Quote Originally Posted by smokey the elder View Post
I've had an LG front loader since 2008 (I think) and noticed an immediate drop in my water bill. The front loaders use HE detergent. A bottle of that lasts a LONG time.
Really? Can you quantify it? 50%? I have heard, but not experienced it first hand, that when one factors in the cost of the machine itself and the price of the detergent, the offset with the water bill is nominal. Now, that isn't to say there aren't other reasons for the front loaders besides saving money on water...but, I wonder about the marketing angle of things sometimes.

My top loader washer shows no signs of breaking (knock on wood). I will investigate front loaders at that time, and pray that the price has continued to fall.

As an aside- I have also heard that you can use 'normal' detergent...though you have to cut way back on it.