’ve been happy with it.
My next machine will be a front loader, but at this rate I have no idea when I’ll need a new one because the current one works fine. Do have the unbalancing noise, especially when we wash bedding, but otherwise it’s been a pretty good machine.
Thanks for all the info about the different types of machines. We did notice them when we were looking at refrigerators at Sears the other day. Will try to keep it all in mind, but who knows what machines will look like by the time we need one?
My kids know how to do laundry & will IF they REALLY NEED to. Otherwise, they’ll just wait until I get around to doing it. Son even knows to prespot things he cares about to avoid stains. Many colleges have front loaders & I’ve not read/heard of folks having trouble adjusting to them (not rocket science). Like has been posted, kids are able to figure out far more complicated things IF they care.</p>