Difference Between Front Loading & Top Loading Washing Machines
In pre-industrial America, laundry was scrubbed by hand or on a washboard. Everything changed when the Hurley Machine Company of Chicago unveiled the first mass-produced electric washing machine. Washing machines have advanced to the point where you have several types of washers from which to choose. Front loading machines and top loading machines are the two most popular. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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A top loading washing machine opens from above. You lift its lid, and insert the laundry from the top. It's possible to fill the machine with water before or after inserting the laundry. The machine will only wash the laundry when its lid is down. If you forget to add an item, it's fine to lift the lid while the machine is in operation because the clothes and water cannot spill. You'll also notice that a top loading machine has an agitator that swirls the laundry in the water. A front loading washing machine has a door instead of a lid. The door opens towards you, and you insert the laundry from the front. You generally shouldn't open a front loading machine once the machine is in operation. A front loading machine doesn't have an agitator.
Considerations
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Top loading models cost less than front loading models, but use more water. The washers are often loud, and thrown out of balance when you put too many items on one side. As an alternative, you might want to choose a high-efficiency top loading washer. The high-efficiency model uses less water and holds more items. The catch is that clothes often tangle and wrinkle because the high-efficiency model spins faster than a traditional top loading model. Front loading models use less water, hold more items and provide better cleaning. Front loading washers also make less noise than top loading washers.
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Warning
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Water or detergent might leak from a front loading washing machine. The problem often is the result of using too much detergent or the wrong kind of detergent. For best results, use low-foaming, high-efficiency detergent with a front loading washing machine. Excessive use of non-high-efficiency detergent can cause mechanical problems as well. If the leak persists, that could indicate a problem with the seal around the door. Contact a repair person to inspect the machine.
The Facts
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Space constraints play a role in the type of washing machine you choose. If you have a front loading washer, it's possible to pair it with a dryer that sits on top. Since a top loading washer opens from the top, it wouldn't work with a dryer sitting on top of it. An alternative is to choose a space-saving front loading washer. The compact model is usually 24 inches wide or smaller. Compare that to a full-sized model that is normally 27 inches wide.
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