This is likely the first question you’ll ask yourself when purchasing a new washing machine. A washing machine is one of the most used and important white goods in the house, even if not the most visible, as it is probably tucked away in the laundry.
Whilst ‘doing the laundry’ doesn’t sit at the top of favourite pastimes, the trusty washing machine makes this chore less unpleasant and is more than likely an appliance you wouldn’t want to live without and have come to rely on. Therefore it’s important to make the right decision for your washing requirements when purchasing a new machine.
Here, we will outline some pro’s and con’s of both front and top loaders, which may help you make your decision:
Front Loaders
Pros:
- They tend to be more energy efficient, in terms of water and electricity usage
- They have faster spin speeds, so dry clothes more effectively
- They are generally quieter than most top loaders
- They can be tucked away under bench space or shelving
- They tend to have more specific washing options e.g. wool, delicates, cotton etc.
Cons:
- You can’t add items mid-cycle, when you find that pesky odd sock still in the laundry basket after you’ve just hit ‘start’ – you have to wait until the next load.
- They generally have a longer cycle time
- They tend to be more expensive when comparing to a comparative top loader
Top loaders
Pros:
- They generally have larger capacities, with top loaders taking up to a 10kg load
- You can add items mid-cycle – that runaway sock problem, solved!
- They have quicker washing cycles, usually with a 20-30 minute ‘quick wash’ option
- They are generally cheaper to purchase than a front loader
- When using just cold water, they can be more energy efficient
- They can be more ergonomically friendly and gentler on your joints, e.g. if you have a bad back or difficulty bending over you may prefer a top loader
Cons:
- They do tend to use more water and detergent, due to laundry needing to be continually soaked
- They create more lint requiring you to regularly check the lint filter and clean to keep washing at its optimum
- They tend to be louder than a front loader, especially when spinning
- They can’t be stored under a bench, or shelving which may be inconvenient depending on your options of where to place your washing machine
So which one wins, the front or top loader?
There isn’t really an outright winner; it will depend on your household washing needs, space and budget.
Front loaders do tend to come out on top in terms of energy efficiency, but if you are mindful of energy consumption and purchase an energy efficient top loader, this may not be enough to sway your decision.
If you only have under bench space, or want to put shelves in the laundry at a certain height – the front loader will be the one for you. If your back aches every time you bend over and you find loading and unloading the washing machine particularly painful, the front loader will be your new best friend!
References:
https://www.canstarblue.com.au/appliances/laundry/washing-machines/top-front-loader-pros-cons/
https://www.betta.com.au/services/betta-advice-centre/betta-advice-centre-laundry/how-water-and-energy-efficient-are-front-and-top-loading-washing-machines
