We've all seen advertisements with different ways clothes are cleaned in a washing machine. It seems as if any laundry set will do the job for your family. However, when front-load washing machines made a debut in the late '90s, the question arose, "What kind of washing machine is better - the traditional top-load, or the new high-efficiency front-load washers?"
Traditional washing machines were designed to agitate clothes with soap in a tub of water. Since then, not only has technology revolutionized the washing machine design, but modern-day detergents and cloth fibers have changed as well. Today, washing machines are a necessity in most households with new features tailored to cleaning the latest cloth fibers.
Top-loading washers are normally more convenient since you don’t have to bend over to load and unload clothes. For older buyers or those with back issues, top-loading washers typically stand at an ideal height to save the trouble of bending down. To mitigate this issue with front loaders, we recommend installing the units on laundry pedestals that raise the units about 12-15 inches. Top loaders also have other convenient qualities, such as the ability to add clothes in mid-cycle, or even right after starting the cycle. They can also collect lint and distribute fabric softener better than front-loading washing machines can.
There are two main types of top-loading washing machines. One that has an agitator, and one without, referred to as a wash plate. An agitator is a mechanism within a washer that creates motion by rotating and forcing water through the clothes. Top-loading washing machines with agitators typically wash quicker, but top-loading washing machines without agitators (known as high-efficiency top load washing machines) can clean more clothes at once, and use less water. As such, HE (high-efficiency) washing machines cost more.
The Whirlpool WTW8000DW is a great choice for a top-loading washer without an agitator, it sells for $899.99 and has a 1-year part and labor warranty.
Speed Queen got its "mojo" back with the release of the TC5000WN traditional agitator washer which is able to complete a cycle under 28 minutes. This sells for $1029.00 and has a five-year part and labor warranty.
During the final spin cycle, front-loading washing machines generally spin about 33% faster than typical top loaders, meaning that more water will be removed from the clothes before you transfer them to the dryer. This means your clothes will dry faster in the dryer and will be less heavy to move between the two units. One drawback, however, is that the spin cycle causes many front-loading washers to vibrate, making noise that many people would rather avoid.
You can find the spin-speed of any washer in its specifications document measured by RPM's (revolutions per minute). We expect a good front-load washer to have 1,300 RPM's (try to stand clear of any front-load models with less than 1,200 RPM speed). On the other hand, you can expect to get anywhere between 700 and 900 RPM out of an average top load washer. Recently, LG and Samsung are leading the pack with top-loaders with a faster spin at 1,050 RPm.
The feature set found in front-loading washers is generally better than that of the top-loading washers. Also, front-loading washers are more energy and water-efficient. Overall cleaning performance and stain removing abilities are better in front-loading washers. However, these attractive looking, modern washing machines come at a slightly higher price tag and the door seals do require regular wiping down to prevent mildew. If you need to fit a washer in a smaller space, compact front-loading washers can be placed under the countertop or stacked in a closet.
Top-loading washers are more convenient to load and unload and are easier to maintain than front-loading washers. If you are looking for a quicker and easier wash, top-loading washing machines are probably a better way to go. If your laundry area is in a basement with limited airflow, gravity pulls residual water away from the seals and gaskets so wiping down these parts is not necessary. However, while these washers initially save money, top-loading washers will cost more in water usage than a front-loading washing machine will.
Shopping for a washing machine ultimately comes down to what you personally are looking for and where your laundry will be located. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our sales staff at Don's Appliances, to find what the best fit for you and your household is.