Let's talk washing machines

[maxaroni]

I know, yet another washing machine question.

Agitator vs non-agitator vs front loader

I will preface this by saying that I am not currently looking for a washing machine. However, I am not happy with my washer for a variety of reasons. I currently have an agitator washer and was thinking on my next one, I'd want non-agitator to give me more room, as I can't fit a number of things in my current washer.

Last night, we were buying a new microwave and I was browsing the washers/dryers. The sales person said that the agitator machines are making a comeback as the non agitators don't clean as well. She said that small loads aren't too bad but when a larger load, the water doesn't fill to the same level as the agitator machines. Therefore, it takes awhile for clothes to all get moving, wet, clean. I was a bit disapponted. But, as I said, not in the market so have time to research.

Then this morning, we had a yard sale and I was speaking with a woman and we got talking about washers. She said she wants a basic washer, no bells and whistles. From the Dis, I recommended the Speed Queen as being basic, good quality machines. She said she hated her non agitator washer and went back to the agitator and her clothes are much cleaner with the agitator.

A long winded story...lol. Anyway, what are your preferences?

 

[mom2rtk]

I wanted an agitator when we replaced ours just over a year ago. I only found one model at Sears and one model at Best Buy. They were both the same model from GE. We had tons of issues toward the end of the first year (not with the agitator though) and they ended up replacing it for us just recently. So far so good with this one.

They gave me a choice of models when it was time to replace. I told them I wanted an agitator and I wanted settings to let me override the low water levels used in HE washers. They said this was my only choice. So as long as it doesn't misbehave like the original one did (random computer setting issues that caused it to start running on its own) I'm happy enough with it. The clothes seem to get clean as long as we set it to "superfill" the wash and rinse cycles.

 

[RedAngie]

 

[jrmasm]

I hate my top load non agitator machine. It doesn't use enough water to get clothes clean. I always have use the extra rinse setting in hopes that my dark clothes might not have white streaks all over them.

Next machine will be a traditional agitator machine.

I love the idea of a HE machine but in my experience they just do not do the job.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Wow-this question is exactly what I'm wondering. We have a 17 yo washing machine that's been "making funny sounds" lately so I'm starting to look around. All these choices! I have 2 good friends who recently bought non-agitator machines, so I'm waiting for their input (hopefully, my washing machine cooperates with waiting). One is VERY particular about how clean her clothes get and so far she says her non-agitator gets them clean. All she's said is that unless you take the clothes out of the washer fairly promptly, they start to smell. Front loaders are out-my back hurts just thinking about bending down to get the laundry out.

 

[lsyorke]

I have a year old top loading LG non agitator and haven't had a problem with clothes not getting clean. I do notice that things are not stretched out of shape as much...disclaimer, no little kids in the house with very dirty clothes.

 

[adisneyaunt]

The only people I know that have front loaders all day the same thing. They need to be wiped down inside that door area because mold forms, clothes smell. I'd never buy a front loader. My mil thought the issue was under control... until u wear your clothes and heaven forbid they get damp or wet, they smell awful.
My bil uses that cleaning tablet Every week to avoid it.
I would get a top loader, I'd get an agitator ( my sil says she does more loads cause she feels the machine just doesn't clean as well with a full load, so she does small ones. Not enough water?)
I have a top load with agitator, no issues. I do about 3 loads a week.

 

[Hisgirl]

After replacing my second washer in less than five years we were done. I called at least two washer fix-it people and asked what brand. There was one.

Only one they recommended: Speed Queen.

Old fashioned, USA made, steel, unmatched warranty.

A bit more expensive, and you have to buy from harder to find mom and pop shops, but the good thing? They are made to last you 20 years. TWENTY YEARS.

We bought one about ten years ago and it has run with zero issues. Good, old-fashioned, top-loading washing machine. I love it and will never look back.

But...it'll be at least ten years before I get to buy another one.

 

[tvguy]

We had a Maytag non-agitator top loader for a week. It twisted up our clothing so much my wife was afraid it was going to ruin it. Lowes took it back no questions asked. We now have an LG front loader, best washer we have ever had. We've had it 4 years now.

 

[maxaroni]

Who knew so many choices and so many possible problems with all of these! LOL. I remember my parents going to buy new washers/dryers, going to a local appliance store, choosing between how many cycles and what color. So far, sounds like the agitator is preferred, top loaders over front loaders.

I saw some with the built in sink on the top, for spot cleaning. What???!!! What happened to the sink in your house? I have a large laundry room with a "slop sink", works pefectly. The matching dryer had "2" dryers. A top that opens up for delicates or things you may need to dry flat. Of course, the regular dryer as well. To me, it's more things that have a chance to break.

 

[Skippy918]

My parents still have their agitator machine they bought in 83.
I have a front loader and I am happy with it. Ours is 14 years old. I keep the door open so it doesn't build up the musty smell.

 

[wgeo]

We have a front loader. As far as I'm concerned it gets the clothes nice and clean, and I've got messy kids. We do on average 1 load of laundry every day. My biggest complaint is how hard it is to keep the washer clean. The seal around the front door always has mold/mildew around it - and no matter what I try I have the hardest time keeping it clean.

 

[720L]

I hated my front loader. I now have a basic model agitator & love it. I can adjust the water level, let things soak in it, and NO mold!!!!! And it was way cheaper.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Have never heard anything good about the non-agitator top loaders!

Currently have an LG front loader. Not perfect... But, a good washer!
No problem at all with mold, etc... Just leave the door cracked open. And it even has a magnet so that the door seems closed, but is cracked enough to allow some ventilation.
One slight glitch is that it doesn't always fully disengage the brake on the tub when it stops and unlocks the door. Harder to spin the tub to make sure that you have all small items out...

If we go back to a top loader, yes, it will be a Speed Queen!
Only thing is, I am, well, vertically challenged, and climbing and bending over to get the last items out of the bottom of the top-loader tub is what would kill my back!

 

[mel&me]

Have 2 front loaders, One for about 6 years and a second for last 18 months. Both work great.

 

[goofy4tink]

Had a front loader for a year. It developed spinning issues, right after the warranty ended. Whirlpool. We got rid of it. I never liked it. Went back to a regular old agitator machine...Speed Queen. Love it!!! I can't say how much I love this washing machine. No bells and whistles. Just put a load in, turn it on, the clothes come out well spun and clean. A bit more expensive but well worth it. And, made in America.

 

[Southernmiss]

Have had a Speed Queen for 2 years. Family of 6. With stinky teen sports clothes. Agitator in washer. Top loader.

Love it. Room to clean everything we throw in. Loads might be a little smaller, but it only takes 30 minutes to wash a load.

5 year warranty. Look up their website. Impressive. Local dealers are listed.

 

[DisneyHardin]

We have a non-agitator top loader. I really like it. We haven't had problems with our clothes not getting clean. I love that it is huge enough to was quits/comforters with no problem.

 

[xlxo]

Thoughts....

• visit an appliance repair store and get their thoughts.
• take a load of laundry to the local coin wash. Try out their machines to see how well they clean.

 

[Cogswel_Cogs]

I had the worse experience with front loader. Never again.
Not to mention found like $3 in change in bottom of the machine.