samantha25
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,912
Jun 27, 2014 19:06:19 GMT
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Post by samantha25 on Mar 29, 2023 4:10:36 GMT
Our top load washer of 20 years is showing signs of distress. I think the spindle/agitator is broken. We are selling our home, put on market mid-April. I dislike a front load washer. Loads take longer, can't open during cycle, the smell of the ring and detergent applicator. This is based on my experience using a front loader at the vacation home that we frequent yearly, since 2012. Are the more recent front load washers different from the one I have experienced at the vacation home? Do I purchase a new washer that I like and then take to the new home? Our dryer is Maytag, recent purchase about 3 years ago, so I'm looking at a Maytag washer at HD for about $700. Or leave the current set with the home? What a terrible time for the washer to go, but it is 20 years old. What if the new home doesn't fit a top-loader?
4/3/2023 ANOTHER QUESTION- After all of the replies, I think I don't like the HE washers, and ultimately would like the Speed Queen ($1200, but lasts 25 years). But if our new house does not have space for a Speed Queen and the W/D is included, then I'll have to decide if I like or dislike them or maybe they will be OK? IDK? I'm thinking I should purchase a cheaper washer at an appliance warehouse type place to get us through the 3.5 months before moving and leave this W/D set with the house. In the end, the people buying our home is buying a second-hand W/D set. I don't think the W/D will make or break the sale of our home. What is nice is that the location of our W/D is off the main floor and not in the basement .
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,430
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Mar 29, 2023 4:33:25 GMT
Get a top load. You can’t soak/add clothes in a front load. I’m so glad I went back to a top after having a front for many years!
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,463
Location: So Cal
Jun 26, 2014 16:42:12 GMT
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Post by caangel on Mar 29, 2023 4:36:26 GMT
We are also in the market for a new washer dryer. Our dryer is 20+ yrs old and still ok, but looking to get one that is more energy efficient. Our washer is limping a long. Dh took it apart this weekend and also couldn't get it back together, but managed eventually. It is about 10 yrs old I think.
This new set will be my first matching set so I'm a little excited. #adulting
I have a front loader and for us the key to mitigating the smell is that the door stays open unless clothes are being washed. The reason my DH took apart the washer was to do a deep clean under the rubber ring. It was caked with grime. He said the outside of the tub was too but he didn't quite go that far. Not sure if we will stick with front or try a top loader.
If I were you I'd leave the existing set with your current home and get a new set for the new house when you find it.
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Post by bothmykidsrbrats on Mar 29, 2023 4:42:15 GMT
I purchased a front loader about 5 years ago, and could not get rid of it fast enough, 6 months later. The #1 purchase I regret in my adult life.
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Mar 29, 2023 4:56:48 GMT
I prefer a top loader. It's easier on me physically, using a top loader.
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Post by AussieMeg on Mar 29, 2023 4:58:37 GMT
I was very much anti-front loaders up until I bought one a couple of years ago. I love my new front loader. My main complaint about front loaders (not that I'd had one since the one we had when I was a kid) is that you couldn't just open it to put in extra items once it was going. But honestly, it's really not that hard to make sure you have all the dirty washing in the machine before you start, and if you do miss something, then put it in the next load. 🤷♀️ You can actually open a front loader after you've started it, up to a certain point in the cycle. You can’t soak/add clothes in a front load. Yes you can. Not that I ever soak clothes in the washing machine, even when I had a top loader. I always soak in the laundry sink. I've never noticed a smell from my machine. My front loader has so many more functions than my top loader did. Then again, it was a lot more expensive. Not because front loaders are more expensive, but because my top loader was a basic model.
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Post by leannec on Mar 29, 2023 5:04:57 GMT
I will never own anything but a top loader ... too many horror stories about front loaders!
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Mar 29, 2023 5:07:07 GMT
Really research top loaders if you go that direction. They don’t all have agitators and if you’re short you may not be able to reach the bottom. I am 5 2” and have that struggle.
