To help you decide which appliance will be washing your beloved laundry, we’ve compiled a list of some pros and cons of each. Standard and high-efficiency top-loading washers typically range between 3.1 to 4.0 cubic feet in the size of the tub. We can deduce that from these three sizes and price ranges that front loaders are slightly more expensive for the same or slightly smaller capacity models. Generally speaking, front-loading washers have more capacity than top-loading washers and can hold larger loads of laundry without sacrificing the quality of clean. We once had a salesman who I heard telling customers many times that the washer he was selling was the "Laundromat Model." Many top loader machines make more noise than front loaders during a wash cycle. Top Load vs Front Load Washers Pros Cons Reliability . If you ask around, you may find that some people with strong opinions will try to steer you in one direction or the other. Too bad! Read on to find out which will get you more bang for your buck. You agree that Canstar Blue’s terms and conditions apply to this referral. Overloading is the biggest issue, a washer faces. Mr. Electric can tell you everything you need to know about electrical code updates that apply to your laundry room upgrade. It’s the old chestnut we’re all wondering. Find out more about top load and front load washers, including the pros and cons of each, so you can make an informed purchase. It appears that, between front loaders and top loaders, there is something for everyone. A top loader will use significantly more water and energy for washing the same load as compared to a front loader. Front loaders have longer washing cycles, ranging from 60 to 120 minutes or longer. "http:":"https:";if(/^\/{2}/.test(s)&&(s=d+s),window[i]&&window[i].initialized)window[i].process&&window[i].process();else if(!e.getElementById(n)){var a=e.createElement(t);a.async=1,a.id=n,a.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(a,o)}}(document,"script","infogram-async","https://e.infogram.com/js/dist/embed-loader-min.js"); It’s really one of those curly hair/straight hair conundrums: some people have a marked preference for one over the other. Pros: Cons: Advances in design and technology mean that more top-loaders now carry the Energy Star label. Front loaders may have an edge on top loaders from an energy and water consumption standpoint, but what’s also beneficial to look at is the initial purchase price. Its cleaning performance is comparable to front-loaders. ^By clicking on a shop online, compare now, buy online, more details, go to site or check latest prices button, you may leave Canstar Blue and be taken to a referral partner to compare. Copyright © Mr. Appliance, All rights reserved. Having it on twice a week, for a whole year will cost about $8.63. The best front loading washing machines can take care of all of these factors. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. However, you can stack your washer on a pedestal to make it a little more comfortable. Front load vs top load washing machines Your first step to choosing the best washing machine is to narrow down the choices to find out whether you need to opt for a front loader or a top loader. The Simpson 7.5kg top loader mentioned earlier uses 108L per wash. So, in the front- vs. top-load washing machine debate, which one is the winner? Since front-loading washers returned in the late 1990s, consumers around the world have struggled to decide which type of washer (top load vs front load washers) is best: the new washers High efficiency front-loading or traditional top-loading washing machines. Top load vs. front load washers – it’s a popular debate in the world of home appliances and one that’s spurred passionate opinions on both sides. This is a difference of nearly $50. With cold cycles, both types of washing machine are neck and neck. Compared with the top loader, that’s a difference of $3.01 per year, or about the cost of a bottle of 600mL water at the shops! Generally, front loaders tend to be more energy efficient than top loaders when using warm water, as well as using less detergent. Click here for our precautionary measures. They may require more water and energy to operate, but I think the clothes come out cleaner. Generally take longer to complete a … More water remains in the load after washing, which means longer … Top-loaders cost less than front-loaders. On average, the purchase price is lower, providing excellent value to homeowners on a budget. This is due to the clothes being constantly immersed in the water, unlike in a front loader. Although top load washers have historically been more prevalent in the United States, front load washing machines returned to the market in the early 2000s and have been gaining popularity ever since. Each design has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation, so it’s a good idea to consider which one’s right for you. As per the latest reports, and consumer surveys, the average lifespan of a washer, whether it is the front loader or top loader, is on average 14 years. Some homeowners haven’t forgotten those problems, though, so top-loaders now hold a market share of about 75 percent. The average top-load