What's the best front loader?

[mumofKieran]

Hi,
what are people's opinions on the best brand/s of front loader? Our washing machine is about to die and we are getting a new one...

Also which ones should I avoid??

Thanks in advance :)

[Noah_and_Elijah]

We have a 7kg Fisher and Paykel and it's great. It was a little on the pricey side at over $1,000 but definately worth the investment.

It's also really good on water too which is always a bonus these days.

[~Bec~]

I've got a 7kg LG and it's great although each load of washing takes ages.

I always seem to drop a sock on the way to the washing machine - unlike top loaders you can't just open it up and pop it in.

[missie_mack]

I had a LG too 7kg intellowasher. I think I bought it about 12 months ago. It was approved by Sydney Water because of its low water usage AAAAA and is 3 1/2 stars of electricity. Which is reasonable for any washing machine (but of course there is better)

While I ideally wanted a top loader I havent been unhappy with this machine but I really wish I had got one with a delayed start like the top loader F&P I had before it had. Probably not something I would use a lot at the moment but something I used a lot when I was at work as I could set the machine to just finish washing before someone arrived home. Some front loaders only allow washing in warm or hot water. I would probably be looking at one that does both so you have the option.

[sja]

I always seem to drop a sock on the way to the washing machine - unlike top loaders you can't just open it up and pop it in.

I have a Bosch front loader and if you turn it off, then after a minute the door lock will release and you can pop more clothes in. I'm always doing this. I'm happy enough with my machine, but I envy a friend who has one with a child lock.

[Chelle123]

I have a Bosch front loader and if you turn it off, then after a minute the door lock will release and you can pop more clothes in. I'm always doing this. I'm happy enough with my machine, but I envy a friend who has one with a child lock.
I've got the Bosch too and think its great. My biggest problem (which is a problem with all front loaders) is that you can't tip a bucket of soaking clothes/nappies into the tub, you have to put them in manually.

[mumofKieran]

Thanks ladies, keep the replies coming! I had heard that Bosch is a good brand but hadn't heard anything about the others. Mind you, I have only just started paying attention. Does anyone have one of those Italian made ones, I can't think of the brand??

[mumofKieran]

While I ideally wanted a top loader I havent been unhappy with this machine but I really wish I had got one with a delayed start like the top loader F&P I had before it had.

What's the advantage of a delayed start?

[RaryGirl]

I have an LG 7.5kg .... it's fantastic, it has a delayed start .... so I can put the washing in and set it to finish when we normally get up in the morning and it also has a wider opening, so I can tip a standard bucket straight into it without spilling any water.

[missie_mack]

What's the advantage of a delayed start?

Oh yanno you fill the machine with clothes, pop the powder in and say your going to out set it to start washing later on so maybe 5 hours or a hour.

It would be brilliant if you pay different rates for your power depending on the time of day you use it. Wash at night while it is cheap hang out in the morning but get yourself organised when you have the time IYKWIM

[floggadog]

Mines an Electrolux 8kg. it has no beeps & no child lock on the buttons but it does a really good job on the washing. It has a drain & filter at the bottom on the front which are easy ti access. It has a normal wash of 1 hour 50 + & a quick wash of 29 minutes plus a heap of others. The wool cycle is fantastic. I can stop it a various points to add clothes although TBH i've only done it a few times in the last 10 months. & According to Choice mag it was one of the better machines as far as not breaking down.
Mum had a machine, have to find out the brand that screamed when it was spinning, She had the bearings changed 2-3 times. Just watch the suspension systems & the ability to drain & clean filters.
Choice mag does have a good run down on the machines.

[floggadog]

just remembered mums was a 4kg Ariston.

[jamb]

id avoid ariston, a prop we managed had one and i hated it.

we have a samsung, apart from taking so much longer for a load the clothes come out HEAPS cleaner, stains that i had worked on for ages simply washed out first go.

annoying u cant open once started,

def get one with variable temps, colours do run on hotter loads.

sorry 1 hand type.

am loving the delayed start for 5am, thanks for that- i love bubhub

[mumofKieran]

Yeah I just read some really bad things about Ariston which is weird because the Harvey Normal rep today had us convinced they were the Ants Pants! Lucky I decided to do some research first...

[Fuchsia!]

I've got a 7kg LG and it's great although each load of washing takes ages.

I always seem to drop a sock on the way to the washing machine - unlike top loaders you can't just open it up and pop it in.
i think i have the same washing machine. I use the time save button and it only takes about an hr and the clothes wash just as good. Also sometimes if the washing machine is not on even ground it take make the wash cycle wash for an extra 45mins:)

[Lipsmacker01]

Luv my Electrolux front loader. I think ours is a 7kg model. One thing to watch out for is that if they arent properly levelled during installation they can walk!! Just like that ad. Plus if u overload them this can cause walking too.

I really like the super fast 1200 RPM spin cycle so my clothes dry up really fast. Even if I hand wash something and pop the item into the machine just to drain the water its almost dry.
I think u can set the program on ours so that it washes at a particular time during the day although I havent used that feature yet.
Maybe just check what washing powders/liquids are suitable for front loaders as I had to get rid of heaps of old stuff that used to go in my top loader but wasnt compatiable with a front one.
I like the fact that its all digital, easy to use. On ours u only turn the cold tap above the machine. Its hooked up to the electricity so that heats up the water.
If u are going to use cloth nappies then I suggest getting a bigger front loader (higher kg) as they get full pretty quickly and u cant overload them. I use the economy mode all the time which saves at least another half hour at least in washing. Stick with the good brands not no name ones and get an extended warranty as Im sure you'll get a lot of use out of it. PS try going to product review.com.au for lots of reviews on that sort of stuff. I go there all the time:thumbsup:

[Miss_Vicki]

I've got a 7kg LG and it's great although each load of washing takes ages.

I always seem to drop a sock on the way to the washing machine - unlike top loaders you can't just open it up and pop it in.

I have this one to , It also automatically heats up the water , your clothes come out steaming hot.
they are good but don't think i would recommend one ;)

[Pink73]

Oh yanno you fill the machine with clothes, pop the powder in and say your going to out set it to start washing later on so maybe 5 hours or a hour.

It would be brilliant if you pay different rates for your power depending on the time of day you use it. Wash at night while it is cheap hang out in the morning but get yourself organised when you have the time IYKWIM
If your machine doesnt have the delayed start just buy a timer you plug the machine into the timer the timer into the wall and :wizard: delayed start all for about $10.

[Lollie]

Definitely NOT a homemaker..they are a nasty piece of do-do :thumbsdown:

[Livy]

I have a 7kg LG with the Baby Care function - it washes really well and even his pooed on clothes come up really clean without any soaking. Downside is it is only 3 months old and has already broken down and I have been waiting a week for the part to come in .....grrrr:banghead:

[mumofKieran]

Thanks to everyone who gave their opinions on front loaders. After much research we bought the Electrolux Ultra Silencer and I love, love, love it. It's 8kg and washes so silently and beautifully. It has every single feature I wanted except a child lock.