Why is a front-load washer $1000 more than a top load model?

[Rosie1223]

Are they that much better? I've heard there are tax breaks in the stimulus plan if you replace your old appliances with new, energy efficient models. I've been wanting a new washer/dryer for a while and have started looking around.

Are the front loaders worth the extra coin?

[ogneopasno]

1. I don't know why they're more pricey, but I do know that my front-end loader uses much less water

and much less detergent. I lurrrrve it.

[southpaw]

2. They are all the rage, these days

You're less than nobody if you still use one of those (((shudder))) top-load washing machines.

:sarcasm: <--just in case

[mikeytherat]

4. And the washer and dryer have to match, and come in designer colors like:

Crayola Red or Crayola Orange or Crayola Yellow. And be like sparkling, pretty jewels (that no one but me will see because they're deep in my basement).

mikey_the_rat

[Lost in CT]

3. Honestly I think they are a fad... and a pain in the ass. nt

[Heidi]

6. Maybe a fad in the US, but we've had a front-loading washer for more than 10 years.

:shrug:

ETA: Our front-loading washer leaves hardly any water in stuff after the final rise and spin. So, stuff dries more quickly -- and that's important because we stopped using an electric dryer several years ago.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

5. We LOVE our front loader (and it cost about $600)

We actually have the Frididaire (I think) stacking front loader HE washer & dryer. The washer is actually much smaller than many top-loaders, but it's capacity is higher.

If you put it on high-spin, the clothes come out barely wet and dry really fast.

[TommyO]

9. We have the GE version and they do work very well

I previously had an LG front-load combo washer/dryer which did a great job of washing clothes, and it was a full-sized washer, but because it only had a 120v electric condensing dryer, it took forever to dry. It was the largest machine that I could fit into my limited space and it worked great for a single person.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

11. Ours drys really good

The one feature I like is that if you start the washer and dryer at the same time, the cycles sync, so everything is done together.

[TommyO]

35. Our current GEs (pretty much the same as your Frigidaires" do the same thing

The washer is just a wee bit small compared to my old full-sized front-loader, but I've gotten used to it.

[NewJeffCT]

59. We have a GE front loader and it's not very good

We bought it when it was a fairly new model, but I guess it's been a problem model for GE since then - it doesn't spin our clothes dry enough, either that, or it doesn't drain properly. (the problem develops after about a year...) Either way, clothes come out much too wet, and I need to run a 2nd cycle to "drain & spin" to get them more properly dry. Unfortunately, if you're washing delicate clothes, a high intensity spin isn't really good for them...

[TheDebbieDee]

41. I got front-loading Kenmore in 2002 for about $450.........

It uses a lot less water but it takes almost an hour to wash a load.

[Bucky]

7. I ask the same question about bras

[Gormy Cuss]

8. They use less water and are gentler on the clothes

I don't know which models you were comparing but when I bought mine it was $150/more than the mid-price range top loaders and I got a $75 rebate from the water district-- it was a pretty easy choice.

Front loaders mean that it takes a little less time for the clothes to dry because after the final spin there's much less water in the clothes too.

I wouldn't pay $1000 more for one, but a couple of hundred when there are rebates or tax breaks, sure.

[Rosie1223]

10. I was just looking at this weeks Lowes ad

they have a top load washer for $1498 and a front load for $448 on the same page.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

12. Well, that's one of the most expensive front-loaders

Mine was $600 at lowes and it's energy star compliant.

[Rosie1223]

13. Oh, good. Thats much more within the budget.

[MajorChode]

57. I have the Whirlpool Duet

The model number is GHW9150P, although I don't think that one is still made. I think the equivalent is the WFW9400SW. It will probably run you in the $900 price range if you can find it on sale.

It might be worth checking Consumer Reports for the best model as I have heard some models have problems.

I'm quite happy with mine. We've had it for about 3 years now. My wife does a lot of laundry and the thing is running almost every day. We were wearing out cheaper washers on a regular basis and getting substandard results.

Over it's life cycle, a good front loader will probably pay for itself. They use less water and they spin the clothes much more effectively which results in less drying time. So unless you are hanging up your clothes, that alone will probably justify the higher cost.

