Front loaders have advantages and disadvantages.
Some of the benefits are that they use less water and spin faster. This means that the drying time is also less. Front loaders also do not use an agitator which can beat up clothing.
Disadvantages include costing twice the price of a top loader and using more expensive low sudsing soap. Moldy smells may come from the door gasket boot. They are expensive to repair and have a shorter life span. The wash cycle is also much longer, usually 90 minutes.
I am not recommending any front load washers.
Standard top load machines also have advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits include being easy to load and unload. They are less expensive to buy and repair compared with the front loader. They also have a longer life span, usually 10-15 years.
A few of the disadvantages are that they use more water and are harder on clothes. They also spin slower meaning longer dry times. Powdered soap is recommended.
Cold water washing in temperatures below 65° is not recommended on any machine. If during the winter your tap water is colder than 65°, you should use a warm or hot wash cycle to get clothes cleaner and dissolve the soap completely.
Machines with digital control boards offer no real benefit. They just are more expensive to repair and look trendy.
My recommendation for top load washers is Speed Queen. It is the only washer made with heavy duty metal inner and outer tubs that keep machines from shaking and walking in the spin cycle. Other models by Whirlpool, Roper and Estate are also acceptable.
Energy efficient top loaders such as Bravos, Cabrio & Oasis have experienced a high incidence of failure and have a short life, therefore are not recommended.
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Electronic controls are |
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Front load stack |
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Tub boot on front loaders |
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Most machines have |
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Metal outer tub is only available on |
HE Series - Top Load Washer NOT a good choice |
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Note: The Sears Kenmore label has multiple manufacturers, as listed by percentages below.
When purchasing a Kenmore product, check the model number to determine who manufactured the product.
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| Brand | Type | Manufacturer | Our Rating & Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amana | Top Loader | Whirlpool |
B Same as Whirlpool, Good quality |
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| Asko | Front Loader | *Asko |
N/R Limited part availability, small capacity |
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| Bosch | Front Loader | *Bosch |
N/R Limited part availability, small capacity |
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| Electrolux | Top Loader | Frig/Electrolux | C Same as Frigidaire, Short life | |
| Fisher/Paykel | Top Loader | *Fisher/Paykel | E Design flaws, many problems, Foreign objects can collect in outer tub, Pump issues |
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| Frigidaire | Top Loader | Frig/Electrolux | C Basic | |
| Frig/Gallery | Front Loader | Fri/Electrolux | C Small capacity | |
| GE | Top Loader | GE |
E Too many problems to list, very expensive parts |
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| GE | Front Loader | LG |
D Too many problems to list, new design |
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| Haier | Haier/China |
E No part availability |
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| Hotpoint | Top Loader | GE |
E Same as GE, Numerous problems, very expensive parts |
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| Hotpoint | Front Loader |
D Too many problems to list |
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| Inglis | Top Loader | Whirlpool |
B Same as Whirlpool, Good quality |
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| Kenmore | Top Loader | Fisher/Paykel |
D Design flaws, many problems, Foreign objects can collect in outer tub, Pump issues |
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| Elite Oasis | Fisher/Paykel | D Design flaws, many problems, Foreign objects can collect in outer tub, Pump issues |
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| Kenmore | Front Loader | LG |
E Poor warranty support, Made in S. Korea, poor part availability - Not recommened. |
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| Kenmore/Stack | Front Loader | LG |
E Same as above. Not recommended. |
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| Kirkland | Top Loader | Whirlpool | B Same as Whirlpool | |
| Kitchenaid | Top Loader | Whirlpool |
B Same as Whirlpool, Washes well but much vibration |
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| LG | Front Loader | LG | E Poor warranty
support,
Made in S. Korea, poor part availability |
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| Maytag |
Top Loader |
Whirlpool |
B Same as Whirlpool, Good quality |
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| Maytag/Bravos | Top Loader | Fisher/Paykel |
E Design flaws, many problems, Foreign objects can collect in outer tub, Pump issues |
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| Maytag/Neptune | Front Loader | Maytag |
C Many design flaws, Expensive, Many recalls |
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| Miele | Front Loader | *Miele |
N/R No parts available, small capacity |
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| Roper/Estate |
No longer available |
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| Speed Queen | Top Loader | Speed Queen |
A Best Buy Metal tub, Belt drive, Metal trans gears |
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| Whirlpool | Top Loader with agitator | Whirlpool |
B Washes well but much vibration, Good quality |
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| Whirlpool | Cabrio
HE Series |
Fisher/Paykel |
E Design flaws, many problems, Foreign objects can collect in outer tub, Pump issues
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| Whirlpool | Front Load Duet | *Whirlpool | C Many service issues |