Star Wars Vs. Star Trek, Apple vs. Android, Xbox vs. Playstation. We are all familiar with these debates. Lately we have heard people express life long devotion to their efficient, front loading washing machine while other swear fidelity to their old top loaders. Who is right which is the best washing machine, front loaders or top loaders? While nearly everything is a matter of preference, there does seem to be a clear winner in this case: front loaders.
The Case for Front Loading Washing Machines
Use Much Less Water Then Top Loaders: 18-25 gallons vs. 40 gallons for a top loader. How is this possible? Because the drum is horizontal, gravity helps wash the cloths and you need less water.
Energy Efficient: Using less water means there is also less water to heat on warm and hot cycles. In addition, front loaders spin much faster then top loaders and get your clothes dryer before they ever enter the dryer. This means you can run shorter and cooler drying cycles and save even more energy.
Greater Washing Capacity: Go ahead and wash that comforter. Front loading machines do not have an agitator inside, so you can wash larger loads.
Gentler on Clothes: Not having the agitator also means a gentler wash for your clothing.
Better Cleaning with Less Laundry Detergent: High efficiency front load washers actually clean clothes better and use less laundry detergent. Less detergent also means less water is needed to rinse clothing.
Space Save: Unlike top loaders, front loaders can be stacked.
More Features: Front loading machines often come with some very desirable features such as steam cleaning, sanitizing, overnight cycles, and more exact temperature controls
The Case Against Front Loading Washing Machines:
Expense- Front loading washing machines are more expensive then front loading washing machines. The cheapest top loading washing machines run around $300 while the least expensive front loaders cost around $600.
Musty Odors - Early consumer front-loading washing machines had a big problem: the smell. People noticed that after a couple of months, their washer smell musty and some even had mold problems. While today’s modern front loading washing machines have addressed these problems, you’ll still need to be sure to use only the recommended high efficiency detergent and follow the manufacture’s cleaning instructions.
Longer Cycle Times- Cycles on front loading washing machines often run longer then top loaders.
You Cannot Stop During a Cycle- Too bad if you forget a sock.
Is there room for compromise? Yes. Manufacturers are making efficient, agitator-less top loading washing machines that perform better then old style top loaders. But they still are not as efficient as front loading washing machines.
Bottom Line: Today’s front load washers give you superior cleaning, use less water, and are energy efficient with the stink factor.