HomeHome and GardenWashing MachinesWhat Should You Know About Front Load Washing Machines?
Member Advice Summary
A Better Way to do Laundry
by james_k | Jul 18 '01
If you ever try a front-loading washer, you'll never go back to that wasteful and expensive-to-operate top-loader.

Return to opinion



Have something to say?
Write your own comment on this review!
Comments on A Better Way to do Laundry" (5 total)  
  Comment Sorted by
Date Written
Front-Load Washers? Yes Sir, And You'll Want The Extended Warranty... (Reply to this comment)
by glen22
I don't see this pentup demand for front-load washers myself, nor do the repairmen I know favor them - they all have traditional metal-tub top load machines for their own families! I've never met anyone who owned a front-load consumer model that lasted longer than 7 years without major repair, usually replacement of electronic components, but occasionally including motor/capacitor replacement. That's unacceptable product quality in my view, when you can buy a top load consumer-level washer that can last 10-12 years, or a genuine commercial top-load model (hard to find) that will last 15-20.

My own view is that whatever measly savings on water/electricity costs gained by buying short-lived, poorly-designed front load washers is more than made up by losses by having to use hotter water temperatures, special detergents, and broken washers going to the landfill. And your 'green' savings are laughable when you realize your new Plasma flat-screen uses six times more electricity than the old one.
Jun 08 '09
8:31 pm PDT

I enjoyed (Reply to this comment)
by henry_thoreau, henry_thoreau is an Advisor on Epinions in Home and Garden
your discussion very much!

I'm now 53. When I was a kid, I always wondered why those "cool-looking" FRONT-loading washers were always on TV but seemingly never in anybody's home. But these days, it seems Americans have increasingly been embracing the trend toward front-loading washers (though there's still a long way to go in that regard).

Ironically, I never seriously considered a front-loader when I very recently shopped for (and finally bought) my latest washer. To discover why not, you can read Section 16 of my recent review of the GE model WHDSR316G (http://www.epinions.com/content_405897383556).

Nonetheless, while I myself can appreciate BOTH sides of the "FRONT-loading vs. TOP-loading" issue, I still admire the undeniable virtues of those remarkable FRONT-loading washers, and, who knows, maybe my NEXT washer will be of that configuration. :-)

Mike
Oct 29 '07
2:22 am PDT

Erupean Washers (Reply to this comment)
by surfrockstar
I lived in sweden for a few years and never really thought about it till i moved back, but the european washing machines are so much better, yes they do take a bit longer but you get excellent results, and its totally pro GREEN, i use ecoVantage Laundry Detergent
and its the best you hardly need any soap or harsh chemicals, well i got back to the states and found that ASKO had been shipping washers to the US so i had to get one, its awsome i would recommend it to anyone, it works just the same as it did in sweden. they come with a great warranty 24/7 customer service, these machines are built to last. i love that the water heats up to 205 degrees Farenheit instead of a whipy 120 from the american washers. my t-shirts used to have yellow armpit stains and they smelled pretty bad, even after washingthem with bleach and detergent, i know i know...i have some pretty powerful pits, but i dont have that problem anymore, i dont even use bleach, i will challange anyone, to use an american washer with all the bleach and oxiclean and any chemicals they want, i am 120% sure mine will come out brighter and whiter...i wont even use soap, the bottom line is that if you want a good washer go with an ASKO or Eurotech same manufacturer, asko is in sweden eurotech in italy, the italian ones are not as good, or so i have heard, either way these machines are built to lat if you take good care of them and dont wait till the last min to do 20 loads of laundry, americans are getting so lazy....sheeeesh,
typical price range on these is 800-1500 same as anyone you would find at sears, these come with a much better warranty 3years in home parts and labor, they are energy star compliant and HE, and ada and all that good stuff.
sears gives you one year and then charges 309.99 to upgrade for 5 years total
Do the math...ready
Kenmore 49962 HE3t 4.0cu $1,100
its water heater only goes up to 120 f
one year warranty
extended waranty $ 309.99
plus it does not come with a few things like a power cord drian hose... and other things sears would be happy to sell you,
misc. $250?
they do not include delivery...or help you load it into your truck
$1659.99

or
ASKO W6461
EasyControl™ provides easy access to 11 wash programs and customizable options
• Anti-crease program
• Adjustable (400-1,600 rpm) spin speeds
• Time delay start (1-24 hours)
• Program interrupt, add-an-item option
• Childproof controls and detergent compartment
• Available in white, titanium, titanium-stainless or stainless steel with a titanium control panel
Stainless steel inner and outer tanks never rust, chip or absorb odors
• Internal heater produces optimal temperatures throughout the entire wash cycle 220 degrees farenheit
• Capacity that matches any top-loader-14 towels and most queen-size comforters
• Smaller exterior allows for more convenient installations--under counters or stacked in closets
• 20-year life expectancy
• Solid rubber SmartSeal™ door gasket eliminates troublesome bellows that crack and leak
• Quick Wash cycle will clean better than an old-style agitator and do it in only 35 minutes while using only 5.7 gallons of water and 0.3 (2¢) kWh of electricity
• Quattro™ four-shock suspension & Automatic Load Balancing System ensures quiet, virtually vibration free spin
• Easy-to-reach, out-front controls
• Complies with ADA accessibility guidelines
• Additional wiring unnecessary: this 220 volt unit plugs into the back of an ASKO dryer
• Every unit tested at factory
i got that off the website check it out for your self i am sure you will be more than pleased :)
no i do not work for them
i simply like my laundry done right

Aug 13 '07
8:33 am PDT

Terrific review full of excellent information! (Reply to this comment)
by mommykim
Thank you for explaining all this so clearly! We have a Maytag Neptune front-loading washer in our home and have had it now for 3 years. We LOVE it. My clothes wash with 1/2 the detergent, in 1/2 the time, and come out almost dry! After reading your review I truly understand the process and can explain it to guests! Thank you!~~
Kim
Jul 18 '01
6:02 pm PDT

Manifest Destiny, laundry style (Reply to this comment)
by Tibullus
Wow.... there really isn't much else I can say. Your review was excellent, well written, beautifully organized and plum full of great information.

I must say that before this review I knew pratically nothing about different washing systems, and I now consider myself to be fairly well versed on the subject. It never ceases to amaze me how Europeans tend to come up with more elegant solutions while Americans still rely on brute force whenever they can. I think this comes back to the different philosophies that you mentioned in your review.
Great review, I can't wait to read more of your work!!!

marc
Jul 18 '01
4:43 pm PDT