FoxyLady

I have a Maytag Front Loader. a Maxima MCT which I love. I have had it for 8 years and it is going strong. It has a huge tub and provides plenty of water; cleans like a charm. I have washed queen size quilts without a problem. I have had Maytag front loaders since 2000. I bought the Maxima when I moved to my new home. I had an older set of Maytag front loaders in my second home in AZ, and when I sold that house, my daughter asked for the set. It is going strong and they love the set. If I had to replace my current washer/dryer I would definitely go with Maytag again. It's like with anything else, for the best service and quality, buy the top of the line.

Jo Anne B.

My repairman told me the same thing "2 Tbs per load" I found this out very shortly after acquiring our HE after the washer shut down due to an overload of suds.
Too, I've never had a washing machine that needs regular cleaning with hot water, bleach and an extra rinse.

Grammahunt

Last year we bought a set of Kenmore Elites--high capacity top loading washer. Although I am unhappy in general, I am sure it is partly due to my age and I don't like all the low water changes. HOWEVER, we always wash on deep wash or delicate (due to more water) and also always choose extra fill (for more water). If we don't choose these settings there is not enough water to cover the clothes. Clothing seems to be wrung to death, and spun so dry wrinkles set in. I have washed queen size quilts and they come out fine, so maybe the 'wrung to death' feeling is all in my own mind. My husband washed his hunting clothing and they were spun so dry he didn't put them in the dryer, just hung them up!

I comprehend that the world is running out of potable water, I'm just not sure what the answer would be.

sewnclog

My appliance repairman told me not to buy a front loader. The ads used to say "can wash 16 pair of jeans" at one time. They hold a lot less water so - just how clean are those jeans getting in a bit of water. I loved my old GE 1974 model; it had the agitator and a top lint tray; the water recycled through it removing lint (was SUPER for making raggy quilts) and tissues left in pants; grass picked up when working in the yard, etc. Well it died and the repairman at the time could no longer fix it. I LOVED that machine (must have since I had it for over 40 years) and still have the dryer. I got a Roper brand which was supposed to be akin to what I had; not; I HATE it; the front edges the paint has already started to come off. It does have the agitator but don't think it'd accommodate anything more than a twin quilt. I've heard Speed Queens are good but don't know anything about them personally; just know they are pricey.
I wish I still had the old GE machine; the repairman I have now could probably have fixed it. Makes me sad. I even wrote to GE; asking why they discontinued making THE best washer ever siting all the great features. Got a message back that they'd pass it onto whoever designs them. Yea right! Good luck with your search. I hope you find something adequate.

sewnclog

I had a thought in re-reading the posts; IF you have a repair place that carries machines that have been turned in for newer machines you might find something with an agitator. The repairman I have says they have a store that they have repaired machines and sell them. I'm sure they would give you some sort of guarantee on the machine. Worth looking into anyway. I did ask my guy if he had any like my old machine; sadly no.

shasta5718

I was talked into buying a top loader witout an agitator, never have liked it. If you get a top loader get it with an agitator. I also have front loader that was in this house when I bought it. I do like it better, but it still doesn't do the job as a washer with the agitator in my opinion.

mopec

I replaced my old Kenmore (top of the line at the time) front loading with the Kenmore Elite Front Load (largest size available) and matching Kenmore Elite Dryer. The Elites are now made by LG. I added the small pedestal washer also. There was nothing wrong with my old set, I just wanted matching and much larger. Daughter is taking the old set. I loved my old ones and love these even more! Kenmore has never let me down in the 55 years that I have purchased Kenmores.

madamekelly

My dear Sister in law bought a set of front loaders, a month after she got it, it was so fouled my mold and/or mildew, I could not stay to visit. I am allergic to mold and mildew. She sent them back. A washer you have to wash or sanitize, that to me is a giant step back to washing in a giant kettle in the yard, which by the way was not a mold hazard.

BTW- my front loading set is from the seventies, and still gets our clothes nice and clean, and except for a couple huge items that we take to the laundromat, it washes my quilts just fine. Mine are Kenmore.

selm

You don't have to use the special product to clean the washer. A cup of bleach does the same thing.

cashs_mom

It totally agree with not using too much detergent. One thing I learned with my HE top loader is to read the manual! If I load it as per the manual and use the amount of detergent recommended, it works great. However, if I just toss stuff in and dump detergent in, I always have problems with it. So, read the manual, ladies and do what it says. The results are worth it.