Right now I prefer a top loader a Speed Queen with analog dials but my dream machine would be a Miele Little Giant.

like some that wrote in previous comments im European also, there the norm is front loaders, never had issues with clothes not coming out clean etc. Moved to Canada when i was 30years old and found the toploaders, hated them, in a couple of washes ruined clothes that were washed previously in front loaders without problems. Now i have front loaders, stacked, they work perfectly.

To jmdruin: it is true that in Europe we have only the cold water inlet, the washer will heat the water to the desired temperature BUT it wont dry the machine after its used, rinse cycles are still done in cold water, there's no heating element going until the next load so at the end the washing machine its wet like the north American ones. its NOT a heat dry cycle of a dishwasher! (Unless you have the washer/dryer all in one kind of machine)
High temperatures of the heating element have nothing to do with 220V, dishwashers use the heating element plenty hot at 120V for example. Plus the high temperature selection is often used just by teenagers to shrink their jeans...
Btw: the heating element thing its because we dont use water heaters with a tank in Europe.

Soaps can be different there than in North America, that might account for something too, its true that some changed brand and resolved the problem. But the issue is that people use too much soap, it builds up and will grow mold, many in Europe say they have no mold since they started using pre-dosed packages to throw in the drum with the clothes: its much less soap than what they were used to put in the soap drawer...
Even there, even if less, if you keep the door always closed you will have some mold, it takes just a couple of hours for the machine to dry with the door open.
Interestingly enough the old washing machines never had smell problems, newer ones seem to have the gasket around the drum that allows water to pool, in that case it can be cleaned easily, that lost sock is often trapped in there.

For the smell: that one often comes from lower down: where there is the filter and the pump pushing the water out. If the hdischarge hose is set too high you will have water coming back as soon the pump stops, if the filter is dirty it will smell, it takes nothing to periodically clean it.
If one wants to clean the machine every once in a while then just throw in some dishwashing detergent with hot water on an empty short cycle.
I also dont get why people complain about the long washes, my work clothes come clean in 40 minutes of heavy duty cycle... i dont think i ever seen a machine going for two hours like some mentioned in the comments.

I find that europeans complain about toploaders and northamericans about frontloaders, habits i guess... and for both it holds true that many things arent well built like they used to be...

Hi Acantonix,

I did realize that European machines FL did not provide a heat dry cycle as what is found in dishwashers. Although that would be an interesting idea. The point which I guest I didn't make clearly is that with most Europeans washing at 60C/140F the temperature is much higher than even American's hot water temperatures washes get which can be as low as the 90's as I just read today at a Sears repair website. However, I did not realize that High temperatures of the heating element have nothing to do with 220V and that dishwashers use the heating element plenty hot at 120V for example, thanks for letting me know I will update my paper.

Only problem is getting others to keep the seal around the opening clean - and clean out filter often - otherwise it will smell mildowy which will get into the clothes. If you don't want the hassle - stick with the top load.

My Miele never had mold problems nor do users of Miele in Europe have mold problems. Think it is an American (mold) problem.

No clear answers here except mold seems to be created by a myriad of things, such as cheap plastic drum, liquid detergent, too much detergent, too low temperatures/too short a wash cycle; fabric softeners.

@jmdroin -- you can buy a quasi commercial machine from Miele. Around four thousand Dollars. It has an internal heater. Miele used to make a 220 but discontinued it when they discontinued large drum washers designed for the USA.

Have an LG front loader for 9 months. Have problems with leaking and mildew. LG just keeps saying to clean the door and gasket. Spent an hour on phone will LG and it still leaks. Was put on hold indefinitely. Was also told that "washers just leak". LG finally agreed to send a technician who just cleaned the gasket and door again and told me to use less detergent. It still leaked and was told it must be too much detergent. Never buying LG again. Customer service was horrible. Sent an email and they never responded. I am now going to return the LG dryer I just bought and going for a Whirlpool top loader and matching dryer.

Now that top loaders are offered in HE models and the method of cleaning is basically the same as front loaders (or better in my mind), top loader commercial sizes can take large loads, there are no leakage issues and not as large an issue with mildew/mold - I think that many people may be comparing regular top loaders with HE front loaders and there is a big difference.

theweissman5 -- whoever told you that "washers just leak" is incorrect. My Miele never leaked. LG is a crappy company producing mediocre front-loaders.

Maureen -- I forwarded an article above in which it stated that HE top loaders do not clean very well, precisely because of the missing agitator.