A few things you need to know about them are you need to leave the door open when it's not in use so it dries out and you don't get mold problems. You will also need to clean out the detergent carrier about every 2 months or so, but it is designed to be removed and it cleans up in the sink pretty easily.

I won't ever go back to a toploader again. We have a regular dryer which is a Maytag gas model (which we are quite happy with also). I don't see much advantage to the matching dryers, but I don't have one so I don't know.

[quakerboy]

14. Look past the surface

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=169269-2251-FTF530FS&lpage=none

If the link dosn't work, just look under "appliances" "washers and dryers" "washers" "400-600"

Frigidaire® 3.1 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer $598

You are just looking at what they decided to put on the front.

Then there is the GE Profile™ 4.0 Cu. Ft. Capacity King-Size Harmony™ Washer (Color: White) ENERGY STAR® for $1098
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=169236-83-WPGT9360EWW&lpage=none
a top load for over 1k.

For curiosities sake, when you look at them, at the bottom of the description there is a link to the energy star ratings. You can see the expected difference in electric use. That does not count the lower water usage or any change in drying time(and thus electrical usage), potential benefits of a front loader that others have mentioned.

[LostinVA]

53. We have the w and d mentioned in your first link

LOVE IT!!!

[AlCzervik]

23. that machine might have a lot of stuff you don't use, i bought one that was pretty simple

they had a model by the same company that had lots of bells and whistles but i know i won't ever use them so spending another $500 seemed like a waste.

[yellowdogintexas]

40. I LOVE MY FRONT LOADER! And it is the most basic one.

see this link:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/s_10153_12605_Appliances_Washers+%26+Dryers_Front-Load


mine is the third one from the top. I have had it 5 or 6 years and it works great. Uses less water and soap, plus spins out water so well that they take less time to dry.

Gentler on clothes and much much easier on my back than reaching down into a deep well.

I did spring for the little stand thing, it made it the perfect height.

[Jamastiene]

15. Because it's fancy.

That must be it, I guess. :shrug:

[AlCzervik]

16. i got mine for about $800 after 2 rebates. It uses way less water and detergent.

my water bill has gone down by about 0% since i got a new dishwasher and washing machine.

[hobbit709]

17. Depends on how much washing you do.

We would have to use a front loader for about 20 years to break even on the cost vs energy and water savings. I'll stick with driver we got used for $50 back in 1982 and the washer we got for $100 6 years ago. Total maintenance cost on both of them is about $350 and 200 of that was to replace the hoses that the damn rat we had in the garage last year ate. We wash about 3 loads a week on the average.

[ipfilter]

18. My FL dryer is not Energy Star

but the washer is. The dryer only takes about 40 minutes so it still uses way less energy than my previous dryer.

If nothing else, the FL washers are just fun to watch when they go into their spin cycle.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

20. The first night we had ours, LostinVA and I stood down in the basement for about half an hour

just watching it spin. I never thought a day would come where I'm standing there with a beer, watching the washing machine, and going, "isn't it beautiful?"

And we had a really scary Stephen King basement in that house. It even had a room accessed only by a hole in a rock wall. We never went in there.

[ipfilter]

22. It was a source of amusement in my house

for about a week. It's a big let down when your waiting for the spin cycle and it has to stop and rebalance the load.

[Blue Diadem]

26. OMG, I thought we were the only ones who did that.

My daughter, granddaughter and I sat in the basement and watched our FL wash the very first load. We spent 60 minutes laughing that yes were were actually watching a washing machine and ooing and saying "isn't it cool". :blush:

[Critters2]

44. I volunteer at a homeless shelter that got a new FL washer,

and two months ago, I was working the middle-of-the-night shift, doing laundry...and found myself watching the washer. I was glad all the clients were asleep. They may have been scared by the crazy lady being amused by the washing machine! :)

[LostinVA]

54. hehehehehhe -- Haruka and I did that, as she says upthread!

[Dora]

19. We bought a Kenmore frontloader for less than $500, new, from Sears.

You're not shopping wisely if you think you have to pay $1200 for a frontloader.

We did our homework with Consumer Reports, and bought a Kenmore frontloader in 2002. We were able to negotiate on the price because we purchased five major appliances at the same time.

