[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Front Load Washing Machine Question (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 7/9/2004 4:28:36 AM EDT
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Who has one? What have your experiences been? Which brand do you have? Is 950 RPM spin enough or do I need 1050 or 1200 or more? The only time I have used a front load washer was at a laundromat to wash an exceptionally large load of clothes. I am purchasing a washer and dryer, and they absolutely must stack, so that leaves the built together laundry center type washer and dryer or separate units. I haven't been able to find a gallons of water specification per wash, but have been told that conventional top load washers use around 40 gallons per wash while front loaders use 15-20 I am considering this Kenmore model. Your input is appreciated. |
| We bought a front loader due to the decreased water usage, since we are on a well and septic system. So far we have run it for about 5 yrs with no trouble, leaks, etc. High spin speeds are useful if you are using a dryer, less water in the clothing results in less dryer time. The newer models even stop spinning, and run slowly in reverse if the load is unbalanced during the spin cycle. Beats a top loader leaking detergent into the gear box any day. Ops |
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I had a GE frontloader. Brought it in January of this year. We used it for 2 months and I asked the guy to come back and repalce it with a top loader. The problem was it leaked. Not all the time, but every once in a while we would have a water drip coming from the bottom, center portion of the door. Not a lot of water, but enough to need 2 paper towels to sop it up. The water does not load up past the door but as it is washing the water does come up past the door. I have never been fond of GE products, so it could just be this brand. YMMV. -Sandman |
| We have a LG washer and dryer (front loaders). We got them a Best Buy last fall. The washer cleans really well and doesn't wear out our clothes as much and the dryer is friggin' amazing. Most of the time the dryer can dry a large load in about 25 minutes. The washer has a lot of different settings including a 'sanitary' setting that cleans stuff at very high temps. We love ours. I don't think that LG makes a stackable set but I think Whirlpool does. |
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Bosch Nexxt www.boschappliances.com/ I am pretty sure I saw a stacking kit available for them |
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We just got the Whirlpool Duet which is basically the same as the high end Kenmore. Wife loves it. The clothes get dry in the same time that the wash takes since the wash drys them out so fast with the ultra fast spin cycle. We went ahead and got the pedestals for our since we're both on the tall side and don't like to stoop. I'd recommend against the Maytag Neptune. Lots of bad press lately with reliability and mold. Ed |
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Unless you are an early Boomer, you wouldn't know that the frontloaders was all we had until the late '50s - early '60s. My mom had one for years. The biggest advantage of the front loader was that it conserved water. The cycles were set up to simply refresh the water between loads. The wash baskets were smaller than the top loaders. That was one of the big selling points for the top loaders in the first place. Front loaders may be easier to access the cloths. My missus says the front loaders are gentler on the clothes too...but since the better top loaders have gentle cycles, that ought not to be a problem. This is back to the future. |
Yes that was what I was originally considering. But a couple of salesmen have told me that these can be stacked as well. I think a front load washer would be nice, but I wanted some opinions from people who own them. content.sears.com/data/product_images/026/44102/02644102000-dlv.jpg and content.sears.com/data/product_images/026/04882/02604882000-dlv.jpg Edited to figure out images |
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I've had one for about 4 years. I think its a Whirlpool, but it really doesn't matter if you stick with the major brands. Most are made by the same company (White-Westinghouse?). They just vary in features. I haven't had a single problem with the washer. As stated: 1. Uses much less water - just a few gallons per wash. 2. Uses less detergent - have to use Low Sudsing HE detergent which may be difficult to find in some areas, and selection is more limited than regular detergent. 3. Rinses better, removing more detergent from clothes. 4. Cleans better and is less damaging to clothing. 5. You can usually fit more clothing in the washer (although the wash drum is much smaller) compared to the top load version. They usually cost about $100 more than the top load models, but you'll make up the money quickly once you realize you use about 30 gallons less hot water to wash, less detergent and faster drying times. My Dad managed a bunch of laundry/drycleaners. All their washers are front-loaders and he swears by them and for 30 years he's was waiting for them to come out with a unit for home use. As long as I can remember he's cursed top loaders because they didn't clean as well, and I hate to admit it, but he was right. As for the spin speed. Mine is 950 rpm and works fine. The faster the speed, the better the extraction of water and soap, but I don't think there is going to be a huge difference in what comes out. It may cut a few minutes off your drying time, so it comes down to what the cost for the extra speed is. |
That looks almost identical to my GE front-loader which is an HE (high efficiency)model. Mine works fine and since it is HE, it uses less water and detergent. Go for it ! 
