Could I ask which brand of washing machine you own? I'm curious about what a person who has design experience would choose?lthenderson wrote: ↑Thu Feb 11, 2016 8:15 amAs someone who designed washing machines for over ten years, I have to point out that the washer in the linked video only has one axis of motion, the same as all washers. It has six different speeds and directions around that one axis which is what they pointed out in the video.ThatGuy wrote:Front load washers are mechanically much simpler, which should translate to fewer repairs and increased longevity. This is how a HE Top Load works, make note of all the different axis of motion in the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5so5DyopIRI
I also have to disagree that front loaders are mechanically simpler. I spent many many hours designing the pedestal base that holds the bearings and the drums to be structurally sound. Because the major force loading is offset from the bearings and the pedestal, lifetime fatigue calculations are quite complex. In a top load model, the forces go directly through the bearings and the support structure making them much simpler to design. Front loaders are also much more complex to seal up to be water tight when in use than top loaders. Spin speeds become much more finicky in front loaders to prevent your clothes from ending up in a knot or not being cleaned. Top loaders are much more forgiving on this aspect. Front loaders can be much more efficient and the profit margins much much higher which is why the industry is pushing the consumers to buy them over top loaders.
New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
I just realized how little I know about W/D's. For 10 years we lived in apartments that offered them. When we finally bought a house we just got a used set off of Craigslist and have been using them for the last 14 years. They're top-load BTW.
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Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
I own basic Maytag Centennial washing machines, i.e. an upright top loading washer and basic dryer. I would rather own one of the machines I designed which are mostly used in laundrymats and small motels and such but since they are gravity drain with no pump and are required to be bolted down to concrete to withstand the spinning forces, it would require some engineering to get it to work in my house.seashell wrote: ↑Thu Jan 11, 2018 5:26 pmCould I ask which brand of washing machine you own? I'm curious about what a person who has design experience would choose?lthenderson wrote: ↑Thu Feb 11, 2016 8:15 amAs someone who designed washing machines for over ten years, I have to point out that the washer in the linked video only has one axis of motion, the same as all washers. It has six different speeds and directions around that one axis which is what they pointed out in the video.ThatGuy wrote:Front load washers are mechanically much simpler, which should translate to fewer repairs and increased longevity. This is how a HE Top Load works, make note of all the different axis of motion in the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5so5DyopIRI
I also have to disagree that front loaders are mechanically simpler. I spent many many hours designing the pedestal base that holds the bearings and the drums to be structurally sound. Because the major force loading is offset from the bearings and the pedestal, lifetime fatigue calculations are quite complex. In a top load model, the forces go directly through the bearings and the support structure making them much simpler to design. Front loaders are also much more complex to seal up to be water tight when in use than top loaders. Spin speeds become much more finicky in front loaders to prevent your clothes from ending up in a knot or not being cleaned. Top loaders are much more forgiving on this aspect. Front loaders can be much more efficient and the profit margins much much higher which is why the industry is pushing the consumers to buy them over top loaders.
As a design engineer who designed these things for over a decade, I can say the part that most often goes bad is the control board or other electrical parts. So for me, the less electronics on a machine the better which is why I went with basic machines with the old turn dials. My previous set lasted almost twenty years before the motor in the washer finally burnt up and I replace both several years ago with these Maytags.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
The the problem I faced with my front load washer is I have to keep the door open otherwise the mold will get develop and it will smell bad.
I would like to have the top load.
I would like to have the top load.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
Switched from a conventional 20-year-old Whirlpool (started leaking) to an HE LG top-loader (no central agitator) in 2010.
At the time not only was "stinky boot" a problem for the front-loaders, but several were known for rear bearing failures (aka, "time to buy a new washer")
As well as foreign objects jamming the water pump, which has never been a problem for our top-loading LG, where coins, etc. just end up at the bottom of the still-immaculate stainless steel tub.
At the time not only was "stinky boot" a problem for the front-loaders, but several were known for rear bearing failures (aka, "time to buy a new washer")
As well as foreign objects jamming the water pump, which has never been a problem for our top-loading LG, where coins, etc. just end up at the bottom of the still-immaculate stainless steel tub.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
Never any issues, mold, odor, or otherwise with my LG front loading washer/dryer combo. Throw the clothes in, take them out and they're dry. One of my absolute favorite appliances.
