Good afternoon. I was looking at reviews on Washing Machines. I have four different friends with front-loaders and each of them have different models/makes. Each and every one of them is stating that over time the "catch" fills up, needs to be cleaned out manually, makes the clothes smell, often makes the machine smell moldy, and makes it so the water doesn't drain properly.

I was wondering if CR could weigh in and state if they have experienced any of these problems with any of the machines used over time, if there is a way to avoid this problem, or if there is a way to fix this problem?

Thanks!

Too bad build quality isn't included in the rankings because the Speed Queen washer may be more expensive but will outlast all others. It's what the old pre-1990s Maytag company was: non-flashy with built-to-last quality.

DO NOT BUY A FRONT LOAD WASHER MADE BY WHIRLPOOL. KENMORE, LG. THESE ARE NOTHING BUT MOLD BUCKETS.......

I have had a front load for years now and have also experienced the moldy smell. I finally realized I need to leave the door to the washer and the soap and fabric softener dispenser drawer open after doing laundry so these can air dry. The moldy smell has stopped.

I have an LG front-loader with steam, the top of the line model when I purchased it almost two years ago. The washer basket has a slight tilt to it and so there is a bit of water that remains in the low point at the rear after a wash cycle. This and the door seal will begin to smell badly if not used or aired. The washer has a TUB CLEAN cycle to clean itself using a small amount of bleach (and NO clothes during this cycle). The manual suggests using this cycle regularly, and also suggests wiping the seal regularly. I've done so, it is absolutely not a big task, and have no odors nor mold.

We recently purchased a top loading Fisher Paykel. (not sure of spelling.) We have been very pleased with the washer over all. Very easy controls, easy to load, clothes come out almost dry. The dryer in fact has to work even less than it did with our old washer. It was worn out and a top rated one when we purchased it in 1990. Thank you Consuer Reports

We purchased the GE front loader that CU recommended in August 09. We leave door open and place a towel in rubber door gasket after wash is done to soak up accumulated water. No problems with mold or odors so far. Machine does a great job overall. A little bit of prevention goes a long way!

The airtight seal on the front-loader keeps water from leaking while the washer is running but the seal can also trap moisture and cause mold. Our experts suggest leaving the front door and dispenser door open after each wash to allow air to circulate in the drum, and wiping dry the door gasket and glass. Try cleaning the detergent dispenser and attachments monthly.

Don't buy HE Kenmore model. It broke after only 4 years. It will cost $1,200 to fix. The parts only cost $22.00. So, someone is making a lot of money! I still don't know what model to get to replace it. What happened to dependable machines?

I have a 4 years old LG front-loader washing machine, we are only two persons in the family and it hasn't been abused.... Well, the machine broke down, bad enough as it is but it has been over 6 weeks and it is still not fixed. We are told by LG that as parts have to come from Korea, it takes time!!!!
Needless to say that my next washer won't be an LG.

I am starting to research new washer/dryers and am interested in a stackable front loader unit. Can the washer be stacked on TOP or does it always have to be on the bottom (?weight). I can't seem to find the answer so I'm hoping someone can help me.

Hi - Has anyone purchased a Samsung Front Load washer and dryer? If so, how do you like them?

We have an LG front-loader, with continuous mold/musky smell. Have you found this to be a problem? If so, do you have a recommended fix?

Thanks.

Every store I've been in has the dryer stacked on top. I finally asked someone and it has to be that way due to the weight--the washer being heavier has to be on the bottom.
It makes more sense ergonomically to have the washer on the top, though!

About 3 years ago we purchased a Bosch front loader (to replace a failing Maytag Neptune front loader). The Bosch is shaking our house apart! The vibration it creates is unbelievable. We called the company, and tried things to reduce it, but it continues... (along with the mildew smell, so now I try to leave the door open after a wash). Now we are shopping for a new washer again. We need a washer with low water use like the front loaders, but with very low vibration.

We have the Samsung Steam VRT and LOVE it. we use it on the second floor and can barely hear it when it spins out. Check them out, I think they are your best option for low vibration.

Well....it has been a terrible experience with GE front loader washing machines. The first one I purchased needed repairs 6 times and then the bucket pushed the front of the machines out of the machine, scary. The repairman declared it unrepairable (you need that in order to get a replacement).I decided to upgrade since it was going to be replaced under the warranty. The new machines looks very nice. Looks are deceiving. The new machine had a problem that the repairman could not fix. He came to my house 11 times,,,eleven times. He changed 5 parts of the machine and the problem continued. Finally, the machine will be replaced. I would rather get my money back, but there is no money back. GE was very apologetic, but I am not very forgiving. Do not buy GE.

consumer reports is comparing the speed queen model to HE high efficiency models, of course they are going to score better for capacity and water extraction, BUT will they last over 20 years? will they clean your clothes? NO, but the speed queen will! while consumer reports is recomending these HE machines, they don't tell you speed queen offers a 3 year parts AND LABOR warranty!!!! speed queen is they ONLY company that makes a reasonably reliable front loader also.

To comment to the person asking about the Samsung.

I just bought one in Nov. 2009 and LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!! My Frigidaire Gallery front loader suffered from the fatal Rear Bearing Condition (loved the machine until it died)
I found a GREAT deal on the samsung and am soooo impressed with how quiet it is and how little vibration if any-my hair dryer is louder. My house is 200 years old and I always knew when the washing machine was done because the house stopped vibrating. This is not the case with the samsung.
I did not get silver care- (though wish I did now) i got the base model and matching dryer. The dryer drys FAST!! I think the longest it has taken to dry a load is 35 minutes.
I bought the extended warranty since I am not sure how the machines will stand the test of time, but for now I Love them.

