I have the GE Harmony which is an HE TL. I love it. My experience with Front loaders is limited but I really don't care for them. I think my favorite thing about the Harmony is that I can wash a really small load and only use as much water as I need but if I want to fill the tub I can. I went from a GE toploader with a regular agitator to this machine and I definitely prefer my current washer. To me, it makes no sense to say that they have "much worse cleaning results" because lots of factors come into play as far as getting clothes clean. I would think that the only way to say that would be to wash 2 identical sets of clothes with no detergents and see if one comes out cleaner. I wouldn't let the report get to you. If you prefer a TL then go for it. Personally, I'll keep buying them as long as they make 'em.

Oh, surely you can! Folks are buying them every day and are perfectly happy. :-)

If you are concerned about energy restrictions interfering with performance, consider a Fisher & Paykel "Intuitive Eco" agitator machine, or "AquaSmart" HE wash-impeller machine. They run in "conservation" mode by the cycle defaults, but have options for full-hot water and deep fill. I assume the options are still there. I have an IW12 Intuitive Eco bought in 2004, and it has all the options.

I wonder if it is possible to compare TL or FL made 1 or 2 years ago to the ones made today because the energy requirements are stricter. I think washers made for the 2008 market must use less water than washers made for the 2005, 2006 or 2007 market. In this process they must use less energy which has made some manufactures define a hot wash as 90F. Sorry, but any temperature below my body temperature is not hot.

It would be great if someone who recently(between Jan and Now) bought a TL washer could comment on how well these washers clean and rinse detergent from clothes.

Just another example of how Consumer Reports primary value is for washroom supplies. But it probably would plug up the toilet now wouldn't it...

Consumer reports is okay for a jumping off point, but don't take what they say as the gospel. Remember, they only test each model one to a few times so they can not tell you how something will run in the long run. I also don't believe they state what detergent they use to wash things either if any. That I will have to double check.

Pick a TL you like and do research on it. Look for reviews by other owners online and see what they have to say about them.

I will say this, my new FL works better than my TL did, but then again my TL was the cheapest one I could find at the time when I needed a new one.

Another factor is CR has gone greener, which in and of itself is not a bad thing, but I have noticed they are partial to anything that saves recources of any kind.

If you want a TL, go ahead and get one. Factor in your needs, price range and other user reviews and you will be fine. Besides, if you get a machine you are not comfortable with, it probably won't work well for you anyway.

Consumer reports typically provides cursory reporting. You are much better off finding feedback from the people who actually own and use the unit you are interested in purchasing. Purchase what you want...you will be much happier in the end.

I had a Maytag Neptune which has just died after 7 years. Not the model (apparently) for which there was a lawsuit. Always worked well (no smell problem) until death due to electronic board failure.

As we will all have realized now, the availability of these message boards creates an overload of information so I am wavering between the Frigidaire Gallery that is Consumer Reports Bestbuy, and the Samsung WF203AN ... although a search suggests that this latter model is no longer available. There have been so many negative reports on odor problems with the Kenmore that I am worried about buying any of those models.

Finally, the question: Does anyone have recent experience with any of these models? Many thanks.

Is the electronic board no longer available for your machine? Seems your 7 year old Neptune can be repaired, so if you have a hankering to buy a new machines, you should have your old one fixed and donated to an animal shelter or other institution that would appreciate the gift.

DonÂt be so sure about the animal shelter. I had a nearly new FL machine that I wasnÂt happy with, so I decided to donate it to a shelter. I contacted my local Humane Society shelter with an offer to donate the machine because it specifically had washing machines on its wish list. The shelter never even bothered to respond to my offer, so I ended up donating the machine to another (nonÂanimal-related) organization, which was very happy to accept my donation and picked it up within a few days. This was not my first experience with that group. It might be called the Humane Society, but it is anything but when it comes to the way it deals with people.

A bad experience with 1 operation is hardly a reason to condemn a large and IMO very worthwhile organization.

How did you contact them? Email? Did you bother to follow up? Be aware that most all organizations that deal with a lot of volunteer help don't have time to monitor email. Call them, or stop by is a far better method of contact.

I would far prefer not to get a new machine - fixing the Neptune would, however, cost over $600.00 and Consumer Reports already says that it is generally not worth fixing the washers after 7 years. $600 is virtually the price of the new washer.