It looks identical to this model: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02640412000P?vName=Appliances&cName=Washers+%26+Dryers&sName=Front-Load


Yes, a front loader is worth a little extra money. However, the amount you're quoting is not realistic.

[Rosie1223]

27. I'm quoting prices straight off this week's Lowes ad

apparently they advertise the extreme high end model next to the starter machine.

I've just started looking. Thanks for the recommendation!

[Dora]

29. Consumer Reports online membership is worth the fee for one month.

Using the online CR product reports and doing some homework showed us how to get some great appliances for very reasonable prices. If you are in the market for a new washing machine, I highly recommend using CR to research brands and models.

[Maine-ah]

28. never had a problem with my Kenmore's

I still have a TL, we bought the W&D set 13 years ago for 300 bucks. Works like a charm. My mom's set is over 20 years old. If I had the money to replace them for a front loader, I'd do it, and I'd stick with Kenmore.

[AlCzervik]

21. one more thing, when i bought my washer and dryer i did not get the pedestals, that changed

after about a month because my back was killing me, i got the 15 inch pedestals and it made a world of difference.

[Rosie1223]

24. That was going to be my next question!

Thanks!

[AlCzervik]

25. i learned the hard way, i got the higher pedestals so now i can clothes out

and put them directly on the counter behind me without wrenching my back.

[Blue Diadem]

30. We love ours, paid around $650 for it.

We bought an LG for around $650 about 18 months ago and not only has it reduced our water consumption it's also reduced our gas bill.

This is the one we have:
http://reviews.cnet.com/washers/lg-tromm-wm2016cw-freestanding/4505-17904_7-33016699.html

Some things to keep in mind. They take longer to wash a load of clothes but it takes less time to dry. After a load, we keep the door open on ours since it's in the basement. I've heard of some problems with front loaders having mildew odor problems from around the seal. One of my sons had the problem with one they bought but they were keeping the door closed when not in use.

There also may be issues if you place them on a first floor/wooden floor. They can walk from the vibrations. My son had to reinforce his laundry room floor to get his to stop. Ours is in the basement and we have no problems like that. I also don't have a pedestal and I don't find it anymore difficult that reaching down into a top loader.

[JCMach1]

31. Hate the POS... We have the crappy European models here... breaks constantly

We have gone through 3 in six years. Thankfully, it is part of our housing. Also, front loaders only come in small sizes.

Give me a hefty size top loader and a REAL American dryer any day. UGGG, what's worse are the sorry European style evaporative dryers. They take forever and consequently cannot be very energy efficient. Bad all around.

[conscious evolution]

33. Do you have the combo model?

The one that is both washer and dryer?
If you do then you are so right.They are the biggest peices of shit ever.
It would take me over six hours to wash and dry a single load.On top of that it was always scorching my clothes because of how on the dry cycle it does not spin for the whole cycle.

What sucks is it is a good idea to combine them.How they went about it completely sucks though.An example of extremely piss poor engineering,imo.

To the OP-US style front loaders,ime,are pretty good.They use less water and detergent and you can stuff a lot more clothes into one then you can in a top loader

[JCMach1]

34. We have that, but also a separate dryer... ok I will end my rant about euro appliances now

Nothing beats the stuff built to American specs!

they can install my Italian built machine in a FIAT for all I care!

[mwooldri]

49. Since European housing in a lot of places (definitely UK) is a lot smaller than US housing...

... it's definitely attractive to have a single washer/dryer combination machine. Never had one... but the ones I had in the UK weren't too bad. Best thing to do with them is to use them daily, at night, on the off-peak electricity. They actually do get the clothes very clean. Then in the morning, hang the clothes out to dry, pray for dry weather, go to work. Come home: clean clothes. You've saved a bundle in electric costs and you've been kind to the environment (not using electric to dry clothes). However if it rains, then you can use the dryer... if you're frugal you could in theory let the clothes sit in the washing machine until the next night and go for it then... or just shove it in the dryer and hope lots are done before 9am when peak time electric comes on.

Mark.

[conscious evolution]

50. The ones I used in Europe

would not let you stop the dryer cycle.
Once you started the wash it had to go through the complete cycle.
For some reason they had set them up so that the door stayed locked from beginning to end.A co-worker tried to get it open after the wash and ended up breaking the locking mechanism and ruining the machine.

