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Does Your Family Require a Top-Load or Front-Load Washing Machine? Appliance Experts Weigh In

Choosing the best type of washing machine involves analyzing the pros and cons of each type based on the family's needs.
PUBLISHED NOV 24, 2024
(L) A white front-load washing machine with the door open. (R) Laundry room with top-load washing machine. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) FabrikaCr (R) Eyecrave productions)
(L) A white front-load washing machine with the door open. (R) Laundry room with top-load washing machine. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) FabrikaCr (R) Eyecrave productions)

Washing machines play a significant part in modern lives and are a staple in every home today. And why not, they lift the weight of the tedious task of washing clothes off our shoulders. However, with technological advancements washing machines are divided into front-load washers and top-load washers. Each has its own pros and cons, hence, three appliance experts have weighed in on the differences and what might be the most suitable washing machine type for your family, per Real Simple

(L) Laundry hangs out of top-loader washing machine, (R) A basket of laundry placed in front of front-loader washing machine. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Mitshu, (R) Cris Canton
(L) Laundry hangs out of top-loader washing machine, (R) A basket of laundry placed in front of front-loader washing machine. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Mitshu, (R) Cris Canton

Front-load washing machines

Understanding washing machines types is no rocket science, although, it requires some prior knowledge to best fit your needs. Front-load washers that open in the front are more energy-efficient and provide high-quality washes. “Front-load washers tend to be 25% to 50% more energy-efficient than their top-load counterparts,” appliance expert and owner of Boiler Central, Myles Robinson said. 

Front-load washer door open with detergent bottle. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | esemelwe)
Front-load washer door open with detergent bottle. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | esemelwe)

Features

Expert Joelle Battista of Designer Appliances points out that front-load washers offer “better cleaning performance” because of their horizontal drum rotation. The specific tumbling action allows the clothes to wash more effectively, per the source. The tumbling wash in front loads also consumes less energy and makes efficient use of water. Top loads spin faster, require lesser detergent, and have a faster drying time. These machines are compact and can fit into smaller spaces owing to their stackable design. Unlike top loaders, front loads have witnessed more advancements, and some models can connect to WiFi and respond to voice commands. 

New washing machine delivery. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | esemelwe)
New front-load washing machine delivery. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | esemelwe)

Cost and efficiency

Front-loads are more expensive than top loaders. But appliance expert Culum Retallick of Specialised Cleaning Solutions said, “In the long run though, front-load washers may be more cost-effective due to their energy efficiency.” However, maintaining and repairing front-loaders require more effort and cost more. If not cleaned and dried properly, mold and mildew settle at the bottom of the door seal. 

Women hands pour washing powder into the open hatch of a washing machine using a measuring container. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | glebchik)
Women hands pour washing powder into the open hatch of a washing machine using a measuring container. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | glebchik)

Pros

1. Energy efficient uses less water and detergent

2. Stackable design

3. High-quality washing

4. Smart features available

5. Faster drying time

Cons

1. More time for washing high loads

2. Requires user to bend over to insert clothes

3. High repair costs

4. susceptible to mold attacks

5. More expensive


Top-load washing machines

Top-loading washers open at the top and employ a twisting motion to wash clothes. They have wider drums and can manage larger loads than front-loaders, per the source. These types of washers do not require the user to bend over and are more affordable. 

Wash machine for clothes top door white in a house open ready. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | summerphotos)
Washing machine with its top door kept open in a house. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | summerphotos)

Features

Top-loading washers use an agitating mode of washing that includes a central agitator with fins at the center. The agitator spins back and forth to clean clothes and is more effective on heavily soiled clothing items. These washers are more time-efficient making it more convenient for office goers, bachelors, and students. “They have shorter wash cycles (usually just 15 to 30 minutes), which can be beneficial if you are in a rush and need your clothes washed as soon as possible,” Robinson added.

Woman Putting Clothes to a Top-Load Washing Machine. (Representative Image Source: Pexels.com | Helena Lopes)
Woman putting clothes into a top-load washing machine. (Representative Image Source: Pexels.com | Helena Lopes)

Cost and efficiency

Top loaders are more pocket-friendly than front-load washers. It is suggested as the best choice if someone needs to add more clothing after a washing cycle has begun. Meanwhile, top-loaders do not burn a hole in your pocket during repairs and require less maintenance

Close-up of a male hand loading laundry into a top-loading washing machine. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Алексей Кравчук)
Close-up of a male hand loading laundry into a top-loading washing machine. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Алексей Кравчук)

Pros

1. Less expensive and low repair costs

2. Can manage large loads

3. Fast wash times

4. Provides heavy cleaning with agitator wash method

5. Less effort in adding clothes

Cons

1. Not as energy-efficient

2. Unsuitable for delicate clothes

3. Requires more energy and detergent

4. A higher amount of lint

5. Requires more space

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