I agree with juliet--b. I bought a MAYTAG about 8 years ago and the lid just rusted off at the hinge and I keep my machines clean. I am so used to the top loader and I don`t know if I could live with the front loader because I check to often and may add more soap or find I have room for more clothes.
Well, I've had both front loaders and top loaders, and they both have their good and bad points. Front loaders are great for bedding, especially if you have a king size bed, but I didn't find them to last any longer than a top loader, and they're more expensive. In the 28 years I've been married and buying washing machines, I've really seen the quality of them go downhill. I had one repairman tell me that they basically all have the exact same transmission and after a set number of loads (whatever that number is) they start to go on the fritz. So, I just go out and buy the cheapest model they sell, and replace it when it goes bad. Getting an appliance repaired is a trip to the seventh circle of hell.
Front loaders are the best - cheaper to use, less wear on the clothes, lasts longer. The first washers to come out were front loaders, but top loaders were cheaper to make so they took over. Front loaders use less water and soap and are more gentle on clothes and do not tear them up.
