Is the money saved worth the aggrevation of a high effeciency washer?

[sorcerormickey]

We just got new HE front-loading washers in our apartment complex. We all hate them. The locking doors drive everyone crazy. You forget to put in a sock, and you are screwed. It will have to wait for the next load, and the next $1.25.

When you open the door, the clothes fall out on the floor if you don't have your basket there.

!

We've had an HE washer/dryer set for 8 yrs now and have neither of these issues. Ours has a pause button that will unlock the door so you can throw something extra in. We have never had anything fall out of the washer or the dryer.

Ours also has a Soak selection so you can soak things as long as you'd like.

As far as detergent goes, it is readily available at any store and for the same price as regular.

Our set is from Bosch and we've never had a single issue so far.

 

[jahber]

I'm another happy he user. Had ours for 6+ years, and I love it. I can wash a king-size comforter plus a sheet set with no problems and it spins it dry enough to throw in the dryer. My previous washer would go uneven if I washed my son's stuffed dog by itself, much less a heavy, water-logged comforter.

We did have to replace a part, which was about $150. It's an LG and parts were hard to come by (and expensive!) at the time. But overall it has been worth if for me. No smell problems, thank goodness! I'm in FL, so I definitely have to keep the door open between washes. Clothes are definitely more twisted in my washer, though, but I don't line dry much so it's no problem.

 

[jenndisney]

My only complaint is the fabric softener doesn't seem to work as well as it did in our traditional washer.

I stopped using fabric softener. I use about half a cup of cheap vinegar. It works a million times better. I heard the tip on Martha Stewart radio. I am so glad I listed. My towels are the softest and are so absorbent. And no there is no smell at all!!

 

[jenndisney]

I make my own detergent so I really didn't want to start buying the new kind. Also, I'd really like to cut down on my energy consumption. I only use cold water to wash. .

I don't use HE detergent. You just use less of what you are currently using. For you it will be trial and error to figure out the correct amount , but you can keep using your homemade stuff. I also wash a lot of my loads in cold water. It works fine.

 

[Lewisc]

So those of us who hate our HE machines aren't using it properly and are measuring our detergent incorrectly? Honestly, how condescending. Aside of my mother in law, I don't know anybody who likes their he machine. I sort my laundry, don't overload it, and I READ the instructions. Read them more than once. It still sucks. Yep, my clothes come out a wrinkled twisted mess. Yep, have had clothes come out completely dry, so I can very well see than a folded pair of jean would come out folded.
.

My bad. HE washing machines are like any other product. There are models which work (clean) well. There are models which don't clean as well as higher rated models. Consumers Reports only gave one top loader the highest rating for washing but more then half the front loaders tested earned that rating.

Keep in mind Consumers is testing the new, high efficient, top loaders. I don't think you can buy the older, waster wasting, top loaders.

I think most of the complainers are using the wrong detergent, wrong amount of detergent or aren't following the directions. I agree some people may have a bad model.

I've had clothing come out all twisted (around the agitator) with a top loader. Issues with balanced loads. I've had no such issues with a front loader.

No question HE machines take longer to clean. People used to suggest just using less regular detergent in a front loader. Some HE detergent suggest using the same amount, sometimes more, in a HE machine.

edited to add--Threads like this attract people who aren't happy with the front loader. I wouldn't base a buying decision based on a few people who say they're clothes don't come clean with a top loader. At a minimum you'd want to know the model of machine, how old, what kind of detergent.....

CONSUMERS gave the highest rating (for HE machines) to Tide Ultra Plus Bleach powder) and Tide Ultra HE (liquid) with Tide Ultra HE getting a best buy. People with moderately soiled clothing can use a lower rating detergent. People complaining about clothing not getting clean should at least try a better detergent.

 

[Judique]

My bad. HE washing machines are like any other product. There are models which work (clean) well. There are models which don't clean as well as higher rated models. Consumers Reports only gave one top loader the highest rating for washing but more then half the front loaders tested earned that rating.

I think most of the complainers are using the wrong detergent, wrong amount of detergent or aren't following the directions.

Keep in mind Consumers is testing the new, high efficient, top loaders. I don't think you can buy the older, waster wasting, top loaders.