LG was awful and nasty on the phone. wI'll look into Miele. OLDIE 365 please send article about top leaders.

To jmdrouin: sears website can say what they like, the point is that while the washers in Europe can go to high temperatures noone is that crazy to wash like that, you would understand why if you had to pay electricity bills there, that heating element in European washing machines uses a lot of electricity. Electricity is also one of the reasons not many have dryers, the ones that do prefer the washer/dryer all in one combo, now they are around more than in the past but still not many.

The smell isnt just a factor of temperatures, there are various causes and thats why some people solve them in a way others in another way, but it stands the fact that old frontloaders didnt have that problem.

theweissman5 "gaskets leak" is just BS, gaskets are there exactly to avoid leaks, if the door leaks then could be a defective gasket or the door that doesnt close properly, if the tech didnt see obvious defects on the gasket then he should have re-seated the door... Miele is a really good brand but maybe your LG is salvageable... just a pity to throw useable stuff away because of lazy techs...

I've had both and prefer front loader. To keep mold out I leave the door ajar

LG makes great washer and dryers.

We have a front loading washer, but have been planning to get a top loader due to the mildew issue.

I just bought a HE top loader after having a front loader for 10 years. I loved my front loader for a long time until the awful smell. Despite cleaning it religiously, the odor came back. And yes, I left the door open on the front loader after every wash. The front loader had a big rubber gasket in the front which was extremely difficult to get and keep clean. The newer ones I've seen don't have the huge rubber gasket, so maybe that helps alleviate the odor.

@Sound Painting Solutions -- it seems FL washers introduced to the American market -- exception: Miele, Asko, Bosch -- were made cheaply using plastic drums but makers charged a bundle. I too would be disillusioned if I spent good money for an inferior product. What to do? You could see whether any of the three above work for you? If you buy a TL some of the delicate items such as silk and lace you won't be able to wash.

definitely front loaders.

but ONLY LG. it's the only one that doesn't have a huge gap in the rubber gasket between the drum and the door. All underwear and socks end up in the gap ! my cleaning gal calls it the thong catcher!

I am on my second set of LG with Maytag in between. The may tags didn't make it 2 years ! We would have claimed warranty, but finally, we just wanted them gone, even if they still had warranty left. I have 3 athletic boys who are now basically men, and I would only get LG to stand up to them!

ps... I just saw the comments about hating LG. We have loved both sets that we have had. never a drop of leak, never once a weird smell.

that said, I do run mine on sanitary at least 50% of the time.

re: the pedestals for front loaders :

because of my laundry room design, I can't have the pedestals. I am having my contractor build a platform for them to stand on. That way, they can be any height I want them to be, and he's going to use a "shower pan" which is apparently the piece of equipment they use under no -bathtub showers, if that makes sense. then if ever there was a leak, the shower pan would catch it before it ruins your floor and walls.

I wanted the pedestals, but my laundry room has a floor drain, so the floor slopes almost un-noticeably toward the floor drain. My appliance repair guy said said, no pedestals! Even that tiny amount of slope would cause the vibration during spin to get crazy and ruin my machines.

weissman5,

i hope it's not too late... I Hated my whirlpools !

Top Loaders are The B-E-S-T

They'll have to pry my 15-yr-old Whirlpool top loader from my cold dead hands!!

Currently we are renting while we are building. The house came with a top loader. ..old style. It does not clean as well as my front loader and it smells of mildew. Miss my front loader and when house built will get front loader again

Neither?
I have bought two washing machines in the last four years after my 20 year old Speed Queen top loader died. I wanted another top loader, because I hate new things.

Seems top loaders are not the same as they were 20 years ago. All washing machines are HE now, and the top loaders do not have an agitator. This was touted as a benefit. Whatever. I bought a Maytag, because they aren't supposed to have problems. My only goal was to have another washing machine for 20 years.

I could not wait to get rid of that washer! We had to move and I sold it with the house. I hated pushing the clothes away from the middle so whatever replaces the agitator could rise up and do its thing. It didn't get anything clean. We were all walking around with stained and dirty clothing!

Bought a new house and went to Sears to get a new washer and dryer. My goal this time around was aesthetics. I wanted something pretty, and the front loaders with round doors were prettier than top loaders. We went to every store in the world to talk about washers and dryers, and decided on an LG, because they seemed to be first in the technology. They included a waste chute to catch lost change and a magnet to hold the door slightly ajar to avoid odors. I have had this washer and dryer for 18 months. My clothes are getting clean, although I don't think the smell gets entirely out of my teen's loads. Things don't get as wet in HE machines. Less water = less clean.

