I have had 2 front load washers in 12 years. The original Maytag Neptune, now Whirlpool Duet HT. I used to put more clothes in a top load machine. Now I split a load into 2 loads and do 2 washes. Even king size sheets are done in 2 loads in the Duet. Not very smart. Even in the dryer the sheets are dried individually. I don't think I'm saving any money doing this. I'm thinking of going back to a top load machine and get it all done in one load. What do you all think? I have tried doing a "normal" load in a front loader and they don't seem to come out clean.
Another FL or back to Top Load
- Thread starter leononmaui
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I can put more in my FridGEmore front loader than I did with my old Maytag Top loader.
I think my front loader cleaned better than the TL washer I've used in the past.
I also did the numbers on our water use, We save almost 12,000 gallons going from TL to HE.
I think my front loader cleaned better than the TL washer I've used in the past.
I also did the numbers on our water use, We save almost 12,000 gallons going from TL to HE.
Top.
Call me crazy, but I like the thorough, fast cycles of a good top loader. Check out Speed Queen's latest if you want a good one.
Dave
Call me crazy, but I like the thorough, fast cycles of a good top loader. Check out Speed Queen's latest if you want a good one.
Dave
toggleswitch2
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One of each. Naturally.
Both have their benfits and drawbacks.
Both have their benfits and drawbacks.
ronhic
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Blimey...
...having never used an American front load machine, it is difficult to comprehend to some degree, but even little 4kg (9lb) Hoovers will happily take a full sheet set and a duvet cover....
...and I tend to wash a full QS sheet set and a duvet cover on the cottons quick 60c (hot) cycle in my machine....no issues at all...and it's not a big capacity like a duet
...having never used an American front load machine, it is difficult to comprehend to some degree, but even little 4kg (9lb) Hoovers will happily take a full sheet set and a duvet cover....
...and I tend to wash a full QS sheet set and a duvet cover on the cottons quick 60c (hot) cycle in my machine....no issues at all...and it's not a big capacity like a duet
toploader1984
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speed queen TOP loader hands down!!! when the machine lasts 30 years, u will be happy, people think they are saving money by buying a front loader and "going green" but it is all just a fad, what is better for a budget AND environment? 2 or 3 front loaders in 25 years going into landfills and 3 to 4 thousand dollars for new ones or buying a good built machine ONE time!! you do the math. not all front loaders are bad, MOST of them have a lifespan of 5 years here in america, i have heard that the speed queen front loader is a good machine.
dj-gabriele
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I checked how big was a king size sheet and according to what I found it is "72 x 84 inches (or 182 x 213 cm)". That's quite smaller than a "matrimoniale" (double) sheet that we use in Italy (260 X 300 cm). Now, in a 5kg machine, can I put a complete set of those, upper, lower and pillow cases. The Duet, here is marketed as a 10 or 11 kg machine! It should fit more stuff than any other machine. That is more than 24 lbs of clothes, did you ever fill the drum to the top?
Sorry if I sound polemic but I'm mesmerized!
Sorry if I sound polemic but I'm mesmerized!
toggleswitch2
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sizes
I had heard that in Greece they like our Queen sized sheets. Most similar to what is used there.
interiordec.about.com
I had heard that in Greece they like our Queen sized sheets. Most similar to what is used there.
Bedroom Design Tips & Ideas
Make your dream bedroom a reality. See designer-approved styling tips, decor inspiration, and comprehensive design guides on how to better your bedroom.
toggleswitch2
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Wow. I'm learning English from Italians! LOL
Actually it's high-level English derived from the Greek.....
(ducks and runs)
en.wikipedia.org
Actually it's high-level English derived from the Greek.....
(ducks and runs)
Polemic - Wikipedia
dj-gabriele
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Polemic? 
hahaha
That was easy for me, it's similar to our "polemico" that has the same meaning.
hahahaThat was easy for me, it's similar to our "polemico" that has the same meaning.
What's wrong with this picture?
Hi Leon,
I don't know why you aren't taking advantage of the larger front loaders capacity (compared to a top loader) and loading with a full, or mostly full load. Also, why would you dry only ONE sheet in the dryer at a time? That is SUCH a waste of resources, money, etc.
Of course it's ultimately it's your choice, but going back to a top loader is not going to give you the ability to wash more items per load. Also, just because a top load machine uses more water does not make your cloths any cleaner. Granted the rinsing can be better the some FL machines.
I have a 12 year old Frigidaire Gallery FL washer which has a smaller tub capacity (3.1 cu. ft. vs. 3.34 for the Neptune and 3.8 for the Duet) and I wash a set of Cal King sheets and 4 king pillow cases, all in one load, every week and they ALWAYS come out clean. I also dry all those in one load too and never have a problem.
