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The Dirty Little Secret Behind Front-Load Washers (Reply to this comment)
by glen22
I can't say I agree with your point of view concerning the alleged superiority of front-load machines, though I will readily concede mine is a minority.
Today's buyers demand washers with Energy Star ratings, touchpad convenience and multiple automated options, sold at a price that all but ensures it must be assembled by third-world labor. Convenience and a desire to purchase aesthetically pleasing products attracts some to the high-tech front-load and HE top-load machines. I have also noticed that complexity of the electronics attracts engineers and geeks like bees to honey. As a final insult, the federal government is doing its best with increasingly onerous energy and water-saving standards to mandate traditional top load washers out of existence.
For their level of complexity vs. price, most consumer-level front-load washers are underbuilt and undersupported. Sensors are numerous, and relatively fragile; when they break, they often prevent operation by causing the machine to register a malfunction. I have even seen parts like simple lint screens on these machines constructed so cheaply that they can cause the entire machine to overheat, resulting in major damage. Front-load repairs have gone through the roof - just note how many people have started purchasing extended warranties again on front-load machines! Spare parts are stocked only for a short time, and you'll need them! No ability to rob a timer off another, similar machine - only the exact circuit board and control panel will do. When they self-destruct after a few years, they tend to do so in a most impressive manner.
A good insight into the problems of repairing complex front-load machines can be had by consulting repairmen who have to fix them. You can learn quite a bit by visiting their web pages. For one example, see: http://www.allbrandservicenaperville.com/products-washer.html
Unfortunately, the traditional top loader of high construction standard is becoming increasingly hard to find. Maytag is a great example - they were bought out by Whirlpool after making some real stinkers. When you do find a good one, it usually isn't the top-load machine of old -thinner gauge metal, cheaper plastic outer tub, flimsy transmissions, etc. However, it STILL retains a major advantage in terms of average repair costs, due to its relative simplicity and absence of extensive electronics and sensors.
The new front-loaders APPEAR to save money, are more efficient, and are undoubtedly much more modern and eco-appealing to most consumers. Of course now you have to use extra water to wash the front-load washer to get out the stench, and hotter water temps to get the clothes to the same degree of cleanliness, and replace them every six years or so, but...
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Jun 08 '09
2:48 pm PDT
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Nuclear power (Reply to this comment)
by moochman26
No... I think I would like to see more nuclear power plants actually. But, unfortunately an uneducated public who is afraid of the all-evil atom cannot see past the rudimentary problems that plagued a developing technology back in the 20th century. It is pitiful. So if front load washers cause less nuclear power plants, do not get one! But for those of you who do want to help the environment, and think at the same time, support front load washers and nuclear power plants... that is all.
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Jun 11 '07
4:42 pm PDT
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Your mileage may vary (Reply to this comment)
by jmatt55
There's no shortage of people that have had bad experiences with front loaders and hate them. I think that people's desire to be "environmentally friendly" leads them to think more highly of these machines than their performance actually warrants.
Of the three families that I know that I have front loaders, all are unhappy with thier performance and dread having to deal with the substandard performance of the machines until they can justify spending more money on a new machine.
Don't buy into the hype before checking thoroughly into the matter.
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May 12 '07
5:38 pm PDT
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Wringed out (Reply to this comment)
by aliciavinzant
Your information was wonderful! We just bought a new house, and so new appliances need to be bought as well. I had previously owned a front loader, but it had to stay behind. Now, trying to save money I was looking at top loaders because they are pocketbook friendly. But after my research today, and your wonderful input I believe we'll find outselves a front load wsher and dryer! Thanks for the confirmation.
Alicia
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Jan 29 '04
6:44 pm PST
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It really is in the Details (Reply to this comment)
by mad-consumer
I really appreciate your willingness to quantify some of the price savings and expense savings in your review. It has really helped me make up my mind.
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Apr 17 '02
10:23 am PDT
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dynamo of info! (Reply to this comment)
by sumo_rhino
That's a lot of great information. Unfortunately for me, my wife and I bought our washer and dryer almost nine years ago when we lived in California.
We haven't had problems with them. They still operate nicely. So, I reckon it'll be some time before we have a need to purchase new appliances.
But, I'll bookmark this in my backflip.com account. That way, we can review your research (and experience) when the time comes.
Wash on!
- sumo_rhino
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Mar 14 '01
5:52 am PST
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