One benefit to front loader I didn't expect, less drying time! It used to take 90 minutes for a load to dry. It takes less than half that with the front loader, because the spin cycle is intense.

And they are pretty!

I like a front loader as it is easier to load clothes and they are very clean and dry faster. Have had a Bendix front loader in 1952 and used that for 20 + years, many loads of diapers also. Then went to Fridgedair and it would eat my socks, not good. Then went to Maytag and lasted for 25 years, gave it to my daughter and bought a new one, top loader and was good also, but with getting older the front loader is much easier. Now have a set of Whirlpool washer and dryer for 5 years and have no problems. Leave the washer door open a little and no odors. Plus I also purchased the pedestals which do double duty, higher for convenience and storage.

I purchased a whirlpool front loader back in 2004, along with the coordinating dryer. Although it is still going strong, I just purchased an LG top loader to replace the washer and the LG dryer just so I have matching appliances. In the summer of 2014, I had wood floors replaced in my house and the workers moved the washer and dryer into my garage for the week. During that week, the workers were sawing wood in my driveway and garage in the same vicinity as the washer. During that time the workers were smoking cigarettes while they were in my open garage. After the washer was moved back into my laundry room, the stench of cigarette smoke was so strong every time I opened the washer door. My clothes would get washed and come out smelling like smoke. Even leaving the washer door open all the time did not eliminate the smell. It is a year and a half later and I can't take it anymore. There is still a cigarette smoke smell in the washer and on my clean clothes. I have even moved in that time and smell is still there. It makes me wonder how good is a front loader if this smell is still lingering in the machine!!! Sickening to get rid of two appliances that still work perfectly, but it is time to have my clean clothes actually be clean! Have heard great things about the top loaders so keeping my fingers crossed.

I left behind my Bosch front loader when I moved to a new home. It did have problems with mildew--something that plagues that particular make--but otherwise I loved the machine. The 2013 low-water Whirlpool top-loader that came with this house is a pain in the behind. I've checked after it's been merrily washing away for a few minutes and the clothes on top are DRY! The manual tells me this is "normal" and clothes still will get clean. How?! By the the power of suggestion?

I finally figured out to always use the delicate cycle, which uses more water as a feature. But I also have discovered that this washer is wearing clothes a lot quicker then did my Bosch--even though it doesn't have a "traditional" agitator and I'm washing on "delicate". There's no way I'll be washing my handmade quilts or any other important things in this Whirlpool. It also has no soak cycle and automatically drains after a period of time, which is infuriating.

I assume this low-water, no-agitator was meant to be a hybrid between top and front loaders, but it fails. I'm going back to a front loader as soon as the warranty expires on the Whirlpool.

I've had both models, and both in HE. I can safely say the top-loads shouldn't be sold at all. I've been having issues with that particular model, and it ranges from inefficient washing to smaller-load capacity to clothes damage. Here's a little overview. When they try to sell you a top-load washer, they say that the drum has the same if not a bigger load capacity than their front-load competitors. However, what they don't mention is that all top-load manuals recommend that when you load clothes, that you set the clothes as much close to the drum's wall so you see the spike at bottom of the drum when you're done loading. So, without knowing it, you automatically put in less clothes than front-load types. Second, the way a top-load unit works, is the it twists and jerks the clothes, a totally opposite way of the methods of the front-load types which tumbles the clothes. After a few scapped shirts, I got to finding out the this model actually "tears" your clothes in areas where these clothes have a weak seam. So, now I wash everything on "delicate" mode. It has helped out, but things still get torn. Thirdly, I always have to add the "second rinse" cycle, as the top-loads do not have enough water in their cycles to properly rinse clothes. By adding a second rinse cycle, wash time is close to 60 minutes for a regular load.

Basically, I don't know why top-loads are still being sold. I have a good brand (Kenmore), so I know that the technology's dysfunction is not strictly based on a bad model. And the model is quite recent, I bought it in 2013.

There you go. Needed to get that off my chest!!!!

Good luck...

Before i married, my mother was using top load washing machine which my skin no issue on allergy. Until i married we bought a front load, my skin start getting allergy. It also has odor on mold. When using special detergent to clean washing machine (run empty load with the detergent), front load unable to soak full load of water, it only merely able to run with the detergent which i think it can't clean as well as top load. If i run laundry with front load in room temperature water, the clothes will have some odor. this only can solve if i use 40 degree temperature water. I am planning to purchase top loading machine for my new house

I have had both and loved my front loader but things are now really energy efficient and that causes problems.....Top loaders no longer agitate like in the old days.....my husband explained it this way. The new top loaders are really big but you have to put in small loads because they work like the clothes are taking a shower as the water is sprayed onto them while the front loader is like taking a bath. I do love my daughters front loader from Sears. I think it is Kenmore, but is really gets my clothes clean.

