Top Load VS Front Load Washers: Which One Is Better?
If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, there are two different types of washing machines you’ll want to consider: top load washers and front load washers. Both have many perks to offer depending on your needs and preferences.
Top Load Washers
Top load washing machines use either an impeller or agitator to spin your clothes around in a drum vertically. In top loaders with agitators, a large spindle in the middle of the drum propels the clothes up and down in the water as they are spun around the drum.
Pros vs Cons
Pros:
- Easier to clean because there is no gasket to seal the lid
- Comfortable loading
- Can add items throughout wash cycle
- Easier to repair by yourself
- More cost friendly
- Longer lifespan
- Impeller models gentle on clothing
- Shorter cycle time
Cons:
- Utilizes more water and energy
- Top load machines with agitators can be rough on fabrics and have a smaller load capacity
- Not as thorough cleaning or efficiency compared to front load washers
Front Load Washers
Front load washing machines use gravity to agitate the clothes. The drum is oriented horizontally as it rotates, cleaning your clothes in the process. They have a gasket, which is a rubber seal, and a locking mechanism on the door to prevent water leakage.
Pros vs Cons
Pros:
- Gentler on clothing
- More thorough clean
- Force more water out of your clothes resulting in shorter drying time
- Energy saving
- Uses less water
- Stackable; space-saving
- Easy access for people with certain disabilities
Cons:
- You must bend or squat down to be in laundry in a front load washer
- Require more maintenance than top load washers
- More vulnerable to damage from overloading
- Harder to evaporate leaving more room for mold or mildew
- More expensive than top load washers
- Most do not allow adding clothes during cycle
Things To Keep In Mind
When you are purchasing a washer for your home, there are some things you should keep in mind. Think about your laundry habits and the layout of your home. The structure and setup of your home will determine the space you have for a washing machine. For example, top load washers are better suited to a narrow room. In general, more confined spaces might warrant a front load washer, which can be stacked with a dryer to conserve floor space. The average size of your laundry loads and how often you do laundry should also influence which type of washer to you get because top load and front load washers vary in capacity.
We hope you’ll find this information helpful in your search for a new washer! If you’re looking to save more, we offer high-quality used appliances at unbeatable prices! Stop by our showroom in Providence, Rhode Island or shop our appliances online to browse our selection of refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, dryers and washers, and more!
