There are worse things in life than living for a year without a washer and dryer.
In fact, I would dare say, it’s not even been a problem in the slightest.
Other than our small beloved laundromat closing and then having to be the new kids on the block all over again by joining a big, bustling laundromat, it’s been relatively pleasant.
Last Saturday morning was especially beautiful.
Look at that:
We kept marveling at it.
Then we popped over to Lowe’s. Got confused.
Came home. Worked. I drank matcha tea in honor of August’s yarn clubs being based on drinks. It’s delicious! Seriously. Try some.
So…. my question for YOUUUU is… how does one pick out a washer and dryer?
Top load? Front load?
Silver? White? Red?
Large capacity? Smaller?
Brands?
Holler at me. I need ya.
Chandi
Personally, not a fan of front loaders. I like to be able to soak things and that did not work. Also in the new HD machines you have to air them out and leaving the door open is a problem. Large capacity is great but make sure you can reach the bottom…lol…I almost fall in trying to grab that last sock! (Tip…bent wire hanger works great to snag the rascal closer.) Still prefer my old style washers (not HD), but that’s just me. Good luck. (…and red is always a good color…lol…makes laundry FUN!)
I have a front loader, but if I had to choose again, I would get a top loader. With a front loader, you cannot give cruddy items a good soaking. I miss the agitator of a top loader.
I agree top loader. Plus if you have a desire to felt an item, you can’t do it in a front loader. I made sure mine was big enough to be able to wash a king size comforter, since I didn’t want to go to laudramat. I also like my non-HD washer. Good luck and happy washing!
I prefer a top-loader. Much easier to load and unload and can soak things if you need too.
I agree with the opinions of front loaders. I have one and wish I had a top loader. I had nothing but troubles with my Bosch front loader, only last three years and had to replace! Replaced with Whirlpool Duets and they haven’t given me a bit of trouble. Good luck!
I LOVE my front load machines. We just bought new washer and dryer in November. Also from Lowe’s. Silver (or stainless steel)with the pedestal drawer underneath. I LOVE mine!
I dislike my front loader. If I had to do it again I would buy a top loader.
I have a H D front loader. I love the water savings. I love being able to reach the back/bottom of the machine.
I HATE not being able to close the door when not in use, and having to run baking soda and vinegar through it at least once a month. When this one dies, I’ll be doing some serious thinking on top loaders again.
I like my front loader. I’ve had one for years and even with three kids and a hardworking husband, I’ve never missed the ability to soak in it. I’ve never tried, so I don’t have first hand knowledge, but I hear felting is more difficult in a front loader. Mine is and LG and its cranberry red which makes a nice pop of color in my kitchen.
I have always had a top load Maytag. This last time we went to a topload whirlpool. The new kind. HE, no center spindle agitator, doesn’t fill with water, door locks cause it spins fast like a jet plane.
I hate it. Really. I want to soak my clothes sometimes and it drains the water out if you pause it. It ruins clothes with the jet age spin cycle. Stretches tee shirts and twists them. I would really like to go back to the old style, center agitator, low spin speed, fill with water and soak style. Though I’m not sure they are even available any longer.
Oh, and it’s suppose to save water by never filling the tub with water. Sometimes I put a load through two or three washes before I’m happy.
I used a friends front loader when our top loader was on the fritz. Personally I like the top loader. Just can’t see how clothes get deep cleaned when they are just tossed around in a little bit of water and never get really soaked. I got a new top loader and now the clothes are happily soaking in the water.
I’ve had an HD front load machine for over 10 years now and I would not go back. It uses a lot less water, cleans better, and I think it’s faster. You can still felt with it although there is less control. My favorite feature (found in some models) is the timer. I set the load to be finished when I get up in the morning then I dry it while I’m getting ready for work. Marvelous time saver! I’ve had a GE the last year got an LG. I think I like the GE better.
There are definitely pros and cons to both. It’s been a while since I last bought one, but I found ConsumerReports.org to be useful. Top loaders are definitely useful for soaking, but I think front loaders clean better while also being gentle on clothes, and they can be more energy efficient. However, seeing as it’s been years since I’ve shopped for washers, all of those points might be untrue as the technology is always improving. It’s also true that with the front loaders you have to leave the door open and wipe down the gasket and door to prevent mold, which could be a con for some people.
