The Differences Between Top Load & Front Loading Washing Machines, explained.
Top 10 Differences
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Top loading washers use more water.
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Front loaders are a gentle wash on all cycles.
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Top loaders wash everyday clothes better.
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Front loaders wash blankets and bulky items better.
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Top load washing machines are easier to service, in most cases.
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Front load washers will naturally have more smell or mildew issues if not properly maintained.
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Top loaders are traditionally less expensive.
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Front loaders spin at a higher RPM, so less water in your clothes for your dryer to remove.
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Top loaders have more options and models.
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Front loaders are stackable.
One of the questions I get asked about quite often, is the difference between top loading and front loading washers. All though they are both “washers”, there are several differences between them that will determine whether you fall in love with it, or if it’s something you can’t wait to replace again. Most of the differences between these 2 styles of washers, is the method in how it gets your clothes clean and how well it is at cleaning varying items and materials. Which style is better for washing work clothes? Is there a design that is better for washing bedding? Which one is easier to repair? These are some of the questions we will dive into.
Top loading washers have been out the longest and have undergone many changes since the first automatic washer was rolled out in 1937. Now a days, you have larger capacities, steam cycles and even the ability to access your machine from your smart device. These innovations haven’t taken away from the base principals of how it operates. First, lets talk about how the agitation process works on a top load, then we’ll discuss how a front loader works. Top loading machines with an agitator are better at washing everyday clothes because they have a device, the agitator, to wash your clothes, instead of relying on water and soap to do most of the work. A vertical wash design, as compared to horizontal design like a front loader, allows the clothes to flow and move around in the water, moving from the bottom of the tub where the agitator is most aggressive, to the top of the tub. This cycle of moving the clothes up and down removes stains and grime that your clothes may have on it. However, the down side to having an agitator, is that your clothes may not last as long as an article of clothing that isn’t being beat into cleanliness. Something you may notice is that you have more lint build up on your dryers lint filter, than you would if you were using a front loader or agitator-less top loader. This is because the agitator is tearing fibers in your clothes, that are coming out in the dry. Another main take away from using a top load washer compared to a front load washer is the amount of water consumption. Due to the fact clothes have to move up and down in the tub to get cleaner, comes the need for having much more water for them to move around in. On average, a top load washer will use 8-15 gallons every time the washer fills, which is a minimum of 2 times, 3 if you’re using an extra rinse. This adds up over time and if you’re on a well or septic system, this may come into consideration on your purchase. If you take into consideration serviceability, top loaders are usually easier to work on because they are bottom and top serviceable, which means most of the mechanisms are either underneath the machine or on the top. With front loads, a lot of components are hidden behind panels which requires the machine to be thoroughly dismantled in order to repair it. This also affects repair costs, because longer repair times means a higher cost per repair.
Front loading washing machines are more of a modern thing. Maytag created the Neptune front load in 1997, but not too many manufacturers started making them until 2005. There were many hurdles that Maytag endured to lay the ground work for the modern machines and there were growing pains that needed to be worked through. Due to the water tight design to keep the water from leaking out the front, comes the introduction of an environment that harbors mold. It took years to figure this problem out, so we as dealers and servicers could relay the correct method of using a front load to the consumer. This is why you hear people recommend leaving the door open after using it; to help dry left over water that may be hanging out inside the tub. The front loaders horizontal design inherently makes the machine energy and water efficient. Compared to the top loaders that use up to 15 gallons every time it fills. The front loading machines use in between 2 and 4 gallons every time it fills, which is 2-3 times through out a cycle. This really helps people that are water conscious or are trying to keep large amounts of water out of their septic system. Another benefit of this horizontal design is that it is a gentle wash that tumbles your clothes clean; something that you don’t get from having an agitator beat your clothes clean. This will help your clothes last longer because the wash isn’t as aggressive. If you want something that’s capable of washing large items like bedding or drapes, the tumbling action allows you to fit larger items, because there is more room for the material to move about without getting stuck against or around the agitator. The tumbling action also gives manufacturer’s the ability to increase the spin speed, because you have more robust suspension and bearings that help keep the machine stationary during high RPM spin cycles.
If you have any more questions regarding the differences between washing machine designs or anything else appliance related, be sure to let us know. It could be the next topic we cover.