Truthfully, both top-load and front-load washers can clean your laundry, but neither work like the machine you bought twenty years ago. You will have to change the way you do your laundry.
Why would you prefer one compared to the other? Let’s look at some of the differences between top-load and front-load washers to help you make a decision.
Top-Load Washers
Top-load units are generally available at a lower cost at the initial time of purchase. However, this may not be the lowest cost over the life of the machine. Some top-load washers come with a centre agitator, while others come without and look similar to the drum on a front load unit. One must be careful when loading the top-load laundry to balance the weight around the agitator. A common complaint about top-loads it is that they are more likely to come out of balance causing you to stop the load and re-balance. In the newer machines, the water level is more so determined by the machine rather than the operator - this is where we see many top-load owners become frustrated. When using a top-load machine, the normal cycle is auto-sensing, leaving little or no control of water level. On other wash cycles some water level control is given by allowing you to select a Deep Water Wash. This will raise the level of water, but the drum will never completely fill. Some think when they see low water this results in poor wash quality - this is not necessarily true. Washing today is facilitated by the friction of rubbing clothes with a small amount of HE detergent. It is not necessary to use 45 gallons of water and an agitator to perform a good cleaning.
Front-Load Washers
Front-load washers are normally sold at a little higher price point. Many withinthe appliance industry firmly believe that the wash action is stronger and that you can achieve better washing results. Front-load washers are generally gentle on your garments extending their life. Also, front-load washers have a higher spin speed allowing more water extraction and therefore less time in the dryer (which has the highest energy draw). Many front-load units offer a steam option in the washer and dryer, as well as more advanced features. We often hear that front-load washers can have a moldy smell, but this generally is controlled by the user and with a few small maintenance steps this can be overcome.
Key Points of Top Load Washers
- Lower initial price
- Easy to load and unload
- Washer profile is not as deep - may fit into smaller spaces
Key Points of Front Load Washers
- Gentle handling of your clothing
- More energy and water efficient
- Front load units are more configurable. You can stack a dryer on the matching washer with proper stacking kit or you can purchase pedestals and raise the height of the washer and dryer for easy loading and unloading.
- Clothes come out fairly dry allowing you save energy in the dryer
- Good washing results
- Better balancing and generally quieter
When it comes to washers today, there is no right or wrong. Top-load units work well for many people while front-load units work well for others. The purchasing decision is yours to make, but make sure you discuss the pros and cons with your salesperson to make sure you are getting the one that best suits your needs.
Come in to Barber & Haskill and we will be happy show you our options for both Top-Load and Front-Load laundry pairs, and assist you in making this important purchasing decision.