As far as color, that’s a personal preference, you pay more for anything other than white, usually. As for brands, Kenmore is the best, in my opinion, mainly because they can last for 10+ years and still work really well. Although, I think now most appliances don’t last as long as they used to, for one reason or another.
Capacity will depend on what you want to be able to wash, i.e. comforters, pillows, or just clothes. I think high capacity can be more useful than not, except you need the space for it. Oh, and another con of front loaders compared to top loaders is if you do need to do smaller loads or just a few items then it’s more difficult in a front loader (as it can be wasteful and take much longer), and I think front loaders take a bit longer to wash, in general, than top loaders.
I hope this information will be helpful. 🙂
I don’t own a washing machine, but where I live the laundry rooms have the HE washers. I find that the clothes come out so much clearer than with the other type of machine. The only drawback is you have to use the correct amount of laundry soap. Too much and the machine will keep rinsing for up to ten more minutes. As for the dryer, make sure the door swings away from the opening. If your laundry room is tight, you’ll be able to get into the dryer drum.
Top load, Maytag, NOT large capacity.The best test, if you are short, like me (5′) is the arm test. If you can reach the bottom of the tub comfortably, you’re good. I have a large capacity now and have to stand on tip-toe and smash “the girls” to reach the bottom. I’d go white so no matter how you change your decor, it will match. Good luck!
i have front loader and it’s terrible! I’m about ready to throw in the towel (pun ?)! The mold and mildew that collect is ridiculous no matter how much I leave door open for it to dry out and no matter how many times I use the afresh cleaners. I would definitely go top load and as to size, depends on how much you wash and how often. There is no color that would make laundry appealing but they definitely give colors to go with decor, so that falls to asthetics. When we bought ours, the online reviews are always half good and half bad. I know we don’t use over half the settings on ours and I have 3 kids. They are over kill now. I just want clean clothes with as little hassle as possible. Good luck and let us know what you end up trying.
Ours was a very simple process. When we bought the house, the seller didn’t want to move the washer and dryer, so we offered him a couple hundred bucks more on the purchase price and he said “Done!” 🙂
We have the old-school kind, top-loaders both. They’re a major brand, Maytag or GE or something. No problems so far!
If your back yard is large enough, hang a clothes line and don’t use the dryer unless it’s raining. You’ll save on that stupid electric bill, and sun-dried clothes smell nicer than dryer ones. I am right now looking at our back yard and wondering why, in the two years we’ve been here, I have not done that. (Probably because I am hugely lazy.)
We have had kenmore elite HE3t’s for 11 years (since our twins were born) and have loved them. They are front load from Sears. If I were going to buy another now we would probably get the Whirlpool front loaders.
Chandi, I too would look more at the top loaders. Leaving a gaping washer door open ALL the time is well like ugly. And you have to do that or you will have one horrible smelly washer… moldy musty uckey washer. Oh and even with a top loader you will have to clean your washer… The ready made products are so heavily scented that I really have to plan to be out of the house as it triggers my asthma. The other thing… look at the practical use of all the bells and whistles. I have so many choices on my washer/dryer that I just settle on one or two, the rest I rarely use. I just don’t need all that choice drama in my life anymore. I am a classic white girl, it doesn’t get old, you can decorate around them or not. In my married life of 38 years I’ve only had two washer dryers…They can last a very looooong time! One set lasted 35 of those years… After being widowed I was talked into getting a new set… I wish I had my old friends back…(sigh) Keep in mind too, high efficiency does not apply to time, only water and energy. An hour and 20 minutes for one load of whites is really a waste of in my case precious precious TIME! Good luck shopping… also talk to a lady sales person, sorry fellas but how many of you really do laundry….
I have had all kinds of washers and dryers- HE, front load, top load and I can tell you the top load, basic washers and dryers are the best- easier to load and unload, plus no computer board needing worked on.Good Luck!1
The set you are looking at in the picture is what I have, I think. I love it! Top loader all the way! 🙂
I just recently got my first front loader machines. I love them. My laundry is very small, and this really makes my life easier (they’re taller than the top loaders, but not as deep, so I now have a few more inches of floor space).
I can wash my own quilts now, a big plus having 5 year old bed-wetter.
I really wanted red, but the machines I chose didn’t come in anything but white or grey, so I went with white.