So, any experience with newer models? Thanks.

My wife has had a new Maytag 6700 TL machine for two months now. She loves it. We shopped all over and got the best deal at Home Depot for $854. plus both a delivery rebate and a $75 cash card (tools !).

Be sure to get a Maytag / Whirlpool 6700. There is an improvement over the 6600 models.

Buy American !! Most FL machines are made overseas !!

fay1, what model number is your Neptune?

* Posted by jerrod6 (My Page) on
Sat, May 24, 08 at 18:23
"I wonder if it is possible to compare TL or FL made 1 or 2 years ago to the ones made today because the energy requirements are stricter. I think washers made for the 2008 market must use less water than washers made for the 2005, 2006 or 2007 market. In this process they must use less energy which has made some manufactures define a hot wash as 90F. Sorry, but any temperature below my body temperature is not hot."

My F&P Aquasmart purchased a couple of weeks ago defines hot as "Incoming water from faucet". I assume you could crank up your water heater to whatever temp you wish, although I still wish it had an internal heater.
Couple things I dislike:
No FS dispenser. I thought this was very low rent for such an expensive washer. Even people who don't use FS may use vinegar.
There is no feedback on programming. You can program in an extra rinse but there is no way I can see to look at the machine and tell if it is going to do one rinse or two.
F&P recommend deep fill for sheets, whites, bulky and Easy Iron. So maybe 50-60% of the washing sees an energy (water)saving? I like that it has 1000 RPM spin... clothes dry faster. As for cleaning ability... it seems adequate. I haven't had it long enough to have any challenging tasks. If I could change anything it would be to add a fs dispenser and an internal heater to easily reach sanitizing temps.

I bought the F&P TL in March 2008. It's the Aquasmart with washplate model #WL37T26D. I had to look for one WITHOUT a FS dispenser as I do not use liquid FS, but I do occasionally use bleach, and this model has a bleach dispenser. We are very happy with the way it washes and have noticed a considerable drop in our water usage. I recommend these TLs very highly. Cleans at least as well as our old Kenmore direct-drive, and I think it is gentler on the clothes. Good luck with whatever you finally choose.
kcred

Here is a link that might be useful: F&P web site

Answer to Dadoes question - Maytag Neptune Model No. is MAH5500B.

I find Neptune MAH5500B control boards are available. There are several revisions depending on what is the series number of the machine. A machine control board (in the control panel) is listed $175 at a particular online source. Motor control (under the tub by the motor) $173. Which one is bad? Even if both, that's about half of your $600 quote. Changing boards is a DIY job, assuming the diagnosis is correct.

I LOVE my new Maytag Top Loader, and wouldn't want anything else. It cleans beautifully!

I can't even say that I find CR a good resource anymore. I have purchased based on their recommendations in the past and have found the products were less than mediocre. The last time I followed their recommendation was a Hoover Windtunnel. What a piece of junk! The members here provide real-time experience. Just understand that sometimes the negatives are more vocal here as is the case in many life situations. I own the Cabrio set and have enjoyed them. The TLers hold an immense amount of cloths and have a shallower footprint than the FLers.

I don't understand why you say this - Consumer Reports rates the Maytag Bravos HE top-loading washer VERY high. I researched Maytag Bravos for several weeks, then purchased the MTW6700 washer (and MTW6400 dryer) in May. I've NEVER had a washer that could clean like this one - with much less water and energy than my old ones used. Hope this helps!

I find it very difficult to reconcile all this talk about conserving resources and, at the same time, being encouraged to throw out something major like a washer in fewer than 10 years.

To me that makes all this environmental brooha, that everyone carries on about, disingenuous nonsense.

It is also correct to say that the standard for 'clean'laundry has not been raised through the introduction of HE washing machines. Buying an HE front loader will not, in and of itself, lead to laundry nirvana. If it doesn't fit your needs and idea of what is practical and desirable for you, it will turn into your personal laundry nightmare.

I don't listen to anything consumer reports has to say. I'd rather get reports from actual owners of the product. That's where you can see how well something performs. Even though that is not 100% accurate either. Keep asking around and reading different reviews from different sources before making your decision. I'm sure there are plenty top loaders that do excellent jobs. The only reason I have a front loader is because I do an enormous amount of laundry and the water consumption was insane.