Top Load vs Front Load Washer
Whether you’re upgrading an old washer or building a laundry setup from scratch, the choice between a front‑load washer and a top‑load washer remains one of the most important decisions.
If you’re shopping for premium laundry or kitchen appliances, chances are you’ve come across ASKO. Once a Swedish high‑end brand, ASKO now falls under the larger Gorenje Group umbrella (ultimately controlled by Hisense).
So, is ASKO still worth it? Below, I lay out what buyers, reviewers, and technicians have shared, highlighting both what ASKO does well and where many users seem to run into trouble.

ASKO appliances, especially dishwashers, are often built with stainless steel interiors, rather than cheap plastic tubs. That suggests better longevity, lower risk of corrosion, and a more “premium appliance feel.”
Their aesthetic tends toward clean, Scandinavian‑style minimalism, which can integrate well into modern kitchens, especially if you’re going for built-in or panel‑ready installations.
Some of ASKO’s washer and dishwasher models earn praise for quiet operation, solid wash cycles, and versatility. For example, the washing machine model reviewed by Top Ten Reviews was described as “quiet, efficient, high-quality,” with many wash modes.
In lab tests, certain ASKO dishwasher models (like the XXL‑series) scored well for washing heavily soiled dishes and for energy/water efficiency.
Features like multiple wash programs, adjustable racks, and relatively large capacity tubs appeal to those who want flexibility: from everyday loads to bigger or bulky items.
ASKO once had, and still brokers, a reputation as a “luxury European appliance” maker. Wikipedia
For some households, especially those doing frequent laundry or heavy dish loads, the stainless interiors and flexibility may make ASKO worth the investment, when the appliance works as intended.

Despite ASKO’s strengths, numerous reviews and owner reports raise serious concerns. Problems seem to cluster around reliability, repairs/maintenance, parts availability, customer service responsiveness, and long‑term durability.
Many owners report mechanical failures, sometimes soon after purchase. Example: a dishwasher where the “cutlery tray falls out constantly,” or rack prongs rusting after just a few months.
Drainage, pump, motor, or control‑board issues show up repeatedly in user threads and repair‑tech reports — sometimes leading to expensive fixes or needing full replacement.
Because ASKO uses more specialized components (vs. mass‑market brands), many technicians seem reluctant to service them. Some owners report difficulty finding a repair person willing to work on their unit. Houzz
Even users who were initially happy often find themselves disappointed a few years later. For example: an owner who had multiple units (washer + dryer + dishwasher) recalled them after multiple failures within five years.
Others say the maintenance costs or wait times for parts/service made the appliance more trouble than it’s worth. Houzz
According to some user‑generated reliability surveys, ASKO’s reliability scores lag behind other brands, which may reflect inconsistent quality control since acquisition by larger firms.
There are repeated complaints of slow, unresponsive customer service, especially once warranty has expired, or in regions where local repair shops decline to service ASKO machines. Houzz
For many users, when something goes wrong (electrical fault, leak, control board), the cost + hassle of repair ends up being near (or more than) the cost of replacement, which defeats the purpose of owning a “premium” appliance.

There are plenty of happy users who say their ASKO appliances lasted many years without major problems.
But overall, the variance is wide: performance seems heavily dependent on which model, when it was made, and where/ how it’s maintained. This makes it a risky bet if you expect consistent long-term reliability.
On the plus side: models in ASKO’s XXL dishwasher line scored well in independent lab testing for cleaning performance (especially on heavily soiled dishes), energy and water efficiency, and noise levels.
On the negative side: some reviewers point out flaws like longer than average cycle times or occasional drying inefficiency (especially with plastics/glassware).
Industry guides on “most reliable dishwasher brands” in 2024–2025 often omit ASKO from their top picks, preferring brands with stronger track records on service availability and long‑term durability.
If you’re considering ASKO for your home, here’s how to decide — based on your priorities:
You love the premium design, stainless‑steel build, and modern minimal aesthetic.
You care about energy and water efficiency, and plan to use the appliance regularly (to justify the premium price).
You’re willing to invest in maintenance, and you have access to qualified service/repair shops.
You appreciate quiet operation, flexible rack design, and larger tub capacity for bulky laundry or dishes.
You want a “buy and forget” appliance, expecting low maintenance and decades of trouble‑free service. ASKO’s track record seems too inconsistent for that guarantee.
You live in a region with limited availability of qualified repair technicians or long wait times for parts.
You care about long-term reliability and resale value, especially given reports of premature failures and expensive repairs.
You're budget‑sensitive and don’t want to gamble on whether your appliance will need frequent servicing.

