Washing Machine

[Larry Caldwell]

We went with a front loader because we're on a septic, and dumping massive water through a septic system is a really bad idea. If you have a gray water system, that might not be a consideration. Also, it doesn't beat the clothes to death like an agitator washer. I have sweatshirts that are over 30 years old and still wearable.

Ours is a generic Maytag that has been trouble free. I can't remember how old it is, but I retired 7 years ago and we bought it before I retired. I bought it from a local appliance dealer, and IIRC paid $345 for it. It has all sorts of bells and whistles we don't use, like a steam cycle. The heavy soil cycle runs for 2:45 and does a great job of getting my work clothes clean. The regular wash takes about 40 minutes with the extra rinse.

I like the brain that balances the load before a spin cycle. No thump thump spin unless there is only one thing in the drum, which is big enough to handle king size quilts. I did plug it into a single outlet surge protector to protect the brain from voltage spikes.

 

[KennyG]

Everyone seems to like to hate on front loaders, but I really like them now. The first one I had was a Kenmore and it died after about 5 years. However, now I have a Whirlpool and a Meile (two laundry rooms) that are both about 15 years old and they have been trouble free. I like the tumble action which I think is easier on clothes. I leave the door open when not in use and run a washer clean cycle every couple of months and have no issues with odors. I really don't care about water usage, but would never go back to a top loader.

 

[JJT]

GE sold their appliance business back in 2016, the buyer also got the GE name. I retired from GE 5 years ago, was a long time GE appliance customer, but no more. LG now has my business.

You can get a top loader with front loader efficiencies, and avoid the pedestal, bending over to load and all the front loader door gasket issues.

 

[MossRoad]

We went with a front loader because we're on a septic, and dumping massive water through a septic system is a really bad idea. If you have a gray water system, that might not be a consideration. Also, it doesn't beat the clothes to death like an agitator washer. I have sweatshirts that are over 30 years old and still wearable.

Ours is a generic Maytag that has been trouble free. I can't remember how old it is, but I retired 7 years ago and we bought it before I retired. I bought it from a local appliance dealer, and IIRC paid $345 for it. It has all sorts of bells and whistles we don't use, like a steam cycle. The heavy soil cycle runs for 2:45 and does a great job of getting my work clothes clean. The regular wash takes about 40 minutes with the extra rinse.

I like the brain that balances the load before a spin cycle. No thump thump spin unless there is only one thing in the drum, which is big enough to handle king size quilts. I did plug it into a single outlet surge protector to protect the brain from voltage spikes.

Only if your septic system can't take it.

 

[MossRoad]

And you can easily add items to an already running top loader VS a front loader.

 

[MF243RedTop]

Only if your septic system can't take it.

Know your property before you build.
If you need backfill( house and septic)
Add twice as much as you think you need.
You'll need the house higher than the planned septic.
(Low areas)
Go beyond county recommendations on backfill for septic, don't cheap out on recommended sand for septic.
Lived in 3 locations all septic, had input on all for proper backfill and type.
Always have dumped all wash water through septic.
No problems ever.
Don't wash grease down your drains.
Keep septic field clear of roots.

Last place I lived I was on a sand hill, no problems there ever.
But neighbor down road stopped me asked to look at his.
Water was backing up.
Walked behind his house noticed the cypress trees first along wood line ..
Then the only thing not under water at that time was the septic lid.......
Very wet time back then.

 

[grsthegreat]

Ge sucks. The bearing went out in my old 8 year old front load washer. Guess what, ge doesnt have a replacement bearing. You have to replace entire tub. Like a $500 part.

I now have an LG front loader. They feature front end drain and filter, 10 year warranty and a replaceable $15 bearing.

 

[Aquamoose]

 

[Norm W]

I have two old washers. One is 17 years old and the other is 51 years old. The older one has had 5 drive belts and two water pumps. It washes really dirty stuff well, but it beats up some things like jeans. The newer one has a shorter cycle time and uses less water. They are both top loaders and I suspect the older one will out last the newer. Both are from Sears and I've repaired both at one time or another. The new machines look to be made to a price point and to not be readily repairable.

 

[5030]

All the new ones are basically the same...Junk. I have a wringer in the shop for towels and it's older than I am (70) and runs like a top. It's the backup when the house machines die.

Wife had an Amana----- Junk.. Then a Speed Queen-----junk, Now has a Maytag----- working on junk. Maybe an LG is better but I doubt it. Wife is smart though, she gets the extended warranty and when they puke, she gets a new one cheap because they buy back the junk one. She has that figured out. Interestingly, always the same thing, the unitized motor assembly. Shaft seals leak and short the motor and instant junk. They haul the clunker away and drop a new machine, about every 3 years. The electric dryer is forever it seems. Still have the Amana.