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I never thought about the history of washers - yes my parents both had them growing up. Tub size with a stackable front load is a bit larger than the same as the largest stacked laundry center top load washer that I can find. Water conservation is the main reason I am considering the front loader. Thanks for the replies. |
Hehe, my grandmother on my fathers side bought a new 1930-something Maytag that was driven by a gasoline engine and it was a toploader.  That washer is still used by my uncle's family at their cabin, however, in the 70's my uncle pulled the gas motor out and put in an electric motor when they got electricty. The gas motor is sitting on a shelf, if the power goes out they can put the gas motor back in. |
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JCHEWIE, we have the stackables that you are looking at. We bought the pair at Lowe's back in January, and paid abt $1K and change, ISTR. Granted, we've only had them abt 6 months, but we think that they're great. We had the stacked unit that KA3B depicted, and it was a decent unit. It was the installed unit that came with my condo when I bought the place new back in `93, so it lasted abt 10 years. However, I was told that it's longevity was the exception, not the norm. I don't know, that's just what I was told. It finally had to go after the liner that the washer drum sits in cracked (age/fatigue, I guess), and it would have cost as much to repair it, as replace it. The above reason for replacement is one reason that I didn't like the combined units. If one blew it's cookies, you had to replace the whole unit. With the stackable units like you are considering, if one blows, you can replace it and go on. We haven't had any problem with them. We have noted that you just need to make sure that when you load the washer, to make sure that the clothes do not get between the door's glass and the rubber seal on the inside of the rim. They also don't seem to like liquid fabric softeners - it gets gummed up and needs to be cleaned. (Detergent, bleach and fabric softener are put in via the little door-tray on the lefthand side, towards the top.) We just use the fabric softener sheets that you toss into the dryer, and it works fine. If you have any other questions, give me a shout. |
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I have a fridgidaire (sp?) that I bought at lowes almost a year ago. No problems at all. It's energy star, so I didn't have to pay state sales tax here either. No leaks at all. My only complaint is it's a little low down, so I may build some kind of stand out of decking boards to raise it up a few inches. Not sure if it will vibrate off of there though. Anyway, I highly recommend them. |
| I've also got the Frigidaire Lowe's model. It's probably identical to the Kenmore you listed (looks the same). It's run fine so far with no leaking. Some water does tend to get trapped in the rubber door seal. If left there through a few cycles it may smell a little musty. It does use much less water and about 1/2 as much detergent. It also has the advantage of a fairly basic setup compared to agitator based top loaders. That cuts down on repairs so I'm told. |
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I have a basic Kenmore model similar the one listed in the first post above, separate unit with controls on the front for stackability. Two drying speeds on mine (regular and high) as well as auto temp for water (which I think is useful since soap/cleaning action is temp dependent), extra rinse option, and delayed time start. Mine aren't stacked since I have a non stacking dryer. No leaks, seems to clean better, & clothes dry quicker due to better spinning out of water. After 2 years with this unit I would say it is much better than the top loaders I've used. I haven't bought any "low sudsing soap" and continue to use the regular stuff in smaller quantity. The only potential downside is my washer has a fairly small opening which is low to the ground and you have to squat or hunch over to load or unload it. However, doesn't bother me and if it ever does I will build a 2x4 platform for it. That is why the premium models have stands in addition to larger doors and drums that are tilted upwards. Two tips: Leave the door ajar so the washer drys out, or enjoy the mildew that will develop. Know how to unlock the door so you can add clothes once the washer has started doing its thing. For my Kenmore this means opening the soap drawer. It doesn't make a mess and lets me add that stray sock that I dropped. |
I have that exact Kenmore washer and matching dryer. We bought them about 14 months ago. I have been nothing but impressed with the function of both units. Lower water and gas bills. Less laundry soap. We paid about $1000 for the pair, IIRC. |
That is the exact one we have. We did our research and this was the BEST for the MONEY. So far so good with lots of use (cloth diapers!). We got the tax credits for it as well (here in Oregon) and it made it more affordable. No problems at all, no leaks, cleans clothes better than top loaders. Spins incredibly fast and clothes spend very little time in dryer. My only complaints: 1. Small door opening 2. You need to crouch down to load/unload (You can buy a base.....sorry forgot you will stack them) 3. Vibration when spinning. We live in an older home and the floor is not as solid. The repairman (for annual service) told us that it would be MUCH better if it were on a concrete floor or more solid floor. I wonder what it would be like in an apartment? Wife and I would easily buy another if we had to. I know anoterh person who has one and she likes hers as well. |
