The Difference Between a Front-Loading and Top-Loading Washing Machine
Front-loading washing machines have a door in the front where the laundry is placed into a large drum that is rotated on a horizontal axis. Top-loading washing machines have a lid on the top where the laundry is placed into a large drum with some type of agitator that spins on a vertical axis. Top-loading machines come in conventional and high-efficiency models. Front-loading machines are typically more stylish and energy efficient, whereas top-loading machines are less expensive. Does this Spark an idea?
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Energy Efficiency
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Front-loading washing machines are the most energy-efficient washing machine. Front loaders have higher spin speeds, so they are able to get more water out of clothes in the spin cycle than top loaders can. According to a Consumer Search report as of March 2010, "The majority of top-loading washing machines have a spin speed between 950 or 1,100 rpm, while front loaders typically have speeds between 1,100 and 1,300 rpm." This means less drying time is needed for front loaders and therefore less electricity is being used per wash cycle. Conventional top-loading washing machines are the least energy efficient as they require more water and electricity per wash. Energy-efficient top-loading washing machines use less energy and water than conventional top loaders.
Cost
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There are typically higher costs associated with front-loading washing machines than with top-loading machines. Front-loading machines cost as much as hundreds of dollars more than top-loading machines. Top-loading washing machines that are not energy efficient are the least expensive option. Front-loading machines can also require extra maintenance and their parts can be more expensive and difficult to obtain than parts for top loaders. In addition, many front-loading washing machines require laundry detergent that was designed to work with high-efficiency machines. They provide fewer suds, so less water is needed; however, they typically cost more than regular detergents.
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Washing Performance
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Front-loading washing machines perform better than top-loading washing machines for washing performance. Front-loading washing machines typically have longer wash cycles and more features than top-loading machines. The average time for a front loader is 60 to 90 minutes, whereas a top loader averages 30 to 50 minutes per wash cycle. Also, front loaders use gravity instead of an internal agitator to clean clothes, so there is less chance of clothes being damaged or wrinkled.
Reliability
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Front-loading washing machines typically have fewer breakdowns and reliability issues than top-loading machines. However, the doors on front-loading machines have thick rubber seals designed to prevent water from leaking out of the drum. Water or detergent can get trapped inside these seals. This creates an environment for bacteria and mildew, which can emit a musty, unpleasant odor. Top-loading washing machines that use impellers, infusers or other agitators to move the clothes through the water can rip or wrinkle clothes. Clothes can get trapped underneath the agitator or create an unequal distribution that requires a person to equal out the weight in the drum before the machine will continue.
Space Saving
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Front-loading washing machines can be stacked on top of one another with a matching front-loading dryer rather than needing to be side by side like top-loading machines. Therefore, front-loading machines are ideal in apartments, lofts and homes where space is limited. However, the downside to this is that front loaders require bending and are thus more difficult to put laundry in and take it out than top-loaders. This would not be the best option for someone with a bad back or knees.
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References
- Photo Credit dirty laundry image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
