If water efficiency is the bottom line for you here is an ARTICLE from Consumer Reports with that general information. My 2020 CR Buying Guide consistently lists the top performing brand as LG for both front-load and HE top-load types. I have an LG front-load washer. I like its features, but it has not been problem free. In fact, I will not claim any particular brand as being problem-free. CR's second top brand is Maytag. The Maytag washer I once had was the worst appliance I have ever owned. Used to be I would not buy an extended warranty, because major appliances would last at least 10 years without fail. Now, I'm more likely to buy a 2-year warranty in case I get a lemon.

A front-load washer will develop mildew on the door seal. Lawsuits have been filed against LG, Whirlpool and Electrolux' Frigidaire and Kenmore brands. Probably against other brands as well. Protect the washer by buying a bottle of Concrobium Mold Control, and spray that door seal. Schedule regular cleanings and re-applications of mold control for every couple of months.

If you keep the door open after the washer is done, you shouldn't have any mold. Our front-loader Electrolux washer and dryer must be coming up on 8 years old at this point, and they work just fine and never had any issues with mold.

We bought them, because they have such a huge capacity. With kids, that's really helpful. For empty nesters, that is likely a complete non-issue, and a smaller capacity appliance is likely a much better fit.

My Mom loves her Miele and swears by it. But it is likely to be very similar to the Bosch that you used to have.

No matter what you get, install some sort of leak detection system. It's not a perfect solution, but it can shut off the water supply, if your washer develops a leak. Of course, any water already in the washer will still leak out. A drain pan would be a good idea for that. Ideally, the pan would drain into a dry standpipe (or a sink on the floor below). But that's not always possible.

LG 3700 or 3900 is very popular. I too won’t buy anything Samsung for appliances. They need to stick to cell phones and tvs imo.

I had a top load non agitator machine for all of one week. I didn’t clean worth a darn and retuned it for a front load machine.

I do have a 3700 series LG for our guest house and love it. The 3900 series has turbo wash I believe is the major difference.

I also have a Maytag front load machine and speed queen front load machines. They both worth flawlessly. The speed queen does not have a onboard heater and that’s a deal breaker for some. It is a no frills great washer that cleans everything well I’ve thrown at it. It would last you for many years to come. For a top load machine speed queen makes a great one, the TC series. It would last you for many years to come and comes with a good warranty too.

I bought the LG from Costco as it was the best deal at the time. Comes with installation, removal of old appliances, new hoses, new dryer vent and cord, and best of all a 2 year warranty vs one year manufacture warranty (4 year warranty if you use their citi credit card). Appliances for Costco has to be ordered online now a days too so don’t even need to have a warehouse close to you.

As for the poster that says mold is in front load machines, it’s mostly user error. Wipe the seal dry after the days laundry, run a clean washer cycle with hot water, keep the door cracked, and run hot washes you won’t have that problem. I’ve owned front load machines for 15+ years and never had a mold issue or any issues with the front seal. It’s in most manuals on how to upkeep the machines like wiping the seal dry and keeping door open.

Good luck in whatever you decided.

I have an LG front load, circa 2009. If I were buying today, I would look for an LG with a built-in heater. And a heater that works in all cycles, not just the sanitary one.

FIrst off Mea Culpa for using the DOA terminology. I should have figured that one out. Nonetheless it's DEAD and left a mess on my wood laundry room floor. Yes, I should have used a flooring that was more water resistant, however it's a direct view from my kitchen which has the same floor. Luckily it's solid oak, not veneer, so it can be refinished or replaced. RIght now ServPro is attempting to dry it out.

Today I began investigating a replacement set. I stopped at a family owned appliance store who sells all brands. I specifically looked at LG and Speed Queen which I suspect are my two top pics. I've pretty much decided that due to the height allowance of the laundry room cabinetry over the machines, I'm unable to use a normal front loader with a pedestal. That meant keeping it low to the ground and at this point my back wouldn't be very happy about bending down to pull out wet towels or bedding. That means it has to be a Top Loader. I wasn't happy that a "speed cycle" on the LG takes about an hour! is that really true? Even my Bosch took less time than that for a quick wash. Our Dept of Water and Power (the infamous DWP) offers a $400 rebate on the LG WT 7300. That made it quite appealing. My neighbor loves her SpeedQueen. I'll try it out in the next week while I wait for my floor to be replaced or repaired. It certainly looks like my old Maytags. Not that it's a bad thing, just very similar. I had to leave to meet the restoration company at home so I was unable to investigate other brands today. Your thoughts or experiences are welcomed!

Larisa, thanks for all that info! My front loader also never had a mold problem because we wiped it after each use and kept the door cracked with a small towel so that it dried completely. The front loader thing is an issue because of the height of the machine with and without a pedestal. Both won't work in my room.

I read that Speed Queen changed in 2018 and things aren't as good now. IDK? The tip about Costco is great. I might try them. If I'm not happy Costco is fabulous about doing returns. Right now dealing with the aftermath of the flood and repairs. Thanks!

