I have a steam washing machine and it's good! My husband works in construction and the deep-clean mode helps to clean all the residue of dust. Also, the delicate mode allows to wash the quilts and be sure they won't rip. Besides, I have a Whirlpool dryer which has a delicate mode too, and it's convenient to use both because the dry mode of the washer doesn't make the cloth completely dry which is a must especially in winter. I remember when our dryer has broken ones in snowy December and we had to keep washing clothes in the house which leads to the mold. I thought that preparation will cost us a fortune and we were out of money at the time. But luckily we found this repair service www.appliancetechnician.ca/dryer-repair/ and they've done the job quickly.

Have the same problem. And I want to buy a steam washing machine, but not sure if it's good enough.

Beth, I agree with you on the front loading machines. I've had a new set for a year. I love the machine but you can't add clothes after it locks. Also, if you want to soak hand dyed fabrics or fabric you know will bleed you really need a top load that fills with water. I now feel I have to use the bath tub to do any soaking or a gentle wash for batting.

I, also, will have my front load for many years but when replacing will think more before replacing with a front load.

Awesome Nancy!

So far, I really like the set. I've laundered a few loads, using a lot less water and detergent. Also, it's very easy to load and unload items with the low profile wash plate.

Glad to hear you've purchased new machines fun to hear how you like them.

Barb

Well, today my new Kenmore Series 500 Top Loading High Efficiency (with a Low Profile Wash Plate) was delivered with a matching new dryer. I'm now washing my first load. Wish me luck! Thanks for all of your input, which I researched and considered. Ultimately, I felt I'd stick with a brand that had served me well for more than 20 years each on my first two sets of laundry machines. After a few months, I'll let you know if I'm pleased with my decision.

After using a top loading machine in Australia I found them to be much more user friendly, I could tell it what I wanted to do instead of already being pre- programmed to what it wanted to do.
A hot wash 7kg takes almost 3 hours in my front loader......I can adjust the temperature down to 40 and use an economy wash but that still takes 2hours and 27 minutes.
Any quicker washes you can only put 3 kg in the washer.
If I had the space and the money to buy a top loader that would be my choice.
Hope you get the machine you really like.
Anne

After reading reviews online and recommendations here, I'm more confused than before my search for a new washer. It would be great to be able to try before buying.

I only have minor problems with my existing washer, but it would cost over $200 to repair. The Sears repairman suggests not investing in the repair for a 20+ year old washer because it may soon have major problems. He also recommended purchasing the most basic machine with the features that I require, rather than paying for bells and whistles that I may never use. None of the washers made today are built to last 20 years. By the way, Whirlpool now owns the Maytag brand, too. I understand that Kenmore machines usually feature the better qualities of their Whirlpool counterparts.

All of the top loaders that I've been reviewing also suggest the HE detergents.

My new front loader machines manual says:
"Items Labeled Wool or Hand-Washable, Hand Wash/Wool" This cycle is for washing shrinkable wool or hand washable items requiring delicate care. Use only natural or wool-safe detergent harmless to fabrics and use 1/2 of the normal amount of detergent. The Hand Wash/Delicate cycle uses a gentle wash motion and low spin speed for the ultimate care.
Barb

I've had my front loader for over 10 years and have never used HE detergent. My machine manual says to use 1/2 of what you would normally use of the regular detergent. You just have to keep the suds down. Maybe the newer machines are different.

One downside of front loaders is that you must use HE detergent or risk voiding your warranty. I did not realize this before I bought mine, and I'm disappointed that I cannot use my favorite quilt soap and must use detergent. I even called the manufacturer and was told that even occasional use of soap would damage the machine.

Just reminding others.

BethMI

Lk2stch wrote:
I wash my quilts all the time in a front loading washing machine and it works just great.
Marianne