Washer Wars: Top Loading vs. Front Loading

So here is the dilemma. You need a new washer quickly, yet you are battling between a front loading washer and a top loading washer. Deciding which washer is best for your home comes down to a few factors, such as budget and space.

You can choose between a classic top-loading washer and a modern front-loading washer. Top load washing machines were the only choice for a very long time, but now we are seeing a surge of dynamic top load and front load washers from every major appliance manufacturer.

Both front load and top load washers have benefits and drawbacks, but which is better?

What is a Top Loading Washer?

A top loading washer has a drum rotating around a horizontal axis like a front loader, but there is no front door and it has a liftable top load lid like a standard washer. These washers use half as much water as a typical washer while still operating and spinning like a front-loader.

What is a Front Loading Washer?

Front-load washers come in a range of capacities and cleaning options. Compared to top load machines, the wash drums are bigger and can frequently accommodate up to 20 pounds of laundry. A front load washer rotates your clothes in various directions through a small amount of water as opposed to fully submerging your fabrics and taking up space with an agitator or impeller. The wash drum rotates as each item is repeatedly dropped into the water, which is much kinder to clothing.

What's the big difference between both? Well, more than you think. Take a look at a few of the differences between the two.

Differences Between Front Loading & Top Loading Washers

Efficiency

A front loading washer just needs half the amount of water to cover the clothes in the drum as opposed to a top loader. (Ex. 18 gallons per load (gpl) versus 33 gpl on average)

Clothing Life

In front loaders, clothes drop from the top of the drum to the bottom, continuously cleaning them. In a top loader, the agitator keeps the clothes in motion, pushing the water through the clothes to clean them. The agitator motion is harder on clothing, which very likely will shorten their useful life.

Ergonomics

For anyone who has an issue with bending or kneeling, a top-loading washer will help to alleviate pain.

Last Minute Additions

If you ever forget to add an item to a front-loading washer after you've started it, there is no turning back. With top-loading washers, you have the convenience of throwing in last minute additions after the wash has begun.

Cost

Initially, the front-loading washer will cost more upfront than the top-loading washer. However, after a period of time, that cost will be recouped.

Best Top Loading Washer at Mountain High Appliance

Whirlpool Top Load Washer

Why We Love It: Removable Agitator

With the industry's first 2-in-1 removable agitator, you can customize any load in this Whirlpool top loading washer and give your clothes the care they deserve. Additionally, it has a built-in water faucet, so you can quickly pre-wash your clothes and get rid of any loose dirt without using a sink.

This washer has 4.7 cubic feet (or 4.8 if the agitator is removed) of space to accommodate your largest loads and comforters. Furthermore, you can add more water to your load with the Presoak and Deep Water Wash options to ensure that heavily soiled clothing receives the best possible clean.

Discover more of our favorite top loading washers at Mountain High Appliance.

Best Front Loading Washer at Mountain High Appliance

LG Signature Large Smart wi-fi Enabled Front Load Washer

Why We Love It: Smart Features & Large Capacity

When it comes to energy efficiency and smart appliance capability, you can't go wrong with the LG Signature front load washer. If you own a king sized bed and need to wash a king sized comforter this front load washer can handle any big job that comes its way. With LG's enhanced TurboWash® technology, you can cut your wash time by up to 30 minutes, even with big loads of laundry.