So, having only had positive experience with front loaders (and being really fed up with the interim top loaders I had to use), naturally, I'd like to go with one of them again.
Now I am reading everywhere, that every brand (LG, Maytag, Bosch, Miele, Kenmore, Electrolux, etc.) have massive mildew and mold problems. Are there any out there that don't have that problem? I mean, in my entire family's households we had a total of 7 front load washers, and each ran flawlessly for 15 - 30 years. I can't believe that this should be so different in the US? Any advice, whch laundry machine I should go for?
My requirements are:
Any advice would be very welcome. The brands we used back home were: Zanussi (which is now Electrolux, at least here in the US), Miele, and Bosch.
Thanks so much.
By Zeanana from TN
Hi! Here is some great advice! - If you are in the market for a front loading drying machine, Do not purchase a "Miele." -This was supposed to be a dryer on steroids. Instead, it overdosed and was DOA by the time it got to my house! it's the absolute worst decision I have ever made.
In the first year, it was replaced by a brand new unit because of problems. In years two and three, I've had to make 7 service calls to fix numerous problems. During one stretch, my wife was forced to do wash outside of our home for at least 1.5 months. - That is correct, 1.5 months.
Most recently, we've had three separate issues the past 2 months. We have been waiting two weeks for parts to come in. To further complicate the problem, on a few occasions, I've encountered rude and arrogant reps or whoever at the New Jersey facility. - Unbelievable!
The only bright spot was the technician who came out and the customer service reps in California. They handled themselves professionally. It has been an absolute nightmare! Very shortly, this machine will be sitting by my curb and headed for the dumpster!
I bought a Whirlpool set 6 years ago. Four years later the washer started banging as it spun. It became so bad I had to stop using it. After some research, I concluded the bearings were going out. I removed the back of the machine and was shocked to discover what they use for a counter weight, a concrete block. This set was not the high end one but was in no way cheap. You assume when you make these purchases they will last longer than four years especially considering they are more expensive than top loading. At least the dryer is still going. I tried contacting the company but never received an answer. Always so eager to take your money and then never want to hear from you again. I wonder why the people who have been out of the country and purchased machines have all had better experiences with them.
I read all reviews about how great the front loaders work and in theory it sounds great. I bought a Frigidaire AFT a mistake. Clothes do not get clean. I have to have a repair man to clean out the drain line to the pump at least once a year(for 3 years now). I do not suggest buying one. I bought a top loader (used) and after one wash my clothes are definitely cleaner. I know that certain models work great - the commercial type. It may just be the model I bought yet I will not suggest a front loader.
We have received a lot of negative feedback about front loading washers. We are currently in the market for a new washer and dryer and we are trying to decide which brand to buy. The front loading washers are supposed to be very efficient but I wanted to see if anyone had any positive feedback about a particular brand? Feel free to share negative feedback or brands to avoid as well. They are so expensive, I would hate to buy a lemon.
Thank you,
Susan at ThriftyFun
By holly
The dryer is the bonus - It does not work with heat. It's slightly warmed air only and will continue to rotate the clothing when dry to keep the wrinkles out. Nothing fades and nothing shrinks! (10/04/2005)
By Annie
My only complaint is that it holds a bit of water at the bottom of the gasket around the opening of the washer. The technician stated that nothing could be done about it. I just keep a cloth handy to wipe it.
When we shopped for a front loader washer, all the sales people "pushed" for the large expensive models. We found that the smaller type worked just as well as our old extra large washer. It didn't seem to look that big but since it doesn't have an agitator you can fit more in than what it appears. I wash bedding that consists of a heavy weight king size bottom and top sheet plus four pillowcases. I was told it's not about the amount of clothes but the bulk.
Also, the tech said oversudsing can cause a lot of repairs and problems. He advised to use the HE detergents. I don't use them, I just buy regular (Tide or Aldi's) liquid or powder and use about one quarter of the cap or scoop for a extra large heavy load. A lot of suds does not mean a cleaner wash. He checked my washer to see if I was using too much detergent and said it was fine.
You have to take into consideration what type of water you have. We have very soft water, so I can use less. The clothes come out clean so I know I am using enough. I use a vinegar rinse every now and then. It is important to load it properly. It's hard to explain but you can't mix heavy clothes like jeans and heavy sweat pants with light weight type clothes. I don't do this but my daughter has learned not to because the washer will become unbalanced and will stop.
My washer takes about one hour for one extra large load. Again it will depend on the load. My washer has a presoak cycle. It is different type of soak not like a top load. Another point is that I used to dye clothes in my top load machine, you can't with a front load. Basically, I do recommend it but it will be different than a top load. Also, they are loud, ours has extra insulation for the noise.
Another thing to consider which I didn't know was if they need service, it is more costly. We are just hoping that we will not have any problems since we weren't aware of that information.
They definitely use less water and electricity. They do operate differently but overall, I feel they clean better and would recommend purchasing one. Just keep in mind all the differences between front load and top load and then decide what is important to you. (10/04/2005)
By mkymlp
By Villageanne
By Pat in GA
By Debbie/Canada
By Karen G
By TC in MO
For those who complain that you have to bend over to load them, I recommend a stool. You can SIT and load them. And it's a lot easier to transfer stuff into the dryer because you're transferring stuff across rather than out and down. (10/05/2005)
By Kathy K.
By Mary.
My washer, BTW, is Kenmore, the $600 model, which I think is one of the cheapest ones Kenmore makes (manual controls, etc.).
Another thing to remember, the front loading machines usually have a spin cycle that is a whole lot faster than on a top loading machine. This gets out more water and your clothes will be dryer, which in turn will save you money because your clothes will take less time to dry in the dryer. (10/06/2005)
By Angela
By Tinabean
By annette
I get F-11 errors left and right, and the last time they worked on it, they got the drum out of balance too.
I've even filed a report with the BBB. (11/27/2005)
By Tony
By Dean
By Chouchi
By Frank
By Sarah
I am looking for information on front loading washers and dryers.
Tony
By Joyce
By maryc
By Rose
By alijo
What is best front loading washer?
Which brands are the best front loader washers?
By Roberta
By brenneman826
By rasta
consumersearch.comviewpoints.com
Good luck. (10/14/2010)
By yoder178
Rich from Western Appliance Repair of Boise (11/06/2010)
By RC
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