Posted: 11/29/2007 7:21:01 AM EDT
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OK, our 12 year old washer is making ominous sounds...again. I swear I'll never buy another piece of crap Admiral again. Anyway...I was looking at going to a front-loading clothes washer. My brother just got a pair of Bosch units, based on their Consumer Reports rating. I decided to check it out and went to the CR website. What I found was that regardless of who made the washer, people either loved them or hated them. No middle ground and it split about 50/50. Common complaints were: Long wash cycle times Electronic control failures (across all brands) Musty "dirty-sock" smell Clothes permanently wrinkled Is it worth the expense of going to a front-loader? If so, are there any truly "bullet-proof" units out there? |
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We need the water saving feature so in 05 we bought a $700 Frigidaire Way better machine than a $300 top loader May not be any better than a 1K top loader Longer cycle is better for our well so it rates a 9 out of 10 so far 3 kids under 13............................ |
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I'm not a big fan of the electronic control but as you mentioned there isn't a choice. The longer wash times don't bother me. I haven't noticed a dirty sock smell or the perma-wrinkle. They are expensive but there are a few things that you can do to offset the cost: 1. I bought one at a Sears "Scratch & Dent" store and saved quite a bit. 2. Cheaper to operate. 3. Rebates in certain areas for some models. I got $150 back from Denver Water. 4. I think some models are tax deductible too. The washer ended up costing more than a standard top loader but not nearly as much as I thought it would be. I don't know if it's easier on my clothes like they claim but it definitely gets them cleaner. |
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I took DrFridge's excellent advice and bought the top loading washer from Fisher & Paykel and couldn't be happier. I went for the higher end "eco" model. You pour the soap down the center post and when it fills it pumps the water through there to make sure it is fully dissolved and the first cycle pumps the water through there and over the clothes kinda like a front loader, then it fills the rest of the way automatically sensing the correct water level and does a normal agitator cycle. There's a 10k rpm spin cycle to get things rung out. I also bought the matching top-loading dryer and like it as well. What I like most about F&P is that they design them to be user servicable. The Whirlpool I replaced had a transmission going bad and I couldn't do anything to fix it. |
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I have the lowest cost Kenmore front load washer and matching dryer in the stacked configuration. The seal is known to get musty if the door is closed without giving it a chance to dry out. So we leave the door open for a day after doing the laundry. Otherwise it works great. |
| I had a Frigidare Gallery worked like a champ for 8 years then the pump crapped out. Instead of fixing it we replaced it with Kenmore H4T. It wouldn't work. Took it back and got the another matching set. H3T. Had it delivered and the damn dryer didn't work. The washer works great. I'm not a big fan of the electronic pad but the wife loves the extra size over our Gallery. I picked up the warranty also. I usually don't do that but over 1K for a clothes washer I didn't want it to peter out in 13 months. You can get reviews on epinions.com I heard the new LG's are the shizzle. |
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Paging Dr. Fridge... Having decided that front-loaders don't warrant the premiumn price at this time, I'm looking at top-loaders. Look at this one at Home Depot.: Maytag® Centennial 3.2 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer Model MTW5770TQ $399.00/EA Each $359.10/EA Each This item does not qualify for free shipping. Online Special Valid: 11/29/2007 - 12/05/2007 I've heard that Maytags are't what they used to be, but this one advertises "commercial" construciton that harks back to the good old days: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Maytag® washing machine with a Centennial washer. This washer represents the brand's lasting commitment to durability and dependability. Commercial-grade parts deliver commercial-grade strength, while an all-new console design and center control knob delivers quality you can see and feel. SuperSize Capacity Plus: this 3.2 cu. ft. washer offers the capacity to handle even your largest loads of laundry. Wide-opening lid creates a larger target area for loading and unloading clothes. Full-width lid bumper creates a seal between the lid and washer opening for quieter operation. Spill-Catcher top helps prevent spills from running down the sides of the washer or dryer. Smooth Balance™ suspension system: the commercial-grade baseframe and springs work to reduce vibration and noise, keeping loads balanced while spinning at top performance. It also works to extract water from the load to minimize dry times Porcelain-on-steel wash basket: scratch, stain and odor resistant, this wash basket provides a smooth wash surface to protect loads from snagging. Commercial-grade, steel-reinforced baseframe provides added support to all key components, even while washing heavy loads. The baseframe also helps minimize vibration during wash and spin cycles. Commercial-grade drive coupler proven in commercial settings, the coupler features five layers of reinforcement that transfer power to the agitator. 10 cycles including Delicate, Super Wash, Hand Wash and more 4 temperature settings include Cold, Cool, Warm and Hot 1/2-HP drain pump: experience years of trouble-free draining. This rubber impeller protects the pump against nails, loose change and other debris 100 degrees arc of agitation: the agitator produces a sweeping arc motion that gently rolls clothes through the wash water. PureClean™ rinse offers outstanding removal of dirt, detergent and residue SpinSpray™ rinse: water is dispersed in a cascading style to thoroughly remove dirt, detergent and other residue from items in the wash basket. One-piece drain hose: a single-piece, factory-installed drain hose minimizes the potential for leaks. MFG Brand Name : Maytag® MFG Model # : MTW5770TQ MFG Part # : MTW5770TQ What do you think? |
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My parents have a Kenmore front loader, and based on their good experiences I bought one too. Neither have had any problems. I'm very pleased. They use less water, less electricity, less soap, and the clothes come out cleaner. There is also less wear and tear on the clothes. I'd stay away from the maytag. My friend bought one and it lasted three years. He vowed to never buy another. |
Same here. I was very close to buying the front loader set from LG but was concerned about possible mildew issues so I went with the F&P top loaders. |
