Forum

You can buy stackable or not stackable, but i'm starting to lose it with a bad purchase of a front loader high efficiency unit (We chose not to stack because the previous owners didn't).  Mold in the gaskets, less water, can't add something once the water goes on, special no-suds detergent.  Overall front loaders perform better from a washing perspective and are more energy efficient so i think it was my inheriting a crappy model from a previous owner that accounts for my frustration.  Get a good one no matter what model you purchase and you won't be regretting it.  
Stackable is hands down more convenient to me, but my knees are fine.  If you have knee/bending issues, the combo units with top loaders would seem to be a good compromise, but i think they are all very basic low-tech models and sorely lacking features (I still use our combo top loader despite having the fancy stackable front loaders) - my wife prefers the front loaders.  
 
Consumer reports top picks:
Front load stackable:
Whirlpool Duet WFW94HEX[W]; 
Whirlpool Duet WFW95HEX[}

The LG's, GE's, Frigidaire, Bosch, Haier mostly rated poorly.  Maytags can be "OK" or horrible depending on model.  

Top Loader:
Samsung WA5451AN 
Whirlpool Vantage WTW7990X[G]
 
Be careful with specific samsung models, they have as many low rated units as high rated.  
The LG's, GE's, Frigidaire, Bosch, Haier all rated poorly.  Maytags can be "OK" or horrible depending on model.  
 
Overall, including both types, The Sears Kenmore across the board are rated fairly well and fairly consistent between their different models.  

12:34 AM 02/07/2012 | 1 Votes

Stackable is definitely worth the space saving. I have an LG extra large capacity stacking set in my own house. If you are doing stackables just make sure your appliance dealer orders the manufacturers stacking kit.
 

12:47 AM 02/07/2012 | 0 Votes

If you have the space, separate units on pedestal bases leaves a nice work surface for folding laundry and other sometimes damp tasks. usually the washer on left so doors open towards each other. Stacked units don't have the pedestal, so I find it hard to bend down to lower (washer) and sometimes items don't get noticed.

This was th eimpetus for the Heisenberg "sock" Uncertainty Theorem. If I recall my college physics, it postulates that a sock once missing tends to stay in hiding. Entropy always increases.

2:44 AM 02/07/2012 | 0 Votes

If you have the space, go with separate units.  If you are just one person this is less of an issue but if there are two of you or more, you'll want the larger capacity and quicker washing and especially drying time of the larger units.

8:10 AM 02/07/2012 | 0 Votes

We tend to specify side-by-side front loaders with a countertop over them, providing a nice folding surface which eliminates the gap between the machines and looks much more finished.  It also leaves you the ability to have shelves above to store linens, detergent, etc, or leave it open for hanging space.  Plus it gives you a space to put the basket instead of leaving it on the floor in the hall, and then close the doors so you don't have to look at it all the time. 

8:51 AM 02/07/2012 | 2 Votes

I have the same problem as slopemope with mold in the rubber gasket on a front loader and from what I've read its a common problem with front loaders.

11:15 AM 02/07/2012 | 1 Votes

what jimhill said...totally agree.  always go with side by side if you have the  room, and you will have a whole little laundry room, even if it is a closet, with space for storage of laundry stuff and clothing. If you prefer not to have to bend down to unload, get them on pedestals, which come with storage drawers in them sometimes.  though you will need to decide whether you prefer the higher height of the machines to having a counter at convenient folding table height above floor level units instead.  if you have room for a folding counter elsewhere nearby, then you can have both.  what bothers me most about stackables, not being all that tall, is having a hard time peering into the dryer to find those errant socks.   

12:28 PM 02/07/2012 | 0 Votes

re the mold in the gasket--you have to leave the door open after every use of the washer so that it can dry out. when I do that I have no problem. but if soembody in the family forgets, then it smells. you can always run a load of laundry with bleach next instead of running a quick wash with bleach just to clean the washer, but easier to just leave the door open. 

2:03 PM 02/07/2012 | 2 Votes

BHS, I inherited my front loader with mold already on the rubber gasket.  Any idea how to get rid of it?  I've tried running a wash with bleach but that hasn't done it so far.

2:39 PM 02/07/2012 | 0 Votes

Yes, just leave the door open, that will eliminate any mold issues.

2:51 PM 02/07/2012 | -1 Votes

one way or anoter do not buy all-in-one washer+ventless dryer, We had one of these and it did not remove lint. So we had lint flying all over the place.

11:12 PM 02/07/2012 | 0 Votes

I'm kind of a newbie too in the whole washing machine buying category so I need a little bit of help here! I want a nice washer but I also don't want to spend a billion dollars (doesn't everybody?) So I was hoping for a little advice and suggestions about buying a little bit cheaper washer that's still pretty high quality if that makes sense. I found this site http://www.squidoo.com/front-l... and it was good to read some information about each washer. I'm thinking about buying the LG WT5070 but i'm not sure if that's the best washer for the price. Any help or suggestions would be great, thanks guys.

5:46 PM 05/16/2013 | 0 Votes

Brandthin,
You have posted to a thread from over a year ago.
 
Do not expect a reply as no one unless they searched as you did would see your post.

6:08 PM 05/16/2013 | 0 Votes