Please note that you don't necessarily need to buy the pedestal from the manufacturer. In the end, it's really not much more than a box that you set your appliance on. If you want to raise your appliance by an "odd" amount, then you can build your own raised platform from two-by-fours and a little bit of plywood.

>>>" I read that Speed Queen changed in 2018 and things aren't as good now. IDK? "<<<

The "Speed Queens" that "changed in 2018" that you have been reading about as "aren't so good now" are the TR models (TR3, TR5 and TR7). The TC model that Larissa mentioned is the traditional Speed Queen top loader design. Worth researching further if you think you want a Speed Queen.

Be aware that the SQ TC model, unless they change it at some point, does not have a water level / load size control. All cycles offer only two fill levels -- default is approx 1/2 to 2/3 (varies per the selected cycle), Deep Fill option adds approx 3 gals more.

I had a Bosch frontloader in the 90s, before anyone else had frontloaders. It was amazing and I am very disappointed that Bosch only makes small capacity machines now. Front loaders are superior cleaners in my opinion. Even if you are an empty nester, having the large capacity for sheets/bedding is very nice. Around 2012, I bought an LG set and unfortunately, I got to know the local appliance repairman very well. In fact, I changed the set out when he finally told me he was going to stop working on LG appliances because they are so poorly made. I will never have another LG. I wish Speed Queen made a large capacity front loader. Their products are based on the commercial laundry industry and I do think they are pretty durable. But if you want your laundry appliances to hum little tunes to you and give you a lot of cycle options, you might not like the Speed Queen. It is more of a no frills machine. I have only used front loaders since the 90s and I have never had a mold issue. I do wipe the surfaces down every few weeks as part of my regular cleaning and I do leave the washer door open for ventilation. Affresh makes a cleaning product for front loaders but I have never had to use it. I currently have a large capacity Maytag and although it is not very sexy (doesn't sing to me and flash pretty lights), it seems to be doing a good job with the laundry and I have not had any problems with it in the year I have had it. Almost all lines have the EnergyStar rating, so because of your concerns about water use, I would advise you to make sure you get that option. I personally don't think the EnergyStar appliances clean as well and it takes forever to dry a load of clothes. Happy Hunting.

Compumom11 - when we bought our FL washer and pedestal, I had a carpenter remove the soffit and raise the cabinets over the W/D area before they were delivered. I must have the pedestals because of low back problems, knees, shoulder, etc.

Yes, low back issues here too. I don't have a sofit, but as of today the laundry room is torn up to get rid of the water logged floor and wall. Tomorrow the contractor is coming to evaluate the job so we can discuss my options then. Thanks for the suggestion. Last night we were invited to a huge new home that had two LG washers and dryers stacked. I mentioned to my husband that it was not a bad idea although the cabinets wouldn't work. He suggested having them redone as one tall unit. But then again I would lose some valuable storage space. My laundry room is lacking a counter and a sink, so there's nowhere to fold clothes if I do that . It's really more of a room that leads in from the garage, leads off to a downstairs bedroom and bath and another doorway to the kitchen. Hence the issue...

The standard wash time on my (circa 2009) LG is 60 minutes. The speed wash is 32 minutes for a lightly soiled load.

The construction company estimator was here this morning. It's going to be a bigger deal than I thought. The remediation company demo'd yesterday and the subfloor is still pretty damp in certain areas. in pulling up the hardwood floor they inadvertently cracked a bathroom floor tile. They were apologetic and pointed it out to me. It's probably a good thing since the estimator now decided that the floor should be replaced since the tile and its dye lot are likely unavailable since it was installed in 2011. He suggested tiling the laundry room with the same tile and if I want a platform, they could tile that too. Food for thought.

When my husband questioned being w/o a washer and dryer for up to a month--the insurance company needs to get the estimate, then it goes to a third party who reviews the costs, then the insurance company calls us and we accept. At that point a project mgr is assigned and work begins. The estimator suggested if we want our machines sooner, that they be installed then removed when the work is done and then re-installed. I don't know how I feel about that and the chance that the machines might be damaged in the moves. It's not the easiest room to get big machines inside. Thoughts? I can't be using my neighbor's for that long, I'll feel like a huge bother.

The only issue with building a platform is regarding installation and repair. The machines cannot be scooted in and out. They have to be lifted. Up and down. Possibly a two-man job. Our FL washer w/pedestal as well as the dryer w/pedestal have each been pulled out a handful of times by service repair guys. Our machines (Miele) are very heavy, and I just cannot imagine how that would have happened with a platform.

Ahh, good point, hadn't considered that. RIght now I'm thinking top loader HE. LG or Maytag? Comments?

People stack their washer and dryer all the time. Service technicians know how to deal with that. It's a small extra complication, but it certainly doesn't mean you can't get service.

I personally have a strong preference for front loaders. I never understood why the US was stuck on top loaders, when the rest of the world switched to more efficient and gentle front loaders more than 40 years ago. But at this point, it feels as if it is more of an emotional than a rational decision. So, if you strongly feel that a front loader is more comfortable and familiar, then go for it.

At the of the day, it is an appliance that you have to live with for the next couple of years.