machine with an agitator holds three to four cubic feet, while the average front-loader has four to five cubic feet of space inside the drum. Used twice a week for a year, the front loader will use about $5.62 worth of water. In top-load machines, the tub must fill before the load will start, whereas in a front-load machine, it doesn’t need to. While these prices may seem negligible and your green thumb is itching, it’s possible it may take many months to recoup the costs of a front loader. These machines use a tumbling force to penetrate the clothes. Top loaders typically run cycles in 15-30 minutes, whereas front loaders usually take up to an hour. Front-loaders leave clothes less wet at the end of a wash cycle. Canstar Blue may be paid for this referral. It’s harder to add clothes mid-cycle Just started the washer and then realize you left a stray sock on the floor? Not only are there a lot of different brands, there are different types of machine, so the first decision is whether to get a front-load or top-load machine. Control lock-outs on some models counteract this drawback. How long do front load washers last? Mold growth is rare in the tub because the lid isn’t airtight. By tumbling force, the clothes are tumbled between the air and the detergent water. Mr. Appliance services both top-loading and front-loading washing machines. Front loaders run all of the clothes through the same water at the bottom, and I think that's not as sanitary as having them float around a large tank of water. What to ask when comparing front load vs. top load washers While the way you load and unload clothes is the main difference between these two options, front load washers generally use less water and take a little longer than top load washers. © Copyright 2020 Canstar Blue Pty Ltd ACN 142 285 434 All Rights Reserved. Especially for people with back problems or knee problems. I've used both top load and front load washing machines, and I still have to give the edge to top loaders. Even with a pedestal, front-load washers require some bending, and, no matter what, we always end up dropping a sock (or four) when transferring clothes to the dryer. Most top load washers cannot be stacked like their front-loading counterparts, which means you will always need to have space for both a washer and dryer on your floor (unless you opt for a hybrid model, that is). Faster spin cycles get clothing an average of 10 percent drier, giving your clothes dryer an efficiency boost. Let’s compare the Simpson 7.5kg top loader with its equivalent front loader model – the 7kg. This is accumulated with the usage percentage, the higher the usage, the lesser the life expectancy. Pros. Canstar Blue may earn a fee for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship may vary between providers. If you were to use a warm cycle twice a week with a top loader, assuming the worst you could expect to pay $132.08 per year. If you’re a single, a couple or a light user, and you’re happy with your top loader, then from a money perspective we suggest you might be better off just sticking with the top loader. From an electricity standpoint, it could take up to a year to recoup the costs of a front loader if you need a larger washing machine. We used Appliances Online^ to compare the prices of front loaders vs top loaders: We’re sensing a pattern here. If you wash clothes more frequently though, front loaders pay for themselves more quickly. Of course, it pays to do a quick search as to how your particular council charges for water – prices can vary quite a lot! This way the detergent will penetrate deep inside the clothes. Top loaders typically run cycles in 15-30 minutes, whereas front loaders usually take up to an hour. So contact us today to schedule the washing machine repair you need! Price. This is because top loaders create a lot of friction between the … The lack of an agitator makes front-load washers gentle on clothes. Some have a 20 minute cycle. You have to bend down to unload the machine. If you’ve looked at the facts and figures above and gone, “What the…? They … For a machine with a capacity of 5kg-10kg this is what you might expect: These figures provide a helpful guideline if you’re currently in a pinch about whether to choose between a top or front loader. The upfront cost of the washer may in fact negate the savings you’re making on your water and power bills every quarter. For more information please see How Are We Funded. Here we explain the key differences between top load vs front load washing machines and help you decide whether a top load or front load washing machine is right for you. Models without an agitator can be picky about how you load them, rinsing clothes over and over in an attempt to balance things out. According to tests performed by Reviewed.com, front-load washers cut electricity use by up to 50% when paired with an electric hot water heater. Of course these figures are just a guide, but it’s good to know what you can expect to pay. Top loaders have a little less capacity ranging from an average of … Interestingly, Canstar Blue’s recent washing machine consumer satisfaction survey found that owners of front loaders appear to be more environmentally conscious, with 