At a Glance:
How Does a Top Load Washing Machine Work?
6 Reasons to Avoid Purchasing a Top Load Washer
Front Loader Vs Top Loader Washer: What’s The Difference?
Why Front Load Washers Are Better
FAQ
How do you choose the best washing machine for your way of life? A good washing machine can improve your life. The decision between top-load and front-load appliances may seem overwhelming at first, but if you weigh their advantages and disadvantages, you'll find that it's much simpler. Did you know that top load washers don't always clean as effectively as they ought to? That should help make your decision even simpler. Or that a top loader can be quite harsh on your clothing, entangling your materials in the agitator as you wash them?
Scroll down to learn why top load washers are a mistake and how front load washers are superior in every way before you place your order or swipe your credit card.
Explore Front Load Washers
Need a new washer? Browse front load options from leading brands like LG, Whirlpool, Electrolux, and more at Colder's, today!
Front Load WashersWhat is a Top Load Washer?
With a top load washer, you load the clothes through a door on top of the appliance. The drum is filled with water until the clothes are completely submerged, and the load is then rotated through the water by an agitator with paddles that protrude from the center of the drum. However, some top load designs also exist that rotate the load using impellers as opposed to agitators, much like front load washers. These layouts essentially bridge the two and incorporate many of their advantages.
How Does a Top Load Washing Machine Work?
Clothes are cleaned in conventional top load washers or agitator washing machines by being immersed in water that contains detergent. The agitator rubs against the clothes as they float around in the tub, removing dirt and stains. In some top-loading machines, the agitator is replaced by an impeller. An impeller and an agitator function differently.
Top load impeller washers move the laundry around with an impeller made of connected discs at the bottom of the tub.
There are two different types of agitators, which are poles in the center of the tub. Paddles on the top and bottom of single-action agitators move the laundry around the tub. Paddles and spirals at the top of dual-action agitators push the laundry downward.
→ Learn more: The Best Front Load Washing Machines to Save You Time & Money
6 Reasons to Avoid Purchasing a Top Load Washer
Even though a top-loading washer may seem like the safest and most convenient option, if you knew what we knew, you wouldn't even consider this category of washer. See why our Colder experts would suggest a front loader over a top in the section below.
❌ Not as good at cleaning: When compared to a front load washer, a top load washer is typically less effective at removing stains. But the pre-soaking factor isn't taken into account in this.
❌ Not stackable: These machines can't be stacked, so you might have to give 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. So if you have many delicates, this isn't the best design.
❌ 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, it can occasionally be challenging to reach the bottom of the drum to retrieve any remaining clothing.
❌ Less efficient: Every year, top-loaders use 7,000 more gallons of water than front-loaders do. One explanation is that a top-load washer's tub fills with water while a front-tub loader does not. When using a top load washer, more water and energy are required to heat the water.
❌ You can’t see the wash progress: You will need to manually peek inside to see the progress since there is no viewing window.
Front Loader Vs Top Loader Washer: What’s The Difference?
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While the main distinction between front load and top load washers is how the clothes are loaded and unloaded, front load models typically use less water and take a little longer to complete a cycle than top load washers. Additionally, they tumble clothes rather than agitating them in a wash basket with an impeller or other device to clean them.
Why Front Load Washers Are Better
When it comes to the benefits of a front loading machine, historically, they are superior to a top loader in a few ways.
✅ Better cleaning results: In general, front-load washers are thought to clean more effectively. The wash method removes stains more successfully.
✅ More efficient: You can conserve water, energy, and detergent by using a front-loading washer. Since they typically use less water than top-loading machines, less energy is needed to heat the water and use 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 like top loaders do, front loaders rotate and tumble the laundry to clean it. Due to this, front-load washers are better suited for delicates.
✅ Drum access: After a wash, it's simple to reach any remaining clothes at the back, even though you do have to bend to access the drum.
✅ Wash progress: Some people prefer that you can actually see the cycle's progression through the drum door.
✅ They are quieter: Front loaders have much better motors and suspension systems, which reduce vibration.
✅ Speed: They spin more quickly, allowing for a faster drying process by removing more water from the fabric before you put it in the dryer.
✅ Loading/Unloading: Since you won't be dipping your hand into a large hole, it will be simpler to retrieve your clothes.