Front! SOOOO much more efficient with water and electricity. I like my religion...you like yours.

I just took the plunge and got a GE front-loading washer and dryer! I am coming from a 1991 Whirlpool pair, so I am very happy. I like how I can run large loads, use less water/detergent and have a machine that is more gentle (and not to mention a million times quieter). I am glad I made the switch. I do keep the machine very clean. I regularly clean the detergent dispenser, wipe the gasket dry, and empty the drain pump. I think the problem with many people's negative front load experiences stem from not maintaining the machine properly, or being aware they needed to. I was having to explain all of this maintenance info to the appliance guy at Home Depot!

I have owned 3 different front load washers in the past 7 years (Samsung, LG, and Kenmore Elite). All 3 have had mold around the rubber gasket in the door area and detergent drawer. Despite leaving the door open after each wash and cleaning daily with clorox, the mold still continues to form. You will never convince me or any of my friends that have owned a front load washer that mold does not grow in those machines. For the customers that have commented that they do not have mold in their front load washer....You are obviously not looking in the right place in your washer.....There is mold around the rubber door gasket....I Promise You! I've had friends that made the same statement about their front load washer and I've gone over to their home to show them where to look (you have to pull the rubber gasket forward a little to look behind/underneath it)......They were shocked to see what was growing....MOLD!!!!

Yes the gasket is problematic but after I am done with my loads I pull forward the gasket and wipe it out with a dry cloth and wipe the door down and leave the door open for a while and mine has no mold. I know this is controversial but I also use vinegar in my softener dispenser when a do a load of towels which also helps. My only issue with my past whirlpool duet was the bearings gave out every few years and It was needing repairs every 4 years. I kept a warranty on it and it paid off. They finally replaced the machine. It was 11 years old! ( warranty through Sears) The service guy told me the new front loaders have less issues with the bearings. Here's hoping! When people ask if I like my front loader I say, I love it! When it's working!

I've had both top and front loaders, and the front loader is a disaster! I had a SAMSUNG less than 3yrs old. It popped a spring in the door and flooded by very expensive exotic hardwood floor. Cost 45.00 for the spring , 5,600.00 for the floor. Then it wasn't fully rinsing the clothes, home warranty, they changed out the front panel Last straw, drum out of balance, gear in the back broken, 500.00 repair, home warranty called it a total loss and sent me a check for 325.00. My husband and I are retired, so no heavy jeans or towels or comforters, etc. yet I was told it was my fault. The smell was awful and I kept the door open all the time,(plus using the special rinse to clean th old soap residue) the clothes never looked really clean like my top loader and I will take a chance on wear and tear on clothes, which got rid of stains and the clothes smelled better.

We've had Samsung washer/dryer front loaders for about 5 years now and we love them. The washer has a purity cycle that I use every month and then drain water from a tube at the bottom front of the machine - yes it can be a pain - literally! - to get on the floor every month and drain the water. But we have no mold - believe me I've checked! The dryer just started making a squeaking noise that's getting louder and I think it's the rollers. I know some people have had bad experiences with front loaders and I was hesitant to make the switch from top loaders but after 5 years we are glad we did.

I have had both top loaders and front loaders over the past 40 years. I have a back problem and using a front loader on a pedestal is the perfect height for me. My son has a high efficiency, large capacity Samsung top loader washer and leaning over to remove the washed clothes from that deep tub is not easy for me. It also helps if you are not real short because that tub is really deep. My front load Samsung was 8 years old when it broke and would have cost a fortune to fix, and I replaced it with another Samsung which could not be balanced properly. I returned it and bought a large capacity Sears Kenmore Elite in March, which I think is made by LG, and I am very happy with it so far. My dryer is a 21 year old Kenmore. I have never had any issues with mold or bad odors from the washer, even when I owned a GE front loader washer back in the 1970's.

Just had a major leak as front loader machine spewed tons of water on the floor and down to the basement floor and ceiling. Replacement will be top loader, although I really like the look of the front loading machine. Higher risk of water damage on the front loaders is my thought.