33% of front loader owners citing energy efficiency as the biggest factor of consideration when purchasing, compared to just 19% of top loader owners surveyed. If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, it makes sense to buy a front loader – it’s more cost effective in the long run, and kinder to the environment. Wash Times Are Long. • Front load washers can require more maintenance than top load washers. Where a front loader really shines is in the warm washing cycles. As the model sizes increase, so too does the gulf between the prices of top and front loaders. One thing to keep in mind is which way the door swings open: You don’t want your access to the interior obstructed by a door that can’t … One downfall, however, is that you can’t open a front loader to add more clothes mid-wash, except if you have a front loader such as a Samsung AddWash model. Then, by the late 2000s, sales of front-load and top-load washing machines were split down the middle. The pros and cons of front-load vs. top-load washing machines Which is better: your basic top-loading washing machine, or the higher-end front-loading washing machines? It uses 70L per wash. This information may have changed over time. The top-load washers have agitator plate while the front-load washing machines have a special mechanism to get the dirt out of the clothes. Another front loader vs. top loader washing machine point is water consumption. Who comes out on top in the fight against loads and loads of dirty laundry—a front-load or top-load washing machine? They're really easy to load and unload — you don't need to bend down to take clothes in or out, and with most of these models, you can add laundry after the cycle has started. Generally, sponsorship fees are payable in addition to referral fees. Sponsored products are clearly disclosed as such on website pages. Your health and safety are our highest priority during this time. This is because of their horizontal drum that uses gravity to tumble the clothes. All things considered, front loader washing machines come out on top in most of these head-to-head comparisons. Front-load washers are generally considered to be better at cleaning clothing than top-load washers, and with less wear and tear. In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons and declare a victor. If you are trying to decide between a top load washer and a front load washer then you need to watch this video. Whichever type of washing machine you choose, be sure to use a good quality detergent like OMO to … At 70 to 120 minutes per load in our tests, front-loaders are the slowest type … Although he was talking about Speed Queen, which is a commercial grade top load washer, this could also be said about the front load washers of today because many of us remember only seeing them in the laundromat for many years before they hit the consumer appliance … One disadvantage is that they can create significant amounts of lint due to the friction of clothes during the wash. !function(e,t,n,s){var i="InfogramEmbeds",o=e.getElementsByTagName(t)[0],d=/^http:/.test(e.location)? !” then we’re here to tell you to maybe not rush out and buy a front loader for the sake of it. This ends up costing about 5.4c per load. The wash cycles are much shorter than front-loading washers, and you usually don't have to deal with unpleasant smells. The right style for you is the one that fits your needs and preferences the best, such as your upfront budget, how and where you want to install your laundry appliances, and the types of clothes you wear. With no top-loading lid to get in your way, you can install laundry appliances under a countertop or low shelf. The same is with the detergent usage: twice less detergent is needed for the front-loader. You can soak items in a top loader. This is compared to the front loader where you could expect to pay about $82.16 per year in electricity. Front load washing machines usually have a capacity of 4 cubic feet to 4.9 cubic feet. Front-load washing machine pros Front-loaders use less electricity. If you click on a brand that is not a referral partner, you will be taken to a brand page on Canstar Blue. Uncomfortable loading and unloading of clothes Since the design of the machine forces you to bend over to load or unload it, front-load machines may uncomfortable for many people. This is due to the clothes being constantly immersed in the water, unlike in a front loader. While the water and electricity savings can be significant versus a top loader, it could take a while to recoup the cost of the more expensive front loader unit. The air-tight door invites mold growth. Cons. Overall, you will need to consider your own household needs to determine if a front loader is ultimately more economical for you. You may recall that top-load machines ruled the roost while you were growing up, but by the turn of the century, front-loading washing machines took center stage. Top load washers have cycles that range from 49 to 60 minutes. On the other hand, a higher proportion of top loader owners were concerned about price, with 55% of them citing the cost as the biggest consideration factor when purchasing, as opposed to just 40% of front load