At a Glance:
Even when compared to more recent high-efficiency top-loaders, front-loaders are more effective at removing stubborn stains while using less water and energy. Although they have a bit of a bad rep in North America, designs have really advanced, and they are now much easier to maintain.
But why do the majority of Americans (76 percent and growing) still choose top loaders if front-loaders are so superior? Compared to front-loaders, top-loaders do require less maintenance. Tradition, feelings, and ingrained habits all play a role.
In the debate between front load washers and top loaders, Colder's has conducted the necessary research, examined both washing machines, and taken a position. So, here's what you need to know if you're trying to choose between a top loader and a front loader.
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WashersAbout Front Load Washers
Simply put, this is a washer that you will load with clothes using an opening on the front of the machine. The majority of machines have a glass panel door. Additionally, they have a separate detergent drawer where you can store your washing powder.
How It Works
Paddles are used in front-loading washing machines, and they extend a short distance from the basket's sides toward the center. While the basket is turning, the paddles assist in stirring the water and moving the laundry. The paddles work by creating friction to loosen dirt from fabrics, much like the agitator in top-loading machines.
Pros and Cons
Let's explore the pros and cons of a front loader, and you can decide if the drawbacks are a dealbreaker for you.
Pros
✅ Better cleaning results — Front-load washers are generally thought to clean more effectively. The washing method removes stains more successfully.
✅ More efficient — You can conserve water, energy, and detergent by using a front-loading washer. Compared to top-load machines, these typically use less water, which requires less energy to heat the water and less detergent to clean your clothes.
✅ Stackable — These appliances can be stacked alongside your dryer to take up less room in your laundry room.
✅ Gentler on clothes — Rather than using an agitator as top loaders do, front loaders rotate and tumble the laundry to clean it. Because of this, front-load washers are better suited for delicates.
✅ Drum access — Even though you must stoop to reach the drum, it is simple to reach any lingering clothing at the back after a wash.
✅ Wash progress — Some people prefer that you can actually see the cycle's progression through the drum door.
Cons
❌ More cleaning — Are you curious about washing machine maintenance? Mold and mildew can easily grow in a front-load washer and need more frequent cleaning because of the rubber gasket around the door.
❌ Awkward to load — Although you can add a pedestal to raise the height of the appliances, you usually have to bend over to reach into the drum of a front-load washer.
❌ Usually, you can't add to a wash — Unless you have a door-in-door model, you usually cannot add clothes to a wash once it has started.
❌ Slower cycles — A front load design typically has longer cycles than a top load model due to its washing method. As a result, you might find yourself using the quick wash setting more frequently.
❌ More expensive — Numerous factors, such as brand, capacity, features, etc., affect this. However, front-load machines typically cost more compared to top-tier models.
❌ Costs more to maintain — For most repairs, front-load washers call for a professional. These are challenging to fix on your own.
❌ You can't pre-soak — Pre-soaking is challenging in this type of washer due to the front door design unless there is a setting specifically made for it.
Front Load Washer Vs. Top Load
A top load or front load washer preference can vary greatly depending on the individual. The performance factors listed below should be considered when making your decision.
Learn More: Front Load vs Top Load Washers [Our Top Picks]
Ease of Use
- Top-loading washers are typically more convenient because you can load and unload clothes without bending over.
- Top-loading washers typically stand at an ideal height to avoid the trouble of bending down for older customers or those with joint issues.
- Adding clothes to top-loading washers at any point during the cycle—even just after it begins—is convenient.
- Additionally, top-loading washers are better able to distribute fabric softener and collect lint than front-loading washers.
Cleaning Quality
- Top-loading washers can be harsher on clothes even though they are easier on your back, especially if the machine is overloaded.
- Front-loading washers are much gentler for clothing.
- Larger items, like pillows or comforters, can be challenging to wash in top-loaders because they won't submerge completely in the water.
Water Consumption
- Compared to the typical top-loading washing machine, front-loading washing machines use less water and electricity. An effective front-loading washer can improve environmental sustainability.
Spin Speed
- Front-loading washing machines typically spin about 33 percent faster during the final spin cycle than typical top-loading washers, which means more water will be removed from the clothes before transferring them to the dryer.
- Because of this, your clothes will dry in the dryer more quickly and move between the two appliances with less effort. However, one disadvantage is that many front-loading washers vibrate during the spin cycle, making noise that many people would prefer to avoid.
The Smell or Mold Issue
- One of the main issues with front-loading washers is that mold can accumulate around the rubber gasket on the door over time. Front-loading washers need a lot more maintenance than top-loading washers to offset this.
- To reduce issues with mold and mildew, we advise positioning these washers in an area with good airflow and leaving the door slightly ajar in between cycles.
- Since water is drawn down by gravity in top-loading washing machines rather than by any seals, this problem is not present.
About Top Load Washers
These devices feature a top-mounted door that can be opened. This entrance is used to load the clothing. While most of them have different covers, some have glass panels. The latter implies that while the washing is being done, you cannot see what is happening inside the machine. Additionally, the washers are made so that you can add the detergent right along with your laundry.
How It Works
An agitator is used in top-loading washers to shuffle the clothes in the basket. The vertical, ridged agitator, located in the middle of the basket, aids in moving the clothes. On that vertical axis, the agitator rotates in opposite directions. This movement produces the friction needed by the top-loading machine to remove dirt from fabrics. Some washers have a fabric-softener dispenser on top of the agitator.