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PLEASE take an appliance technician's word for it... STAY AWAY FROM FRONT LOADERS!!! I have NEVER seen so many floor damage claims from washers until I seen the front loaders, I have never heard so many "mold smell" complaints as front loaders and all the solid state circuitry issues.. Yeah,,, fuggetaboutit. I am glad to see so may F&P owners here and I will tell you I would buy a F&P over and over and over again. They are just solid units. I have NEVER replaced a main drive motor in one yet.. and I have been with F&P for about 10 years. MOST of the issues that customers encounter with F&P can be resolved over the phone to their customer care center that is open 24/7... you have an issue at 2:30 on a Sunday morning... call the help line and a live technician will answer it. Oh yeah... one more thing... I believe in their product so much that when my friends went to buy a washer and were reluctant in buying the F&P (because they never heard of it) I told them that if they didnt like it, I will buy it back from them at full retail value. They both said "It does EXACTLY what you said... and more" |
Not to flame but after spending good hard earned money on a top quality appliance, why should you have to do that? |
We just bought a set of Whirlpool Duet and have loved them so far. As for having to leave the door open, I have found that the door seals so tight that there is no air circulation to allow moisture to evaporate as there was on our old top loader. That being said I don't really mind leaving it cracked open and to this point we love em and wouldn't trade back to top loaders. |
This is what I just heard by the parts supplier... the control boards are about 500.00 bucks retail... customers are complaining that because the parts are so expensive, they are ditching the units because repair prices are ridiculous. these are units that are only a couple years old... Hey, remember that I am in the industry and hear the inside scoop on this. just a heads up. |
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inside scoop or whatever, here is my personal experience: I bought an Asko front load washer and dryer over eight years ago and I have never noticed a moldy smell, unless I leave wet clothes in there for over 4-5 days ( after being washed) I had the circuit board go out the first year maybe the second year, but it was under warranty and was replaced pretty fast. i've had the main belt go bad, that was a pretty easy fix. for the amount of time i've had them, they have worked very well. the dryer does smell like singed hair sometimes, but i do have three 100+ pound long hair dogs that shed hair all over the place. |
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We bought the GE fl set about three years ago, the only problems we have had so far was from washing overalls; the clip on one of the shoulder straps got hung up in the door and cut the door seal/boot all the way across the bottom. Something else (probably another pair of overalls) cut another small hole in the top of the boot; I was able to repair this one myself with a tire patch. We now run overall straps through the legs then tie them together. The repairman did tell me while he replaced the first boot that "you will probably regret buying them" hinking.gif but, so far we are satisfied. |
Im not saying that EVERYONE is going to have problems.There is a reason he told you that and that is the same reason I try to talk people out of getting them.We see these every single day and see the issues at hand. Some of you are going to be lucky and never have a problem. I have nothing to gain by giving people free advice...heck, actually I should keep my mouth shut or better yet...promote front loaders, I have kids that need tuition money for college. My issue is... I want my wife to be able to just throw the clothes into the machine, turn it on and walk away. Why should customers have to remember to leave doors open so they dont mold up or tie straps of overalls through legs? There is a reason front loaders were phased out in the 80's. Truth be told, the cold water valve on my washer died out and I had to change it yesterday. I didnt even have to pull the washer from the wall. Part was a whopping $16.00 and I was done in 10 minutes. This type of fast repair time is reflected on to the customer. If it were a front loader, You would have to pull the unit, part is at LEAST 4 times the amount. I personally know service companies that say "I wont touch brand'x' for less than $400.00" ... sad but true. As I said, I have NOTHING to gain by pushing top loaders... NOTHING. I have been in the service field for over 21 years PLUS worked at a major appliance manufacturer as a technical advisor to the engineering dept and can tell you by my experience what I see out there. |
but, so far we are satisfied.
Hey, Askos are great little units and are quiet and work fine...they are a little small for my tastes but that is just personal preference. I dont think I have ever heard a customer ragging on their Asko. What I am Kvetching about is the huge ass Maytag Neptunes, Whirlpool duets, LG's et al. |
Hey no flame intended...hat Since the service man said "I would regret it" I've been waiting for them to sneak up from behind and cost me a boat load. That's why I said so far so good (crossing fingers). Heck, one of the only reasons she/we bought them is because "they were pretty". |
 Yeah no kidding something is lost in translation... because I never took it as a flame  .. I know what you mean though... one time another member and I were bantering back an forth until like the 6th quote we realized we were arguing the same side on the same point.
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I respect what my service man said, as well as what you have said. That's what I dislike about fourms there is always something lost in translation. Professionals such as yourself know alot more about them than I do.
I like it. Since all the clothes just get 'dragged' across from the washer there's no socks dropped on the floor along the way, it allows easy access to the best designed lint catcher that I've seen on any dryer and when you're as lazy as I am it's good to have a design that prevents me from stacking crap on top of it and creating a fire hazard. |
There is nothing more I can add to that We have the front load standard dryer and I think the top load dryer is a good idea... plus it is a heck of a lot more quiet than the FL dryer we have.It is very well made. |
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I bought the Bosch and we love them. They are so quite it is hard to tell if they are runnig. They use a fraction of the water and the clothes are much cleaner. I can also tell you our clothes will last a LOT longer as the unit doesn't beat them to death. Couldn't be happier, Bill |
OK, yup, the asko is small, but i'm a single guy so it works out pretty well. |
GE? Isn't the Bravos a Maytag? A little spendy too. |