Front load washers smelling

[demo]

I'm looking to buy a new washer, initially I was looking at front loaders but have heard a lot bad things about them smelling. I would welcome any opinions on the subject.

[JWWebster]

Smelling is only part of the equation. The on board artificial intel monitors water temp load weight and position, fill time drain time spin time and the motor has to have a brain too, these guys have to communicate, all of this reeks of the extended warranty till you die rule. To make matters more difficult the bearing failures, pump errors, and did I mention the motor needs to have an inverter to convert energy to it's 3 phase dc voltage? Yep makes you want to run right out and buy a nice head ache. If I was dead set on getting one I would dfinately buy one where I had an access panel to the pump to clean it out. You gotta use the HE washing powder on these machines to keep the stink down and what else? Oh  yeah i would definately be hitting the Google search engine and ask I was thinking about buying a front loading washer anyone had problems? Wait I will do it for you:
Google search

[demo]

I think I miss my good old top loader already! Thanks!

[Repair-man]

That is one person's twisted slant on an otherwise  decent product.

[viking351]

he said she said
thats what this forum sounds like.

[JWWebster]

Finish this sentence fer me: Opinions are like

[viking351]

options are like "I think your response was correct JW"

[schaffersapplian]

I usually try an ask a repair man before I dive into a new investment, IE: car, TV, computer, ect..  The people that work on the machine's know the most about them, from cost of replacement parts to serviceability...  My personal opinion on front-load washer's is varying.
This is just my 2 cents.

Pro's
- They use way less water, energy, soap
- They cut dry time down tremendously because of their high spin 
- You can wash larger loads than most top loads
- Way better for the environment
- Septic an drain field safe
- They look cool 

Con's
- Parts for repair are expensive on front loaders compared to top loaders
- Service time on Front loaders average 15 -30 minutes longer than on most top loads
- If the directions are not followed properly in regards to soap you will get mold, mildew, and odors
- The pump can easily become clogged, especially with pets, and some machines are a pain to clean out

If used properly front loaders can be fantastic machines. But when they break, they will cost you more then a top load to repair... Most of us service techs usually see front loaders at their worst and can easily gain a negative opinion on them.   I own a Maytag Neptune MAH9700 and haven't had any issues with it since i got it 4 years ago, and if i had to buy another washing machine, it would be a front loader.  Hope this helps at least a little.