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Sweet that's the same one I have. I've been impressed by it. I don't even use the highest spin setting and the cloths come out of the washer almost dry! It uses hardly any power compaired to the regular models. The only thing I find weird about it is that it sounds like a turbine engine when it starts it final spin cycle. I picked up the washer for $650 and received a $200 tax break for being such a low power appliance in my state. I picked up the matching dryer for $150, it was refurbished and not one person wanted it for that reason. Bought a 5 year no hassle warrenty that covers both for $100. Between the tax break, low powre usage, and the fact these washers get most of the water out BEFORE the dryer, it will pay for itself in no time. Edit to say: ditto on the concreate floor. My wifes parents have the same washer and dryer and there's in on concreate. It doesn't even move when it's on concreate. |
| I've got a front load washer in my Apt. I wouldn't recommend it only because if you're like me...(forgetful) and you leave a sock or other item out, you can't open the damn door once the cycle has started up to drop it in! Also, on my brand (can't recall which it is right now) if you put in the detergent before closing the door, it spills out onto the floor. |
That's the combo I have. It's pretty good, and I've been happy with it. You can stuff more clothes inthe washer than you'll think at first. One piece of advice, use the "he" detergent 'cause the regular shit won't always wash all the way out. |
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www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=APPL&pid=02644921000 My wife and I just bought this one a couple weeks ago. She didn't think we needed the 1200 rpm's but I did!  If you do not use HE detergent then only use about 1/4 - 1/3 of the regular load amount or it will go into the Suds cycle and prolong the time!  It is a finely engineered piece of German equipment!  BigDozer66 |
Ed, I bought the pedestal also but my wife didn't want it because she is 5' 3" and says it is to high! I am 6' 7" and it is not to high! I am taking the pedestal back!  BigDozer66 |
On these models you just hit the pause/cancel button and it stops and unlocks to "Add a Garment". BigDozer66 |
The way my Kenmore/Whirlpool is built the water level stays below the door gasket all the time. I don't think it would leak out even if you opened the door? You know I will have to try it now! BigDozer66 |
On our LG you just hit the start button again and the machine will stop, but not loose its setting. You then throw in whatever garment and hit start again. |
ditto. havent any problems with mine. but the differenence between my old washer and the new one is the clothes come out almost dry in the front loader and the came out wet in the top loader. Yes i would buy another one if this one ever dies. |
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We have the Whirlpool Duet HT washer and dryer. Absolutely love both of them and worth the roughly $2100 the set cost. It uses 1/3 the water and power of a standard unit, uses less detergent/softener/bleach, is extremely quiet, and much easier on the clothes. This model does stack so it should suit you just fine. I've stuffed this thing full, and I mean full, and the "add a garment" light still goes on indicating it can handle more. Standing a few feet away from it you can barely tell that it's on, it's really surprising how quiet it is. The dryer is high capacity also, and it senses how wet the clothes are and adjusts the drying time for more or less. This is the model I recommend: here and here |
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Wow. Lots of positive replies! Always a good thing. I'm sold on the front load design, now how much do I want to spend??? These are going in my new (used) house - I am redoing the utility room to include the TINY bathroom next door and make much better use of the oddball layout. That means a stacked washer and dryer. I don't think Michigan gives an energy star appliance tax credit. Edited to say that the floor is SOLID. Not concrete, but barn beams every two feet on center. |
Oops! I forgot to say then hit Start and it is going again! BigDozer66 |
I have an asko. I got shafted on the OR tax credits, i bought my pair a year or two before they started them for washers & dryers. My asko will not open the door unless it drains all the water first, so i don't have the problem you have. someone else mentioned you can't stick a sock in if you forget- I can, press and hold the lock key- the tank drains, the door pops open. you stick your sock in, and restart. put some more detergent in if you want. HE detergant- I found the main thing with the HE detergent is it has very reduced sudsing power, which is good. When i used regular detergent i would regularly get foam out the top- not much, but enough to leave a water stain on the floor. The other thing it does is give you an error reading at the end of the drain cycle if there are lots of suds left. On a full cycle the