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Gennifer
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,005
Jun 26, 2014 8:22:26 GMT
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Post by Gennifer on Mar 29, 2023 5:07:26 GMT
If you prefer a top-loader, that’s what you should get. I’m not aware of a size difference between front- and top-loaders, except for maybe where the controls are toward the back of the top-loader.
I like a front-loader, personally. We’ve never had an issue with mold/smells in the 25 years we’ve had them, but we live in a very dry area and mold in general isn’t really a thing here. I soak anything that requires it in my laundry room sink, and I think it’s easier to transfer laundry from a front-loader washer to the dryer. I also like to have a countertop over my washer/dryer, both for aesthetics and folding clothes.
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Post by Lurkingpea on Mar 29, 2023 5:16:05 GMT
Really research top loaders if you go that direction. They don’t all have agitators and if you’re short you may not be able to reach the bottom. I am 5 2” and have that struggle. I use tongs. I am just a bit taller then you. I keep the tongs next to the detergent. Works great.
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Post by Lurkingpea on Mar 29, 2023 5:16:57 GMT
Top loader. I know several people got front loaders and within a year bought top loading instead.
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Post by compeateropeator on Mar 29, 2023 5:20:51 GMT
I prefer top loaders but most do not have agitators now days. Mine (a Kenmore)I can easily reach and unload the clothes and seems to have a wider drum (or what ever it is called). My friend has one that I can not reach the bottom and would need something to stand on, but the drum/basket part is narrower and deeper.
It you can check them out in person that is the way to go. I also went from one having an agitator to one without and it seems like it takes much longer for my new one to wash a load on the normal setting. I also was only looking for one with basic functions because that is all I use, so it definitely is not the high end and I am sure does not have all the bells and whistles.
ETA - I am sure that then length of the cycle on the new one is longer because of the energy and water efficiencies.
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hannahruth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,616
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Aug 29, 2014 18:57:20 GMT
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Post by hannahruth on Mar 29, 2023 6:56:32 GMT
We have recently purchased a front loader after having had a Maytag top loader since 1999. It was a culture change but I wanted to change type just so I could try the front loader.
I don’t have any complaints - I am on 5’ 2” and so reaching in to the top loader was always a bit of a reach but bending down to the frontier is no more difficult.
we bought a Miele brand and the options are quite good and it does have a quick 20 minute cycle. I do miss the soaking .cycle that the Maytag had but while that was good to have we no longer have children at home so we don’t need it.
I am happy with the change and certainly will not be updating anytime soon.
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Post by compeateropeator on Mar 29, 2023 9:28:54 GMT
The other change from my old top loader to my new one where I preferred the old…I use to start the washer and then when there was a little water built up I would put in the detergent and then load the clothes while it continued to fill. You can no longer do that. I have to put in the detergent, put in the clothes, and then start the cycle. I always felt putting in the detergent while there was water in it dispersed the detergent more evenly. Now I think is senses how much water to use depending on the size of your load, so you just Putin the detergent and then dump in the clothes and then start the cycle. I have gotten use to that though.
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Post by littlemama on Mar 29, 2023 9:47:21 GMT
Top load, no agitator. LG is very highly rated by Consumer Reports. We love oura
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Post by Sharon on Mar 29, 2023 11:04:24 GMT
I have a top loader. Our last one didn't have an agitator. Our new one does.
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Post by coaliesquirrel on Mar 29, 2023 11:26:47 GMT
Really research top loaders if you go that direction. They don’t all have agitators and if you’re short you may not be able to reach the bottom. I am 5 2” and have that struggle. This is what I came here to say. I was helping my mom with laundry and she has a new top loader. I'm 5'4" and could not reach a few socks and smaller things at the bottom! The only way I'd get a top loader is if the top was no more than tabletop/desk height.
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Post by Restless Spirit on Mar 29, 2023 11:36:53 GMT
Front loader. I love my LG. I’m short (5’1”) and can not reach anywhere near the bottom of a large capacity top loader. I went to multiple stores and tried to reach into different size capacities in different makes and models. I needed a large capacity because we have queen and king size beds. The comforters and heavy winter blankets are very large. One of my biggest concerns (and I was correct), was how I was going to get those wet blankets out of the top load washer and into the top load dryer. Large blankets and comforters when they are wet weigh too much for me to be able to move them from top load washer to the dryer. (This is especially true if you don’t use the highest spin mode.) Maybe I’m just old and weak. Ha.