Happy new year!
I have a 24 year old top loading Hotpoint and it might be on its' last legs. I am researching for its' replacement which might be the GE WCVH6800J(WW). This model was scored 81 by Consumer Reports it's the third best ranking. Does someone have it and do you have feedback? Thanks.

Bought the first generation Maytag Neptune (twice) after the entire tub needed to be replaced. It came out in '98ish and I had to replace mother board (brain) within the warranty periiod which I believe was 2 years. I just picked up a used and old top loading Maytag. Things works great. Cycles in less than 25 minutes and clothes are clean. Front-loaders smunt-loaders. I'm going back in time. If it ain't broke...don't fix it. While I realize water is going to be even more scarce in the upcoming years, seems like we need more time and engineering to work on the snafus that exist. so far Samsung looks good from comments, though I haven't read CR's review

My Kleenmaid is 15 years old and looking like it might need a rest, just wondering if you know anything about the newest Speed Queen top loader washing machine are they worth the money being asked for them? would appeciate any feedback.

Kind regards

Fae Mahy

DO NOT BUY A WHIRLPOOL DUET WASHER OR DRYER!!!Mine are less than 5 years old and both are shot. Everyone that I have talked to that have these have had problems or had to replace them. Service charge to tell me that I would be better off to buy a new one cost me $90.00 for ten minutes. BEWARE!!!!!

I bought the Speed Queen AWN542 about 3 weeks ago to replace the Whirlpool Calypso washer in which the pump had gone out for the 2nd time. I will never buy another Whirlpool anything after being a loyal customer for many years. My clothes actually came out of the Calypso dirtier than they went in - and that was after doing multiple rinses trying to get the crud off of my clothes that was coming from somewhere in the washer. And yes, I did use HE detergent and cleaned the thing often. The Speed Queen is a bit loud, but doesn't vibrate, gets everything very clean and has a very large capacity. I'm very happy with it. In the end, I think it is greener because a) I only have to rinse clothes one time and b)hopefully it will last longer and not end up filling up the landfill with all the piece of sh-- appliances that seem to be the norm these days. I had considered getting a front loader LG, but was told by repair places not to get an LG due to parts being hard to get. If you can't decide - just call a repairman in your area.

I think I'm going to have to go back to top loading washing machines. We purchased a Kenmore HE that lasted only 4 years before it died. We then purchased an LG high end front loader less than 2 years ago and it needs to be replaced! Has anyone had a front loading washing machine that has lasted more than 5 years?!

To Charly (Jan. 5,2010 post at this site) and others wondering if they should buy the GE WCVH6800JWW front loader, I suggest that you be very careful, do lots of research, and consider buying an extended warranty.

If you want other opinions, do a web search on something like "GE front loader will not spin dry" and you will hear from lots of disgruntled owners regarding GE's shortcomings, both as a product and a company.

We own this model and my wife wants to take it out back and shoot it-over and over. Luckily, it has not broken down yet, though if it does I probably will take the $700 beast and junk it, rather than deal with all the aggravation it causes her. The main problem is inconsistent spin drying, especially with bath towels. GE is of little help, whether it be through their owner's manual, on-line resources, or telephone "help". Keep in mind that GE is now more of a financial company and is looking for a buyer for their appliance business, among other of their businesses deemed not worthy.

The main reason we bought it was for water savings; we live in an arid area where water costs are skyrocketing. The $100 energy star rebate from the local utility helped suck me in to thinking this machine would be a good deal. Just remember, in reality energy star equates to compromise, and perhaps major compromise, depending on the product you buy; a lot of this concern is subjective and depends on your personal preferences and experiences. If you are OK with washers that do not give you a hot water setting, then go for it. My wife feels 1 hour (and more) to wash a load is unacceptable and I question the overall savings from this machine, as it has to consume a lot more electricity than our old top loader, even though it does save some water. Interestingly, GE never would tell me what a typical water use for their machine would be-they wanted me to think there were too many variables to make a call-out on water usage. Baloney. They could give you some kind of a range and tell you what any qualifiers may be and I would have been satisfied.

We bought this machine at a "scratch and dent" sale where a appliance dealer from the nearby big city set up shop in a warehouse and peddled their products. Big mistake. First GE was a dud, so I demanded a brand new, still-in-the-box machine, which I got. I rather wish the company president had simply refunded my money. The notable thing here was the large number of front loader machines of many brands that were on the floor. Some even had lint stuck in the innards, suggesting those machines had been rejected by previous owners and were clearly used machines, which do not fit the description of scratch and dent, which is supposed to mean "new and unused". I suspect that as a product commodity, front loader washing machines have a long way to go before they even match the quality and reliability of the machines our mothers had.

A common complaint about GE front loaders is they often have pump failures, apparently from typical junk like coins, hairpins, etc that finds its way into the wash. Newer GE machines have an accessible pump filter that can be cleaned periodically; older models apparently did not have the filters or they were not accessible; either way, expensive repairs can result if the pump fails because of debris.

Like I mentioned earlier, do plenty of research before buying. Our next washer likely will be a plain-jane top loader.