I got GE machines. They’re incredibly energy efficient compared to the toploaders I have previously. The washer spends time “sensing the load” before it starts, to gauge how much water it needs to use. The dryer has a detangling function, a wrinkle care function, and a 1-5 garment steam option. I can also steam a full load in the dryer if needed.
The only thing with the washer is that I wipe dry the inside of the door and the rubber seal after I’ve finished running all my loads. It takes less than a minute, but stops it from smelling funky or getting mouldy the way some people complain about.
If I need to soak something, I generally do that in a bucket, so not being able to soak in the front loader is not a downfall for me. And my kids can reach into the washer and dryer to help with the washing now.
LIke the lady’s have said the top loading is great for soaking those items that have that stubborn stain to get out. Now HD washers is also great if you have lots of laundry to do for those that work at messy jobs or kids. But they are also great to have for those big jobs like bedspreads and such so you don’t have to go to the laundry mat for. As to falling in to one well yes I can see that depending out you height, Sorry I am tall so. But like the idea of a grabber to help in getting those items that like to hang out at the bottom of the washer..
Good luck
Hmmm, I would avoid front loaders. I have a super duper fancy one with gadgets and music but nothing can make up for the smell. I dry it out after each use and it still has a damp mildew smell.
I just got a new washer and dryer in January this year. Top loader, humongus tub, can wash all hubby’s shirts at once. Dryer is a front load with super size load. Got mine at Sears and it’s their brand. Kenmore Elite made by LG. I just wipe the drawer in the washer out when I’m done and let the lid stay open til the next day so it dries out. No hint of a smell.
Hope this helps.
PS. I got while because it’s in the basement and no one sees them.
I have LG front load high capacity washer and dryer.
Large capacity is great – I can wash blankets and even queen sized comforters
I love the dryer – its gas heat, and has a sensor that will turn off the dryer when it thinks things are dry.
I only have probably with small loads not getting dry – but usually that’s my delicate stuff and I want to hang them up slightly damp anyway.
I would not choose the front load washer again. I like the High Efficiency part – less soap and less water, but the front load I find awkward, and if you don’t leave the door open after a wash the washer gets a funk to it. I can’t add anything once the wash starts either – or while its filling – because it must lock the door, And I don’t know about you, but I always seem to find that forgotten towel that needs to go in the wash.
Top load for sure! Also … the only thing that my repairman told me … the less options the better. Less to go wrong. So we have a VERY OLD Maytag dryer. All it has is a timer and an On switch … pretty sure you’ll need a bit more than that these days, but the less to go wrong …
And why not RED???
I still have my top loader from 1986, it is a Maytag, I have not had any problems with it. We did install a filter for the water though to help prevent mineral build up because the hoses were getting limed up even with a water softener. It still works, never had to have it serviced. I got the washer and dryer when I got married (1986, first marriage) So Maytag is my go to brand. Good luck in your search. I have also heard good things about the LG washers and dryers. I prefer the top loading type.
As a serious knitter, the things I use most are: the ability to put a hand knitted item through a spin cycle after hand washing. My machine has a delicate cycle which includes a slower spin too. Make sure the machine can be set to spin without going through the whole cycle. Some can’t. I agree that it’s hard to reach in the extra large capacity tubs but it sure is handy for washing bedding. I even wash my down comforters in mine. Make sure you have a good selection of water temps and variations and all you really need for water levels is H, M and L. A timed or soaking option is nice especially if you ever intend to wash diapers! But usually you can force a soak by leaving the lid open. I only have experience with top loaders. Finally, I’d look for one that is advertised as quiet although that may not be an issue depending on where you locate it.
Well consider that you can’t felt anything in a front loader, and they take up a lot of room. Red of course laundry it self is not fun but the machine can be red is a happy color. Large capacity is always a good choice and I think the only two brands I would choose from are kenmore or whirlpool both excellent brands good luck with your hunt
We recently got a new w/d after having the same Kenmore set for 17 years. First off, I completely agree with Carol O about being able to reach the back of the tub! Short people have issues with that! The washing machine manufacturers are moving towards removing upright agitators, and we did buy one without an agitator, but we haven’t had it long so the jury is still out on that. We bought Maytag – well known, good reputation and made in America. There are a lot of computerized components which is a little concerning. Hope they hold up! Okay, basically I have given you absolutely no helpful information! Sorry!! Good luck! ?