This is my third set of front loading machines and my best set ever. I leave the washer door stand open when not in use and have had zero problems with odor.
ETA - My LG has the ability to add clothes at any time. There is a delayed unlock that you have to wait for while the drum stops spinning. My model has a lot of settings, one that includes delayed start and a soaking option.
I also love that mine has an app that lets me know where the washer and dryer are in their cycles and how much time is left and when it is done. I also get reminders to clean the washer trap and dryer lint filter. I can also check my washer and dryer usage patterns. Right now my washer has four minutes left in the cycle. I’ll get an alert when it’s completed. This is especially handy because I have a two-story house with a basement. I always know when the washer load is done so I can get it into the dryer. Also when the dryer is done I immediately unload it. No more for getting wet clothes and leaving them in the washer and no more wrinkled clothes because I can get everything unloaded in a timely manner.
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Post by Neisey on Mar 29, 2023 11:37:21 GMT
Front load here, 2 houses, 2 front load washers since 2005, and I do not have any of the issues mentioned above other than not being able to soak, but I have a laundry sink so not an issue.
I can add items to an in progress load (just have to wait for the door to unlock), I can do a load in 26 minutes (it’s just me and DD here and our clothes aren’t dirty or smelly), and mold/musty smell aren’t an issue and we shut the door after each load.
Added bonus of having the larger flat surface for folding. Also, with no agitator the washer has extra capacity, no problems doing feather duvets, extra cushy mattress covers, etc. Have used plenty of stacked W/D at Airbnbs and cottage rentals so also great for spots with less space.
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pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 4,762
Jun 19, 2022 16:48:04 GMT
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Post by pantsonfire on Mar 29, 2023 12:20:34 GMT
Top loader all the way.
You can go the route of a speed queen which is a top rated washer and I believe they still have some that have agitators or get a top buy from consumer reports.
Ds is 5'4" now but even when he was 5'1" he was easily able to bend over the washer I have and get to the bottom.
I actually prefer non agitator as the clothes seem to last longer as they don't get as roughed up.
It is also easier to was bigger items or do larger loads.
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milocat
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,437
Location: 55 degrees north in Alberta, Canada
Mar 18, 2015 4:10:31 GMT
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Post by milocat on Mar 29, 2023 12:38:17 GMT
Top! I had a front loader and never had problems with smells or mould but I live in a very dry climate. There wasn't any water in there, just damp clothes rubbing each other. Our clothes weren't dirty dirty and I felt it wasn't cleaning them.
I got a top loading LG and am so happy with it. There is actually water in there. I'm 5'4" and it's a reach to the bottom but not bad. I jist spin the drum towards me to grab those last couple socks at the very bottom.
The one disadvantage is if you have something that really soaks up the water, a fleecy blanket, it will be off balance to spin. So it will just fill up and cycle again. If I catch it before it starts to fill, I just lightly squeeze put the item and then it will be able to spin.
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SweetieBsMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,612
Jun 25, 2014 19:55:12 GMT
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Mar 29, 2023 12:45:28 GMT
Get a top load. You can’t soak/add clothes in a front load. I’m so glad I went back to a top after having a front for many years!
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Post by mikklynn on Mar 29, 2023 13:13:54 GMT
Unsolicited advice - before you buy from HD or another big box retailer, check into smaller, independent appliance stores. I've had MUCH better service and cheaper pricing from my local store.
