Top load v. Front load washers and dryers

[starlily]

Assuming both have the same capacity, similar features, and are similarly priced, do you have a preference for one over the other? Why?

[soozy87]

Top load. We have a front load and the wash cycle always seems to be messed up so we have to wash the load 2-3 times to get rid of the errors.

[Deleted]

i much prefer my front loader. I hate having to climb into a top loader to get things out of the washer (and I'm 5'8")

[zelda25]

I love my front loader. I don't have to worry about keeping the load balanced and it does an excellent job of extracting, so drying takes a lot less time/energy. I don't quite get tillie's objection--I don't recall seeing a top-loading dryer, so you still run the risk of dropping stuff on the floor whether your washer is front loading or top loading.

I do wish we had sprung for the pedestals, though. Even though I still can't justify the cost, the added height and storage would be REALLY nice.

People complain about mildew with front loaders, but if you leave the door open, it's not an issue.

[njohnson1972]

Top loader. Had a front loader and the bearings went after 5 years. Costs $1,200 to repair. So I bought a new Top Loader.

[slug*bug]

We bought a new W/D set last summer and I couldn't ever find a compelling reason to buy one vs. the other. I've had both. I've had my complaints about both, but none so serious that it really made a difference.

We ultimately went with a front loader. But only because I was seriously considering extending our countertop across the tops of the machines. So I'm no help here at all, lol.

[zelda25]

Another thing I like about the front loaders is that it makes the washer and dryer stackable. Space saver!

[Deleted]

Jun 19, 2013 14:25:12 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

Front loader all the way. Less water, gentler on clothes, spins out so much water making drying much faster. I've never had a single issue with mold, smell, or needing to clean out the machine.

this. I had a top loader in my college apt and it ruined so much stuff that just migrated to the top and got caught.

[loskadoodle]

Front loaders wash much better. Dh works for an appliance manufacturer.

[Stingyshark]

We had a front loader for many years and it was gross. No matter how many times I ran bleach through it it still made our clothes stink. I don't recall whether or not we left the door open but i know by time we got rid of it, it was disgusting.

We have a gigantic top loader washer and I love it; I have no issues getting anything out if, and I'm 5'5.

[sporky]

We have a top loader and I love it. It cleans our clothes really well and I love being able to stop the cycle for that random sock that somehow missed being in the load.

[Susie]

Jun 19, 2013 14:21:51 GMT -5 @barefootbarista said:

Top loader. @septimus, why on earth do you have a difficult time getting stuff out of a top loader? I'm 5'6", and I've never had any difficulty unloading any top loading washing machine.

I like that I can throw things in mid cycle, no mildew issues, and I can use powder or liquid (or pods).

+1

[mrsbro]

Jun 19, 2013 14:15:57 GMT -5 zelda25 said:

I love my front loader. I don't have to worry about keeping the load balanced and it does an excellent job of extracting, so drying takes a lot less time/energy. I don't quite get tillie's objection--I don't recall seeing a top-loading dryer, so you still run the risk of dropping stuff on the floor whether your washer is front loading or top loading.

I do wish we had sprung for the pedestals, though. Even though I still can't justify the cost, the added height and storage would be REALLY nice.

People complain about mildew with front loaders, but if you leave the door open, it's not an issue.

We built ours up using 2x4s and a few pallets. Cheaper and great storage! 

[lauralala]

I just got a new HE top loader last week, and I love it. There's no agitator like the older ones have, so it is as gentle as a front loader on clothes. I can stop it and add more things in, which is important to me, since I always seem to find something else that needs washed after I start the washer.

FWIW, I would buy a top load dryer if anyone made such a thing - our litter box is in the laundry room, and I HATE when things fall on the floor.

[mollybrown]

Assuming the top loader doesn't have an agitator, there probably isn't much of a difference. I can stop my front loader mid cycle and add things, so that isn't unique to top loaders. I like that I have a shelf right over the washer and dryer, since they both open to the front. I've had front loaders for over 5 years, so leaving the washer door open to let it dry is second nature to me. Not having to do that would be a point in favor of the top loader. I just prefer the look of front loaders.

Watching the clothes was is great entertainment for toddlers, so I will only have front loaders for the next few years for that reason alone. They also like to help me with laundry, which is really easy since both machines are at their level.

[Deleted]

Jun 19, 2013 14:10:29 GMT -5 tillie said:

Top load. I hate my front load. Things fall on the floor when transferring to the dryer.

This. I hate my front load. It is the worst.

[starlily]

Jun 19, 2013 14:37:35 GMT -5 ribollita said:

HE Top. We used to have a front loader and I much prefer my HE top.

The HE Top are often rated more highly than FLs now. They aren't like old TLs.

Good to hear from someone who has had both. The top loader under consideration is a HE one.

[emptygee]

Jun 19, 2013 14:12:33 GMT -5 @septimus said:

i much prefer my front loader. I hate having to climb into a top loader to get things out of the washer (and I'm 5'8")

You must have an unusually tall washer. I'm 5'8" and have never had any problems.

[mollybrown]

Jun 19, 2013 15:05:43 GMT -5 @shoegal said:

Jun 19, 2013 14:10:29 GMT -5 tillie said:

Top load. I hate my front load. Things fall on the floor when transferring to the dryer.

This. I hate my front load. It is the worst.

If this is a big deal to you guys, can you just put a laundry basket under the washing machine, transfer the wet clothes to it, slide it over to the dryer, and then load them all?  I just don't get this complaint...I've never had a plethora of clothes end up on the floor.  You're moving clothes farther from a top loader to the dryer, so I don't see how you're less likely to have clothes fall on the floor.

