10-08-2007, 07:26 AM
Hi Jerry,
I have the same problem: have to replace our Washer and Dryer in California. I have some familiarity with a front loader (LG) because we have a combination washer/dryer at the condo in New Orleans. There was no space for anything else, and no practical way to vent (brick building). That thing is amazing. They do use less water (not a problem in New Orleans) and are very power efficient. Highly programmable and I have never seen anything wash cleaner with less soap (use HE, as mentioned above -it's not rare or difficult to find). I am not recommending the combo, but it is pretty amazing -- you put the clothes in and about 4 1/2 hours later, it has both washed AND dryed them. The secret, I think, is the spin cycle. A normal washer might go 500 RPM. New front loaders spin at about 1200 RPM. Very fast (so must be balanced well at installation). So, by the time you transfer to the dryer, much of the moisture has been spun out. (No transfer required on the combo).
So, when we replace (sometime soon), we are going to go with an LG front loader washer and a front loader dryer because of our good experience with this odd little combo washer/dryer. These combos are notorious for not really working, but the one we have does work. Very efficient.
The other thing about front loaders is, if you can get them up near eye level, no bending down to fetch clothes.
Word of warning: Don't mix your lavalava with your tighty whities.
I have the same problem: have to replace our Washer and Dryer in California. I have some familiarity with a front loader (LG) because we have a combination washer/dryer at the condo in New Orleans. There was no space for anything else, and no practical way to vent (brick building). That thing is amazing. They do use less water (not a problem in New Orleans) and are very power efficient. Highly programmable and I have never seen anything wash cleaner with less soap (use HE, as mentioned above -it's not rare or difficult to find). I am not recommending the combo, but it is pretty amazing -- you put the clothes in and about 4 1/2 hours later, it has both washed AND dryed them. The secret, I think, is the spin cycle. A normal washer might go 500 RPM. New front loaders spin at about 1200 RPM. Very fast (so must be balanced well at installation). So, by the time you transfer to the dryer, much of the moisture has been spun out. (No transfer required on the combo).
So, when we replace (sometime soon), we are going to go with an LG front loader washer and a front loader dryer because of our good experience with this odd little combo washer/dryer. These combos are notorious for not really working, but the one we have does work. Very efficient.
The other thing about front loaders is, if you can get them up near eye level, no bending down to fetch clothes.
Word of warning: Don't mix your lavalava with your tighty whities.