The return of top loaders?

[eemac]

Top load washers seem to have made a comeback!

Back in 2017 I was in the market for a new washer. There were almost no top loaders available in Home Depot, you had to hunt to find them, and the options weren't great. (The Roper TL with agitator probably would probably have been fine.) I special-ordered a SQ TL from an appliance store.

In late December 2020, we made a trip to Home Depot, and it's about 50/50 top load/front load washers now. The TLs are right out front and easy to find! And although there are some wash plate models, I was pleased to see quite a few with central agitators.

So at least in Washington state, top loaders seem to be back in fashion. Is it the same elsewhere in the US?

 

[oldschool88]

Same here in NJ, the big box stores have about 50/50 mix of top loaders and front loaders on the floor. The top loaders are disposable junk, life expectancy can be estimated at comprehensive warranty term + 1 month. Flimsy suspension rods & springs, transmission (for those that have one) made out of recycled beer cans, etc.

If I need to replace my old Maytag, it'll be either a Speed Queen LWN432 (water level hack) or a used Maytag DC.

 

[pinkpower4]

Top Loaders for Me

My next purchase will probably be another top loader. My top picks right now are still the Speed Queen TC5, Maytag mvwp575gw, and options by Laundry Alternatives right now.

I like my Maytag mvwp575gw. For the difference in price, you get the extended warranty, easier to repair, and a little better build quality. It has enough water, excellent wash action, and the main washes do have tap hot. Maytag needs to add either a water level selector or at least have a half tub fill option for Powerwash, Delicates, and Mixed. It is a modular vertical washer (mvw). Although the design is not as well built, it is easier for people like me to repair. Also, the parts are used in several of their models, which can make them easier to find and bring the cost down some. It also only cost me $50 to get someone out here to look at the Maytag (or Speed Queen), the preferred brands where I live. I could probably replace almost everything except the bearings (cheap part but labor intensive and costly to hire someone to do it for me).

Interestingly enough, the Magic Chef washer for $200 (what I paid before the pandemic), is impressive for small loads of clothing. It would be easy to replace the drain pump and a few other parts too.

The reason these are disposable is because it often costs almost half the cost of the washer to replace the gear case or control panel. I'm of the opinion, that people concerned about energy use and our environment needs to look further into cost of repairing these appliances and encouraging better build quality. Also, I wish they still offered a simple, basic mechanical model.

 

[frigilux]

I think the return of pole-type agitator in many HE machines is driving sales of HE top-loaders. Granted, some of them do little more than provide cosmetic reassurance to prospective buyers who refuse to consider a front-loader, but a few of the newest models—Maytag’s Commercial machine, the new LG, and the dual-action agitators in the budget line from Amana and Estate appear to be very effective in turning a load over.

I like my 2017 SQ top-loader, but am still a front-loader guy at heart.

 

[ea56]

I love my Roper RTW4516FW TL with DA agitator.  I’ve had it for 2 years this month, not one problem, malfunction or strange noise.  Just dependable performance, thoroughly washed and rinsed laundry in quick time for a modest price.  It may not last forever, but then, what does anymore?  And there’s nothing temperamental about this simple washing machine.  Just set the controls for Auto Sense, Regular/Normal, Hot water, press start and 34 mins later the load is finished.  Works for me.

 

I loved the old style FL’s before the computer boards and algorithms ruined a good thing. 

 

Eddie

 

[yogitunes]

a lot of impellor machines are adding a center shaft, to give the appearance of a traditional TL machine...some people think they are like machines built 20 years ago....longevity of many has yet to be seen....

@ Michael, we need to get you to join us at a few Wash-In events...

 

[warmsecondrinse]

"I'm of the opinion, that people concerned about energy use and our environment needs to look further into cost of repairing these appliances and encouraging better build quality."

I agree, but that'd be a hard sell. Most people seem only to want the words "green", "natural", and "small carbon footprint" associated with their appliance purchase. It's amazing how many people have no idea what a "carbon footprint" is, much less that the disposal of an old appliance has one.

 

[pierreandreply4]

wonder what those new models look like?

i do agree with warmsecond rinse and i do miss when appliances where made to last like this machine plus on older vintage ear washer you had the instruction and wash care label printed on the lid on some models with recommended wash rinse temp and wash time today its mostly colored pics or have to refer online or get the instruction manuals on internet plus controls where easy to read and there was no atc to control wash rinse temp for the water you had true war water when chosing warm wash hot water for hot water wash and depending on what needs to be wash or more delicate fabric cold water hot warm water was not mix with cold water plus on some models like the pic lint filters where effective and with some models depending on the brand like the one i am using as an exemple or load size you had the mini basket option.

 

[jamiel]

wow, that must have been TOL at Eaton's.

 

[washninja]

+1.. I recently purchased the new LG Top Loader with Agitator. I have observed a very good wash action, and the tub will fill with water all the way over the top fins. Let me know if you have any questions about it.

Full cycle video

 

[warmsecondrinse]

#8

I remember Eaton's. I got some good clothes there...... I also picked up some killer Priape jeans, although I have a feeling that was at a store on St. Denis.

Speaking of Montreal, if you want a cute movie, check out "Mambo Italiano". It's set in Montreal Nord around Duplessis and Lacordaire. They have the Italian background perfect, lol! Like the characters could be my ex's cousins and I swear it was shot on their block. Very light & fluffy with a HAPPY ending. Boy gets Boy.

#7

Pic 3 is just a bit too dark for me to make out. Any chance of a pic that lets us read all the controls, esp. the ones on the left? Merci Beaucoup.

 

[pierreandreply4]

where did you read that toploads are returning?

where did you rad that topload are making a return?

 

[twintubdexter]

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #008000;">Top load washers aren't making a "return" because they never went anywhere to begin with, now or in the foreseeable future.  Wake up and smell the Downey Ultra Fresh.</span>

 

[vacerator]

I reccomended

a front loader to my stepson and hid gal for their new house. However, I also told them it might dance more in their main floor laundery over the basement. I said thry'd need large anti slip friction pads at least, especially with a pededstal, which raises the center of gravity. New houses aren't nearly as strong in the floor truss area either. They opted for a Samsung top loader with tall agitator.

 

[eemac]

Top loaders for the win!

The Olympia, WA Home Depot is now basically ALL top-loaders. There's literally a couple of front-loaders tucked as far from the main aisle as possible.

Even better: real water level selectors are showing up again *with full-color marketing copy*!

We're almost back to where we were in the Good Decades. :- ) All we need now is true hot-water fills and a warm-water rinse option. Anything else we're missing?

 

[pinkpower4]

Speed Queen TC5 and Maytag mvwp575gw Water Level

Hope the next models of the two washers will include the water level feature.

Maytag should go back to the tried and true models everyone liked instead of the vmw and hung suspension.

 

[appnut]

That's ok, I'd much rather have a front loader with a heater to boost water temperatures than a shredding toploader that causes my monthly sewer bill to increase and my water consumption rate to increase per unit because I use so much more water.

 

[DADoES]

 
Hung suspension ... the beloved Whirlpool/Kenmore belt-drive toploaders from the 1950s to mid 1980s had the tub hanging on suspension rods, oscillation dampened via rubber balls.

 

[agiflow]

I have no problem with the hung suspension after a full year with my Amana. Just wish it had more options for soil settings.

I've done about 40 or so videos of my Amana and the balancing while once in awhile will hit the tub with something heavy on one side, but it will still straighten out and spin the load fine.

It's been an all around very decent performer.