Owners of front-loading washers - HELP!

[denisem]

Another vote for Kenmore. Bought (& left) them at my former home and loved the larger loads, less drying time, savings on water & detergent. I also eventually switched to less amounts of regular detergent with the same results.

Will someone PLEASE kick me for cheaping out and getting a top-loader at my new home for less $$$?

 

[debloco]

Another vote for the Kenmore HE's. I have the one older generation HE3's, and they are great! They take big loads of clothes, use less water and detergent (so less energy) and I love having the doors in front.

 

[gharrer]

We also have the Kenmore. I really like the machine, but I will say that I find the cycle to be longer than the top loader. I usually use Sears detergent It is designed for front loaders and is cheap if on sale, and lasts a long time.

 

[RUDisney]

We got lucky with our Neptune. We've had no problems with it and I've had it for about 5 or 6-years. When it goes, I won't replace it with another Neptune because of all of the bad press about them. You don't often get lucky twice.

I will definitely buy another front loading washer. You can't beat them for the capacity that they have.

I use any variation of Tide except HE. I use about a third of the cup and I dilute my fabric softener by 1/3. I use Oxi-Clean with every load. "Kids = Need Oxi-Clean"

I was so excited the first time I put my queen-sized comforter in the washer instead of taking it to the cleaners. Wasn't able to do that with my old top-loader.

 

[clarabelle]

What's wrong with the Maytag Neptunes??? That's what I got and so far I love them. I've only been using it for 2 weeks though......so tell me what I have to look forward to.

I imagine they have improved them. Because of all the bad press.
From personal experience:

the rubber seal mildews. A lot. At times the washer smells and this is after frequent cleanings with bleach and other cleaners -and a toothbrush.
Also I have had to get the repairman out twice in 3 years. One time it was something very expensive.
Lastly -I just think there is something to be said for clothes actually "sitting" in water. Although I love the large loads -the fact that the clothes don't stay in the water -just tumble through it -makes it less effective on stains.
It was an expensive washer as you know -so I expected better.
You can find info about the lawsuit online if you google it. I think it has been settled.

 

[rhanditresmom]

I have the Kenmore HE4....I LOVE IT! I have had it for about a year now and have had no complaints. I, too, leave the washer door open...just to make sure everything gets nice and dry.

I think they were worth the money.

 

[wdwmom2]

I have the Duet's with the pedastals--LOVE them!!! No more bending over to do laundry, and the deep drawer storage in the pedastals is fantastic--I keep a lot of cleaning supplies (Swiffer refills, sponges, wipes, etc. in there--so much better than trying to stack in cabinets.)Anne

AMEN!!!!!! Love my Duets. I've had them for almost 1 year and now I actually like doing laundry. I use Tide and Downy with Frebreze, they smell soooo good. I just cut back to half of what I normally use. The amount of clothes that you can stuff in those suckers is AMAZING! It's like doing 2 loads in a top loader. I have seen a decrease in our water bill and the dryer is quicker to dry clothes than our old one. Yep, I recommend the Duets!!