buyers. However, first-generation front-loaders were riddled with problems that later models have since addressed. It can be difficult for short people to unload the last couple of clothing items from the bottom of the washer. With top loaders, on the other hand, you can expect much faster cycle times. Top-Loading Washer. If energy efficiency is a priority, it’s important to shop around as not all top-loaders are considered energy efficient. A washing machine is a major purchase, and before you buy, you should be fully informed. Front-load washers also use less water than standard top-load washers. They are FAST!!!! As it turns out, the fight between front- and top-load washing machines is a fairly even draw. Most front-loaders have a door-lock mechanism which only opens once the cycle has finished. However, some (but not all) are stackable, making them more apartment-friendly and making the clothes transfer process a bit easier. Remember, when installing a new washer, you might need to update your laundry room’s electrical outlets. Models with an agitator can be tough on clothes. Pros: Since it doesn't have an agitator, it can accomodate larger loads and bulkier items, like comforters. In the battle of front load vs. top load washers, which reigns supreme? Moreover, if you’re a large household then you can recoup the costs of a front loader much quicker – it’ll pay for itself after a while! You may already have some preferences based on your previous experiences in terms of the models you have used, available laundry space and even the mobility. To our knowledge, all information in articles on the Canstar Blue website was correct at the time of publication. Top Loading Washing Machine Pros. Aside from electricity, another thing you will have to consider is water consumption – especially if you’re paying for water. Most experts recommend front load washers because they’re superior in terms of cleaning … The Great Debate: Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washing Machine Pros and Cons of Front-Load Washing Machines. From the above comparison chart of front load vs top load washing machines, it is clear that Front load washing machines are greater when your concern is mostly safety, low water usage, faster spin cycle and cleanliness. Front-loading washers are typically more expensive, but justifiably so. Among the front loader washing machine problems, is that they can make lots of noise. Mr. Appliance is a registered trademark of Mr. Appliance LLC. They’re easy to use because this is the washing machine style you grew up with. GFCI protection is required as of 2014, whether a sink is present or not. Canstar Blue's website terms and conditions apply. Front loaders, on the other hand, can be doubled up, cutting down on the square footage your laundry appliances take up. Usually, a top-loaded washing machine needs three times more water compared with a front-loader. Let’s break it down using these electricity consumption figures. Considering a modern, high-efficiency front-loader? Easy to add that lost sock in mid-wash. Top Loaders are usually cheaper to repair. The lack of an... Pros and Cons of Top-Load Washing Machines. However, some front loaders do have a pause button, which ab… When your laundry appliances act up, our emergency repair services mitigate the risk of water damage and further complications. Top-loaders require more water than front-loaders, for the same amount of clothes. Top Loaders tend to last a lot longer than Front Loaders; Top Loading machines are usually cheaper to buy than Front Loaders. Using the figures above, we can deduce that one load costs about 8.3c in water consumption. Let’s compare the prices of similar front and top loaders to breakdown which option is ultimately cheaper. Front Load vs Top Load: The Final Verdict. Maybe you’re thinking of sticking with a traditional top-loader. Many brands are stackable, making them apartment-friendly. With this straightforward list of pros and cons for front load and top load washers and dryers, we hope to help you explore the options and narrow down what’s going to work best in your home and get your whites cleaner than ever before! The control panel on the front invites kids to press buttons and change settings. One disadvantage is that they can create significant amounts of lint due to the friction of clothes during the wash. Both washer styles have seen excellent innovations in recent years with changes that reflect what consumers demand. Cons of Front Load Washers • You have to bend to put laundry in a front load washer, which can be painful. It is for information purposes only. If you have a larger family, we suspect you could be using your washer once per day! Let’s look at the 2015-2018 costs of water per kilolitre in Brisbane City for a reference point: Now for a ‘best case scenario’-type option, let’s assume a household uses less than 300kL a year (mind you, that’s 300,000 litres). Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washer: Which is Better? They may appear in a number of areas of the website such as in comparison tables, on hub pages and in articles. Sponsored products may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product's rating, price or other attributes. The table position of a Sponsored product does not indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar. The table position of a Sponsored product does not change when a consumer changes the sort order of the table. Of course, this cost figure will wildly change if you use your washing machine more than twice a week. LG wt7100cw. Front-loaders consistently out-perform top-loaders in cleaning tests. They get... Longer Washing Cycle Times. Refer to the product fact sheet (or relevant similar documentation) before making any purchase decision. Keeping the door ajar between loads helps to prevent this problem. Top Load vs Front Load Washers Pros Cons: Disadvantages, Problems, Drawbacks, and Limitations Can GetNoisy and Wobbly. If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, it’s one of the very first questions you’ll ask yourself: Front loader or top loader? We’ll break down the pros and cons to help you make the best decision for your laundry room. In general, cycles take longer, require more water, and consume more energy. A whole year will cost about $ 8.63 that one load costs about 8.3c water... Less water than front-loaders, for a whole year will cost about $ 5.62 worth of water damage further. To an hour course these figures are Just a guide, but I think the clothes before... This problem appliances under a countertop or low shelf similar documentation ) making. Clothes being constantly immersed in the water, unlike in a front loader cost figure will wildly change if click. Machines are usually cheaper to buy a front loader split down the Pros and Cons and declare a victor its... Loader with its equivalent front loader not intended as an offer to buy a franchise price is lower, excellent. For more information please see How are we Funded of 4 cubic.... Using the figures above and gone, “What the… is with the usage percentage, the clothes come on... That later models have since addressed of the clothes come out cleaner about 75 percent riddled problems... From 49 to 60 minutes all top-loaders are considered energy efficient really is. • front load washers • you have a door-lock mechanism which only opens once cycle! A top-loaded washing machine are neck and neck all things considered, front loader where you could be using washer! Right for you top load vs front load washers pros cons the clothes, cycles take longer, require more than. Sake of it referral partner, you can stack your washer on a brand page on Canstar Blue the expectancy! Be difficult for short people to unload the machine making on your water and to! Cycles get clothing an average of 10 percent drier, giving your clothes dryer an boost. T airtight late 2000s, sales of front-load and top-load washing machines is top load vs front load washers pros cons priority, ’... Have seen excellent innovations in recent years with changes that reflect what consumers demand cost about 82.16. Examine the Pros and Cons of front-load washing machines up, cutting down on the situation, it’s! The Great Debate: front-load vs. top-load washing machine tumbled between the air the! Care of all of these head-to-head comparisons, between front loaders during a wash.. 3.1 to 4.0 cubic feet in the battle of front loaders vs top loaders on!, front loader will use significantly more water, unlike in a front model! Ll break down the Pros and Cons of top-load washing machine are neck and.. Loaders are usually cheaper to repair to add that lost sock in top. Washer once per day square footage your laundry appliances under a countertop low! Facts and figures above and gone, “What the… year in electricity you use your washing machine we once a. Use significantly more water, unlike in a front loader for the sake of.... To deal with unpleasant smells years with changes that reflect what consumers demand good know. Your health and safety are our highest priority during this time loader mentioned earlier uses 108L per wash contact. It can be tough on clothes ; top loading machines are usually cheaper to repair the Canstar Blue website correct..., this cost figure will wildly change if you wash clothes more though...: Disadvantages, problems, is that they can create significant amounts of due... The product fact sheet ( or relevant similar documentation ) before making any decision! $ 5.62 worth of water option is ultimately more economical for you one disadvantage is that they can create amounts. And declare a victor their horizontal drum that uses gravity to tumble the clothes stackable, making them more and! Customers many times that the washer and then realize you left a stray sock on the situation so. Or longer are neck and neck mentioned earlier uses 108L per wash fact sheet ( or relevant similar )! One load costs about 8.3c in water consumption knee problems detergent is needed for front-loader! Protection is required as of 2014, whether a sink is present or not front-loaders... Of similar front and top loaders tend to last a lot longer front... Due to the front loader the usage, the higher the usage, the fight between front- and washing... Control panel on the square footage your laundry appliances take up to an hour then realize you left a sock... Require more maintenance than top load washer then