Is a Front or Top Load Washing Machine Better?

Washing machine research to make your decision a bit easier.

If your washing machine has stopped working, you need a new one, right? No one can dispute that. However, which type to get has long been a topic of discussion. People have their opinions, both fact and preference based. No matter the choice, knowing what you want before entering the appliance store is a great way to save time and get back to the wash!

From the layout of your laundry room to the amount of soil your machine will need to tackle, you have choices. 

Front Load Washing Machine

So, you have determined a front loader will fit into your laundry area, but is it the right choice for your laundry needs? For the majority, a front loader is the better choice, and for several reasons as well. Here are several factors to consider when making your necessary purchase. 

1. Front-loaders remove stains more easily. The washing motion is more efficient, using gravity and the turning motion to get clothes saturated in the water and detergent. 
2. The tumbling motion has more energy than the twisting motion of a top-load machine.
3. Front-loaders use less water; in fact, about 5 gallons less per load. The drum’s turning moves the clothes through the shallow water, and the clothes agitate against one another. 
4. Molded vanes on the drum assist in pushing the clothes through, rather than an agitator.
5. Clothes clean slowly and more efficiently in a front-loader.
6. Large load or small, the clothes get clean.
7. Less water equals less energy to heat the water.
8. Front-load washers have a faster spin cycle, lessening time in the dryer.
9. They can also be stacked if space is of the essence.
10. Front-loaders are gentler on clothes.
11. Some may have reversible doors to help the washer fit in any room and move the load from washer to dryer with ease.

A well-known negative to the front load washer is the odor that comes with the machine’s use. Front loads have a seal, so the water doesn’t leak out. That also means air does not get in to dry the unit out between loads, leaving a musty smell.

Today’s front load washers do a bit better with this, but there is a straightforward solution. Leaving the door open or cracked will help dry the machine out between uses eliminating the odor. There are also washing machine freshening tablets you can opt to use once a month or so to keep any washer clean and fresh.

Now, let’s research the top load washing machine.

Top Load Washing Machine

Even with the positive features of the front load washer listed above, some homeowners still prefer a top load machine. It may merely be habit and tradition, causing them to want a top load, but other features are worth noting.

1. Top Load machines require less maintenance overall. 
2. There is no musty odor with a top load. 
3. Clothes are fully submerged in the water and detergent.
4. There is no bending over to remove the load.
5. Top loaders have a faster wash cycle.
6. The larger units can handle larger amounts.
7. Top load machines are often less expensive.
8. They also may last longer.
9. It is easier to add a piece mid wash.

Both options look good on paper. So, what makes the difference in a clean load?

The Personal Error Factor

There is nothing any appliance maker can do to help when someone messes up doing the laundry. 

If you use too much, or not enough detergent, your load will not get perfectly clean.

Having a lazy day and don’t want to sort the colors and fabrics? Your load will not get perfectly clean.

Don’t feel like bothering with the settings and hot/cold water options? Your load will not get perfectly clean.

Got a mega-load to wash? That’s okay occasionally, but if you do it every time, your loads will not get perfectly clean.

So, you see, there is a bit of responsibility on the part of the machine owner to use the features according to the washer’s design. If you properly sort the loads, use the right amount of detergent and fabric softener, and use the settings to accommodate each load, your clothes should come out squeaky clean with each wash.

The right washer for you is truly a personal preference, although the pros prefer the front loader’s wash and quality. Either way, if you have a problem with your washer, the Gulf Coast Appliance Repair professionals will be there in no time to fix the problem and get you back to the day’s chores.

Contact Gulf Coast Appliance Repair for all your appliance repair needs!