Front Loader or Top Loader Washer

I am in the market for a new washer. And I need your help. Which style should I get? Front loader or top loader washer? I have never had an HE washer and I am at a total loss as to which style to choose. Here are some things to keep in mind about my situation and family dynamics.

My laundry is in the basement and after this baby comes I won’t be able to do the steps for 4-6 weeks due to my repeat c-section. So, in this way a front loader seems better because it will be easier for the girls to reach and help with laundry.

There are soon to be 8 of us and we have a LOT of laundry.

I cloth diaper so I need a washer that will get the diapers clean.

I will be stacking the washer and dryer if we get front loaders to make extra space in the laundry room.

I LOVE my homemade soap but I am not sure how or if it works with an HE washer.

I think that about sums up the factors that I can think of. This is the first time we have bought a new washer and dryer since we have been married and I am a little (okay a LOT) overwhelmed with all of the choices. Any help, opinions, advice, and recommendations will be so helpful. Thank you in advance!!

3 Responses to “Front Loader or Top Loader Washer”

  1. I’ve had both and I am a top loader fan. After having the fanciest front loader we ended up getting a super basic top loader at our next place and I am SO happy I did. The price difference is huge and those electronic controls are confusing for kids. A dial turn and a button can make all of the difference. I also keep a stool in the laundry room so my shorter kiddos can reach.

  2. Hey Amanda, Congratulations on Blessing #6! Two friends who have lots of kids (one has 6 and the other has 7) have both gone through 2 front loaders in the past 5 years. I have had the same top loader for 13. Both are now back to using top loader washers. They also were always having to have repair work done. Both had different repairmen tell them that for the number of loads they did with the number of kids they each have that a top loader was the way to go.

  3. I like our top loader. We are a family of five. It is supposed to do 22 towels at a time. When bought it the salesman said that 22 towels was too much. He told us not to overload the drum. We have had the washer 4 or 5 years now. It has also gone through three moves. It is just starting to have problems. Sometimes it get unbalanced.