always had a top laoder, could stop it ata anytime and throw in that lost sock. heard all the rage about the front loaders, so when NOT. it takes forever to wash, there's no way to quicken it up, like in a top loader, and that lost sock, is lost forever. I hate it. we really only have room for a top and bottom one. but when it goes, i'm looking for a top loader. Oh, lets not even discuss the high effiency washer!!! and the special soap you need and the cleaner for the drum you also need.