✅ They can save money in the long run: The fact that front-load washing machines are more expensive than the majority of top-load washing machines is a valid complaint. However, for some households, the money you save over time on utilities with a machine that uses less power and water may outweigh this initial cost.
3 Front Loaders to Take Home
Get rid of your top load washer and complete your laundry set with a front-loading model that increases cleaning performance while saving you time, money, energy, and water. Our experts at Colder's couldn't help but suggest their favorite front-loading washers to match your dryers given what we know.
→ Learn more: Top 5 Best Washer and Dryer Sets
Best LG Front Load Washer: LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. Black Steel Front Load Washer
We can ensure dependability and customer satisfaction with this LG front load washing machine in a gorgeous black steel finish, which received an overall score of 87 on Consumer Reports. The 4.5 cu. ft. capacity of this LG front-load washer expertly accommodates up to 20 pounds of laundry per load to keep your family and your home smelling fresh and looking their best for less time and energy per wash day. With built-in intelligence for the best wash and dry cycles and Wi-Fi capabilities to manage and monitor your loads via smart devices with the ThinQ app, this model is a smart washer. This AAFA-certified washer also has an Allergiene cycle that can get rid of up to 95 percent of pet dander and dust, making it ideal for your children during the cold and flu season.
Best Whirlpool Front Load Washer: Whirlpool® 5.0 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Get this Whirlpool front-load washing machine instead, where loading isn't such a hassle, and stop grabbing the stepstool to dig out your wet laundry from your top loader. To ensure that your clothes, towels, or bedding are treated with the utmost care, use the simple controls that will automatically suggest the ideal cycle combinations for each wash or create up to 35 of your own. With a 5 cubic foot ultra-large capacity, you can increase the size of your load and wash the larger comforters in a 25-minute wash cycle to cut down on your laundry day and give you some of your time back. You'll also appreciate the vibration-reducing technology, which guarantees a quiet wash cycle during nap time by preventing loads from being knocked off balance by bulkier items and unevenly distributed clothes in the drum.
➥ See Whirlpool Washer Reviews
Best Electrolux Front Load Washer: Electrolux 4.5 Cu. Ft. Titanium Front Load Washer\
Take a look at this Electrolux washer if you prefer a device that keeps things straightforward without all the frills but still does the job. The energy-efficient products from this brand are well-known, and the large capacity washer is no exception. The world's first adaptive dispenser, which can accept most detergent types, including PODS if you don't want to use liquid detergent for the smaller loads, is built into this ENERGY STAR®-certified washer. Your loads are guaranteed a thorough clean with the LuxCare Plus Wash system of this washer, which offers even distribution of detergents and fabric softeners, enhanced wash actions, temperature control, as well as intelligent load sensing.
You can enjoy cycles like the 15-minute fast wash, perfect steam, pure rinse, sanitize, and allergen washes for the deepest cleans in addition to these satisfying wash features.
➥ See Electrolux Washer Reviews
You want to make sure you get the best washing machine you can afford for your budget because it keeps your household running. Since no washing machine can be everything to everyone, our experts at Colder's can assist you in choosing the ideal appliance for your home, including top loading and front loading washers.
FAQ
What are the disadvantages of a top load washing machine?
Top load washing machines generally use more water and energy compared to front-load models. They can also be harder on delicate fabrics since the agitator in some models can cause wear and tear. Additionally, they may not fit as seamlessly into small spaces like stackable front-load washers can.
What is the lifespan of a top load washing machine?
A top load washing machine typically lasts 10-15 years with proper maintenance and care. Regular cleaning, avoiding overloading, and promptly addressing any repairs can help extend its lifespan even further.
Why do people prefer front-load washers?
Many people love front-load washers because they’re more efficient, using less water and energy while offering gentler care for clothes. They also tend to have larger drum capacities, perfect for handling bulky items like comforters, and their stackable design saves space.
Where to buy a front load washer near me?
If you’re in the Milwaukee area, Colder’s is your go-to destination for washers! We carry a wide range of models from top brands, combining efficiency and style to fit your needs. Stop by one of our locations or browse our selection online to find the perfect washer for your home.
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 Front Loader 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 discover more about top load washers, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of 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: Front Load vs Top Load Washers [Our Top Picks]