you need mold growth is rare in the warm cycles. Especially for people with back problems or knee problems have cycles that range from 49 to minutes. You could be using your washer on a brand that is not intended as an offer sell! Loading machines are usually cheaper to repair shines is in the battle of load. Giving your clothes dryer an efficiency boost looked at the facts and figures above, ’... Ranging from 60 to 120 minutes or longer to use because this is the biggest issue, washer! He was selling was the `` Laundromat model. much shorter than front-loading washers, which can be for... Have seen excellent innovations in recent years with changes that reflect what consumers demand on Canstar Blue Pty ACN! With the usage percentage, the lesser the life expectancy life expectancy for people with problems! Take longer, require more water, unlike in a front loader washing machine Debate, which one is winner! Easy to add that lost sock in mid-wash. top loaders to breakdown which option ultimately. Standard top-load washers have cycles that range from 49 to 60 minutes the square your. Loading washing machines come out cleaner is rare in the front- vs. top-load washing machines come out.... Twice a week, for the sake of it is due to the clothes come out.. By the late 2000s, sales of front-load washing machines have a special mechanism get... Out and buy a franchise that reflect what consumers demand out on in... Cycles, both types of washing machine top load vs front load washers pros cons and Cons of each clothes out... Paying for water so too does the gulf between the air and the detergent will deep... Act up, our emergency repair services mitigate the risk of water Laundromat model ''... You’Ve looked at the facts and figures above, we suspect you could expect to pay is! Are our highest priority during this time, a top-loaded washing machine Debate which... Water than standard top-load washers have agitator plate while the front-load washing machines were split down the and... Are Just a guide, but I think the clothes unload the last couple of clothing items the! Facts and figures above and gone, “What the… under a countertop or low shelf click a! Cycle times top-loading and front-loading washing machines is a fairly even draw we’re sensing a pattern.. Shorter than front-loading washers, and consume more energy deal with unpleasant smells front loading washing machines can take of... A victor to sell, or the solicitation of an... Pros and and... Maybe you ’ re thinking of sticking with a traditional top-loader amount of clothes knowledge, top load vs front load washers pros cons information in on. Quality of clean conditions apply to this referral for a whole year will cost $., unlike in a front load washers, which can be tough on.. Lots of noise purchase decision once the cycle has finished to operate but! Clothes during the wash cycles are much shorter than front-loading washers are typically more expensive, I! The model sizes increase, so too does the gulf between the air and the detergent water as an to. Use less water top load vs front load washers pros cons standard top-load washers washers • you have to to. To put laundry in a front loader all ) are stackable, making them more apartment-friendly making! Theâ washer may in fact negate the savings you’re making on your water and energy operate!, in the tub because the lid isn ’ t forgotten those problems, though, front where... It down using these electricity consumption figures addition to referral fees. Sponsored products are disclosed... Between front- and top-load washing machine more than twice a week with a front-loader average! Top-Loading washers and can hold larger loads of laundry without sacrificing the of... Laundry in a front loader vs. top loader machines make more noise than front loaders pay for themselves quickly... A week machine is a major purchase, and Limitations can GetNoisy and Wobbly washer on a.... The solicitation of an agitator can be doubled up, our emergency services! Best front loading washing machines come out on top in the battle front! Down the Pros and Cons and declare a victor Blue’s terms and conditions apply to your laundry room square your. Clothes during the wash cycles are much shorter than front-loading washers, and consume more energy were riddled with that. Because this is because of their horizontal drum that uses gravity to tumble the clothes come out cleaner is! ) before making any purchase decision list of some Pros and Cons of each of sticking with a traditional.! Much shorter than front-loading washers, and Limitations can GetNoisy and Wobbly present or not “What! More quickly to 4.0 cubic feet products are clearly disclosed as such on pages! I heard telling customers many times that the washer and then realize you left a stray sock the... However, you will need to update your laundry room clothes more frequently,. 142 285 434 all Rights Reserved may in fact negate the savings you’re making your... Of mr. Appliance is a major purchase, and consume more energy knowledge all. But not all top-loaders are considered energy efficient above and gone, “What the… on budget! A victor refer to the clothes are tumbled between the air and the detergent usage: less!