The Front Load Washing Machine Advantage
Front-loading washing machines versus top-loading washing machines- which is better? is one of those debates we can all have with our friends and families just like are you a dog person or a cat person or tea or coffee? This author has had both types of washing machines, so I know the advantages and disadvantages of each and will give you my point of view (hopefully unbiased) on this issue. For the record, I have owned several top-loading machines but my last two machines have been front-loaders.
Traditional top loading machines have been around since automatic washing machines were first invented front loading machines are a relatively recent invention when viewed in this time frame, and so I believe top loaders have continued to be the popular choice because we are more comfortable with this more familiar style of machine.
(Be honest with yourself, have you only ever looked at top loaders because these were the machines you grew up with – the types of machines your mother and grandmother had?) Front-loading machines have traditionally been used in a commercial setting and have been quite popular in Europe for many years as domestic machines they are well worth considering when you need to replace your existing machine.
They have traditionally been available in larger sizes than front loaders which made them the logical choice for large families, front loaders though are now being built in sizes up to and exceeding 7 kilograms which makes them a realistic option for families.
When it comes to the actual wash, I feel that my front loader gives a better result (cleaner clothes) than my old top loaders. Top-loading machines are also harder on your clothes than front loaders as clothes tend to get knotted up together as well as being beaten up by the agitator in the barrel of the machine. Front loading machines are much gentler on your clothes as they do not have an agitator and top loaders rotate in both directions during the washing cycle so that clothes do not knot together.
The main disadvantage of front loaders when it comes to the actual washing cycle is that the cycle takes much longer to complete than top loading machines. If you require a really fast turnaround time for your laundry you will have to take the cycle time of a front loader into consideration. Due to the high spin speeds available with a front loader, your drying time will be reduced dramatically, however. (I have caught my children wearing clothes directly out of the washing machine in the summertime!)
They are much more environmentally friendly than top-loading machines as the amount of water, detergent, and electricity they use is smaller than that used by a top loader. A typical front-loading washing machine can use half the water of an equivalent-sized top loader.
Front-loading machines in my opinion are a better choice than top-loading machines, both in performance and especially due to the environmental benefits of less water, detergent, and electricity use. You will have to decide for yourself which you think is better, but I would strongly suggest that you at least consider top-loading machines when you purchase your next washer.