One time just for grins I washed the Cal King sheets W/pillow cases AND a queen size sheet set W/ two pillow cases, at the same time, ALL ONE LOAD! I also dried all those in one load too. They all came out nice and fresh and clean!! They did dry fine but BOY was the dryer FULL, right to the top!
My point? Load the machine as it should be loaded, put some cloths in it!
Hi Leon,
I don't know why you aren't taking advantage of the larger front loaders capacity (compared to a top loader) and loading with a full, or mostly full load. Also, why would you dry only ONE sheet in the dryer at a time? That is SUCH a waste of resources, money, etc.
Of course it's ultimately it's your choice, but going back to a top loader is not going to give you the ability to wash more items per load. Also, just because a top load machine uses more water does not make your cloths any cleaner. Granted the rinsing can be better the some FL machines.
I have a 12 year old Frigidaire Gallery FL washer which has a smaller tub capacity (3.1 cu. ft. vs. 3.34 for the Neptune and 3.8 for the Duet) and I wash a set of Cal King sheets and 4 king pillow cases, all in one load, every week and they ALWAYS come out clean. I also dry all those in one load too and never have a problem.
One time just for grins I washed the Cal King sheets W/pillow cases AND a queen size sheet set W/ two pillow cases, at the same time, ALL ONE LOAD! I also dried all those in one load too. They all came out nice and fresh and clean!! They did dry fine but BOY was the dryer FULL, right to the top!
My point? Load the machine as it should be loaded, put some cloths in it!
hoover1100
Well-known member
Have to agree with Kevin
And as for build quality Miele is a million miles ahead of anything Speed Queen can produce. Now I realise these are extortionately priced, but if reliability is what you want, and if you want a machine made like machines of days gone by, this really is the only option.
I would really just try loading the machine until you can just get your hand in on top of the clothes without having to pack them down really hard.
More water dosen't mean better results, contrary to what most people would think.
I was also under the impression most U.S. front loaders are bigger than most U.S. toploaders.
Matt
And as for build quality Miele is a million miles ahead of anything Speed Queen can produce. Now I realise these are extortionately priced, but if reliability is what you want, and if you want a machine made like machines of days gone by, this really is the only option.
I would really just try loading the machine until you can just get your hand in on top of the clothes without having to pack them down really hard.
More water dosen't mean better results, contrary to what most people would think.
I was also under the impression most U.S. front loaders are bigger than most U.S. toploaders.
Matt
hoover1100
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I meant to say
extortionately priced in the U.S.
posted too fast
extortionately priced in the U.S.
posted too fast
norfolksouthern
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The problem with our front loaders:
Comparing the Duet I'm renting to my Italian Zerowatt, the Zerowatt balances best when it is full. However, I get better results with the Whirlpool when I load just a little over half its capacity. Again, there's a balancing issue here and the Whirlpool often won't go into spin when it is fully loaded with bulky items. There has to be enough space for items to move around and take their positions as the computer slowly ramps up and does its testing.
For a front loader, getting a Miele may be the best bet. Here, they really don't cost much more than a cheap Electrolux. The Duet, and others like it (Samsung, E-Lux, LG, etc), contain many delicate plastic trim pieces and thin stamped sheet metal frame components. It would be OK if you want a new HE machine but need to buy something cheap, but a gentle touch and a lot of care are mandatory. A decent front loader requires a good investment and a solid floor!
Top loaders: You can use any brand and type of detergent in a standard top loader without any worry of choking up its pluming. They are simple, and can run for years without needing repairs. And often, parts can be found cheap. Capacity is limited, though, and they can be prone to billowing (cloths float, and the agitator doesn't pull them down to the fins). Standard top loaders tend to be better at flushing and rinsing than most typical HE machines. When the price is low, the manufacturer has to compromise between price, quality, and performance. A top loader's simpler design and lower parts count makes this easier, passing the savings down to the customer.
NorfolkSouthern
Comparing the Duet I'm renting to my Italian Zerowatt, the Zerowatt balances best when it is full. However, I get better results with the Whirlpool when I load just a little over half its capacity. Again, there's a balancing issue here and the Whirlpool often won't go into spin when it is fully loaded with bulky items. There has to be enough space for items to move around and take their positions as the computer slowly ramps up and does its testing.
For a front loader, getting a Miele may be the best bet. Here, they really don't cost much more than a cheap Electrolux. The Duet, and others like it (Samsung, E-Lux, LG, etc), contain many delicate plastic trim pieces and thin stamped sheet metal frame components. It would be OK if you want a new HE machine but need to buy something cheap, but a gentle touch and a lot of care are mandatory. A decent front loader requires a good investment and a solid floor!
