We need to buy a washing-machine.
I’m quite used to which brands, available in the UK, are most reliable, but nul when it comes to France. And Madame is thinking she might prefer an upright.
Are there advantages (apart from the opportunity to make puns about dancing and moonlight, and putting it on ’most every night) to a top-loader?
Any brands to prefer or avoid?
I experienced a top-loader in the US on holiday. I wouldn’t have one. You have to have long arms/be tall to reach for the stray sock that’s stuck in the bottom. Being shortish, and no doubt getting shorter with age, that sock would probably stay there! For me, a front-loader every time.
Agreed. You can put things on top of a front loader, for example a tumble dryer, or just the washing basket, or the lessives.
This is interesting, especially the height consideration. Madame, being about 5’3”, thought a top-loader would be easier. We’ve both used each type (though a top-loader only France).
Agree with @SuePJ - much easier to pull washing out of a front loader into the basket rather than having to lift it high first. (I’m 5’2")
Top loader always here, takes up much less room in a small house, also no need for a laundry basket, I just throw stuff into it until it gets full, then wash. 
And one wouldn’t want to be the ideal height to use a top-loader, which seems to be anything over 5’3”!
Thanks for the warning 
My hate-hate relationship with my ex-M-I-L’s top loader when we were living in the Lorraine has scarred me for life. I’ll never forget those cheese grater moments when your hands get caught on the outside of the drum 
whilst trying to either open the drum door, or else fish something out of the bottom.
And when you take it out, clean and damp to hang on the line?
In my ideal world I would have a front loader sat on a plinth so I have to bend less to load/unload.
Avoid top loaders that have a stick thing in the middle that twirls - if they still make them. They can be lethal for delicate clothes.
Front loaders use less water and electricity so are environmentally cheaper. Decision made.
We have had a Samsung front loader (7kg ) for a long time and are very happy with it.
Has to be a front loader every time. Much more efficient and easier to use especially with large items such as bedspreads or blankets. The combination of a modern front loader and modern laundry powder results in excellent dirt and stain removal even at low temperatures. We have a 10kg load Candy with a larger than average door aperture to make life easier with larger items. Even though the drum is larger than usual the overall cabinet size of the machine is the standard size. Many setting combinations for all needs and I would highly recommend one of those.
That’s the American design of top loader (and the old British design I seem to remember!) Here, the top loaders are really just like front loaders in their action but you access them from the top.
For me, it’s a top loader every time, especially since I’d find getting clothes out of a front loader rather difficult these days 
You’re obviously taller than 5ft 3in, 
Nice!
Never had a top loading machine so can’t comment on that. However, we have a direct drive machine and it’s incredibly quiet. I don’t think I could go back to a belt-driven machine now. Do they do direct drive top loaders?
I hadn’t even thought about direct drive!
Top loader for us we’re both tall
Front loader every time for me! Clothes s get cleaner, less water ect.