I recently started doing research on a new laundry set. My dryer stopped working. Eventually just had it repaired, but I learned a lot about the state of washers and dryers during my quest for a possible new pair.

good reviews are few and far between.
bad reviews include not so clean laundry and smelly machines


the worst trend was frequent breakdowns with repairs needed in the first 1 to 3 years.

the breakdowns required costly repairs $300 to $500 a pop.

I can afford the new machines.

but I am not foolish enough to throw good money toward the present crop of laundry duos.

one thing missing in all the above comments is brands and models.
I'm sure lewisc hasn't tested them all personally to make such a sweeping judgement of all users and complainants or maybe he/she sells appliances?

anyway _ I want a lovely new set - but have not found any to be impressed with yet.

 

[aml3679]

We love our front loading HE washer and dryer. They hold more clothes. The only thing I do not like is there is a smell from the rubber gasket that I need to treat on a monthly basis. We have the Samsung model since we live in a townhouse and our washer and dryer is on the second floor. It reduces vibration. I would buy another set but I think it would an Elextrolux next time. HE detergent is easily available.

 

[Lewisc]

one thing missing in all the above comments is brands and models.
I'm sure lewisc hasn't tested them all personally to make such a sweeping judgement of all users and complainants or maybe he/she sells appliances?

anyway _ I want a lovely new set - but have not found any to be impressed with yet.

No, I don't sell appliances. Read the reviews in places like Consumers. Pick a model which has a good track record for reliability. My friends and relatives don't have the issues I read about on the internet.

Start with a good detergent. Cleans well but is too expensive. You know your machine cleans. Try a less expensive detergent. Some of the really cheap, environmentally friendly detergents, tested about the same as using water without any detergent.

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

Hate mine. I loved it at first but after 4 years, I want a top loader. Mine can unlock at any time but I still hate it.

 

[eliza61]

I have to say I don't have big feelings either way, It's laundry. Anyhoo I did want to say when I was researching my machine I have to go with many posters. Most of the reviews I got on front loading HE machines were absolutely HORRIBLE.

Now consumer reports had different reviews but truthfully I trust regular ole folks doing laundry than I do published reports. go figure.

If I was in the op's situation I probably would not purchase one. I don't see any HUGE energy savings in my bill and if they still made the old top loading agitator machines I would buy that.

 

[bettymae1121]

I love mine. It's a GE front loader I bought about two years ago. I've heard the newer ones are better than the older ones from 8-10 years ago. You can usually "pause" the newer ones if you need to add a forgoten sock, for example.

While some of the cycles are longer (I think my longest is 2 hours 45 minutes for the heavy duty with extra rinse) mine also comes with a "speed wash" cycle that's done in 36 minutes, and I use that for most of my clothes, it gets them clean just fine. Most cycles are right around an hour though so if I do have something that's really dirty it's not THAT bad unless I need the heaviest cycle.

If I need to "soak" something or just want a cycle that uses a lot of water, I can use my delicate cycle.

Occasionally I have a shirt or pair of pants that come out really twisted up, but that's rare and I find that if I un-twist it before putting it in the dryer, it won't come out wrinkled.

And I use my dryer for much shorter periods of time now. Doesn't save me much money since I have a gas dryer and natural gas is super cheap right now. But it does save me time! If I use speed wash I can get a full load washed and dryed in about an hour and that is FAR better than my old top loader could do.

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

I have an HE and when it dies I will buy a regular washer again.
I like to soak my whites at least once a year. In an HE washer you can't soak clothes, just wash them. when I soak them I turn on the hot water, add the soap and bleach and agitate for a while then turn the dial and turn off the machine. If you turn off your HE machine it drains out the water.
You can't dye clothes in an HE.
Oh, one more thing, 1 hour and 56 minutes to do my laundry if I want to run the heavy dirt load. How does that save?

My HE has a soak button.

 

[mjkacmom]

Mine are almost 10 years old, and I love them! They're huge - 3 loads fit into 1 - have a soak function, and the detergent is the same price as regular, and found everywhere. They're quiet, and do a great job!

 

[twinboysmom]

My bad. HE washing machines are like any other product. There are models which work (clean) well. There are models which don't clean as well as higher rated models. Consumers Reports only gave one top loader the highest rating for washing but more then half the front loaders tested earned that rating.

Keep in mind Consumers is testing the new, high efficient, top loaders. I don't think you can buy the older, waster wasting, top loaders.

