have front loaders and hate them!

I have a front loader set from Frigidaire that I've have for about 5 years now. Never a problem with them. I don't use HE detergent -- I just use about a quarter of the recommended amount of regular detergent. No problem with odor since I leave the door propped open for a while to dry after I use the washer. Gentler on clothes, uses less water, use much less detergent, quiet, can fit large amounts in them, can do rugs, comforters, etc. I did spring for the bases for them -- can't figure out why those are so expensive, but to me they were worth it.

Funny you should ask that,I had to buy a new set yesterday.I had to replace my Whirlpool Cabreio.It was only 6yrs old,had to have repairs done twice in that time.I went with a Speed Queen they will be delivered today.I don;t know how they will hold up,but they have plain ole dials no computerized dash.My MIL had one that lasted 20 something yrs,so we;ll see how it goes.Oh DH ordered a new side by side fridge too.
The speed queen says made in USA

Just bought a new washer last week. I found the whole process very frustrating. I ended up with an LG front loader.

I was replacing a front load Maytag. I will never buy another Maytag. Several repairmen told me that they aren't what they used to be.

I found it amusing (not the right word, but I can't think of the word I want) that washers now come with built in water heaters, and even steam. What happened to all the hype about washing your clothes in cold water?

My first washer (not the Maytag) lasted 25 years. Now they are expected to last 10 years. I find that very annoying.

Me too...I would never recommend them to anyone...

I have a front loading Magtag washer and dryer 5000 Series. They are high capacity and will wash a ton of clothes or just one garment depending on your choice. I would never own anything but a front loader since it is on a drawer and I can reach straight in to the drum, no bending over. The same with the dryer. The low water used in a front loader is a very nice feature but the no bending is the BEST FEATURE of all. Consider what the next 10-20 years may be like health wise for you.

I replaced Maytag with a Frigidaire washer. Been using Frigidaire almost 5 years, love it. Also, replaced dryer, and got a fantastic deal by getting the set. I do use the HD Tide. Has several different wash, dry, rinse cycles and tempertures for water. Large tub will hold a bed comforter. Maytag is not what is used to be. I purchase my appliances from a local store. I get much better prices than big box stores, plus the service is always on time with trained tecs. Local business people are happy for your support.

I have Maytag - toploader. Have heard that if the water pump goes out on a front loader, you have a real problem, with a toploader you can scoop out the water.
I also love how you can avoid mildew on toploaders by opening the top when you are done to allow it to dry out.

We have well water with iron. My only requirement was a stainless steel drum - no chipped enamel with rust.

My first washing machine of my own was a Kenmore; it also lasted about 25 yrs. (Ouch, I'm getting old!) I can't remember the brands but my next machine was a front loader. I liked the water/detergent savings but it died at the 8 yr mark.

With my first front loader, I came home one day to the sound of a cement mixer in my basement. I asked my boyfriend, "what's that noise?" He says, "Oh, its just the washing machine." Huh? Being female, I ran down and stopped the washer, thinking that something is wrong, don't make it worse, call the repairman. His thinking, being male, was to let it run to completion, take out the laundry, then throw in another load. Huh?!!

Turns out neither approach would have worked in the long run. If I remember correctly, the bearings on the main shaft had rusted to the point of failure and couldn't be fixed. I liked the front loader style so I went out and bought another one. Four years later it's still going strong but I'm waiting for that fateful day when I come home to hear another cement mixer in the basement! :-)

In the meantime, a couple of observations/points:
1. I've heard/read more than once that the front loaders typically fail at the ten year mark. Given the hefty purchase price, I expect longevity!
2. There are times I have really missed the high-speed spin cycle on the top loaders. The front loader does most things okay but there are those rare times...
3. The front loaders are gentler on the clothes but I'm noticing that my whites are not staying white; they eventually pick up a grey(?) tinge that all the non-chlorine bleach and OxyClean won't touch. Maybe it's the fabrics now-a-days -- anyone else experience this?

Long & short of it, sorry for the long post, I think I'll buy a top loader next time. They're coming out with ones now that are gentler than the ones from years back. JMHO.