I have a top loader, LG, no agitation, it does have several settings so I can set it to use more or less water. The lid does lock but I can push the button, machine stops and I can throw in the forgotten sock. Press the button and it starts again. There are just two of us but I did get a large one because we have king size bedding. The machine senses the size of the load just like the front loaders. I had an LG front loader and had the mold on the big rubber gasket so I had to dry it and leave the door open. If you do decide on a front loader you can buy stands to raise it up off the floor. I did not have the stands because I'm short and could not reach the top of the machines. So I had to constantly bend over or kneel on the floor to get the clothes out of the washer and dryer.