I have Samsung front loader washer and dryer.
They both have a pause button that you can stop the cycle and add garments.
You only have to wait about 10-15 seconds for the washer to unlock.
No wait time for the dryer.
I also think my wash is cleaner than with my very very old top loader.
My daughter had scorch marks on her comforter which she tried to dry in her too small dryer.
My washer got out all the scorch marks. She was amazed.
I did not get the pedestals, but I also am a short person.