Front Loading or Top Loading Washer?

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

I'm buying my first house next months and the owners are taking their Washer and Dryer with them.

If you were purchasing a new washer--would you get a front loading one? I was sold on the front loading washers, due to their energy effiency and water savings--but then I started reading stuff on forums about "smelly washers." Apparently, some front loaders can have issues with mildew and mold.

Does anyone have a mold or mildew problem with their front loaders?

I bought a Frigidaire Affinity front loader 2 years ago and overall I've been very happy with it. I did get a tear in the rubber gasket on the front that cost me 169 $ for the part and $100 in labor to fix but that was my own stupid fault for not making sure the gasket was clear when I shut the door.

I really like that it uses 10 gallons per load instead of 40. I really like that I can wash pillows, stuffed animals and car matts that can't be washed in top loader (my kids stuffed animals and everyone's pillows get washed about 1x a month now!).

I don't have an issue with smell because I always do a hot load with bleach last, and I leave the door open when the washer is not in use. Never, ever had issues. .

 

[bethy]

I have a Whirlpool Duet. I don't love it and I don't hate it. It has never smelled but I leave the door open when not in use. It's just OK. Doing one load takes forever and a day and I think I just prefer the "feel" of working with a top loader. I've had it for about 3 years.