So you’re looking for a new clothes washer.
This can be a confusing and overwhelming experience as there are endless models and so many opinions. I know, I just went through this!
Here is our old washer, installed circa 1993 by the previous owner. Do you realize that is 22 years? And, as far as we know, never a repair or service call. No, they don’t make them like that anymore… However, it had begun to make very strange noises and then, when our most wonderful friend and plumber came and took a look, all he could say was
“Libby, you’re pushing your luck each and every day you keep this washer in your house.” It turns out that not only was the washer about to go, but the hoses attaching it had blisters on them and could burst any minute.
Here are a few considerations that emerged from my experience:
Configuration: Top Loader vs. Front Loader
1. Overall View: This seems to leads everyone’s list and yes, there are many pros and cons for each type of machine. The cons of a front loader seem to be the issue of mold and sitting water. So many reviews of these machines, either on the manufacturer’s sites or Houzz or Hometalk warn about this issue. And, the water/mold problem far outweighs the style and design of these contemporary machines.
• My personal takeaway : I don’t want to deal with ANY mold or sitting water…no, I just don’t want to ever have to think about it and the myriad solutions proposed by many.
2. Machine height. The drum of these machines reaches low…and that is where your clothes will rest at the end of the cycle. You will have to bend d-o-w-n to fetch your clothes.
• My takeaway: I don’t want to have to bend down to get my wet clothes out of the washer. Every sock, every tea towel, every pillow case will require this. One solution is to buy a base. Well, for me, that is just one more gimmick. I also have a shelf over my machine and am not sure if that added height would be possible.
Price
1. A front loader will use less water, but a top loader will cost less up front. There was, I found, a huge difference in price.
• My takeaway: I don’t want to pay the price for a not very reliable front loader.
Details of the Machine (Having Decided on a Top Loader)
1. Center agitator vs. no agitator:
• My takeaway: I wanted a center agitator. There are not many left out there! But they do a better job, I think, and are more reliable than a huge empty space in that machine. I found three models when I went looking.
2. There is also the issue of size. Machines come in various load capability sizes.
My takeaway: For me, I didn’t want a huge washer. There are two of us here. We don’t wash heavy, bulky items such as comforters or rugs (other than a small 2×3′).
3. Then there is the question of just how many actual wash choices you really need. Do you really NEED to have fifteen or twenty variables when putting clothes into the washer? Really???
4. How about water temperature choices? I need a warm wash and a cold wash. Period. I would like to have the option of a warm rinse, but now ALL washers have only cold rinse,no matter the wash temp.
5. Lock during wash cycle. This is an important one! My plumber warned me in advance about this…thank goodness. Many machines go into a lock mode as soon as the cycle starts/water begins to flow. This is a safety measure, I understand. But I want to be able to check the water temp or water level, or perhaps add another item, or see if I added too much/too little soap.
- My takeaway: I found a machine that has a “pause” button, allowing you to open the lid and check inside, then push button again to resume cycle.

Just a small sampling of the American appliance experience!
It’s a lot to consider. Every family’s needs are different; each budget is different; and each person has a particular wish list for such an appliance. For me, I wanted simple. I don’t need the latest and newest : I want reliability. I also wanted white, so that made it simple.

Click HERE to see the website for this model.
And, best of all, it cost less than $500.00. It is also very energy efficient, with an estimated yearly operating cost of $22.00. This is mainly due to the fact that it has an “auto adjust” level: it senses your load and adjusts the water accordingly.
My recommendation is to take your time, do your research, and think about what you need/want in a machine. Don’t be swayed by the fancy hype!
What’s your story? Do you have any recommendations for us? Any particular story of good or bad products/service?
Just went through this experience. I chose the front loader….I hated it and returned it for the traditional top loader for all of the reasons you discussed!
Leslie: Whew! Glad someone else actually felt the same way…you never know if all the reviews and comments are sincere. Those front loaders look so beautiful! but just not for me.
22 years. That is amazing. Ours seemed to be programmed to last about 8 years.
chicatanyage recently posted…New season – New shoes
Josephine: Well, I think the “older” machines were just made better. We had one up North that last about twenty-five years, with even heavier use than this one. We will see just how well this new, simplified machine does!
I have a front loader on a stand. I got it so my mom could negotiate it, though she never did. I’ve had no problems with it — 12 years later. What brand/model did you get? I may be in the market for one soon. I think just like you!
Jo Maeder recently posted…HAPPINESS AT NO COST
Wow, Jo, that might be a record for a front loader! I got a GE: model is listed above on the image. Went to HH Gregg.
I’m so sorry you couldn’t come yesterday: what a beautiful day it was. We sat out by the lake in the sun. I’ve been asking around for you and will let you know if I hear anything.
It was a glorious day! Please let me know if you hear of anything. Hoping my house sells soon.
Jo Maeder recently posted…HAPPINESS AT NO COST
Hello Libby,
I’ve had a top loader and currently own a front loader. I really love the front loader and have not had any problems with it other than it does not automatically re-distribute the load should it become unbalanced. It always finishes out the cycle but with the clothes wet and not properly spun out. (I think that is the correct way to use spun. LOL) So, that is my only complaint. I have found out recently that they do have something on the newer ones that automatically re-distributes the loads. I love the fact that I use way less water, and it is so much quieter than my old top loader (which reminded me of a mule kicking when it kicked into the wash cycle and was extremely loud) My old one was a Maytag and I didn’t have all that many problems with it other than that. The one I have now is a Bosc and I have had no problems with it and it is 6 years old now. (Knock on wood) LOL
Kris recently posted…Playing Catch Up
Kris: Yes, I’ve heard that too about the front loaders. And Bosc is supposed to be among the best! But it gets so confusing, looking for just the right thing, no?
Libby recently posted…MY GUIDE TO BUYING A CLOTHES WASHER
Libby, this is timely as we just had to replace our clothes dryer! I don’t have time right now to read your post (will do so at lunch today), but I have two words: Speed Queen. If you haven’t purchased yet, check them out. Totally US made product, commercial grade, made tough like they used to make them. We are thrilled with our dryer so far! I may do a post on this!
Claudia recently posted…Greyhound / Salty Dog
Claudia: Yes, we already purchased the model shown on the post. So far, so good! It’s very quiet and works just fine. We don’t have a clothes dryer at all, so that’s not an issue for us. It’s so helpful to get info. from other (trusted) bloggers, isn’t it?
Libby, thank you for directing me to this post after you read my post this week on dryers! Very interesting, informative and well written. Yes, you and I have the same sort of personality, don’t we! Practical and economical. Don’t be swayed by the fancy stuff, is right!
Claudia recently posted…A New Dryer and Shelving Unit