Top loaders: You can use any brand and type of detergent in a standard top loader without any worry of choking up its pluming. They are simple, and can run for years without needing repairs. And often, parts can be found cheap. Capacity is limited, though, and they can be prone to billowing (cloths float, and the agitator doesn't pull them down to the fins). Standard top loaders tend to be better at flushing and rinsing than most typical HE machines. When the price is low, the manufacturer has to compromise between price, quality, and performance. A top loader's simpler design and lower parts count makes this easier, passing the savings down to the customer.
NorfolkSouthern
mrb627
Well-known member
You are right Norfolk
I totally agree with you Norfolk. The Duet that I had before the LG both had the same quality. About 2/3rds full was the fullest you could load the machines and still expect good results. And you must use the prewash to get the best results.
I think it is a combination of the tilted tub and the limited amount of water in the machine.
I still don't understand this race to use the least amount of water in the machine. Then they want you to run a cleaning cycle every 30 loads. A cleaning cycle that uses an enormous amount of water.
I think the cleaning cycle is a required as a result of a combination of things.
1) Low water temperatures.
2) Using too little detergent so that soils are not held in suspension.
3) Plastic outer tubs.
4) Lack of water for rinsing.
So, for me, the first requirment for a FL or TL washer is NO PLASTIC OUTER TUB! Which knocks all the mainstream manufacturers. Even the big Mieles don't qualify. Only Speed Queen, the Mini-Mieles, and the Asko minis are left.
Malcolm
I totally agree with you Norfolk. The Duet that I had before the LG both had the same quality. About 2/3rds full was the fullest you could load the machines and still expect good results. And you must use the prewash to get the best results.
I think it is a combination of the tilted tub and the limited amount of water in the machine.
I still don't understand this race to use the least amount of water in the machine. Then they want you to run a cleaning cycle every 30 loads. A cleaning cycle that uses an enormous amount of water.
I think the cleaning cycle is a required as a result of a combination of things.
1) Low water temperatures.
2) Using too little detergent so that soils are not held in suspension.
3) Plastic outer tubs.
4) Lack of water for rinsing.
So, for me, the first requirment for a FL or TL washer is NO PLASTIC OUTER TUB! Which knocks all the mainstream manufacturers. Even the big Mieles don't qualify. Only Speed Queen, the Mini-Mieles, and the Asko minis are left.
Malcolm
question about wash action
As Norfolk wrote those vintage frontloaders that use plenty of water in the main wash perform better @ full load. Half loads revolve while floating rather than tumbling. This mechanical action is too gentle to remove spots and stains, e.g. from table linens and kitchen towels.... so @ those times it ended up with LCB in the first rinse.
Not a case, vintage mieles had a default hi level prewash for a faster saturation, then a LOW level main wash to achieve an effective tumble action
So my question : are agitator/impeller toploaders able to clean spotted and stained kitchen towels/tablelinens without LCB help ?
Please don't take this question as a wind-up.
To be fair this question should be addressed to British members who know the Hotpoint Liberator toploaders (with internal heater that could boilwash too)
TIA
Carlo
As Norfolk wrote those vintage frontloaders that use plenty of water in the main wash perform better @ full load. Half loads revolve while floating rather than tumbling. This mechanical action is too gentle to remove spots and stains, e.g. from table linens and kitchen towels.... so @ those times it ended up with LCB in the first rinse.
Not a case, vintage mieles had a default hi level prewash for a faster saturation, then a LOW level main wash to achieve an effective tumble action
So my question : are agitator/impeller toploaders able to clean spotted and stained kitchen towels/tablelinens without LCB help ?
Please don't take this question as a wind-up.
To be fair this question should be addressed to British members who know the Hotpoint Liberator toploaders (with internal heater that could boilwash too)
TIA
Carlo
toggleswitch2
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A top loader's simpler design and lower parts count makes this easier, passing the savings down to the customer.
uhm, actuallly a front-loader does not need a transmission. Most classic top-loaders need a transmission.
Are you considering a front-loader's dispensers as mechnically complicated?
uhm, actuallly a front-loader does not need a transmission. Most classic top-loaders need a transmission.
Are you considering a front-loader's dispensers as mechnically complicated?
norfolksouthern
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Toggleswitch2:
Actually, I was referring to the suspension components in top loaders, vs front loaders. And yes, it has been my experience that a top-loader is easier to service. For one, top loaders are lighter and easier for me to move around, while front loaders have more weight and take considerably more effort. I can remove a DD Whirlpool top loader's pump by pulling off the cabinet and removing a couple snaps, while I would have to almost completely disassemble my Italian Zerowatt. Sorry if I wasn't making myself more clear.
