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Cleaning Up:  Please Help Me Decide: HE Top Load or Front Load?  |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 05 2014 : 3:43:18 PM
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Hi girls -
I'm making myself crazy and thought who best to ask than all of you... My dryer completely died a couple of months ago, which is fine because it's summer and I love hanging clothes out on the line anyway. But now, my washer is absolutely kaput and I am having a heck of a time deciding what type to buy: a high efficiency top loader or front loader? What are your opinions on this? My main concerns are:
- I need to do rather large loads
- Sometimes they are extremely greasy-grimy (the guys' work clothes), so I need one that really cleans well
- I want to use less water and energy
- I want to be able to use my homemade laundry detergent. I have read that using it in any machine would be okay because it is low sudsing, but on certain manufacturer's websites, they indicate that you cannot use anything but store bought detergents that are especially designed for these machines. I'm skeptical... What do you think?
- I have read that the front loaders have a mold problem that is very hard to keep up with, which can ultimately cause your clothes to stink. I have read, however, that there is a fan that you can buy to install in the washer to help keep it dry inside and prevent this from happening.
- Although I am well aware that many of the components are made overseas, I'd still like to stick to a USA made machine. So far I've found that only Whirlpool/Maytag are designed and assembled here. That's great. They're a bit more expensive, but supporting our American families are worth it to me. Thing is, though, this isn't a deal breaker for me... I want to get the best I can for the money, and I'd rather not blow the bank if I don't have to.
Finally... Apparently as it stands the newer models, they are only anticipated to last 8 - 10 years, and replacing the computerized components would cost more than it would cost to replace the machine all together. <Crazy, isn't it? They get you coming, going and everywhere in between.> One of the many salespeople I've talked with shared that there is some sort of appliance surge protector / power chord that will apparently make a huge difference in the life of the washer and dryer. I forgot to ask him what it was called, or what the brand was, and when I went back, he had left and the other salespeople hadn't a clue what he was talking about (go figure). If you have any idea what this may be, that would be extremely helpful.
I have read all the pros and cons of each several times over and am now so unsure as to what to do. I have put off buying new appliances for a very long time, and now it's time... I mean really NOW... Like yesterday... So, if you have any insight or advice you'd like to share, or even if you have a favorite model and manufacture, please dish here. My head hurts, I'm getting desperate, and I really need your help! It's such an expensive purchase, I really want to make the best decision possible.
Wow... To think our great-grandmothers used wash boards.... Boggles the mind, doesn't it? . ;)
Thanks so much for your input, truly!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2916 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2916 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2014 : 5:40:37 PM
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Girlfriend!!
Get a TOP LOADER!!
I have a front loader and really hate myself. I did it because it was supposed to save energy and water. NO CHANGE in my electric bill. A full cycle runs an hour (this unit is 5 yrs old, so I am sure they have been improved somewhat). Clothes DO NOT get as clean. I have since started using the 30 minute cycle for super small loads, and notice no difference, in cleanliness or electric, so I am sticking to that. I can't wait 1 hr for a fricking washer.
With a top loader (at least the one I had for 100 yrs before I got this stupid thing) you can fill the washer, put clothes in, open the lid, and let them soak.
We SOOOOOO need that feature here with our dirt. There is no way to just let clothes soak with this thing.
NOW, I have to treat, pre, treat, re- treat, soak, and agonize before I even do a load.
Picture this: When I do a load of our DIRTY whites, I have 2 or 3 buckets filled with bleach and homemade detergent, soaking for half a day before they even go in the washer. Then, they get washed. I may as well beat them on a rock like the Ingalls.
Also, the last time I was in an appliance store I noticed more top loaders. I said "SO the front load thing didn't go so well, huh?" The associate told me that many manufacturers are doing away with them.
They are fun to look at, but my washer door is ALWAYS open to avoid the mold thing ( I am NOT buying a separate product to clean my washer WHAT??)
Also, unless you get the booster stands, you have to bend way down to get everything out.
NEVER Again!
Want to buy an LG front loader cheap? DO I have a deal for you!!
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – R.R. |
Edited by - nubidane on Jul 05 2014 5:43:32 PM |
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oldbittyhen
True Blue Farmgirl
1511 Posts
tina
quartz hill
ca
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2014 : 5:52:13 PM
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I know of several people who bouight front loaders, and everyone of them, hate them...the smell they all get, the huge expense of them, plus repair costd, can only use certain soaps, and they take up more room than the standard machines...my daughter is a huge researcher on everything before she buys, and said she will never buy a front loader, as for me, I will stick with a sears x-large capacity, as I always have, with no bells and whistals, just a simple dial...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
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SusanScarlet
True Blue Farmgirl
317 Posts
317 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2014 : 6:35:41 PM
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| Two years ago we bought a Speed Queen. Made in the USA. Absolutely best washer I have ever had. It's a dial -- not a computer. It will give all hot water if you want --- which we need with our dirt. So glad we no longer have the front loader. I use my homemade detergent and even stinky clothes come out clean. |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2014 : 7:41:59 PM
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I love my front loader. I can load 14 pairs of jeans in one load. It has really fast cycles and gets clothes clean, uses less detergent and electricity, as advertised. Time is really important to me because I work long hours and have a long commute. I did get the booster stands and it is very convenient to move clothes from the washer to the dryer (the doors open opposite each other).
I do wipe the seal on the washer periodically, which seems to keep down the smell others are complaining about.
