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I have recently purchased a multi-unit building, and I plan converting the basement to a coin-op laundry-room for the residents. My question is which kind of machines should I go with? One reason I am particular about a TL is the fact you can gage the size of your load therefore, you will only use as much water as "requested". I dont know if FL have this same feature or not.

Also, I dont know if your typical FL can add clothes to the machine after the cycle has started. This is a feature im sure most can appreciate.

Lastly, given where the fact these machines will be installed in an apartment complex, im sure they wil be used quite often, so durability is a question as well.

I appreciate all thoughts, suggestions, and comments.

2007-02-06 06:34:34 · 7 answers · asked by mqj7 1 in Home & Garden Cleaning & Laundry

7 answers

There are a few main factors in choosing TL vs. FL
1) initial investment
2) cost to use
3) use experience
4) durability & cost to repair

1) FL washers are still more expensive than TL, but if you're thinking about many families over a several years, they will eventually pay for themselves in cost of use. But, you have to consider whether you can afford to buy the more expensive washers now, which I can't advise you on.

2) In terms of cost of general use, FL's kill TL's.

You mentioned that your preference of TL was because of being able to guage the size of your load and reduce water to fit. I don't know of any TL washers that do that automatically, so your tenants would all have to be diligent enough to do that themselves. FL washers automatically sense how much clothing is in there and then adjust water automatically, no action required. And, even with full loads, FL's use less water than TL's -- saving you money.

FL washers also make the clothing more dry, so you'll save on electricity costs if you charge people to dry their clothes and it happens in half the time.

3) FL's look small, but actually can take more laundry than similarly-sized TL's. A 27x27x43 TL has a 3.0 cu ft capacity, while a 27x27x36 FL has a 3.5 cu ft capacity. So, it means you can stack more laundry units, and your tenants will be able to put in their duvets, etc.

To add clothes to the FL's, once they're in motion, there's usually a pause button, and then clothes can be added.

FL's are also gentle on clothes, which may or may not be a priority for you. They often have "hand wash" cycles, which means that people might be using them for things that they'd be handwashing otherwise.

4) FL's have been almost exclusively used in Europe for a long time. So, the FL's designed in Europe tend to be much more durable than the ones designed in North America. That said, Kenmore and Frigidaire and Whirlpool all have at least a couple European-designed models.

One huge durability concern with FLs is that if people use regular detergent instead of HE detergent, it eats away at the machinery, and can create a variety of problems. It's hard to regulate soap usage when you're dealing with tenants. One landlord I read about (can't find the source now, but I'll return post if I do find it) put in a vending machine that dispensed already-portioned amounts of HE detergent, and found that worked, but that's just one situation.

In terms of costs of repairs, the concern with FL washers is that more of it is computerised (like the sensors that determine how much water is needed), so repairs are more likely to be things like changing a motherboard and less likely to be mechanical things that the guy around the corner can fix.

If I was a landlord of an apartment complex, I don't know which I'd pick. Good luck on your choice!

2007-02-08 03:59:39 · answer #1 · answered by radiofreetoronto 2 · 0 0

The issue with front loaders is that they can get messed up if people put either too much detergent in them, like putting the same amount and type of detergent as for a top loader. This will cause excess suds which will cause the machine to stop. IF you can make your residents aware that they must use HE (high efficiency) detergent, and not very much of it, then a front loader is a great option. They use far less water and automatically adjust the water needs for the load. I think Maytag makes a line of front loaders for commercial use.

Other advantages: front loaders can't become "unbalanced" during a spin cycle, so will have less tendency to go dancing across the laundry room floor. They spin at higher speeds, so clothes come out of the washer with less excess water, which reduces drying time (saving electricity). They are also kinder on clothes, which will make you look like a kind and caring landlord!

2007-02-06 13:49:34 · answer #2 · answered by welmoed 3 · 0 0

i had a front loader for about a year and a half. i sold it and went back to a top load. the front loader was a pain... the door would lock and not reopen when the cycle was done, the clothes would smell after just leaving them overnight, if you put a ton of clothes in (as they always say you can "stuff it") the seal would not close right and leak all over the floor. it was just not worth the hassle. they make more efficient top loaders now, so that's the way i'd go...

2016-05-24 00:13:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

For your purposes, there's not much to beat an American top loader. Crude in the extreme, doesn't wash very efficiently, very hard on the clothes, but extremely robust.

Front loaders are much more sophisticated, wash much better and are kinder to the clothes. But more complex, cheaper ones are not so reliable and they don't take such big loads.

2007-02-06 06:40:40 · answer #4 · answered by Feinschmecker 6 · 0 0

Front loaders are supposed to use less water and thus less electricity. Also, front loaders use a different formulation of detergent. I don't know what happens if you use the wrong type.

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/tools/article/0,16417,220011-2,00.html

2007-02-06 06:41:15 · answer #5 · answered by gkk_72 7 · 0 0

I like my front loader alot more than my top loader.I used to scrap my knuckles on that thing in the middle on the top loader.

2007-02-06 06:42:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

I hear FL are good for your back because you can be put them on a base so you don't have to bend over. also lower water usage.

2007-02-06 19:30:15 · answer #7 · answered by jersey city Joe 2 · 0 0

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