NorfolkSouthern
Actually, I was referring to the suspension components in top loaders, vs front loaders. And yes, it has been my experience that a top-loader is easier to service. For one, top loaders are lighter and easier for me to move around, while front loaders have more weight and take considerably more effort. I can remove a DD Whirlpool top loader's pump by pulling off the cabinet and removing a couple snaps, while I would have to almost completely disassemble my Italian Zerowatt. Sorry if I wasn't making myself more clear.
NorfolkSouthern
So my question : are agitator/impeller toploaders able to cl
Yes, provided one knows what one is doing.
Just means thinking a little backward instead of modern way.
Have washed everything from badly soiled kitchen linens, to white socks worn indoors as slippers so long they ranged from grey to "yuck", and everything comes out whiter than white.
Top loading washing machines by their nature have more to do with the old "dolly stick" washing of yesterday and the "pounding on a rock" action mimiced by front loaders.
To clean badly stained laundry properly in a top loader, one needs to do women did years ago; first a warm or cool wash soak, followed by a hot wash, all with proper detergents/soaps.
The cool to warm pre-wash or pre-soak carries off a major part of the dirt, loosens soils and stains, and also prevents same from being set by hot water. The hot wash shifts whatever soils and stains are left.
As for bleaching in a top loader, most use LCB, but one or two washes (as in pre-soak or pre-wash, then main wash), with a good detergent containing advanced oxygen bleaching system (such as Tide with Bleach), will shift even the most stubborn stains. Indeed a very good enzyme detergent alone, without bleaches of any sort can and will shift most stains,especially if given enough time to do the job.
Certain stains are always pre-treated regardless how I am doing the wash, top or front load or twin tub. Blood stains will shift easily without bleach if they are pre-treated with a good enzyme based stain product. Old and or set in blood stains may require spot treatment first with enzyme product then oxygen bleach, either way they are gone.
Problem with top loading washing machine results, lies not as much with the design of the washer, but how most do their laundry in the things.
Bunging in a load of clothing, setting the machine to "hot" and hoping for the best. simply will not do.
As for front loading washing machines being more gentle on wash than top loaders; well yes that was true when the former actually used more than a cup full of water to wash clothes. By and large today most machines barely wet the load down and to compenstate for decreased water use, have exteneded wash cycles. So now you have laundry being beaten about itself and against the wash tub for almost an hour in some cases, just for the "wash" cycle. Enough of that often enough and you will have badly worn items.
Yes, provided one knows what one is doing.
Just means thinking a little backward instead of modern way.
Have washed everything from badly soiled kitchen linens, to white socks worn indoors as slippers so long they ranged from grey to "yuck", and everything comes out whiter than white.
Top loading washing machines by their nature have more to do with the old "dolly stick" washing of yesterday and the "pounding on a rock" action mimiced by front loaders.
To clean badly stained laundry properly in a top loader, one needs to do women did years ago; first a warm or cool wash soak, followed by a hot wash, all with proper detergents/soaps.
The cool to warm pre-wash or pre-soak carries off a major part of the dirt, loosens soils and stains, and also prevents same from being set by hot water. The hot wash shifts whatever soils and stains are left.
As for bleaching in a top loader, most use LCB, but one or two washes (as in pre-soak or pre-wash, then main wash), with a good detergent containing advanced oxygen bleaching system (such as Tide with Bleach), will shift even the most stubborn stains. Indeed a very good enzyme detergent alone, without bleaches of any sort can and will shift most stains,especially if given enough time to do the job.
Certain stains are always pre-treated regardless how I am doing the wash, top or front load or twin tub. Blood stains will shift easily without bleach if they are pre-treated with a good enzyme based stain product. Old and or set in blood stains may require spot treatment first with enzyme product then oxygen bleach, either way they are gone.
Problem with top loading washing machine results, lies not as much with the design of the washer, but how most do their laundry in the things.
Bunging in a load of clothing, setting the machine to "hot" and hoping for the best. simply will not do.
As for front loading washing machines being more gentle on wash than top loaders; well yes that was true when the former actually used more than a cup full of water to wash clothes. By and large today most machines barely wet the load down and to compenstate for decreased water use, have exteneded wash cycles. So now you have laundry being beaten about itself and against the wash tub for almost an hour in some cases, just for the "wash" cycle. Enough of that often enough and you will have badly worn items.
