Top Load Vs Front Load Washers

As a homeowner, one of the first few things families purchase is a washer and dryer combo unit. And since there is so much competition in this sector, there are many companies designing better, more convenient washers and dryers. Making these machines more affordable for the common household, the pain of dragging their laundry to a laundromat has definitely reduced. So with new and improved designs, sometimes it can be difficult to figure out whether top loading or front loading washers are better. The competition between top vs front load washers will stay there till the companies come up with a different technique to load the washers.

In our following article, we will be looking at the pros and cons of both types of washing machines. This way, when you are contemplating on which washers to choose from, top loading or front loading washers, you can easily understand their unique features and how they can be useful to you.

Top Load Versus Front Load

Here, you will be able to know how you can compare your choices between the two leading washers and make the right choice. Depending on what your specific needs are, finding the washer that best suits you can be determined.

Top Load Washers
When you enter any laundry room or laundromat, you'll see the washers lined up next to one another. You open the lid, dump all your clothes inside, add the detergent, and turn the machine on. The center agitator then begins its 35-45 minutes' journey. Any traditional top loading washers have about 12-15 lbs. capacity and are often viewed more popular than its challenger, front loading washers.

Pros
The settings of these machines are easy on the fabric but can still be relied upon for intense cleaning for tough stains. With leading brands names like Whirlpool, LG, and Haier selling some of the best washers and dryers, no wonder these machines have been around for so many years.

Another pro is the price factor. Since top load washers are more popular, the price range is also very economical. Depending on which top load washers you choose from, the price may vary as well. You can pretty much see the investment going anywhere from US $300 to US $1,700. Also, the lid on these washers don't get locked once started. Many times, there are instances that we may forget to put an item of clothing or dropped something accidentally. In such cases, a top load washer can be really useful.

Cons
One of the most important aspects of top loading washers is that they use more water, as compared to the front washers. In order to submerge all the clothes in water, these machines fill water till the brim and then begin their cycle; which can be costly. Also, the electricity consumption can be a worry as well. With fancier wash cycles and setting options, your clothes take longer time to get cleaned and hence, consume more electricity.

Front Load Washers
Also found in many laundromats, front loading washers use the tumble-wash technique. You open the lid, place all your clothes in, add the detergent, shut the door, and it locks itself once the water begins to fill completely. In this comparison between top and front washers, let's see how these machines perform.

Pros
Few of the top rated washing machines have front loading system where there is no agitator to clean the clothes. Instead, the tumbling system is used so that when the detergent mixes with the water, the concentration stays focused on gentle wash for your clothes. This helps in less wear and tear of your clothes in the long run. Plus, you don't have to separate your clothes such as silk and wool to wash. You can easily wash both fabrics with one another without any risk of damage.

The use of water is also less as the washing machine tube doesn't need to be filled completely with water. That in turn helps save a lot of money. The front washers can take up to 12-20 lbs. weight, which can fit about 16 pairs of jeans at a time. And with 2-3 detergent dispensers for your regular detergent, fabric softer, and bleach, it makes laundry a simple task.

Cons
One of the most common issues with front loading washers is the price. These machines can cost anywhere between US $600 to US $1,800. Plus, if you forgot a red sock in the front loading washer, then you know what will happen; since the door gets locked once the cycle begins. So these factors have to be kept into consideration while making the final decision.

In this comparison of top load vs front load washers, it looks as if both the contenders are running head to head. With positive and negative elements to both washers, the decision to purchase a particular type of washer rests in your hands. Whether you go for top or front loading washers, it all boils down to what you're searching for you and your family's needs.