Need A Front Loader

[Kristofor]

I purchased a Frigidaire front loader about 6-7 years ago now. So far no issues, other than the fact that I was a bachelor at the time and didn't buy a super-jumbo model which would be nice now that I am married and have a 2 year old.

We always leave the door open when we're done and have never noticed any mold/odor issues. We also use regular (non-HE) liquid detergent which to date hasn't seemed to be problematic. However, we use far less than the amount indicated on the package (~1/4 - 1/3 as much as indicated). This seems to be more than enough to get the clothes cleaner that with my old washer and doesn't seem to result in any buildup or grunge that I've noticed.

I did eventually build an over-engineered platform about 14" high. This is a great height for loading and unloading. Being built out of two-by material it's plenty solid and doesn't move at all when the washer does it's super-spin-of-doom. Being at 14" versus the normal 8" or so does put the dryer (several years older than the washer) controls at a fairly long reach (top/back of the dryer) but I'm over 6' and my wife is 5'11" so it's an easy reach for us. I'm not sure a 5' tall woman or kids could reach without a step.

[Tom Slick]

We've had a Whirlpool Duet for a couple of years and it's great, no issues. When it's not in use we just leave the door unlatched, no mildew smell issues.

[Mr__Bill]

Originally Posted by Kristofor

I purchased a Frigidaire front loader about 6-7 years ago now.

It sounds like you have the same washer we have and about the same age. I have found that for most loads about a tablespoon of liquid detergent is enough. This washer is never out of balance and walking about. If it can not balance the load it just does not spin. Makes for some wet rugs if washed alone. (And if you have animals you know why it's washed alone.)

I periodically wash the shop and dog towels and use sudsy ammonia. That seems to keep the mold smell down too.

Bill, over here in the rain, nothing like the smell of a wet dog unless it's a skunk.

[jking]

Originally Posted by Jim Frye

Just kidding. The lady that runs the local appliance parts store here advised me to stay away from Maytag. Severe quality plummet since being bought by Whirlpool. My Daughter had Fridgidare appliances installed in her new home three years ago and has had problems with nearly every one of them. Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher, and the Refridgerator. Only the stove had not required a service call. Granted all were under warranty, but the washer required a new mother board and that would have been expensive.

The quality problems started before Whirlpool bought them. The combination of quality issues & high overheads were what ultimately doomed Maytag. Why pay more for a Maytag when the quality is no better than anything else on the market?

[alpha]

We bought a Kenmore made by Frigidare about 7-8 years ago I believe. It was before the front load washers became popular in the US and not many retailers carried them. It was top rated by Consumer Reports at the time. It survived 2 moves and we have not had the first bit of trouble with it.

My 2008 Consumer Reports Buying Guide lists LG Tromm SteamWasher at $1500 as the best. If I was in the market for a new FL washer, I would take a quick trip to the library and look up the ratings in Consumer Reports and make a copy of the page. I also pick models that are popular which more than one retailer carries. Then I start my price match "game" by searching for the model on-line and printing out the best delivered prices. I have had good luck and my best price matches at Lowes. For me, they have matched my best on-line price after all taxes and delivery charges. Hope this helps.

[jaybee]

Bought the basic Frigidaire from Sears as soon as it came out. After we moved, I bought the base and built a base for the (non-matching) dryer. Then moved the matching (new) dryer onto the 2 x 4 base and built a smaller version of the base to sit in front of the doors (put the laundry basket on it to transfer clothes out and in and out). I built the dryer base because we had intentions of moving the set upstairs into a large closet that we will build into a main floor laundry when (if) we replace the too steep basement stairs. The top comes off the washer and the whole thing sits in the floor space of one unit. One warranty repair of a leaking door seal.

Spend as long as it takes to get the washer perfectly leveled. Trust me on this one!!!

We bought it because it uses less water, a lot less soap, and is way gentler on clothing that now lasts much longer. I haven't figured out a pay back schedule, but I really feel that it has paid for itself.

[JimD]

We were thinking front loader when we purchased our last washer several years ago. My late wife was worried about it fitting well into the laundry room and having to get too close to the floor to load and unload. And units with similar capacity to our top loader were more than I wanted to spend. We ended up with a Fisher Paykel from Lowe's. It is a top loader but spins about as fast as a front loader so the clothers are pretty dry when they go to the dryer. The cost to operate is similar to a front loader. Without the disadvantages. I have had to get much more acquainted with the washer in the last year and I really like it. No problems.

Jim

[KenBurris]

I have the Fisher Paykel also (Ecosmart), almost 3 years and love it - plastic body, no rust - annual cost of operation $9 with gas water heater, $17 with elec (yeah, my yellow Energyguide sticker is still on it). 3.7 CF capacity - put in detergent, Hit Power, hit Start, walk away - weighs the load and adjusts water level automatically.
I found specs for washers here
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=clotheswash.pr_crit_clothes_washers