I used to have a top loader that used 40 gallons of water to wash one load. Now I have a front loader that holds what the top loader held PLUS another 1/2 load and only uses 7 gallons of water. Soooo, instead of 3 loads and 120 gallons....I do 2 loads with 14 gallons. It gets things much cleaner too....LOVE IT!!! Now if I could only get my kid to learn how fabulous it is to use........hmmmmmm.
I prefer the front-loader I have now to top-loading machines with an agitator (they make high-efficiency top-loaders without agitators now, too). Mine is quiet and energy-efficient. I do think some of the claims people make online about their miraculous cleaning abilities are wildly exaggerated, though. They do a fine job, but don't expect them to change your life. You still have to do all the pretreating etc steps. As far as being harder to load/unload, I really don't understand why people say this. It's exactly like a dryer. Actually, the fact that it's at the same level as the dryer in many ways makes it easier to transfer the clothes. Many of the front loaders can be stacked with the dryer, which can help in tight spaces. OTOH, front loaders generally stick out further in the front, so if your washer area is the kind with doors across it, they may not fit.
I have had both and found that a front loader washes better, uses less water, and is more energy efficient
Front loader, no need to keep balancing the dirty laundry or wrap it aound the vertabrae swishy thing. Front loader much more funner to watch! Top loader may be cheaper, unless going for the new ultrasound with no vertabra swishy thing. Front loaders are supposed to use less water. Energy Efficient. Either way stick with Sears Kenmore namebrand. If near library check out the consumer news/consumer reports, look up washing machines. Make sure if you are buying one, it will fit thru your front door! Take measurements! Bring home all the proper connectors/connections needed and tools.
I've been researching this and it's generally accepted that: Front Loaders: Clean better; use less water, detergent, bleach, and fabric softener; rinse better; spin more water out of your clothes so they dry faster; use less electricity; and are gentler on your clothes. But, they cost more to buy, and although they are reliable will cost more to fix. Some people don't like having to bend down to fill and empty them. Top Loaders: Cost less for the amount of capacity the hold; are easier to fill and empty; when they have problems they tend to be simpler and cheaper to repair. I personally decided to go with a front loader because of the efficiency and I have limited space available. Most brands are good Whirlpool makes great appliances. I would advise against LG. They've had some problems. Also Frigidaire has a matched pair I forget their model #s. But it's their cheapest 2 front loaders. Stay away! The bearings go out on these just after the warrantee. Then it costs almost as much as a new machine to replace. They also have corrosion issues. Hope this helps. Happy laundering!
