Sue and I need to get a new washer and dryer and have been looking at Consumer Reports, then going to Lowes and Sears. We have tentatively decided on getting a frontload washer and matching dryer, but the high price (over $2K per set) and some complaints we have seen on washing machine forum sites (e.g., gardenweb.com) make us very nervous.

Have any of you had any experience with frontloading washers? How about the Kenmore frontloads?

 

I don't know about frontloading washers.

I've got a 17 year-old Maytag top loading washer and a 17 year-old front loading Maytag dryer. They were both top rated by Consumer Reports when we got them and we have never had any trouble with either one.

 

We've recently bought another set of Maytags after our move and have been very pleased with them. I like top loading machine which is probably more traditional than the front loading machine. I recommend Maytags.

 

We have Frigidaire front loading washer & dryer. They are not top of line & we've been very happy with them. The washer takes less water & soap & we feel the clothes come out better than our old top load washer. We've had the washer for 10 years with no problems.

Prior to that we had Maytag washer & dryer that got handed down from parents. We were happy with them until it became time to replace. They were in the 20 year old range when we bought the front loading machine.

 

We've had Maytags in the past and had very good service with them. About 3 years ago we bought something new called Calypso. New way of washing, bad decision. We had trouble from the very start. Fortunately, and this is a good thing, we bought from Best Buy. Turns out they stand behind the warranty. If you have more than 3 repairs while under warranty they replace no questions asked. The repairman, who was now part of the family, set everything up. We went to the store picked what we wanted and they delivered and set up at no cost to us. We asked him what he would buy and he recommended LG (Tromm), which is a front loading, large capacity and so far very reliable washer. We've been very happy with the washer and would defiantly go back to Best Buy for any large appliance.

 

Can't help you on the front loading machine. they do sound expensive.

We always stick with Whirlpool appliances, and have the top loading washer.

Rick came to me "fully applianced." The washing machine lasted 25 years, and the dryer 29 years. When we needed new ones, we went to a local Whirlpool dealer and bought both items there.

I do doubt that we'll get 25+ years out of either of these, as that's the way it is.

 

The Kenmore we have was a hand me down from my mom 15 years ago and she had it for many years before that. No problems (knock on wood) yet.

 

Salt eats everything here. No appliance lasts that long. I've learned however that if I buy the best Sears and put it on their extended maintenance agreement that works out well.

You get all your appliances inspected once a year, service and parts are free and prompt. The best thing is...if they can't fix it in 4 calls...you get a new one.

Sears is busy giving me a new 1200 buck washing machine right now for free...and my old one is 6 years old.

Gotta love it

fltsfshr

 

I think front load washing machines are an "eye candy" gimmick, especailly in stainless steel with the glass window. they look cool, but they do no better job. Maybe if i had a severe back problem and couldn't lift clothes off the floor I would take a look at them.

 

My understanding is that front loaders use significantly less water than top loaders and do a better job of cleaning in that their method is to continually plunge the clothes into the water.

We own Whirlpool Duet front loaders. Love them. They do a fine job, they are quiet and they take an enormous load of clothes, towels, or whatever.

Mary says she is never going back to a top loader.

Yep, they are expensive, we paid about 1800 or so at Sears. Saved some money by getting the previous year's model.