A comparison of ASKO vs. ZLINE vs. Thor Kitchen vs. Bosch!
| Feature / Factor | ASKO | ZLINE | Thor Kitchen | Bosch (800 Series & up) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Sweden (now Hisense-owned) | USA-based (China manufacturing) | USA-based (China manufacturing) | Germany (some USA-made models) |
| Price Range | $$$ | $$–$$$ | $$–$$$ | $$$ |
| Build Quality | Stainless steel, premium feel | Mixed materials, improving | Heavy-duty feel, but basic | High-end, consistent |
| Performance | Great cleaning when it works | Good cleaning, basic programs | Decent power, limited cycles | Outstanding cleaning/drying |
| Noise Level | Quiet (as low as 42 dB) | Moderate (44–52 dB) | Loud (50–55+ dB) | Whisper quiet (38–44 dB) |
| Reliability | Mixed: high failure reports | Mixed: decent, improving | Fair: reliability varies | Excellent: very few issues |
| Repair Support | Poor in many regions | Limited but growing support | Limited service network | Excellent nationwide support |
| Features / Smart Tech | Custom cycles, interior light | Simple touch control + WiFi | Basic features, no WiFi | WiFi, smart cycles, AutoAir™ |
| Design Options | Panel-ready, sleek Euro style | Modern, designer-friendly styles | Industrial look, fewer options | Sleek stainless, panel-ready |
| Warranty | 2 years (limited) | 1 year (can extend) | 2 years (some 1-year) | 1 year + strong support options |
| Best For | Design lovers, quiet kitchens | Style-conscious mid-budget buyers | Budget commercial-style needs | Those wanting quiet, reliability |
ASKO: Ideal for those who prioritize premium European design and ultra-quiet operation — but only if you’re okay with potential service/repair hurdles and higher upfront cost. Consider only if you have local service support.
ZLINE: A good value pick if you want aesthetics + solid performance at a more accessible price point. Still evolving in terms of long-term reliability and service depth, but improving fast.
Thor Kitchen: Better for commercial-style kitchens or buyers focused on raw power, gas cooking, or large-capacity ranges. Dishwasher quality is just "good enough" — less refined than others.
Bosch: Arguably the most balanced option — Bosch brings consistent quality, quiet performance, and great customer support. It's the safe bet if you want low-maintenance reliability and sleek design.
ASKO still offers compelling advantages: build quality, design, performance (for some models), and premium finishes that appeal to many homeowners. But the high number of negative user reviews, especially about reliability, service availability, and repair costs, make ASKO a high‑risk / high‑reward choice rather than a guaranteed “buy with confidence.”
If you’re drawn to ASKO, treat the purchase like a luxury purchase with caveats: do your research, check local repair‑service availability, and consider extended warranties, but be mentally prepared for the possibility of extra costs.
If you want peace of mind and consistent reliability, you might be better off with brands known for stronger service support and fewer owner complaints.
Whether you’re upgrading an old washer or building a laundry setup from scratch, the choice between a front‑load washer and a top‑load washer remains one of the most important decisions.
If you’re shopping for premium laundry or kitchen appliances, chances are you’ve come across ASKO.
When shopping for a top-load washer, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is impeller vs. agitator.