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Right_Violinist_5837 t1_j6c9wfv wrote

Know this is OT but can someone explain why americans still insist on making washers that look like they’re from the 1960s?

In europe, front loading washers has been the norm since at least the 80s. And yes. A german Miele front loading washer will also last «forever» if properly taken care of 🙂

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hustlerbk t1_j6cim2p wrote

Yeah. Front loaders are the norm here in Europe because many people stack their dryer on top of their washer and that’s why they need to the door to be in the front. Apart from that, I think Miele is superior to any other brand, they last a very long time and a energy and water efficient while being soft on your clothes. I also love the (top line of) Bosch, which lasts you 15+ years easily while being relatively affordable.

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Unicorns-and-Glitter t1_j6dfz1t wrote

As an American in Europe, I know the answer. First, washing machines in Europe are often under things (dryers, counters), so front loaders save space because things can go on top. In America, most washers and dryers are side by side. Next, while front loaders have gained popularity in the US in the past few years, many people realized there's a reason top loaders were so popular for so long. While front loaders are more water effeciecient (important in Europe), they are not time effecient (very important to Americans who often have one designated day to do all of the household laundry per week). A typical top loader load is between 20-45 minutes. A front loader is almost never less than an hour. This is because front loaders use more water and can get clothes the same amount of clean in less time. Top loaders are also gentler on clothes. A front loader literally tosses clothes around for over an hour. A top loader gentle swirls them around. Over time, a front loader will wear out clothes faster. I've had things "eaten" by my many front loaders, but never in top loaders. Hand wash cycles on top loaders are pretty much as gentle as literally washing something with your hands. All in all, front loaders suit the needs of Europeans, and top loaders fit the needs of most Americans.

I currently have a front loader Miele that's over 20 years old here in Moldova and I love it, but it takes FOREVER. In America, we grew up with a Maytag that was also awesome and cleaned a load in 30 minutes. Neither are bad machines, it just depends on your needs.

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thedanishcoffeenerd t1_j6cl0yv wrote

More modern machines also has better and faster spin cykles with sensors that measure how much the machine shakes so it has a chance to rearrange the clothes before going full 1400+ rpm spin cykle. Synthetic clothes is almost dry straight out of the washer. And cotton only needs a short time in the dryer.

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User5281 t1_j6d7soh wrote

This is a Reddit thing not an American thing. Front loaders are pretty much the standard in America too but Reddit fetishizes Speed Queen despite them being inefficient, loud and rough on clothes. I think they make the wrong compromises and I’m not a fan. Give this American a Miele over a Speed Queen any day.

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StirlingS t1_j6dy9wh wrote

I have a Speed Queen top loader (edit: from 2015) and I wash my "hand wash only" blouses in it all the time. I've never had it eat anything.

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Right_Violinist_5837 t1_j6e4vx8 wrote

Interesting! I based my original comment only on my experience from visiting various friends in the US who all had these antiquated agitator style washers.

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whileurup t1_j6df23a wrote

I don't care for front loaders bc you can't soak clothes for projects like using dyes or whitening things. My speed queen has the option of fill tub, but high efficiency is the default. Most people I know have front loaders now though.

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