Front or top loading washing machine -which is less likely to break down?

Question

Hubby and I need a new washing machine. Based on other answers, everyone seem to rave about front loading. but I hear from family that it breaks down at least once a year. What brand is consider the most reliable and affordable? thanks to all who will respond.

Answer 1

I find that front loaders are the best, but then i have not had a top loader, but my mum had one many years ago and that was not all that good.

Answer 2

I am a big fan of top loaders with an agitator. Front loaders and the top loaders without an agitator like the Calypso types...basicly your HE washing machines have a moldy smell issue...http://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&...

I bought one of those sets and returned it and got the biggest top loder I could find that had an agitator. I see people asking questions on here almost everyday about how to get rid of the moldy smell in their washers. Think about how long you will have your set and ask yourself if you really want to deal with this problem. I want to warn you not to do it ,you could really be sorry.

This is just one example...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

And what kills me is the people who will say "yeah my front loader smells like mold but i still recommend one". Do people really think they look better to the point where they are willing to have stinky clothes for it?  My neighbors clothes always smell like mildew but I tell everyone"Don't do it" and they will do it anyway.Then I sit and watch it happen. Be smart. DON'T DO IT!

As far as breaking down, other than the ones I returned, all i've owned is top loaders and really have had no trouble with them. Even the last set that I replaced with the awful set were not broken, we just wanted a larger set. If you watch these questions in cleaning and laundry you will see a lot of people taliking about problems with the front loaders.