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Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
We never had a big problem with basic top load GE washers. The more 'advanced' top load GE washers had mechanical problems with our multiple daily loads staying balanced. When our now 5 year old washer - running it 4 times a day - has problems, we will replace it. We will have again extended warranty and expect 5 years out of it. We need washers to clean clothing with water and soap, no other fancy goals. We want that clothing swims in water and all soapy water gets flushed out during cycles, it's no place to save on water.
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Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
We bought a HE Samsung top loader a couple years ago and hate it. It just doesn't use enough water to get the clothes clean and smelling fresh.
Our Kenmore gas dryer is still chugging along. I've done a few repairs on it myself.
Our Kenmore gas dryer is still chugging along. I've done a few repairs on it myself.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
Have you considered using something like this? It should be much safer than a stool.I also am 5'2" and worried about being able to reach the socks at the bottom. It's a stretch sometimes, but I've never been unable to get anything out -- and I haven't fallen in either, so far. As I age, I may need to consider a small step stool.
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Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
Top load. By goodness, don't fall for the front loader. My wife swore we needed to change to a front loader a few years ago. I was resistant. Well, I lost. Now, we both wish we had the top loader back.
Ask a washing machine mechanic what they work on most, and what they would buy. My friend did this when his broke. The answer (paraphrased): "I would never buy a front loader. They break more often..."
Ask a washing machine mechanic what they work on most, and what they would buy. My friend did this when his broke. The answer (paraphrased): "I would never buy a front loader. They break more often..."
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Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
I haven't read all the comments, but I have had front loader Samsungs for the last 5 years. Before that, I always had top loaders. I prefer the front loaders. There have been threads with people complaining they don't get their clothes clean, but I don't get it. Most laundromats always had front loaders. I have never had a mold problem either. They use less water and soap. I mostly use the 27 minute express cycle and it works. I use a longer cycle for very dirty stuff, but I don't roll around in the mud much anymore.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
Top load. I've had both. On my top-loader, you can select cycles that use more water if you would like to.
I still do miss my Maytag top-loader from the 1980s.
I still do miss my Maytag top-loader from the 1980s.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
Another vote for HE top loading over front loading. Just didn't want to deal with possible mold/leaks.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
For grabbing socks and undies from the washer a long pair of kitchen tongs with rubber tips would work. I'm 5' 4" and have to rotate the tub to get things from the bottom sometimes.
I have a top load HE Kenmore and like it fine but I'm old and live alone so things don't get really dirty. It does have the option for extra water fill but I have never used it.
I have a top load HE Kenmore and like it fine but I'm old and live alone so things don't get really dirty. It does have the option for extra water fill but I have never used it.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
I've been very happy with my LG Front-Loader. No experience with Samsung's version. Ours has a hard gasket with few corners to reduce the mold issues, and it has a magnetic button that allows the door to be propped open about an inch so that it can dry between loads (this might be a deal-breaker if the Samsung models do not have a similar feature). We also run a cleaning cycle with bleach about 3-4 times per year (LG recommends once per month). It uses much less water than the rental conventional top-load that we used at an old apartment, and it seems to clean the clothes just as well. Just like a top-loader, it will not clean well if it's overstuffed. I think traditional top-loaders are more forgiving of overloading than front-loaders, since the clothes will at least soak in the soapy water, even if they don't get a good scrub.
I can't testify to the durability on firsthand experience, since my machine is only 3 years old.
I can't testify to the durability on firsthand experience, since my machine is only 3 years old.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
Our salesman recommended top load as being more reliable since gasket leaks on front loaders are potential problems. He also strongly suggested one with an agitator.
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Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
I recommend a washer without an agitator and free yourself from clothes being bashed around with an agitator, plus you can get significant water savings with a agitator-free High Efficiency machine.
I have a front loader LG and highly recommend it. As others mentioned, the LG's door is held slightly ajar by a magnet when not in use. I've never had any mold or other seal issues in all the years I've owned it. I do take a finger around the door seal to remove any lint after removing laundry once in a while. I do the cleaning cycle with bleach very rarely. Usually I'll toss in a few things that need a lot of bleach at the same time.
Clothes last much longer and get cleaner than with the old agitators. I would never go back. Water savings is significant per load. I even clean dress clothes at home that I would never dream of not taking to the cleaners before. Use the minimum detergent that gets the job done (it may take a load or two of trial and error if you are afraid to decrease). I use Persil or Costco, and usually about half the recommended dose. The less water the washer needs, the less detergent you should use with it.
