Low Cost
A washing machine is not a cheap item, but to counter that, it stays with you for a few years. How much will this type of washing machine cost you?
Front loaders are more expensive than top loaders of the same quality.
They would typically cost at least a couple of hundred dollars more than their top-loading counterparts.
This is offset in the long run by lower energy, water and detergent costs.
Space Saving
How suitable is the washing machine for when you only have a small space for it?
Opening to the front, a front loader placing is quite flexible.
Because you don't need space above it, you can place the washing machine under your kitchen countertop or shelves with no problem.
The front loading machines are also almost always suitable for stacking a drier right on top of them, thereby saving floor space.
Quick Washing
How much time does the wash cycle take?
On a normal cycle, front loaders are usually slower than top loaders.
However, most brands have fast wash cycles that come close to matching the time top loaders offer for normal cycle.
Eco friendly
Washing machines need water, electricity and detergents to operate. What will be the environmental effect of your washing?
Front loading washing machines are normally more eco friendly than the top loaders.
A front loader's washing cycle requires significantly less water that a top loader's, since water is required to fill only a third of the drum, and rinse cycles do not empty the soapy water completely.
Unlike the top loaders, the front loader's drum does not contain an agitator, and there is more room for dirty washing in every load, meaning less overall loads are required.
The front loaders also get higher spin speeds (1000rpm and more). This means the washing contains less water when you take it out to the drier, and less energy is wasted there as well.
On the down side, front loaders don't usually have 'real' cold wash. The cold washing temperature on front loaders is usually warmer than the top loaders. This makes them a little less efficient in this respect, since some energy is required to heat the water.
Detergent Variety
How many detergent types can you find for the washing machine? What are your chances of finding that specific fragrance or a detergent suitable for sensitive skin?
Most front loading washing machines require you to use a low-sudsing detergent. This type of detergent may be a little difficult to find in some places.
This greatly limits the detergent selection available, and may affect you directly if you usually shop at small outlets that do not carry a large variety of detergents.
Washing Delicates
How does the washing machine treat your delicate clothes?
Front loaders are usually gentler than top loaders for the normal washing cycles.
This is because they spin the clothes to remove the dirt rather than beating them like the top loaders do.
The gentler washing method makes the front loaders more suitable for delicate fabrics which will last longer, especially if you use a hand-washing cycle.
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Feel factor: 2
2 Year Washer
(score 1/5)
We bought this washer along with the counterpart dryer to stack and save space. It lasted 2 years until the motor went out. This will be our last front-loader as well. We will get a top loader for the same price to repair this one!
Posted on: 2009-11-10
By Brent Hawkins
Helpful index: 100%
Washers should last longer
(score 2/5)
Someone told me that they won't buy a front loader because they don't last more than 3 years. I said, "Ours works great!" And, then it broke at 2 1/2 years. I won't buy a front loader again.
If you wash any large or heavier item (think blanket or small rug), the spin won't work anymore.
Posted on: 2009-08-07
By Melinda
Helpful index: 50%
Great value!
(score 5/5)
When looking to replace my washing machine, I started out looking at the traditional top loaders. The cheap ones were around $300 and more standard quality ones around $400, and I saw some that were another $100 or more beyond that. When the salesman asked me about front load washers, I didn't give it much thought because they tend to be more pricey and out of my range. In fact, the first one he showed me was about $700. When I asked him what the cheaper ones cost, he showed me the Frigidaire FTF2140FS for $550, and seeing as they had $100 off deal, it was only slightly more than the standard top loader. So I took him up on the deal, ultimately paying $475 after tax, and so far I'm very happy with its performance.
I usually have two or three people who rent rooms in my house. The old washer took 40 gallons of water per load. The Frigidaire takes just 15 gallons! So right off the bat I'm going to be saving a lot on my water bill, as well as a few bucks on electricity as this washer takes less of that to operate, too.
The controls are pretty simple to figure out. Ten cycles, four temperature settings, you can set how fast you want the basket to spin, and there's a few extra options, too. Shut the door, hit start, and let it go. Just be sure to remember that you must use HE (High Efficiency) detergent.
The wash is very quiet and the spin dry sucks the water right out of the clothes. I can dry my stuff in half the time!
I did encounter one problem twice. When washing my bed sheets and blankets, I heard a beeping noise. The washer was stopped and I thought it was done, but it turns out my sheets were still soaked. I looked at the manual and apparently if the load in the washer basket becomes uneven, it won't spin (that's why it was beeping). So I just pushed the blankets a few times, shut the door, and on the cycle dial there's an option for Final Spin, which is just that, the final spin dry. So I selected that, hit start, and it worked both times. I haven't had that problem with any other load of laundry before or after that.
This was my first foray into the world of front load washers and so far I'm very pleased with the results! It's quiet, efficient, my clothes are clean and smell fresh, and most important of all to me, it isn't tearing my clothes like my old washer was. And for the price I got it at, it's a great value!
Posted on: 2008-12-21
By Sparky
Helpful index: 96.9696969697%