Help! Washer/Dryer Suggestions!

I have Maytag front loaders. They were here when we bought the house. I like them, but they would not be my choice if I were to buy another set. I prefer the traditional top loading machines.

I do like the concept of the front loader -- use less water/detergent, wash large amounts of clothes at one time. But, I just really don't like them in practicality. A "normal" cycle on my machine takes 59 minutes to wash, if I use the shorter cycle, it only washes for 6 minutes, the rest of the time is spent rinsing. I don't think 6 minutes is long enough to clean anything.

I also don't like that I have to leave the washer door and soap dispenser door open to air out after washing or else you'll get an odor. My washer and dryer are in our mud room, which connects to the garage. It is sometimes a pain to be going in and out with the doors open.

I have a front load HE washer... I like it, but wish someone would have told me that they accumulate mold in between the basket and the "wall" of the washer... Gross!!! Also recently, when I go to wash my 1st load in a few days... It smells like rotten eggs... doing research on what the heck that could be!!! My hubby thought he was spoiling me by getting this washer... Nice thought, but now I'm not so sure!!! =D

Love LOVE L O V E my Whirlpool Duet washer. I also have an older Whirlpool dryer that's the best. Some don't like the front loader washers because they get musty. I always leave the door open a little & do't have any trouble -- and I had to do that with my old top-loader as well.

I found the websites confusing also -- except for epinions. com. That one was pretty good, I thought.

Good luck!

We have the Maytag Bravos. Got it last summer and we LOVE it. Huge load capacity, no agitator... all the benefits of a front loader, but it's a top loader, so none of that trapped water nastiness. The reviews I read said it's quiet AND that it sounds like a jet taking off. As odd as it is to say, both are true. Clothes are really clean and dry quickly.

We just bought the LG brand washer/dryer. I chose their top loader, rather than the front loader. I didn't want to deal with the smell and because I have two kids that would LOVE to swing the door if I left it open to air out, I just went with the top loader.
I love love love them. I think they are the "wave force" series. They have a bunch of options that I liked. And they have a special feature that if either one breaks I just have to call LG, hold the phone next to the machine, push a button and the machine tells LG whats wrong. Awesome!

Ive heard that apparently as much as they save on water and are easier on your clothes that front load washers have a pretty short life because over time the drum gets worn down from all the weight of the water. Not sure if this is true but something to think about.

Good Luck