I have a front loader LG and highly recommend it. As others mentioned, the LG's door is held slightly ajar by a magnet when not in use. I've never had any mold or other seal issues in all the years I've owned it. I do take a finger around the door seal to remove any lint after removing laundry once in a while. I do the cleaning cycle with bleach very rarely. Usually I'll toss in a few things that need a lot of bleach at the same time.
Clothes last much longer and get cleaner than with the old agitators. I would never go back. Water savings is significant per load. I even clean dress clothes at home that I would never dream of not taking to the cleaners before. Use the minimum detergent that gets the job done (it may take a load or two of trial and error if you are afraid to decrease). I use Persil or Costco, and usually about half the recommended dose. The less water the washer needs, the less detergent you should use with it.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
I've extensively used speed queen and maytag front loader and top loader units, all installed new in the last 6 months. Now, 6 months after install, clothes coming out of the front loaders have a distinct mildew smell (when allegedly clean), and clothes coming out of the top loaders do not have any mildew smell. People definitely don't leave the doors open on the front loaders when not in use, and there's nothing I can do about what others choose to do. The doors on the top loader are always open by default. If you reach into the front loader door gasket, it's always damp, even when nobody's used it for hours or more.
Top loader for me.
Top loader for me.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
We have a top loader LG (for about a year now) and couldn’t be happier.
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Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
Top loader. Convenient and easy
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Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
Had the same issue with my Parents last year. Their 2004 Whirlpool top loader apparently would not drain. I told them to let me find a good replacement. Read all the reviews on all the big box stores, yet could not find a consensus on any machine. Not one except for Speedqueen , and it was too expensive. Best option was to call local repairman. Problem was a loose wire. Cost $175 total.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
You could get one of those extension gadgets that are designed for grabbing things. Something likeGerryL wrote: ↑Wed Feb 10, 2016 6:07 pmYes. I love the top load HE washer I bought 2 years ago, but measurements are critical. The new machines may be deeper and taller than the old machine, so you need to make sure they will fit into the space you have. I have overhead cabinets in my "laundry room" and had to figure for the lid having room to open and stay open. (I considered a hook and a bungee cord, but didn't need it after all.)BCC wrote:Since your Mom is 5'2", be sure to stay on the smaller end of the top loaders - under 4.5 cu.ft, maybe even in the 3+ cu.ft range. If possible, bring her to the store and let her try reaching to the bottom of the washtub as if to retrieve wet clothes after the last spin. Do NOT buy a footstool to help her reach, that is only asking for trouble.
- BCC
I also am 5'2" and worried about being able to reach the socks at the bottom. It's a stretch sometimes, but I've never been unable to get anything out -- and I haven't fallen in either, so far. As I age, I may need to consider a small step stool.
https://www.harborfreight.com/36-in-pic ... 61413.html
To OP: be sure your parents realize that the top load washers will lock once you start the cycle, and you cannot open the lid. (Same with front loaders, but if they've had a top loader for 25 years, they may not realize this.)
I'd check out reviews on whatever you buy.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
My top-load HE washer lets me pause the cycle and unlock the lid … but that feature only works at certain points in the cycle. I usually use it when I have started the wash and realize I dropped or forgot an item. Probably won't work at spin and other high intensity stages.mariezzz wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2019 11:11 pm
To OP: be sure your parents realize that the top load washers will lock once you start the cycle, and you cannot open the lid. (Same with front loaders, but if they've had a top loader for 25 years, they may not realize this.)
I'd check out reviews on whatever you buy.
Definitely look at reviews … but take with a large grain of salt the negative reviews that are largely complaining about features of HE washers in general, e.g., low water levels and lengthy wash cycles. I saw reviews by people complaining that they had to lug buckets of water to dump into the washer because they felt that they needed more water. Repair problems and noise are two issues you may want to look out for on different models. And, I will reiterate my earlier comment: be careful about checking the measurement of the appliance to make sure it will fit into the space you have, including the height of the open lid on a top loader.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
I bought Samsung front load from Lowe’s 2 years ago. I had the neptune before with mildew issue. So far no issue with Samsung plus there is a clean mode. I have a small laundry room and went with front load in case I decide to add counter space over units. I bought the $500 models and work great. Pretty red color too.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
+1 for Speed Queen. Worth every extra dime you spend....
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Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
+2 for Speed Queen (Top Load), we had top loads for the last 48 years. When in a laundromat it seems that front loads do not get enough water.
Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
We just took delivery of Speed Queen TR5 top load a couple weeks ago.