Front load fan. I will never go back to a top loader.
I am 5 ft and cannot easily reach in to a top load machine.
I have had a front loader for 18 yrs and have never had mildew issues or smells.

We just replaced our 15 year old GE front loader with an LG front loader last week. Considered getting a top loader but when we measured it wouldn’t work in our space because there’s a cabinet above the washing machine that would prevent fully opening the lid. I had no complaints about the old machine, but one of our teens had gotten something caught in the gasket which ripped it out and the guy who came to replace it did a bad job (and I think caused additional damage) and it went downhill from there. I think if our regular appliance repair person had been available it would have kept running for a few more years.

That said, I consulted both Consumer Reports and Wirecutter (and DH looked on YouTube but and “they” agreed) and both said that front loaders clean better and use less water, and are gentler on clothing. They also both highly recommended the same model, LG WM4000, which is what I purchased.

The nice sales guy at Home Depot told me that Best Buy usually delivers more quickly and he was correct, so that’s where I bought it. I need to go back and thank the Home Depot guy.

Anonymous wrote:I’m 5’4” and literally cannot reach the bottom of my sister’s top load washing machine. Drives me nuts. I don’t want to need a step stool to do laundry.

This! I literally can’t pull clothes out of today’s top loaders without a step stool and even then I feel like I’m going to fall in. I’m almost 5 ft 2. If I were taller I might feel differently but I also have always had the kids do their own laundry so that’s a factor to consider when they are not of adult height. Our front loader has made my life much easier. We are careful to leave the door open, wipe things out regularly and occasionally run the cleaning cycle. We have had no issues in 10 years.

I’m 5’4” and literally cannot reach the bottom of my sister’s top load washing machine. Drives me nuts. I don’t want to need a step stool to do laundry.

We prefer stackable - so front loader it is. Never had a problem.

Op here. Wow!! This is great input! We were already leaning towards top load but this seals the deal. Thanks everyone!

Anonymous wrote:For folks that have a top loader, do you have an agitator or the non agitator version? And any brand recs if you really love yours?

NP and I'd love to know this too. We have a top loader without an agitator, and it's fine but it could clean better and the clothes get all twisted up together. I think I'd like to get a top loader with an agitator (our space doesn't allow for a front loader even if I wanted one).

For folks that have a top loader, do you have an agitator or the non agitator version? And any brand recs if you really love yours?

Anonymous wrote:Everyone I know with front loading washers hates them.

Always had top loaders and now that they don't have the agitator and they lock just like a front loader, can't say I love them.
Moved to a new house with huge LG front loader and so far I absolutely love them. No residue like my old top loader, and they fit a lot of clothes. I leave it open to prevent mildew.

Top load forever!!!

We bought a house where the a front loader 10 years ago after living in a rental apartment with a top loader for many years. Front loader, which sells for 3x what out old top loader did, was constant problems. Even with regularly cleaning and wiping out the door seal, it developed mildew. The filter was hard to clean and always full. The spin cycle started working erratically after just a couple years. Eventually it didn't drain properly. Replaced it with the same model cheap top loader as we had in the rental 5 years ago. It's perfect -- easy to clean, can wash pillows and blankets in it no problem, never breaks.

We've always had top loaders and will stay that way.

We recently replaced our front load with a top load and I’m never going back to a front load. I like everything about it so much better.

Everyone I know with front loading washers hates them.

Oooh same exact spot. Just had a front load washer flood (and dealing with mildew, etc). Eagerly following!

We have had front load washers for almost 15 years with some issues and looking to purchase a new washer. I was curious to see what folks thought of the top load vs front load. Any opinions are appreciated!