Do you *really* want a front loader?
Written: Jul 30 '05 (Updated Jul 30 '05)
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Pros: Energy efficient due to stingy water usage but yet still cleans well.
Cons: Design defects, quality and reliability problems
The Bottom Line: Do you really want to deal with the problems that frontloaders seem to have? If so, GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTY!
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| arok's Full Review: Frigidaire GLTF1670A Front Load Washer |
OK, so a couple of years ago our old Kenmore toploader died after 15 years of hard use. At the time we had an electric hot water heater and an aging septic system, so a washer that used very little water was a huge plus.
I researched washers for hours. Although it was universally acknowledged that frontloaders have significantly more "issues" than toploaders, I decided on a Frigidaire-style front loading washer (Kenmore and GE also put their own names on Frigidaire made washers...all the ones with the really small holes in front). The main reason was because I wanted water savings. However, at the time I was not hearing good things about the more expensive and complicated (ie computerized) Kenmore HE3t and Maytag Neptunes, and thought that a simpler, less computerized front loader might skew the odds of having washer problems in my favor.
Right away we noticed a significant savings from our electric bill, and the washer worked great. Further, we didn't find having to buy special HE detergent was that big of a deal since Sears sells it very reasonably in 5 gallon buckets.
However, here's my thoughts after 3 years of owning this machine:
1) It wasn't worth it.
2) I'll not be buying another frontloader to replace this one.
3) What a pain.
4) I wonder how much I'd have spent if I had to place service calls each time something went wrong?
You need to know that I'm not a frontloader "basher". From a theoretical standpoint, I still think that they are the best type of washer. However, the quality problems (are they inherent in the design???) disqualify them in my opinion. Unless you like regularly servicing your washer yourself, or are independently wealthy so you can call the service man whenever they break, or perhaps maybe just buy a new one every couple of years, I'd recommend against getting a frontloader. I don't even have the front panel of the washer installed any more because I need to get in there and "service" it myself so often.
Problems:
1) "The Pump"
The drain pump first stopped working one week short of a year (thankfully still under warranty). The repairman came out and replaced it. I'm so glad I was home that fateful day...because I was able to watch how he fixed/replaced the pump. We're still not sure if the pump actually failed that first time or if all the junk that collected in the "trap" jammed it up and caused the problem. Oh, you say your topload washer has never had something jam up the pump and in all those years you've never even thought of it? Well, same here...until this washer. ANYTHING and I repeat ANYTHING in pockets will go through this washer and into the pump assembly. I've seen it all: coins, small nails, little metal rods from the axles of my kids matchbox cars, rocks, .22 shells (yes...you read that right), and just about anything else small clog up the drain pump. I don't care how careful you are, especially if you have kids, you are gonna have stuff go into the washer. We had a toploader for 15 years and this NEVER happened. I've had the drain pump off and cleaned out approximately 6-8 times (although it only failed completely 2 times) since I've owned the washer
2) "The Leak"
Yup...it leaks...and has been for about 2.5 years. This was the one other service call I paid for. After about 1.5 years we noticed that the floor around the washer was a little damp. Because it was in an area where this was not a big deal, I just left it. It got a little wetter, then wetter, etc. Finally I noticed big pools of water and called the serviceman. You can bet I watched how he fixed it. It seems this washer has a plastic outer tub, with a seam running the length of the drum and sealed by a couple dollar O-ring and some bolts. He said the bolts that compress the 2 halves together were "a little loose" and took out his sockets and tightened the five or six he had access to. That did it...no more leaks! Well, no more leaks for a couple months. The next time I tightened the bolts and could tell that they weren't nearly as loose as before. The next time after that they were still tight. The service manager speculates that the gasket has simply failed and nothing can be done now but replace it (for a couple hundred dollars). At first we were able to overcome the leak by leaving the front cover off the washer and running a box-type fan on high aimed directly at the washer. This evaporated the leaking water sufficiently so as not to cause a major problem. For at least 6 months now, we've had to do the fan trick and keep a dry towel under the tub and change it out when it gets saturated. Who knows how long this will work...
3) "The bearings".
Can you believe it...one problem common to these that I haven't had yet? Do some research on this one if you're interested.
Conclusion: I almost had the leak fixed, since it was an expensive washer. I'm so glad I didn't, because while this was going on I continued having pump problems so I decided to do some research on Google. It turns out that I'm not the only one. I read horror story after horror story of people putting $600, $700, etc of repairs into their frontloader. Then you are stuck. You've put SO MUCH into repairing it (after spending $600-700 to buy it) that you can't quit because it would all go to waste. But you keep throwing good money after bad and I'm guessing the nightmare never stops. I decided that since I've only had to pay about $100 in repairs (because I've either fixed or worked around the issues myself) that I'm not stuck. If anything (and I mean anything) breaks requiring even a $5 part, I'm hauling this thing off to the dump and buying a new toploader. I continue to keep it running as best as I can, and dealing with the leaks the best I can.
I have since talked to the service manager of the only appliance repair place in the area and he confirms that he has had "a number of people" complain about the same exact leaks around the tub. I can't imagine how a company could design a product that under normal use bolts work themselves loose and drain the tub onto your floor.
This story is not that uncommon. Do some research. Look here on epinions for this washer, and also the Kenmore 44102, 44042, 43142, etc. These are all Frigidaire washers identical to this one, just a different nameplate.
You want to roll the dice and still buy a frontloader? Well, my STRONG ADVICE would be to buy an extended warranty that you are sure covers everything (including clearing the drain pump).
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 650
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Epinions.com ID:
arok
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Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 0 members
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