I sometimes use Watkins brand powder detergent which is not specifically made for HE machines but it works fine.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com http://brightmeadowknits.blogspot.com
http://www.ravelry.com/people/Brightmeadow |
Edited by - brightmeadow on Jul 05 2014 7:43:25 PM |
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
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carolj
True Blue Farmgirl
244 Posts
Carol
Waynesboro
Georgia
USA
244 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2014 : 05:44:25 AM
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I would definitely by a top loader for the simple reason you already stated. Keeping front loaders clean is an issue. Hope you make your decision soon, so you can rest at night. I know how these things can niggle at us even in our sleep. :)
Blessings,
Carol
Farmgirl 1823
Sow what you want to reap.
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Dapple Grey Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
725 Posts
Betty
Goodrich
Texas
USA
725 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2014 : 10:04:59 AM
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I love my top loader for the fact that I can soak when I need too.
~ Betty ~
Farmgirl Sister # 5589 |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2014 : 7:09:39 PM
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Nini,
I had a front loader. It was awful. You can't open it and put in a piece of laundry you forgot once it starts the way you can with a top loader. It could not handle anything but very SMALL loads, took very long, and didn't seem to rinse out the detergent. It broke and when we needed to move it, it was VERY heavy as it was full of water. Hated it. The clothes were never clean enough. Several years ago, I got a high efficiency top loader. Love it. Simple, clothes get clean, less things to go wrong. If I need to replace it, that is what I'd do again.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jul 11 2014 : 03:37:25 AM
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LOL! Well, thanks, girlfriends! You've all pretty much confirmed what I was thinking about the front loaders... (Lisa - you crack me up!) I think I've settled on either a Whirlpool or Maytag, since both are pretty much the same company and made in America (at least, assembled here!). My husband got our washer running temporarily until I can decide. He gave me carte blanche to choose whichever one I want, so now I'm just trying to decide what options I really "need." My goodness... What happened to just washing your clothes?!
Carol - Worry not! :) I'm sleeping a little better now that I know I don't have to use my Mobile Washer: a plunger-type washer used with a bucket o' suds! LOL! Yes - I was approaching the desperate stage! SO glad my husband worked his magic! I just want to be sure to buy my new washer and dryer before he changes his mind! LOL!
Susan - I am soooo with you! I was looking at the old-fashioned agitation washers, too. I mean, do we REALLY need all the new-fangled computerized stuff? And they tell you up front, these new high efficiency machines are only expected to be good for 8 to 10 years before the computer panel will need to be replaced... and even then, they say, it'll be cheaper to just buy a new, updated machine at that point! Ugh... Really?! We've always bought second-hand, refurbished washers because they last forever and are rather inexpensively and easily repaired! The main reasons that I am considering a new computerized washer, though, is that I truly need to do much larger loads than they can accommodate (the largest I could find in the old style was a 3.6 cu. foot. capacity - that would only do about three or four pairs of my son's jeans!!!), and it's super important to me to conserve water/energy. I admit, if I could find a larger barrel, I might just go back to simple and sturdy - they've always served me well in the past! But I just haven't found one that would work for my needs. I do a LOT of laundry for just three people... it's astounding. My son is TALL and his clothes take up so much room!!! My husband half-jokingly taunted that he was going to buy a coin-operated machine and make him do his own loads from now on! LOL!
So, girls... Out of all these special features on YOUR washers, what ones do you actually use - or use most? I like the IDEA of some of the features, but are they really as good as they are touted to be, and do you really find yourself using them often or at all? I've missed the 4th of July sales (if they really were sales), so now I'm hoping that my hubby's handiwork will last until Labor Day. I've got a little more time, so if there's anything else you think I should consider, I'd be very grateful for as much of your insight as possible!
Thanks so much!!!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on Jul 11 2014 03:41:46 AM |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2014 : 6:15:36 PM
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Well... I'm happy to have finally bit the bullet... I ordered the Maytag top-loading washer and dryer. I really sweat this decision out, but after listening to all of you and after reading and comparing for hours on end, I think I beat the decision to death and made the best decision. American made (at least, assembled), high efficiency, high capacity, excellent features, a price that was just too good to pass up, and peace of mind at last. It won't be here for a couple of weeks, but that's okay... My husband's going to be doing a little work to update the laundry room a little bit. It won't be fancy, but it sure will be nice! :) And tonight? Tonight, I will SLEEP! LOL!
Thanks so much for your help, girls! I really did listen to everything you all said and gave it a lot of thought. You're the best - I really feel it was because of you I made the best decision!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2916 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2916 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2014 : 6:43:20 PM
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I'm jealous!!! New top loader!!! Hell Yea!
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – R.R. |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2014 : 05:02:36 AM
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LOL! Oh, Lisa... You're too funny! Did you ever think you'd see the day that a WASHING machine would make you jealous!? LOL! I sure never thought I'd get excited over one!!! What has life come to?! LOL! You know, though, I'm not kidding... My current washer has to be at least 30 years old... We've never had new... Well, I take that back. We did once. When my grandparents moved in with us, Grandma insisted we have a new washer and dryer. But as soon as those went kaput, it was back to refurbished used ones. I really didn't mind. I like old. Old is sturdy, reliable for the most part, gets the job done, and is usually easily reparable. But I need to save on energy and water. Like I said, my son's clothes - oh, MAN. I could probably spend a whole week doing his laundry alone! LOL! Hugs - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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FARMALLChick
True Blue Farmgirl
978 Posts
Lora
Alexandria
IN
USA
978 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2014 : 11:36:06 AM
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I have a front load, but if I had to buy a new one, I would go with top load w/o and agitator. I don't have the pedestals that can be put underneath to raise the machines up so I do a lot of bending.
"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway" -John Wayne
www.farmallchick.blogspot.com www.farmallchickphotos.blogspot.com |
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Cleaning Up: Please Help Me Decide: HE Top Load or Front Load? |
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Please Help Me Decide: HE Top Load or Front Load?