Like any front loading washer they did do a great job cleaning the clothes.It was the drying part that really reeked.

[Kool Kitty]

62. I have one of those.

The washer part is fine, I have no trouble with that. The dryer-OY. I have used it twice, both times I set it for 30 minutes, cos if you just put it on "normal" dry, it takes almost THREE HOURS! Now I just wash and hang dry.

[The empressof all]

32. Here's a reason why I HATE my front loader

You can't soak your clothes. I really liked soaking my whites before running the cycle. I miss it terribly. My front loader has been a PITA and we frequently have to open up the entire front to clean out the little tray underneath because god forbid a few pine needles go through the wash and get stuck in there. We learned how to do it ourselves after a 100 dollar visit from the repair guy. :wow:

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

39. Mine has a soak feature

[mzteris]

36. much better!

when I switched to FL my water bill dropped significantly - AND - my (then) husband and even my little boys noticed that the clothes were cleaner and softer.

When you think about it swirling clothes around in already dirty water doesn't make any sense!

[BOSSHOG]

37. My wife used to wear a front loader when we were dating

its much better

[DS1]

38. I prefer the topless models

[csziggy]

42. I paid about the same for my front load Frigidaire washer as for the top load

But it was a scratch & dent model previous year model on clearance. It's the one step up from the bottom model for that year and it works great. MUCH quieter than any top load washer we've ever owned. And it is supposed to use about 1/4 the water than the equivalent top loader.

Mine isn't one of the designer models in cool colors, either. Just a basic white front loader washer. Same for the "matching" model dryer which was also a clearance year end dented model.

My laundry/mud room is not a show place so why should I care if there is a dent in the service panel or a scratch on the side where it will never been seen? I saved nearly 50% of the list price on those appliances and that was more important to me.

[MicaelS]

43. The more expensive front loaders have

(1) A direct drive motor system to turn the drum, rather than a cheaper belt drive system. The DD system allows the drum to spin at very high speed (1000 rpm), which extracts much more water from the clothes and allows them to dry faster.

(2) A built in water heater so you don't use up all your hot water from your regular system.

(3) A stainless steel drum.

All these things cost more.

[LeftyMom]

45. Plus enough internal computerization to do really customized cycles.

[MicaelS]

46. Yes, forgot about those, thanks.

What do you own, and are you happy with it?

[LeftyMom]

47. Oh, my house doesn't have hookups.

But I had a job selling appliances before my kid was born.

[MicaelS]

48. OK, thanks. n/t

[Rosie1223]

51. Thank you for your response

I'm glad to know the motor is more heavy duty in the front loaders. That would make a big difference in the cost -- not just that they are 'in fashion' and therefore cost more.

[LostinVA]

52. Our front-loader was about $150 more, and it is worth it

Cleaner clothes, WAY less water used, way less power used, more room in drum, newer models stackable but full-size, some cities give you a tax rebate to use them.

It shouldn't be that much more at all. We have Fridgedaire front-loader asaher and dryers, and the fl models were about $100-150 more. WORTH IT!

[jmowreader]

55. Because it's an LG

I have NO idea whatsoever how LG gets away with charging $1500 for a washer, but they seem to sell a shitload of them.

[Kali]

56. If you have the coin get a Staber.

American made. Easy to fix yourself. Top loading but works like a front loader. Uses very little water and almost NO detergent. They are pricey but you will never buy another washer. My dream!
http://www.staber.com/

[MicaelS]

60. Neat! Thanks....

Saw those being made on an episode of "How Things Are Made." Wondered what brand it was, now I know.

EDIT: Whoa! Went to their website and says:

It is designed to be end user repairable, even if you are not ‘mechanically-inclined’. There is total front access to the parts, no transmission to worry about, and fewer overall moving parts. We do not require authorized service people.

Wow, how many products can you say THAT about.

[NewJeffCT]

58. You can get a good sized front-loader for under $1,000 total

so, unless top loaders are free, I don't think there is that big a price difference.

[crimsonblue]

61. They use less water and energy and they last longer. n/t