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Post by Bridget in MD on Mar 29, 2023 13:16:11 GMT
Front load here, 2 houses, 2 front load washers since 2005, and I do not have any of the issues mentioned above other than not being able to soak, but I have a laundry sink so not an issue. I can add items to an in progress load (just have to wait for the door to unlock), I can do a load in 26 minutes (it’s just me and DD here and our clothes aren’t dirty or smelly), and mold/musty smell aren’t an issue and we shut the door after each load. Added bonus of having the larger flat surface for folding. Also, with no agitator the washer has extra capacity, no problems doing feather duvets, extra cushy mattress covers, etc. Have used plenty of stacked W/D at Airbnbs and cottage rentals so also great for spots with less space. I've also had front loaders since 2002, and I am not sure I would go back to the top load. My current set is from 2007 (we moved in 2006 and left the w/d at that house, but then purchased a new set when we built out house in 2007). The only thing I regret about mine is that I purhased the drawers they they sit on, so they are taller, and I cannot use the top as a counter. But my current laundry room gets dusty so I am not sure I would fold clothes there anyway. Mine has a soak option but I've never used it. I have a laundry sink tho too. It also has options for extra rinse/spin cycles, and I've used those on bulky things like blankets or coats.
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Post by Bridget in MD on Mar 29, 2023 13:17:56 GMT
Get a top load. You can’t soak/add clothes in a front load. I’m so glad I went back to a top after having a front for many years! Mine has a soak option and I can add clothes if I pause the wash cycle (up to a point).
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Post by mom on Mar 29, 2023 14:20:39 GMT
I have a front load and yes, you can add clothes to it.
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Post by Restless Spirit on Mar 29, 2023 17:20:45 GMT
If you’re going to go with top load, just be aware of how deep the inner tub is. It will really very from manufacturer, model and capacity. I found they could be 22-27” deep. This could make it difficult for shorter people. With front load and the tub is on its side, you do have to reach into the back. Mine are on pedestals, so the laundry is easily accessible with less bending.
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RosieKat
Drama Llama
PeaJect #12
Posts: 5,398
Jun 25, 2014 19:28:04 GMT
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Post by RosieKat on Mar 29, 2023 17:32:29 GMT
Get what you like.
Having said that, when I bought a new washer (maybe about 7 years ago?) I wanted a top loader and ended up with a front loader due to a lot of factors beyond my control. I have had no problem at all with odor, and I am able to soak things or to add mid-load through a door-in-door. I would love if we could put it on a pedestal to make it easier to load/unload, but I just bend over and haul stuff directly from the front load washer into the front load dryer, and it's not so awful. Also, I'm short so top loaders are sometimes a pain.
But if you just don't like a front loader, then don't get one. I think they've made so many improvements in general that you can find good choices in both styles.
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Post by papersilly on Mar 29, 2023 20:37:27 GMT
i long for the days of the old washers. the kind that filled up to the top and had a power agitator. i hate these new high efficiency water saving machines . last year we went from front loading back to top loading. we got a maytag with "commercial technology" but i don't think it comes near what the old machines were. the high efficiency makes for longer wash times even in short wash cycles. a regular wash with two rinses is 1 1/2 hours! i feel the agitator barely swishes the clothes even in a light load. the so-called "deep fill" option should really be called half-fill.
the best thing about front loaders is the spinning action makes for good agitation. to me, the bad thing is how little water you get no matter what cycle you choose. the clothes barely got wet and i never really felt it rinsed out well even when rinsed twice because, again, not much water.
the best reviews i've seen for something closest to the old school washer are for the Speed Queen machines.
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samantha25
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,912
Jun 27, 2014 19:06:19 GMT
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Post by samantha25 on Mar 29, 2023 22:40:16 GMT
i long for the days of the old washers. the kind that filled up to the top and had a power agitator. i hate these new high efficiency water saving machines . last year we went from front loading back to top loading. we got a maytag with "commercial technology" but i don't think it comes near what the old machines were. the high efficiency makes for longer wash times even in short wash cycles. a regular wash with two rinses is 1 1/2 hours! i feel the agitator barely swishes the clothes even in a light load. the so-called "deep fill" option should really be called half-fill. the best thing about front loaders is the spinning action makes for good agitation. to me, the bad thing is how little water you get no matter what cycle you choose. the clothes barely got wet and i never really felt it rinsed out well even when rinsed twice because, again, not much water. the best reviews i've seen for something closest to the old school washer are for the Speed Queen machines. 1.5 hours for wash and 2 rinses! Yikes. That is your current machine, the Maytag top loader?
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