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We can all relate to those fairy over-the-top washing machines advertisements in which dirty clothes go in and come out all-white and shiny because washing machines are truly wonderful. They are a lifesaver for all of us as they are time and effort efficient and get the job done without much hassle. But choosing one for yourself is altogether a different matter.
There are many types of washing machines to choose from, Top-load and Front-load being the most famous of all. Top-load washing machines are your traditional ones, whereas the Front-load machines are comparatively new. Choosing one between them can be a difficult choice for many, but we are here to help you out!
We will dive deep into the differentiating factors between these two and tell you which one suits your requirements better.
Ease to Use
Top-loading washing machines are far more convenient to use when compared to Top-load washers. You can load them easily standing upright while to top-load requires you to bend to quite an extent. Top-load machines let you add clothes right after the cycle starts or even mid-cycle, which is not possible with some of the top-load washers.
Also, Top-load distributes fabric softener much more easily and conveniently. Families with elders in their house and people with back-issues should pick Top-Load washing machines. Overall too, the top-load washers are far easier to use than the front-load.
Better Cleaning
Despite their convenient use, top-load washing machines can damage your cloth fabric if they are not used properly. Top-loads tend to make clothes rough and shrink the fabric in the long run if the machine is overloaded, which in most cases it is. Front-loads are much better handling overloaded clothes and have an easier time washing large pieces such as pillows, curtains, and even blankets.
Compatibility and Capacity
Front-load washing machines are set to be more compact than top-loaders. Plus, they can be stacked with a dryer, and when combined, they provide a wonderful washing experience.
Whereas top-load washers are much bigger, but they do come with some extra capacity. Top-loaders range between 4.1 to 5.2 cubic meters while Front-loaders range 4.2 to 4.9. Front-load does allow you to stuff more laundry due to their larger drum size.
Water and Electricity consumption
The Front-load washing machines are known for efficiency because they use way less water and electricity than most of the Top-loaders. Part of this is because of their small size and better utilization. In many of the tests conducted, The front-loaded washing machines have outperformed the Top-loaders as being more environmental friendly as they provide better cleaning at lesser usage of both water and electricity.
Spin Speed
Front-load win this one feature. The front-loaders are said to spin 33% faster than a usual top-load washing machine, which makes the clothes remove more water and results in clothes drying more quickly in the dryer. The clothes are usually less heavy to move between the units in the Front-loaders.
But there is one drawback associated with it. The faster-spin time makes the front load washing machines vibrate a lot and make loud noises at times, which most would choose to avoid.
How it Cleans
This depends on whether the model you are buying has an agitator or not. The agitator is a mechanism in a washing machine that creates motion by shaking and forcing water through the machine. A Top-loader with agitators tends to make the washing faster, but top-loading washing machines with no agitator tend to clean better, can wash more cloth at once, and use less water at once.
Most of the Front-loading machines do not have an agitator at all. The drum’s backside is shaped like a flattened cone to help the tube spin both ways. The lack of agitator means Front-loaders treat our clothes more gently.
Maintenance and Cleaning
One of the biggest flaws in front-loading washing machines is developing mould around the door rubbers with overtimes usage. This is why the Front-loaders require a lot more maintenance and care when compared to Top-loaders. Many manufacturers include a self-cleaning cycle to avoid this. Still, you can leave the door open after running a cycle to let the water evaporate, and you can store your washing machine in an area with good airflow to avoid any kind of mould build-up.
There are no such issues in the top-loaders since they rely on gravity to pull down the water, so water doesn’t get trapped and hence doesn’t form any kind of mould.
Smart Features
Top loading washing machines come with sensors that detect how much laundry you have, and then autofill the washer to a specific level of that load. This helps top-loading washers save more water than they usually would, and this is an option that most of the front-loaders need or have. Another common new feature on top-loaders allows you to overload the washer with water if you feel that’s a solution for a particular laundry problem.
Price
Most of the Front-loading washing machines are typically more expensive than top-loaders, but justifiably so because they provide us with more features to accommodate different types of fabric, give us more quality cleaning, and are more energy and water-efficient. Though this difference may seem a little big to some, but we are sure you can derive all the benefits and that extra cost in the long run.
Conclusion
As Indians, we are accustomed to using top-loading washing machines. But we can’t deny the fact that Front-loaders, being a little expensive though, have their set of advantages. They clean better, are more water and energy-efficient, easier to clean, and offer us way more spin speed, whereas top-loaders are easier to use and take less time to wash. You can choose one which suits your requirements.
If you have decided which type to choose but are confused exactly which one to buy because there are literally hundreds of options there, you can check out Best Front-Loading washing machines and Best Top-Loading washing machines and see if it helps you.
