There's a lot of threads with the raging battle of FL vs TL. There's advantages and disadvantages to both. You have to look at your priorities and budget and start there.

The front loader is kinder to people with bad backs. I can sit on a stool when sorting my laundry and putting it in and out of the washer and dryer. But if you don't have back issues, you might be happier with a TL. FL do save on water and electricity but they do seem to have more problems.

It seems that most of the complaints on this forum are about FLs.

Why not a TL with the benefits of a FL? Look at Fisher Paykel.

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

I agree with Cynic. It really depends on your needs. Make a list of your personal needs by priority and go from there. I went from a TL to a FL but that is beacuse my number one priority at the time was the water rates went up so high here it was getting to the point I couldn't afford to wash my clothes.

My water bill was cut in half and the FL paid for itself in savings within 10 months.

Some of the basic advantages and disadvantages I noticed are as follows:

Advantages of my TL

1) My TL rinsed way better than my FL.
2) It was way easier to find detergents for my TL than my FL.
3) The water temperatures on my TL worked way better than the ones on my FL.
4) The wash cycles were faster so I was able to catch up on laundry quicker.
5) No mold issues.

Advantages of my FL

1) Saving a lot of money on water use.
2) Can do much larger loads, even comforters.
3) Gentler on my clothes. Our clothes have been lasting much longer.
4) Spins more water out of laundry lessening drying time in my dryer which is saving me on electricty when I have to use my dryer.
5) Stainless steel drum so no more rust spots. (drum in my TL had a nick in the porcelin coating so I ended up with rust spots on several articles of clotheing.)

As far as servicing, they are kinda running neck and neck on that one. Both had to be serviced multiple times when I first got both, but the TL only lasted 2 years. It was really inexpensive when I got it so it served it's purpose, and the replacement parts were dirt cheap so it made it easy for do it yourself repair.

My FL is covered under warranty, but most of the stuff that has gone wrong with it has been relatively inexpensive parts wise and the inside is so basic it looks very fixable for an owner to do oneself.

Cleaning performance? They are neck and neck. Neither one was/is fantastic, and neither was/is horrible. Both did/do the job well enough.

For reference, my TL was a low end, real basic Kenmore. My FL is what you would class as a low end, real basic Frigidaire Affnity.

Why not a TL with the benefits of a FL?

This is what we got -- a Maytag Bravos.

Maytag Bravos is an HE TL -- not a TL with an agitator. HE toploaders have the same advantages as front loaders, without the mold/odor issues because there is no rubber seal.

I spent months researching washers before making the decision to go with Bravos. I read reviews at many websites and I also talked with appliance servicemen, as well as friends/relatives/neighbors who owned HE toploaders and frontloaders. I also got a lot of helpful information here.

I can repeat what the former poster said, about Maytag Bravos:

1) Saving a lot of money on water use.
2) Can do much larger loads, even comforters.
3) Gentler on our clothes.
4) Spins more water out of laundry, lessening drying time in my dryer which is saving me on electricity/drying time.
5) Stainless steel drum.

And one more: Laundry detergent lasts much longer, which cuts costs there too.

I buy HE detergent on sale and with coupons if at all possible. Even if that weren't true, it lasts so much longer, I've only had to buy it every 10-12 months.

I'm still using a bucket of Sears HE Ultra Wash detergent which I bought in the summer of 2008! I use it primarily for sheets, blankets, and jeans/T shirts. I use Tide Total Care HE and Woolite HE for our nice clothes, delicates, and items I wash on the handwash cycle.

I can wash so much more laundry in one load (with very little detergent), I only have to wash 3-5 loads per week for a family of 6, whereas I used to wash 7-12+ loads per week.

For us, this adds up to a huge savings in water, electricity, and detergent.

As has been said, there are advantages and disadvantages to both FL and TL. In my case, FL advantages outweighed disadvantages. I've used a FL for over 10 years now and would not go back to a TL.

A good many of the problems people encounter (mold and odors, for instance) are caused by operator error I think. HE detergent is readily available these days and costs the same.

The most important thing to getting good results IMHO is to understand whatever machine you buy, and to read and follow the instructions that come with it. Good luck!

Front loaders are not recommended for the second floor. Not sure if that's an issue for you.

As far as the front loaders. I am finding that I might save in many ways. Yes the detergent cost more than I use to spend. But you use so little of it.Also you are suppose to delute the fabric softner so that is a savings. I agree that my wash time is cut in half. Instesd of washing all week in order to keep caught up. I am washing once a week and only doing 3 loads instead of 6. That includes hubbys work clothes( 2 loads a week), sheets( it use to take 2 loads to do)Towels and whites, and my dress work clothes.

This is the first time I've ever hear anyone say that a front loader is easier on a bad back than a topload! And I would certainly disagree with that from my experience and situation. Naturally much will depend on the problem the person has, how the units are set up and also the person using it.

If you have a physical issue or concern, it's really important to go to a store and test out both types a bit. Put stuff in and take it out a few times. Try it with or without pedestals to get an idea if that helps.

I have got to say it does help with my back and neck. I have herniated disks in both. I am also only 4 ft 8. So the not having to reach down inside a deep tl washer is great. I use to have to ask my husband to get out some small things like socks. Also not having to bend over to get out clothes from the dryer is also a plus.I choose to get the pedestals that way i am not bending nor reaching.

Front loaders are FINE on a second floor.

We have the Samsung 448 with the anti-vibration - fabulous. Quiet and very little vibration.

Would never go back to a top load.