Traditionally, top load or front load washers were the only available choice. Yet, with the advancement of technology, front load washers have become available. You can get the same convenience that dryers offer with loading up a fresh pile of laundry.
Some people prefer top load or front load washers, while others prefer the front-loading models. To make the best choice for your family, you need to learn everything about each choice.
Here’s what you need to know about top load or front load washer to help you make the right choice:
Top Load Washers
We’re all familiar with top load washers. Whether your own family owned a washer or you had to go to the laundry mat, a top-loading washer is likely what you used.
Top-loading washers include two important parts for cleaning clothes: An agitator and a wash basket. You load the clothes into the wash basket and fill it with water and soap. The agitator helps clean the clothes, and the basket spins to extract dirt and water.
One of the biggest advantages of top-load washers is using them to soak clothes. You fill the basket with water and let the clothes sit for a while. The process can help to lift tough stains.
Even when not soaking clothes to remove stains, many say that top-loading washers get their clothes cleaner. Results will vary depending on the quality of the machine, the clothes being washed and the number of stains.
Another benefit of a top-loading washer is that you can easily add items to the wash before it is finished. You lift the lid and throw the clothes in the water. The load may pause, but it will start back up once you lower the lid. With a front-loading washer, you can’t open the door once the load has started. It remains locked throughout the cycle.
A top-loading washer has a life expectancy of about 14 years. Compared to a top load or front load washer, a top loader is much less expensive. You can pick up a quality model for only a couple of hundred dollars. You can also browse the classified ads to get a good deal on a previously owned model. So many people own top loaders that you won’t have any problem finding someone offering a good deal on their old unit.
Front Load Washers
Front-loading washers are quickly becoming the models of choice – and for a good reason. Many people find that front-loading washers offer many benefits over top loaders.
As the name suggests, a front load washers machine has a door on the front, like a dryer. There is a wash basket but no agitator. Instead, the machine turns the clothes inside the basket to clean them.
Because the wash basket on a front loader is turned on its side, the water is pulled down through the grates and out of the machine. The wash basket doesn’t need to fill up with water, so a front load washer uses a third of the water as a top loader. This design means that you’ll spend less money on both water and electricity.
Front-loading washers also don’t have to use as much detergent to clean your clothes. You can save a lot of money on cleaning supplies while exposing your clothes to fewer toxic chemicals. You’ll also release fewer chemicals into the environment, so you can feel good about doing your part for the planet.
You must buy a special detergent to use in a front loading washing machine. Manufacturers clearly label the detergent to make the selection process easier. If you use the wrong type of detergent, it could cause damage to the machine and invalidate your warranty. You may find this bothersome if you have a favourite detergent not available for front-loading machines. However, front loaders have become so popular that you can likely find a detergent you like for your machine.
In addition to using less water than traditional top load or front load washing machines also use less electricity. Even the models not specifically touted as energy efficient use less electricity than top loaders. They don’t have to use as much energy because they don’t have to heat as much water and use the power of gravity to help expel water from the machine.
You will also save money by using a front-loading machine because you can run bigger loads without sacrificing the machine’s cleaning power. You can even wash big comforters in the machine and still get them clean with ease. You’ll also save money on your drying costs because the machine can expel more water from your clothes. They will already be drier when washing, so they won’t have to spend as much time in your dryer and will use less energy.
While you will save money over time with a front loader, you will have to pay more for it upfront. Front-loading machines can cost a lot more than traditional top loaders. They also have higher repair costs if they break down or need maintenance.
One disadvantage of using a front loading machine is that you will have to bend down to load or unload laundry. This may be cumbersome even if you are in good health. If you are in bad health, it may be a real problem. However, you can stack the machine or put it on a pedestal for easier access, which you can’t do with a top loader.
Choosing between a top load or front load washer is a matter of personal preference and budget, as with any other type of machine. You should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages before making your decision. You will have your machine for over a decade with the right choice.
Also Read: Biggest Cleaning Mistakes You’re Making!
