Which Washing Machine Is Best, Top Or Front? 5 Factors To Consider

We have seen a ton of attractive ads for different ways clothes are washed with a washing machine and it makes us think that any of those types of washing machines can do the job easily. The question that arises most of the time is which washing machine is best, top or front?

Today, most of the households own at least one washing machine and it has become a necessity in modern life. In this article, we are going to take a look at the main differences between front-load and top-load washing machines. We will compare those two in five categories, so you can easily choose the best one for you.

It can be a personal choice in choosing between a front load and top load washing machine. We believe that you should make your decision base on the five following factors and let us know your final decision in the comment section, Which washing machine is best, top or front?

1. Easier to use

Normally, top-load washers are more convenient to use since you don’t have to bend over to put clothes in and take clothes out. For those who have joint issues or older users, top-loader machines usually have an ideal height, which saves users the trouble of bending down like front-loader washers. However, you can still mitigate this issue with front-load washing machines by installing them on laundry pedestals to raise them about 30-40 centimeters. 

Not just that, top-loading washers also have several other convenient qualities. For example, you can add more clothes right after starting the cycle or in mid-cycle. Top-loaders are also better at collecting lint and distributing fabric softener. 

2. Which is faster at washing clothes?

Top-load washers with an agitator usually wash clothes quicker than its front-load counterparts since the laundry load is immersed in water during the wash cycle. However, that doesn’t mean all top-loaders are quicker at washing clothes than front load washers. At the moment, there are two main types of top-load washers, one has an agitator and one does not. 

In case you don’t know, an agitator is a mechanism inside a washing machine that creates motion by shaking & forcing water through the washer, which vibrates the machine. However, an interesting difference between the two types is that the one with an agitator wash quicker but not as clean as the one without it.  The washer without agitators (called high-efficiency top-load washers) can also wash more clothes at once and consume less water. That is also the reason why the high-efficiency top-load washers are more expensive. 

3. Which cleans better?

Even though top-loaders are better for your back, they can be rougher on your clothes, especially if the laundry load is a bit too much. Meanwhile, front-loading machines tend to be gentler with clothes. In addition, you might also find that top-loading washers struggle more with bigger items like comforters or pillows because they will not fully immerse in water.

4. Price

Front-load washing machines are usually more pricey, but for good reasons. They are better at cleaning and also consume less water and energy compared to its top-load counterparts. Additionally, the front-loaders offer more wash features for all types of fabric and soil levels. Not just that, they are also much more quiet than top-load washers thanks to their more-advanced suspension systems and motors. Personally, we think that it is worth paying for the front-loaders because the price difference will be even out in the long run.

5. Which washers consume less water?

Front-loaders usually require less electricity and water than average top-load washers. Washing clothes usually accounts for around 15-20 percent of the average water usage of a family. Therefore, an efficient front-load washing machine can be good in the long run and help sustain our environment better. Not just that, Consumers Reports also normally rates top-loaders “poor” or “fair” compared to front-loaders consistently getting “excellent” or “very good” ratings.

Verdict

The features on the front-load washing machine are overall better than those of the top-load ones. Moreover, they are also more water and energy efficient. You will also find front-loading washers to have better stain removing abilities and cleaning performance. However, all those make front-loaders cost a bit more than top-loaders. Moreover, you also need to clean the door seals regularly to prevent mildew. 

There are still some aspects where top-loading washing machines are better than their front-load counterparts. They are more convenient to load and unload, easier to maintain, and also offer a tub of water for pre-soak. Even though it seems like front-loaders are better than top-loaders, you still need to know what are you looking for on a washing machine, and from then, you choose the best one for your family. 

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