I have had my front loader LG for 11 years now, and love it

If you go with a top loader buy a model without a center agitator. The agitator prevents for the clothes from moving freely. Front load nowadays use very little water and do not seem to wash as thoroughly.

Do new traditional top loading washers still get unbalanced?

I have been dreaming of the front loaders since we renovated our house, but refused to by new when the old ones were still working. Yet, we have a big problem of unbalanced load, especially since the machines are raised (in anticipation of new front loading ones). When I wash sheets and towels, the machine walks and falls off the raised area. What a pain!

So now the machine overflowed and I have decided that I am throwing it out. My husband would like me to buy just the washer. I like the new traditional washers with the large tubs. I am told by the salesman that they are different than old ones and do not walk. If that was the case, I would consider just buying this type of washer and keeping my dryer. Otherwise, I will switch to front ones and get the pair, hoping to sell the dryer online.

My old machine allowed me to choose the amount of water according to the load. I did not see this yet in my searches. Anyone know one that does?

I would choose a top loader any day. I've had both, and I can tell you, there's nothing like good old traditional design. In my personal experience, the front loaders are not worth the money they cost, they are much heavier and harder to move and they have to be cleaned often.

A big problem with front loading washers is mold and mildew buildup, due to lack of proper ventilation. Meaning, there isn't enough airflow to allow them to fully dry, and this is because of their design. What will happen is it will cause your clothes to smell like mildew. I was able to control this using white distilled vinegar, and cleaning it constantly.

A top loading washer is just so much simpler. I definitely prefer the stainless steel tub. I like the ones without the agitator because it allows for more room and makes it easier to wash larger items such as comforters.

Ultimately, it is a personal preference. I just know that my first experience with a front loading washer wasn't all that spectacular. Hope this has helped.

Our front loader died .. we had it 7 years. It had a major work done a few years ago.. one thing i don't like about front loaders is that when you pull the clothes out to put them in the dryer, clothing from the washer can fall on the floor. I do pick them up and dry then anyway, but wonder if they need to be rewashed.. And yes, I do clean my floor. I am thinking we will go for a top loader this next time, for the reason that the clothes stay on the top of the machines, and don't drop on the floor and you pull them out of the washing machine.

After getting rid of my front loading Whirlpool in 2014 due to smell, I purchased top loading LG washer with matching dryer. I loved it at first...the size of the drum is spectacular! But then I started noticing that a lot of my clothes were coming out of the machine STILL DRY in spots where the water hadn't even touched them. Additionally, on my dark clothes, they come out with soap streaks all over them, even though I use liquid soap. Even after always pushing the extra water button, the clothes are still coming out streaked and dry. I am so disappointed! I got rid of my Whirlpool when it was still running, and now just 2.5 years with this LG and I am thinking of getting rid of it as well. Love the dryer...just don't know what kind of washer to get now. It is very frustrating. And reading all these reviews just confuses me more because there are strong opinions on both sides. But I have now tried both, and can honestly say that I don't like either of them.

I always push the extra water button as well, one thing I've started doing is using white vinegar in the rinse cycle. I don't use fabric softener, so I put it in the softener cup except for sheet and towel loads I run a separate rinse cycle and pour a ½ cup or more straight in the tub. The vinegar smell rinses completely out and it helps break down any residual soap. I find my clothes are now cleaner, almost as good as before they put all the HE "improvements" in washers. I can buy white again and not worry about it becoming gray!

Seems like they are akin to automobiles- everyone has a favorite and some people have had lemons...

You can thank the Federal Government and lobbyist do gooder environmentalists for the four teaspoons of water in the machine that are supposed to CLEAN your clothes. Just be glad your shower water time isn't within their control. Yet.

TIP:!! Use a tablespoon of detergent. Pay zero attention to the HE jug directions. That is from the repair guy. A tablespoon. Cleaner clothes, no streaks.

I don't know where you got you're information that a front loader takes two hours to heat it's own water. I have a front loader and it's hooked up to the hot and cold water outlets.

Polarista- I did not see who commented that their. FL washer took 2 hours but yes, it is possiblem I had an Asko- Swedish if I remember correctly. The washer is connected to cold water only. The washer electric plug is plugged directly to the dryer-220/240. The washer then heats its own water. Due to this way of heating water, the warm/hot water cycles do take up to 2 hours to run. Cold water take about 1.5 hours to run. Very different than FL that are connected to both hot and cold water.

Yes, some cycles, when you select a very high temperature take longer but an internal heater gives you a much higher water temperature than connected to a water heater.