We bought an LG top loader washer and dryer set in white/silver (big enough to wash our king size comforter and sheets)! I had to talk hubby out of a front loader and now he is so happy I did. We have spoken to many folks who own front loaders and they always complain about the moldy smell in front loaders and the clothes.
First time buying LG and love my new appliances.
Front loaders make me angry. Everyone I have ever used seem to get clothing stuck in rim behind the door. Then the clothing that gets stuck does not go through the rinse cycle. If you want to develop some serious gluts, do not place the front loaded directly on the ground. Placing laundry in and out of a low front loader gets really old, really fast with the serious amount of squatting you will need to do. EERRRRR!!!!!
My fav is a top loader. You can soak, dye, air it out and use fun filled creative way to grab the laundry at the bottom that most people can’t reach.
I love the colorful washers. It will put some pep in the dirty laundry chore. So whatever color tickles your fancy—splurge!!!!!
I have an HD top loader. I would stay with the top loader but think I would go back to the old washer with and agitator. The HD is a water saver but it doesn’t seem like everything gets rinsed off. Some times leaves a funny film. It does have a large enough drum for our king size blankets which is nice. And with any washer it’s a good idea to leave top open to keep it from getting smelly or mildewy. Good luck!! we took a long time looking for ours.
I’ve had fisher and paykel for the last eight years with no problems at all. Both, even the dryer, are top loading. They are a compact size with full size insides. When we replaced our old ones there was now room for one of those roll in between carts. They aren’t the cheapest, but they aren’t the most expensive either. Easy to work on and good customer support. Good luck! Can’t wait to see what you pick.
I had a top loader for years and now have a front loader and I really don’t like it. There were many times in the past where I found something I had forgotten and just opened the top and threw it in. You can’t do that with a front loader. There is no adding anything once the process has begun. As for brand, I have no suggestions except that the people I know who have bought LG machines absolutely did not like them. They broke down and were not reliable.
Reading the comments is so funny when you live in Europe like I do. No topload washers here, and our clothes get clean, we can felt in our washers and I don’t have a problem with mildew at all. So I thinks it’s a matter of culture and what you are used to. My washer uses 45 liters of water and my clothes are always clean. And yes, I have a soak button. The one and only brand: Miele! They usually lastover 20 years.
Hi! I have had the old top loader and fought with it. I had a whirlpool duet front loader that had to be repaired 5 times in 3 years. I now have an LG front loader. It has many settings, I can adjust the spin speed, I can soak, and I can even get to the pump filter easily. I hear everyone complain about having to “air it out”, well I was taught no matter the washer you should leave it open to air out. If you are short and need capacity to wash large items get a front loader, because I can tell you at 5’2″ I always felt like I was going to fall into my top loader. Take the time to check what options/settings it has. If you like color go for it! Also with the HE washers it takes less time to dry your items.
i have had such good luck with my Maytag washer and dryer. Top loader washer. I have had one for 12 years and not s wit of trouble
Good luck, Sandy. ?
You might also want to check out Consumer Reports for best washers/dryers. I’ve never had a front loader, so, don’t know about those. I’ve had a Kenmore Washer/Dryer and they have served me well for the past 11 years.
Hi Chandi
Oops I hit enter too quickly – I have a newer LG top loader and I love it – The new top loaders don’t have agitators anymore and they can hold a surprisingly large load, if needed. I can even wash a queen sized comforter in mine. I’ve never had a need to do anything larger. I live alone so my needs are a bit different… but my cousin bought the same machine, and has a large family and found this top loader beat out her front loader, hands down. I did alot of research before buying mine. I even use the delicate cycle to when blocking my knitting projects (I wash them in a laundry bag). So far so good.
Even though it’s a bit pricey, go with the Speed Queen brand. All metal parts; will last forever.
