L.,
When I first saw the front loader, I thought of lots of reasons why I didn't want one - the price at the top of the list. Then it was time to get a new one and I went ahead and bought. I LOVE my front loader! What you said about the mold is true, always leave the washer door open when not in use and you will be fine. But those metal top loaders rust and ruin clothes in the process, so which is worse?
I love my front loader because...
- What used to take 2-3 loads now fits in one.
- In almost two years, it has never gone off balance.
- We save a significant amount of money on water, electricity, soap, dryer sheets. Enough to pay off the price difference over the life of the washer.
Things that are important...
- Use the HE detergent. Regular will work for about 2 years, then break the machine. Yes, it is more expensive per ounce, but you need a couple tablespoons and it washes your whole load (which used to be 2-3 loads) where the regular detergent requires 1/4-1/2 cup times 2-3 loads. So you will spend less over the course of a year.
- Get the pedastals. Don't wait and see and plan to get them later. The installation is tricky and it's usually free when you get the washer, but they won't come back and do it for free if you buy the pedastals later.
- Check the rubber area after washes. Socks and nursing pads are notorious for slipping in there. I find one at least once a month.
- Run an empty load or a load with bleach once every three months. If you do this and keep the door open, mold won't be a big problem.
- Look for discounts, especially right now. Our electric company offered a $75 rebate, Home Depot had free delivery and installation plus a 10% sale plus a $50 rebate, and it may fall under the government's stimulus plan because it's high efficiency, so you could get a tax credit, too.
- I am very happy with the Maytag (not Neptune.) Maytag had a fiasco a few years back and although it's fixed, their rep is shot and they had to lower prices. It's actually made by Whirlpool who bought Maytag and is the same machine as a Whirlpool, but costs less. You may want to do some research. Whirlpool announced closing as of July 2008, so I don't know what happens next and how that effects things.
Hope you find what works best for you,
S.