Front loader have 1/2 to 1/3 of the power and water consumption of a top loader. They require less detergent. Clothes are cleaner, and they are not harmed/damaged. They just go up, fall down, go up, fall down, like handwash. They are not torn apart like in a top loader. Clothes are also dryer when they get out of the washing machine.

I can see literally NO reason at all to get a top loader, unless you really can't afford it (but in the end you may spend more due to higher water consumption etc. and having to replace clothes). Can get front loaders for around 1100-1300 with some searching (mostly Electrolux, which are quite good).

I don't see a need for a dryer, can hang the clothes on the balcony, this is Malaysia. Doesn't take long to dry.

My family has been using front loaders for maybe 40 years or so, no problem. These things are good (Miele, Whirlpool, Candy, Electrolux). Always using 5-6 kg units, more than enough.

This post has been edited by kadajawi: Feb 23 2013, 08:48 PM