machine will remove nearly all detergent, HE or not. I'm talking CLEAN! I have had several problems with the dryer- the main belt started to separate at the seam and you'd here a thump every time it went over the motor pully. I also had a problem with overheating because a seal got displace, which lead to to much lint on a fan and decreased fresh air intake. Now that i know what to look for i haven't had any problems- It is also important to clean the lint trap for every load. I've had families stay with me, and 3 other guys for roomates at different times. The washer has held up fine. There was something wrong with the circuit board on either the washer or the dryer- it was right after i got the thing, and it was replaced for free under warranty. That had to have been around 5-6 years ago. overall, i am impressed with the performance. I've had year old dog pee stains that i have gotten out in one wash that didn't come out in other machines. I use teaspoons of detergent, and the clothes smell good and are clean. The problems i have had have been warranteed or a minor problem (door seal) that was a very easy fix. drawbacks- the asko is probably the most expensive brand out there. the capacity is certainly smaller. My brother has the much larger capacity GE model, i think. He likes it. |
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you might want to stay away from the neptune models. Iknow it is a lawyers site, but look here www.alexanderlaw.com/maytag-neptune/ oh- and the price on the asko was the highest, but it was also significantly better than the other HE domestic models both in water usage and power. |
We've had the Neptune combo for a year or so, no problems, quite, no vibration uses little water and electric, no leaks. Can't complain so far. Wife bought without telling me. If I had known that they have a bad rep., probably would have purchased something different. But still would have gotten front loaders though. |
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Well if you have ever lived in england you know about the crappy ones they have there. You can put the clothes you have on in it and thats all it can handle. Also it takes about 1 1/2 hours just to wash. Lots of people over there dont use a dryer, they just hang it outside or over the crappy ass raditor heaters they have in the house. Apparently the ones here are better. (as is EVERYTHING else) |
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just caught the "stackable" bit so I may not be any help Go here for questions on various models I have the Kenmore HE3t and it is worth every penny. Has boosted heat for sanitizing, can do down sleeping bags in it without ripping them apart, top notch all the way round (just make sure you read the manual and watch the installers like a hawk - unbalanced or loose mounting will wreck high-RPM washers) |
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My mother just got one of these:Kenmore Elite And the matching dryer.....they were friggin' expensive! But they are amazing machines. Do a great job and use a lot less water than other machines. n BTW, the dryer is the quietest one I have ever seen/heard. It's great. |
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1. Some of the over/under all-in-one units have an interlock that prevents you from using the washer and dryer sections simultaneously (pulls too much current for a single 120 volt outlet to safely handle). 2. Most of the front-loaders don't have a transmission, but instead use a servo motor that directly drives the drum through a belt. The motor's speed and direction are controlled electronically, so there's no need for reduction gearing, a band brake, etc. Mechanically, it's much simpler, and tends to be very reliable (as long as the electronics and motor continue do their job). It's also quieter (remember belt-drive phonograph turntables?). 3. If you want to stack a front-loader, you might consider putting the washer on top, rather than the more customary location below the dryer. This makes it easier to unload wet clothes – no bending or stooping to pull clothes through the washer's narrow opening. Also, if you get a dryer with a door that folds down when open (rather than to the side), this door provides a convenient shelf to drop the wet clothes on, before loading them into the dryer. |
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If you dont have to get a stack get a Fisher & Paykel. By far the BEST washer and dryer I have ever encountered in my professional journeys. STAY AWAY FROM MAYTAG NEPTUNE!!! Unless you like putting appliance technicians kids through college. I have a customer that has had 5 sets in 3 years... Maytag kept changing them out until the customer said enough is enough... just give me my money back. He got his money and bought the Fisher & Paykel. Bosch is great but we just got some tech bulletins on their new front loaders (the BIG models) but the ones that they had for years are great... and are stackable. AND still in production. |
Here's an interesting "hybrid", made by a company called Staber Industries. Loads from the top, but the clothes drop down into a drum that rotates like a front-loader. Very popular with folks who power their homes with solar electricity (low energy/water consumption, and can be powered by a relatively small AC power inverter). 
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