Front loader washer and dryer.

[esk]

I just bought the Electrolux set and I love them. I lived in Europe for 9 years and had front loaders, but they took 2.5 hours to wash, 2 hours to dry and were TINY and low to the floor.

So my new, shiny blue Electrolux's are on pedastals (a must!), are huge and fast.

We had some mildew damage when we moved but we did the sanitize cycle and it got the musty smell right out.

Thrilled....

 

[mckinley]

not sure were you live, but i just bought 2 days ago at home depot a set of LG and they was 10% off until Aug 26th so we paid $538 each so far i love them our clothes smell so much cleaner.

 

[TwoRoos]

I have a Whirlpool Duet steam washer and steam dryer, and I love them! Washer uses less water and less detergent, but clothes come out cleaner. When mine were delivered there was a coupon included with the paperwork to call for a free dryer shelf. I ordered it (and it really was free...no shipping either) and it's great for drying shoes and sweaters. I even used it to finish drying my Vera bag that wouldn't seem to get dry in the seams.

 

[LeslieG]

I used to read about problems with odors with the front load machines. Has that problem been resolved in the newer models?

 

[TwoRoos]

I used to read about problems with odors with the front load machines. Has that problem been resolved in the newer models?

From what I've read and from my own personal experience, this problem seems to have been fixed if you take a few simple precautions.

1.) When I'm finished running all my washer loads, I always leave my washer door open after I take the wet clothes out and allow it to completely dry out.

2.) Approximately once a month I use Afresh, which is a special cleaner for front load washers. It is a tablet that you put directly in the washer. On mine, I run the clean washer cycle. It's simple.

3.) I also occasionally wipe down the rubber seal and check behind it to make sure nothing is stuck (such as socks) that would harbor moisture and cause mildew to grow.

 

[KarenC]

We have a Fisher Paykel top load washer and love it. It was considerably less expensive than the front loaders and is just as efficient. I seriously think we paid less than $400 for the washer, after an energy tax credit from the State of Illinois. The amount of time we spend doing laundry decreased significantly. We were staying at Saratoga Springs a few weeks ago and had forgotten just how long it takes to dry clothes when using a traditional washing machine.

 

[DisTwix]

Hi there!

I just replaced my 15+ year old mis-matched set with another semi-mis-matched set from Samsung earlier this year. I got the cheapest front loader they had with the Sanitary Cycle (SilverCare is their name for it - uses Silver ions - it's very science-ie) that DIDN'T have steam... and then bought the least expensive dryer that Samsung made. I just couldn't justify paying extra for a color, and since I live in an old house, I would have had to rework the plumbing for steam.

I *love* them. I got them from Best Buy - they were on sale, AND they had a financing deal (18 months, no, no, no). It ended up being $1600 for the pair (with the extended warranty for both and delivery)... I financed half, and bought Best Buy gift cards at a local grocery chain (Giant Eagle) that offers reward points towards gas for the rest. I ended up getting three free tanks of gas outta the deal that way! Woot!

When the nice men arrived and hauled my oldies out of the basement (I had two ancient washers down there - even though they technically aren't supposed to take more appliances than they are bringing in, they took both washers and the dryer), and set the new ones in place, I was literally dancing with glee. I sat on the steps and watched my washer (and my cat discovering the glass-doored wonders) for about an hour.

As to the smell --- I never shut the washer door, and I have a cheapie microfiber towel down there to wipe off the rubber seal after I'm done using it. I used to get away with leaving a load overnight in my old washer without getting the mildew smell, but I can't do it with the front loader.

However, my clothes have NEVER looked better; I've washed silk sweaters and tops in it with no fear and my expensive bras actually come out of the delicate cycle looking like when they went in - without using a lingerie bag! Seriously - my old washer was literally wearing my clothes out AND getting nothing clean.

Oh - one of the first loads I did (as a "test") was all white wash clothes/towels on hot, no bleach, with the Silvercare cycle. My washclothes were stained from makeup and never washed clean. After one cycle, they were whiter than they've been in YEARS, with only a couple of faded spots of stains left. A-MAY-ZING.

 

[BabyTigger99]

I am thinking about getting a new washer and dryer. My parents gave us their old ones about 10 years ago. I am just waiting to hear if the government is going to do a "Cash for Clunkers" program with appliances. There is talk about it.

 

[Disneydonnam]

The only thing I don't like about the front loader is once you start the wash you can't add anything in. I swear once I put in my last load there is something somebody needed washed.

 

[DVC Sadie]

The only thing I don't like about the front loader is once you start the wash you can't add anything in. I swear once I put in my last load there is something somebody needed washed.

With our washer we can add clothes after the wash cycle starts, thank goodness.

 

[Mom of three]

Another vote for the LG.

We have had our front loaders for over a year and love it. Im a big fan of the steam cycle, allergiene and sanitary. And I LOVE using the rack in the dryer to "steam fresh" bed pillows.

Very quiet, plays a pleasant little chime when the load is done and I have had NO problems it getting off balance, even with heavy loads.

I also wipe mine down regularly and occassionally run the "tub clean" cycle to keep it fresh.

 

[DisTwix]

The only thing I don't like about the front loader is once you start the wash you can't add anything in. I swear once I put in my last load there is something somebody needed washed.

With my Samsung, you definitely have a window where you can still add stuff... I'm pretty sure most front loaders have t hat ability... I think once all of the water is in, and the detergent is injected, you can no longer open the door.... (it has a "lock" feature - you have to "unlock" it to be able to open it to add stuff - like a pause).

 

[minnie6895]

We have the Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer. We haven't had any trouble out of them and save lots on detergent and the water bill.

 

[Praise God]

I have a duet washer which I really like. I bought mine used from a classified listing 6 years ago and have never had a problem with it. Back when I got it, there were not as many brands that had front loaders, but I probably would buy another Duet if I ever had to replace it.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

I have a Neptune system. The detergent is expensive but it lasts FOREVER. I used to go through a bottle a month. That same size bottle lasts about 6 months now. Just make sure to leave the washer open when you're done so it doesn't mildew.