We are getting lazy. Trust me. We are getting lazy because science is progressing at a fast pace. When we talk about washing machines, innovations are evolving now and then. But one of the big debates on washing machines that were going on for a long time is ” Top Load Vs Front Load Washer”. So let’s settle the battle between Front Load vs Top Load Washer in this article.
Both front load washer and top load washer have their own share of advantages and disadvantages. While a front loading washing machine is always an automatic one, on the other hand, top-loading washing machines are available in both automatic and manual configurations.
We will be evaluating the difference between Top load vs front load washer based on some key parameters. But before that, if you want to learn more about how a washing machine works or the different types of washing machines available in the market, you should read the below article.
Must Read: Washing Machine Buying Guide
Top Load Washer
Top-loading washers are available in the manual or automatic configuration. In the case of a manual top load washer, there will be a separate drum for drying purposes. You need to take clothes out of the wash drum and put them back into the dryer drum.
In the case of an automatic top load washer, the same wash drum act as a dryer drum. Once you put clothes into the drum and start it, forget about it, the machine will wash and dry automatically.
In the top-loading washing machine, you can put extra clothes in between the cycle also. This is something that adds convenience to consumers.
Top loading washing machines are cheaper than front loading washing machine but the power consumption is more. So you need to spend more on your electricity bills.
Front Load Washer
As the name suggests, front load washers have a door at the front side through which you have to put clothes. You can not put extra clothes in between the cycle as water will spill out of the machine. However, some front-loading washing machines in the market allow you to put clothes in between the cycle.
One of the key problems with the front load washing machine is that you need to bend down a little bit to put clothes into the washer. So those who have back pain issues may find the front loading washer a big problem.
However, front-loading washers have better wash performance, consume less water and electricity but way too costly than top load washers.
Top Load Vs Front Load Washers
Here are the following parameters based on which we will be evaluating the differences between a top-load vs. front load washers
- Ease of use
- Wash performance
- Water Consumption
- Power Consumption
- Noise and Vibration
- Wash Cycle Time
- Pricing
Easy to use
Top load washers are easier to use. You can put extra clothes, detergent, or water in between the cycles. Does not require special care also. You don’t need to bend down to put clothes into the washer.
Front-load washers do not have the convenience of adding clothes between the cycles, and you need to bend down to put clothes.
Wash Performance
Top load washers use an agitator or pulsator to clean cloths. High-end top load washers use a pulsator, and budget top load washer uses an agitator. However, front load washers only use pulsators. Pulsators are known for better wash performance. So, in other words, front load washers are better in wash performance.
But if the clothes are too much dirty, then agitator-based top-loading washing machines are better. The reason is that the agitator washes clothes due to the friction between cloths and the agitator. Due to that friction, clothes are cleaned better in top load washers, especially if those are too much dirty.
Water Consumption
Front loading washing machines consume less amount of water than top loading washing machines. Front load washers can save up to 40% water consumption compare to top load washers.
Power Consumption
Front load washers are the best in power consumption. They consume a relatively less amount of electricity compare to top load washers. Usually, most of the front load washers come with Inverter Technology to reduce your washing machine power consumption by up to 30-40%.
On top of that most of the front load washers, works on direct drive technology that is known for consuming less power compared to belt drive technology used in top load washers.
Noise And Vibration
As I said that front load washers use direct drive technology. What that means is that the front load washer has fewer mechanical moving parts as the motor is directly attached to the pulsator shaft. When there are fewer mechanical parts, there will be less noise and vibration.
On the other hand, most of the top-loading washers still use belt drive technology. Due to that, there are more vibration and noise. However, few top-loading washing machines with direct drive technology produce less noise, but those are very costly.
Wash Cycle Time
The spindle’s speed plays a vital role in the washing machine. The higher this speed, the better the machine will be, and faster it will clean clothes. This speed is usually measured in RPM (Rotations Per Minute). Usually, front loads washers come with higher RPM spindle speed. So you will get a better wash with considerably less cycle time.
Wear And Tear On Clothes
Top load washers use an agitator that uses the friction between clothes and the agitator to wash clothes. Due to that, there are high chances that delicate clothes may get damaged while washing in a top-loading washer.
On the other hand, front-loading washers use a pulsator, and there is no friction between the clothes and pulsator during the wash. Due to that, delicate clothes won’t get damaged in the front load washer. So if you care about clothes, then front-loading washers are the best.
Repair And Maintanance
Front loading washing machines are very complex in design. Due to direct drive technology, there are more sensors and costly electronic parts. So in case of any issues, you may need to call an authorized service technician to fix them, and you should be ready for a good service bill.
However, top-loading washers are simple in design. Of course, you need to call a technician, but the service bill will be less than the front load washers.
Price
Front-load washers are costly compared to top-load washers. Top load washers are also available in the semi-automatic configuration. That reduces the cost of the top load washer further down.
On the other hand hand, front load washers are all automatic and use costly electronic parts. Due to that, the machine cost is also very high. So you need to take a call whether you are buying a washing machine for a long-term investment or not. If yes, then front load washers are good. Otherwise, top load washers make more sense.
Front Load Vs Top Load Washer
| Attribute | Front Load Washer | Top Load Washer |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing life | Less wear and tear | More wear and tear |
| Energy efficiency | More efficient | Less efficient |
| Load size | Larger | Smaller |
| Spindle RPM | Fast | Slow |
| Water Consumption | Less | More |
| Noise & Vibration | Less | More |
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Reliability | Fewer problems | More problems |
| Wash Mechanism | Pulsator | Pulsator or Agitator |
| Ergonomics | Poor | Good |
| Ease Of Use | Poor | Good |
Conclusion: Top Load Vs Front Load Washers
From the above discussion, it may be clear to you that front load washers are better in wash performance, water consumption, and power consumption. However, it has some ergonomics issues. On the other hand, top-loading washing machines are relatively cheap and ergonomics friendly too. So it is again an individual requirement and priority about which washing machine to choose.
That’s all we have in this article. If you still have any questions, please do write in the comment section and I will be happy to help.