Pros and Cons
If you are contemplating choosing a top load washer, here's what you can expect — the good and bad.
Pros
✅ Convenient — It is easier to throw clothes into top load washers. Because you can stand up straight while doing this, they are easier to load. Additionally, because you don't have to force them in as you do with a front load design, they're also easier for larger loads.
✅ You can add to a wash — Missing a sock? No problem. You can add clothes while a load is being washed by simply lifting the door.
✅ Faster cycles — You can anticipate faster cycles since an agitator-driven wash operates more quickly than an impeller.
✅ Easier to maintain — Some top-load washer repairs are relatively simple, and since the motor is accessible, the majority of maintenance can be done by the typical consumer rather than a technician.
✅ Cheaper — Depending on the model, top load designs are typically less expensive than front load ones.
✅ You can pre-soak — In a top-load washer, pre-soaking is simple—just add soap, fill the washer with water, and leave it alone.
✅ Easier to keep clean — These are simpler to keep clean because there is no gasket and occasionally no detergent dispenser.
Cons
❌ Not as good at cleaning — When compared to a front load washer, a top load washer is typically less effective at removing stains. However, the pre-soaking factor is not taken into account in this.
❌ Not stackable — These machines can't be stacked, so you might be giving up room for other appliances.
❌ Harsh on clothes — Even though the designs are getting better, friction from an agitator while washing the clothes will increase damage. Because of this, this isn't the best design if you have a lot of delicates.
❌ Difficult to reach the bottom — This isn't always the case because it depends on the machine's depth and the user's height. However, sometimes it can be challenging to get to the bottom of the drum to retrieve any remaining clothing.
❌ Less efficient — In order to wash the clothes, this kind of washer immerses them in water. This implies that running it naturally requires more water, energy, and detergent, which results in higher expenses.
❌ You can't see the wash progress — You will need to manually peek inside to see the progress since there is no viewing window.
3 Best Top Load Washer Brands
When it comes to finding the perfect top load washer to pair with your dryer, consider these highly-rated brands to complete your laundry sets.
LG
LG's range of top-loading washers is ideal for your hectic lifestyle and was created with you in mind. With features to customize your laundry cycles, power-clean your clothes, and accommodate larger loads to easily wash comforters, blankets, and towels, LG washing machines are high-efficiency washers. For improved cleaning and superior performance, its top-loading machines offer superior features like WaveForce technology and TrueBalance anti-vibration. The top-loading washers from LG are made to simplify your life. You'll receive the most recent advancements in innovative technology and the dependability you've expected.
Why We Like It:
✓ Direct Drive Motor
✓ Easydispense System
✓ Large To Ultra Large Capacities
Recommended LG Top Load Washer: LG 5.5 Cu. Ft. Graphite Steel Top Load Washer
Speed Queen
Speed Queen is a strong contender for your laundry room, the most dependable brand of 2021. From this high-end brand, which provides eco-friendly cycle options and deluxe washing systems that go above and beyond your laundry expectations, you can anticipate resilience and dependability. Speed Queen Perfect Wash offers better cleaning, which is also kind to your clothes. Utilizing the cleaning power of water, this ground-breaking system connects the agitator and tub to offer a gentle but highly effective wash action. With the Speed Queen Classic Clean, Speed Queen has also improved the start wash cycle. It is now quicker (roughly 30 minutes) and stronger, with 210-degree agitation strokes that provide 60 strokes per minute throughout the cycle.
Why We Like It:
✓ Stainless Steel Tub
✓ Speed Queen Classic Clean
✓ Solid Mount Suspension System
Recommended Speed Queen Top Load Washer: Speed Queen® TC5 3.2 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Maytag
Maytag clothes washers provide your laundry with the best cleaning because they are made to be strong, dependable, and ready to handle your typical tough stains. Stainless steel wash baskets, deep clean options, steam-enhanced cycles, and agitator or impeller options are all available with Maytag top load washers. You can even handle the family's biggest and trickiest laundry loads with the large and extra large capacity top load washers that are available. With a dual-temperature wash and an additional power button, Maytag top load washers improve stain-fighting performance. As smart appliances, you can use your mobile device to start/stop cycles and troubleshoot your appliance.
Why We Like It:
✓ Deep Fill Option
✓ Built-In Water Faucet
✓ Energy Star Certified
Recommended Maytag Top Load Washer: Maytag® 5.3 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
There is no correct answer when it comes to selecting a front load vs. top load washing machine; it all depends on your individual needs. Overall, each type of washer has advantages over the others, so which one is best for you will depend on your individual requirements. If space is at a premium, think about whether a stackable front load design will help. In contrast, a top load washer will be more comfortable to use if you find it difficult to bend over.
Whether you decide on a top or front load washer, Colder's experts are happy to assist you in resolving the washing machine debate. Visit one of our locations to discover all the washing machines we offer, regardless of style, brand, or price range, and learn more about each washer.
Why Trust Colder's?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder's is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder's is committed not only to continuously offering can't-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that's our best price guarantee.
Shop Top Load Washers at Colder's
Don't put off happiness — and shop washers online for unbeatable prices at Colder's. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you learn more about front load washers, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one our Colder's locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: The Best Front Load Washing Machines to Save You Time & Money