Top Loader vs Front Loader Washing Machines
March 22nd, 2007
The fight is on – Top Loader vs Front Loader Washing Machines!
If you have ever been in the market for a new washing machine you have probably asked yourself the question, which one do I choose? A front load or a top load washer? While both have their advantages and disadvantages, surely there has to be one, defiant winner who’s hand is raised at the end of the 12th round.
Anyone who has bought a new washing machine, would, at some stage, have to have chosen between a front and top load washer. Some people will swear a top load is the way to go, however there are others who will chant just as hard for the front load. In the battle between top loader vs front loader washing machines, who wins? Find out below.
Top Load Washers
The top load washer has been the market leader in terms of washing machines for many years. They are common in many households, and have been the first choice for many people purchasing a washing machine and choosing between top loader vs front loader washing machines..
The top load washing machine is great for anyone who doesn’t have much time; one main advantage is that it is much quicker to wash your clothes. Your cycle will generally be finished much quicker than if it was done in a front load washer. Another main advantage is that the top load is right in front of you, and you don’t have to bend down to put your clothes in. This may be OK if you’re young and don’t have a bad back, however a lot of older people would rather not bend over when they have the choice.
Although at this point the top load seems the way to go, like anything there are some disadvantages. One is they use a lot of water, and we know that today this is a very vital factor. Water conservation is more important than ever, and if you purchase a top load, forget getting any kind of rebate from the government except for the odd one or two machines new two the market place. Another disadvantage is that they are hard on your clothes, from experience I know this, I found even after a couple of months, my t-shirts were stretched and almost ready for the gym pile. You can get top loaders without the agitator but these machines do not achieve the greatest wash results.
What do you think – top loader vs front loader washing machines? Keep reading.
Front Load Washers
Front load washers were in older days used heavily in commercial businesses, however now days they are smaller, more affordable and better looking, which make them a great household washer.
The front loaders main advantage is the water conversation. While the top load lacks in this category, the front load exceeds. The front load uses up to 60% less water and up to 68% less energy than conventional top loading machines, saving you on those electricity bills. As well as the water conservation, front loaders are much gentler on your clothes. The main reasons for this are because they have a drum with no agitator, and your clothes will not get caught and stretched.
While front load washing machines hit the lead with their water conservation, they fall back again with their longer wash cycles. There are models available these days with quick wash cycles; however, this is only effective with lightly soiled fabrics like sheets, as heavily soiled loads will not clean properly.
The Final Verdict
So, here is the question you have been waiting for, top loader vs front loader – which one really dominates? In my opinion, I have to lean towards the front load washer. I think water conservation is a big thing, and if everyone had a front load, a lot less water would be wasted washing clothes. This coupled with the fact that it is much gentler on my clothes, is enough to push me over the edge. Go the front load!
Whatever you decided in the battle between top loader vs front loader washing machines, go to Appliances Online for all your washing appliance needs.
Thanks guys, great blog I will now go out and get myself a front loader. Thanks for the info
Good article, helpfull, but I’m still on the fence. Been studying for weeks.
Only drawback I can find getting the front loader is the 2x-3x the price.
Not sure if I’m saving money or just spending it now instead of later.
Little concerned about repairs on those fancy electronic machines as well.
Hi,
I am trying to figure out the reasons why water and electricity consumption is less of a front loader compared to a top loader?
Isn’t a front loader or a top loader that’s been rotated 90 degrees, or am I missing something?
Thanks, Sam.
A top loader washing machine is designed to be filled to the top with the agitator in the centre doing all the work washing the clothes (this uses quite a bit of power to turn clothes in fully submerged water).
A front loader washing machine is designed to have the paddles around the bowl move the clothes in and out of the partially filled bowl, which is filled numerous times to a much lower level refreshing the water that it is washing in and still using less than the top loader. This action is also more energy efficient as it is not moving clothes around a bowl full of water. The front load washers also have a physically smaller bowl (kg – kg vs top loaders) as they are designed to be packed tighter than a top load washer.
When our Fridgedaire washer gave out (it was the timer), the repair man said that he would go with a top-loader because most of his repairs deal with the “board”, which was the computer looking thing on the bottom back of the washer. I would like someone to do a repair cost and frequency study as well as an energy study.
Hi, I need a new washing machine & have always used a top loader. have been researching the net on both, looked at them in the shops, read review on different models..and my head feels like it is spinning in the machine. What way to go…seems like hit & miss depending on the model. I would like to buy a front loader, I am all for saving water & energy etc. but hey I have looked at a Fisher & Paykel today with excellent water & energy ratings & will receive a rebate. Help please..
My mother’s Kenmore front loader ( top rated 1999) started leaking oil on to the clothes. The main bearing was shot and best case scenario was $685.00 to repair it vs. $650.00 to buy a new front loader. Solution was to buy a new top loader for $360.00. Repairman said top loaders are relatively simple and easier to repair. They are also more dependable.
I am not sure what I will purchase this time. We are in the market again after 6 years with our Fisher & Paykel top loader. The drain pump went and while we were trying to get the unit to drain we blew the control panel. I never thought that this machine cleaned the clothes very well. Therfore I had to use a higher water level than the water saver feature wanted to use. I will not buy this unit again! For sure! For the $ (1300) we paid for this unit, it was NOT worth it!
go for the samsung front load washer/dryer combo.not only it’s water and energy efficient.it is so attractive and vey simple to use not to forget gentler on your clothes.
Besides the huge water savings of a front loader, the agitator machines are a lot harsher on your clothes than the front loaders. When considering water consumption, on average, a front loader will do three loads to one load in a top loader.
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