I purchased front loaders with the pedestals several years ago when my 22 year old dryer finally could not be repaired any more. I am 5 ft 8 inches tall and there is no way that I could be bending down with as much laundry as I do. I do keep the washer door and drawer open...I just jam an old fingertip towel in the door. My laundry is a pass-through also and this works just fine.
I use the drawers for storage...can never have too much storage room.