I am not one for knowing what to buy now. My washer and dryer were purchased with wedding money over 27 years ago. But, while I may not know what is the best brand now, I would still go with a large capacity machine for both washer and dryer. (You can always do smaller loads, but if you need big, like for King sized blankets, large is good.) And most definitely a Top Load washer. I wouldn’t have it any other way. You can let things sit and soak, and you can add things you missed when you started it. A front load won’t allow that.
i have had all three kinds in two different homes. In my old home I had a regular top load with an agitator. Good machine uses a lot of water and can’t fit king quilts in it. In my new home I had a top load with a very small agitator on the bottom, a kennmore, it was in the house when we bought it. This machine is I guess 10 years old, the age of the house, it is plenty big but for some reason shreds my towels. In my lake home I had an LG front load that I loved, cleaned clothes the best and used minimal water, we had a septic system there. There was a slight smell once in a while but I would just leave the door slightly cracked for a day or two. I also felted a hat in that washer and had no problem. I am replacing my current washer this week with a maytag front load. I looked at the top loads and wasn’t sure I could reach to the bottom of the large capacity ones ,which I need for my bedding.
We have a 20-year old top loader (super capacity) and dryer set. I’ve had to have each repaired twice (drive coupling on the washer and heating element on the dryer wear out every 10 years or so) and every time the repair guy comes, he is super-impressed that I still have them. I think we paid $600 for the set, and we’ve paid about that total in repairs since, but you just cannot get that kind of quality anymore. My repair guy says he gets called for repairs on anything under 10 years old, and ANY front-loader or HE washers especially, 19 times out of 20, it’s not something that can be repaired and people have to buy new.
My parents found the same thing: their original 1960’s Kenmore set worked with about a repair a decade on each one. My mom liked the look of the new front loaders, so my dad bought her a set for their 30th Anniversary in 1998, and they are now (17 years later) on their FOURTH set, because the majority of things that wear out are not fixable. Not only that, but my mom complains that she hasn’t had clean clothing since they switched, and everything falls apart now. When we travel, we stay in vacation rental houses that have front loaders and I find the same – the clothes just don’t get as clean, and they tend to wear out much faster.
All that said, I would recommend looking at Craigslist and hunting down a nice, older (white or black) large or super capacity top loader washer and regular dryer. Check for clean drums without rust, and proof that they work fine. You’ll save so much money, both now and in the long run, and your clothes will last longer and be so much cleaner!
Only two words necessary, Maytag Bravos! Love mine.
Our Kitchenaid top loading washer just bit the dust. Did some research, discovered a lot of bad reviews for front loaders plus the cost was getting prohibitve. We purchased Samsung top loading washer, front loading dryer, and couldn’t be happier. Large capacity, which is what I was wanting from a front loader, but without the standing water that a lot of people complain about with front loaders. And the pair was the same price or less than the front loaders that I looked at.
Seriously. There’s nothing better than a Maytag high-efficiency top load washer and dryer set. Mine is the Centennial pair. I bought them three months ago and I absolutely love them!
As far as brand I love my whirlpool washer and dryer. But I’ve heard great things about LG also.
I highly advise to go with top load washers. Front loads tend to get a weird mildew smell and you have to leave the door open to let it dry, which can get in the way. Also I hate having to bend down more than I have to, bad back. So top loads work well with me, also get one without the center thing if you can. They have a lot more room for comforters and bigger items.
Love my front loading LG washer and dryer. Get the pedestal bases so you have easier time loading and unloading machines. I would never go back to top loaders. The front loaders are gentler on your clothes and do a great job of cleaning. As far as odor goes, both front and top loaders can get the funky order if no maintenance is done regularly. Once a month I run a cycle thru with bleach, and I use Clorox wipes to wipe the rubber ring down to eliminate any gunk that gets collected in the ring.
Same maintenance was done with the top loader, maybe I’m a freak about keeping my washer clean.
Good luck.
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Hi Chandi!
Greetings from San Diego, CA!
I have a top loader Whirlpool washer and dryer. I love them! I bought them used, thought they’d only last a couple years, but its been 4 years, and they’re still going strong. I am happy with them. They were only supposed to take me through the year. I have always wanted a front loading washing machine, but the salesperson was very honest with us and told us that they need much maintenance, more than the top loaders do. Hope all of these comments help with your decision.
Beautiful photos. I love your blog
we just bought ours, i went solely off consumer ratings and then by price. As I’m barely 5’2 I really was hoping to go for a front loader, but to leave the door open all the time was not feasible for placement and I didn’t want the room to smell funky. So I ended up with a top loader water saver Cabrio. LOVE IT. the one negative review was that starting up it was a little loud, but i’d compare it with a dishwasher. and the dryer is front loading so that saves some of the halfway into the drum of the washer situation.