I think most of the complainers are using the wrong detergent, wrong amount of detergent or aren't following the directions. I agree some people may have a bad model.

I've had clothing come out all twisted (around the agitator) with a top loader. Issues with balanced loads. I've had no such issues with a front loader.

No question HE machines take longer to clean. People used to suggest just using less regular detergent in a front loader. Some HE detergent suggest using the same amount, sometimes more, in a HE machine.

edited to add--Threads like this attract people who aren't happy with the front loader. I wouldn't base a buying decision based on a few people who say they're clothes don't come clean with a top loader. At a minimum you'd want to know the model of machine, how old, what kind of detergent.....

CONSUMERS gave the highest rating (for HE machines) to Tide Ultra Plus Bleach powder) and Tide Ultra HE (liquid) with Tide Ultra HE getting a best buy. People with moderately soiled clothing can use a lower rating detergent. People complaining about clothing not getting clean should at least try a better detergent.

I am telling you it isn't all about the detergent. I am pretty much a loyal tide customer and I have tried every Tide made for He. Powder seems to work a hair better for me but I have had multiple issues with it not dissolving in this machine. In my machine, it doesn't seem to matter what detergent I use, I still have issues. And I have always used he detergent as has every other person I know who doesn't like their machine. I would likely be happier with one of the more expensive machines but I plan to ditch the he machines completely when I move and get the cheapest non he machine I can buy.

So in case anybody is looking for a washer not to buy, mine is a Kenmore (made by whirlpool) top loader, model 2130. I also wanted to add that several months ago I saw something on a news program about the popularity of washers from the 50's and 60's. Apparently they are in demand and people are paying big bucks to restore them to working condition because of how effectively they cleaned. So if you have an old one laying around you might be sitting on some money.

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

Just a tip... There is a lot of talk of washers but not much about dryers. A good tip about dryers is about the ducting. If you have that cheap ducting that is kind of like a slinky, I would get rid of that. Straight smooth ducting can be bought at any home store and will make your dryer run more efficient and also reduce the build up of lint in the line greatly reducing the risk of a fire.
One needs to also be mindful of what your dryer is doing. Your average drye puts out 150 cfm of air. The big new models would have higher outputs. That same amount of air wants to come back in the easiest way it can. Appliances such as a gas hot water heater, furnace, or wood stove can spill co(carbon monoxide) back into your house. This effect can increase more if at the same time you are running your bathroom fan and or kitchen range hood. If your house is older you probably are ok because the air can get in all over the place, but if you are in a newer house that is well sealed, this may be a problem.

 

[weHEARTmickey]

I'm sorry, I haven't read through any of the previous posts. BUT, I felt the need to say that we absolutely despise our front load HE washer & dryer! We have the Samsung (VRT Steam?) set from a couple of years ago. Washer has a moldy smell, even though I ALWAYS leave the door open if it's not in use, and I'm constantly cleaning around the seal. Our clothes do not get NEAR as clean as they used to get. The dryer stopped working on ANY setting, other than "Timed Dry." We have to take half of the washer load & dry it 2 times, essentially meaning that every washer load has to dry 4 times! HATE it, hate it, hate it! Never again

 

[2disneyboys]

I have the maytag Bravo's Top Loader HE and Dryer, plus I use alot less detergents and other additives. I have had them about 2 years, and have had no problems at all. My electric bill and water bill have both gone down, my clothes come out very clean. I have tons of cycles on my machine.. I've yet to have a situation arise that one of my cycles didn't work just fine on it. I'm not going to say I love it as it's just laundry and as long as the machine cleans my clothing well and doesn't destroy it then I have no problems with it! I dont' really care how long the cycle takes as most times I throw in a load, go take my shower, get the boys ready for school and then hang/or switch to the dryer and by the time I"m leaving for work, one load is done and I repeat the process @ night. I'm usually so busy catching up on house work that I can't sit & stare @ the washer counting the minutes, lol.. in fact usually my reacation is dang.. gotta stop and fold/hang now, lol.

my sister, mom, mother-in-law and sister in law all have older HE front loaders (at least 5 years old) and all complain about having to leave the door proped open but other than that, they seem to love thier machines.

 

[burnurcomputer]

I have the Whirlpool Cabrio and I love it!!! Its a top loader. i don't mind the locking lid, and make my own detergent. I get wash done so much quicker and the clothes dry super fast!