Are you in the market for a new washer but don’t what to choose? Deciding between a front load or top load washer can be confusing but we have some guidelines to use in making your decision. When thinking of top load vs. front load washer configurations, factors such as ease of use, cleaning results, and the overall cost can all factor into your ultimate choice.
Front Load or Top Load Washer: Pros and Cons to Consider
Though both washer designs have made significant improvements over the past decade, there is still a difference between top loading and front-loading washing machines across multiple factors. We’ll make sure you’re aware of the pros and cons of each to make the best decision for your family.
Ease of Use
For the pros and cons of front load washer vs top load washer features, ease of use is an important factor considering how often we do laundry. A top loading washing machine is easily loaded from a standing position by opening the lid on the top. This top lid also allows you to throw items in during a wash cycle without risking leaks or interrupting the cycle.
A front load washer requires you to bend when loading, which isn’t always easy or convenient. Given the position of the door, it locks during a cleaning cycle to prevent leaks so any forgotten items have to be added to a separate load.
Washing Speed
Comparing top load and front load washers’ washing speed can be another consideration. While front load washers generally take longer to complete a wash cycle, high–efficiency top load washers with an impeller instead of an agitator take a similar amount of time. If you’re looking for the fastest wash cycle, a top load washer with an agitator can be your best bet.
Spin Cycle Speed
Spin cycle speed, or how fast your washer wrings water from wet clothes, can be another factor when deciding between a front load or top load washer. Front load washers typically have a faster spin cycle than a top loader. Clothes that are less wet when they enter the dryer have shorter drying times. Consequently, the total time spent washing and drying laundry can also be shorter with a front load washer.
Cleaning Results
When you compare front load washer to top load how well each cleans is also important. Numerous tests have shown that the tumbling motion of a front-loading machine enables water and detergent to better penetrate stains, odors and dirt. In addition, the agitator in some top loading machines has been known to cause wear and tear to clothing over time.
Dependability
There’s not much difference in the dependability of a front load or top load washer. Both seem to have similar lifespans and breakdown with similar frequencies.
However, when a top load washer does break down they’re often easier to repair and their parts are less expensive. Front load washer components and longer repair times can end up costing more money.
Overall Cost
When you compare front load washer to top load in terms of cost, a front load washer still costs slightly more to buy upfront. However, a front load washer ends up saving you money over the life of the machine. Less water and power usage will cost less in utilities in the long term when compared to a top load washer that had a cheaper upfront cost.
We hope these tips help you make the best choice for your family when deciding between a front load or top load washer. Our blog has even more helpful washing machine tips such as how to fix a noisy washer or how to clean a backpack in the washing machine. And if you need a washing machine repair, don’t hesitate to give Callahan’s Appliance a call for fast and reliable service!
