Which front loading washing machine do you recommend?
I am thinking of purchasing a front loading, high efficiency, washing machine and dryer. I have never used one before. I just wanted to know if anyone out there has purchased one? If so what did you buy? What is your opinion of the front loading washing machine? Is it easier then a top loading? Does it get your clothes cleaner? Do you use powered or liquid? Personally I like prefer liquid. Just looking for opinions. Please no rude answers, thank you.
Smurfy Keeps Going and Going2009-12-04T07:12:45Z
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We have one - it's a Frigidaire brand. I'm not sure about the specific model number, but it's a high efficiency, front loading washer. I don't know if there's anything special about the dryer we have. It's just a normal, front loading dryer. I line dry a lot of stuff to save energy.
ETA: Here is the washer I have: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Frigidaire+-+3.1+Cu.+Ft.+5-Cycle+Extra-Large+Capacity+Washer+-+White/8018398.p?skuId=8018398&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=8018398&ref=06&loc=01&id=1158321657376
This is the dryer: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Frigidaire+-+5.7+Cu.+Ft.+4-Cycle+Super+Capacity+Electric+Dryer+-+White/7158121.p?skuId=7158121&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=7158121&ref=06&loc=01&id=1152228807537
Personally, I love the front loader. It saves a ton of water and energy. We're very conservative with our water usage. We even wash cloth diapers and use cloth towels instead of paper towels, and our water usage is way below that of our friends who don't even have kids, let alone cloth diaper. I think it's our all around conservation of water that helps. It also doesn't hurt to have a front loader.
The clothes get just as clean as they did with a top loader. I haven't had any issues with cleanliness. It's the same, in my opinion. I use a homemade powdered detergent, but I've used liquid as well. My washer has a detergent reservoir that you put the detergent in. I just put the powder in there and close it. It disperses the detergent evenly. It has a compartment for bleach and fabric softener as well. I use vinegar for fabric softening. It's cheaper and doesn't leave buildup.
You also use less detergent for a front loader. I use half the recommended amount.
Since the cost of water is so high, we have only purchased the water-savers. They do a good job of cleaning our laundry. CARE OF FRONT LOADERS: Read & follow instructions. With the Maytag Neptune, that was very important. We now have a Fridgidaire which is much simpler (and cheaper). We never overload our washing machines and periodically we run a load of whites (towels, etc) with bleach and since the doors seal tightly when closed, we leave the door ajar after use and we have never had any problem with mold in our machines. You can interrupt a wash but must wait until the door unlock button clicks before pulling the door open. When you finish doing whatever adjustment you need, then you push the control to resume your wash. (The little water that comes out & drips on the front of the machine & floor when you retrieve your garment during an interrupted cycle, you can easily solve by wiping it away after you have closed your door.) AFTER SAD EXPERIENCE: It isn't worth the expense of damaging your own machines by stuffing and overloading it. With scatter rugs and other large or bulky items (true even when we had top loaders) we always take to the laundromat and put it in their large front loaders. Also we feel the larger machines is more appropriate for those things. Recommend the water savers. Whatever you decide, it's sure nice to have your own laundry equipment.
We have a maytag front loader we purchased it 1 1/2 years ago with the dryer. I can tell you this, that we have had top loaders for years and this one is really good and can wash 4.0 cu ft of clothes. The dryers can dry 7.0 cu ft of clothes. We did some research not only with consumer ratings and consumer digest but I also know 2 guys that work for Sears in the appliance department. I am not talking salesmen here I am talking about one guy who repairs for Sears (18 years) and the other who sells parts. They both rated Maytag (which is now affiliated with whirlpool) as the best as far as breaking down. I had Kenmore's and whirlpools al my life for the most part. We looked at Samsung which Lowe's is big on and also whirlpool too. Yes are clothes get cleaner and yes you can use liquid detergents but must use the HD type. Our particular maytag does take more time to wash if you so desire for heavy stained clothes, or if you want to actually sanitize clothes. They use less water and force the water through the clothes rather then swishing them around in water. I always used to think that front loaders leaked the old days of laundry mats I guess. But they have came a long way with these. I did buy a 5 year warranty as well as it came with a one year anyway, I always do on major appliances, it is good sense unless you have the time and knowledge to do it your self. Shop around to look for good prices Lowe's has the best deals for the most part but Sears has good deals as well. They are both hard to beat as far as price and IMO Maytag or whirlpool is the best.
My mother has an expensive Maytag front loader and I don't like it. I prefer my top loader. It's personal choice, I guess, but I don't think her clothes get any cleaner and I honestly don't know how much more she saves on energy, but personally it isn't enough to shell out that much more on the front end.
I use liquid soap. The powder sometimes cakes and stays on the clothes after I was them.