I actually find unloading the front loader so much easier precisely because I can just swipe them directly from the machine to the basket with a couple of motions,

[starlily]

Thanks for the input everyone. I wasn't aware that there seem to be mildew and smell issues with the front load washers. I am leaning towards this top loader: www.bestbuy.com/site/LG+-+4.7+Cu.+Ft.+14-Cycle+Ultra-Large+Capacity+High-Efficiency+Top-Loading+Washer+-+Graphite+Steel/4792937.p?skuId=4792937&id=1218529599330#tab=overview

H wanted me to consider a front loader because he has always liked how they look.  But he thinks this one looks cool too. Priorities and all ....

[af1212]

Jun 19, 2013 14:21:51 GMT -5 @barefootbarista said:

I like that I can throw things in mid cycle, no mildew issues, and I can use powder or liquid (or pods).

I can do all of these things in my front loader.  You just have to put pause on the washer before opening the door to throw things in mid-cycle.

[af1212]

Jun 19, 2013 15:15:11 GMT -5 mollybrown said:

Jun 19, 2013 15:05:43 GMT -5 @shoegal said:

If this is a big deal to you guys, can you just put a laundry basket under the washing machine, transfer the wet clothes to it, slide it over to the dryer, and then load them all?  I just don't get this complaint...I've never had a plethora of clothes end up on the floor.  You're moving clothes farther from a top loader to the dryer, so I don't see how you're less likely to have clothes fall on the floor.

I actually find unloading the front loader so much easier precisely because I can just swipe them directly from the machine to the basket with a couple of motions,

This is exactly what we do. 

[Deleted]

Jun 19, 2013 14:25:12 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

Front loader all the way. Less water, gentler on clothes, spins out so much water making drying much faster. I've never had a single issue with mold, smell, or needing to clean out the machine.

Which one do you have?
Maybe mine is just crappy and cheap...

[Deleted]

Jun 19, 2013 15:15:11 GMT -5 mollybrown said:

Jun 19, 2013 15:05:43 GMT -5 @shoegal said:

This. I hate my front load. It is the worst.

If this is a big deal to you guys, can you just put a laundry basket under the washing machine, transfer the wet clothes to it, slide it over to the dryer, and then load them all?  I just don't get this complaint...I've never had a plethora of clothes end up on the floor.  You're moving clothes farther from a top loader to the dryer, so I don't see how you're less likely to have clothes fall on the floor.

I actually find unloading the front loader so much easier precisely because I can just swipe them directly from the machine to the basket with a couple of motions,

I have actually stopped using my dryer - line dry baby, but to me I feel like I have to hunch down like a troll to get stuff out of the damn thing.

My main issue is the thing also rocks like a mother, and we have tried balancing, etc, all to little effect...and H is an engineer so if he can't fix it, I give up. It is the one appliance that I am hoping breaks.

But maybe mine is just crap. It is a 9 year old LG.

[starlily]

Jun 19, 2013 15:56:11 GMT -5 operagirl said:

I love my HE front loaders for all the reasons listed, less water, cleans so well, etc., but also I love being able to put a shelf over them (or stack) for more useable space. When I had top loaders, I had a bad habit of putting things on top and having to clear them off to use. I've never ever had a problem with mildew or odors.

For the first time in my life, useable space & storage is not an issue at all!

[mollybrown]

Jun 19, 2013 15:56:26 GMT -5 @shoegal said:

Jun 19, 2013 15:15:11 GMT -5 mollybrown said:

If this is a big deal to you guys, can you just put a laundry basket under the washing machine, transfer the wet clothes to it, slide it over to the dryer, and then load them all?  I just don't get this complaint...I've never had a plethora of clothes end up on the floor.  You're moving clothes farther from a top loader to the dryer, so I don't see how you're less likely to have clothes fall on the floor.

I actually find unloading the front loader so much easier precisely because I can just swipe them directly from the machine to the basket with a couple of motions,

I have actually stopped using my dryer - line dry baby, but to me I feel like I have to hunch down like a troll to get stuff out of the damn thing.

My main issue is the thing also rocks like a mother, and we have tried balancing, etc, all to little effect...and H is an engineer so if he can't fix it, I give up. It is the one appliance that I am hoping breaks.

But maybe mine is just crap. It is a 9 year old LG.

I think the bolded is your problem, not front load vs. top load 

My 6-7 year old set would become unbalanced if we filled it to capacity, so we had to adjust and never fill it past 75%. My 6 month old set is like a different species.  It has a huge capacity, I fill it to the top, and it has NEVER rocked or made any noise during the spin cycle.  It's amazing how fast and quiet it is.  I think people with older front loaders probably have a different perception.

[catbus]

Jun 19, 2013 15:14:24 GMT -5 @mavjen said:

Jun 19, 2013 15:09:34 GMT -5 emptygee said:

You must have an unusually tall washer. I'm 5'8" and have never had any problems.

I'm 5' 6.5" and I'm tall enough to reach the bottom of my washer easily.

5'2" and no issues reaching the bottom of my LG HE top-loader. I mean, I have to go on tip-toe, but I can reach. 

[njohnson1972]

I also have the LG HE Top Loader washer. It is what I replaced my HE Front Loader. It is huge. Like so big I wish my dryer could hold more. I haven't had one bit of trouble with it. It was highly rated by Consumer Reports.

[liveintheville]

I love our front load ones. I don't even leave the door ajar on the washer that often and don't have mildew issues. Ours are LG and 8 years old and running great. And with 2 kids they get heavy use.

[Deleted]

Front loader. I like that I can use the top of the unit as a counter surface.