When it comes down to it, most of us just want our washer to get clothes clean. But a machine that can do this effectively, efficiently, and at a lower cost saves time and money in the long run. We’ll examine the difference between front load and top load washers regarding efficiency, price, and performance to help inform your next purchase.
Determining the Difference Between Front Load and Top Load Washers: 4 Factors to Consider
Investing in a new washer is a purchase that can affect your daily life as well as your future savings. The following considerations can clarify the difference between front load and top load washers to help make the best decision for your family. But, first, we’ll explain the different ways these two types of washers perform the same job.
How Does a Front Load Washer Work vs Top Load?
A big difference between front load and top load washers is how they wash clothes. Along with water, detergent, and a spinning drum, front load washers tumble clothes to loosen stains and dirt from clothing. Traditional top load washers also use a spinning drum with water and detergent. However, during a wash cycle, the clothes repeatedly bang against a center impeller to loosen dirt and grime.
Newer top loading machines have abandoned the agitator for an impeller at the bottom of the washer drum. As an agitator vs impeller is rougher on clothing, an impeller still provides extra cleaning motion but creates less wear and tear.
Which Washer is More Energy Efficient?
When it comes to efficiency, front load vs top load washers have the edge. Front load washers use less water, saving up to 25 gallons per load when compared to their traditional top loading counterparts. Less water also requires less heating energy, resulting in additional utility savings.
Is There a Price Difference Between Front & Top Load Washers?
A higher purchase price is a significant difference between front and top load washers. If you don’t clean your front load washer regularly, they can also have higher repair costs. One of the disadvantages of front loading washing machine is their propensity to harbor dirt and mold. These contaminants can compromise the gasket and result in a costly replacement.
However, there are important factors that mitigate the higher upfront and repair costs of a front load washer. Many front loaders offer more cleaning features than traditional top load washers. In addition, a front load washer’s superior energy and water efficiency can mean the machine costs less to operate. Depending on how often you use your washer, over time this efficiency can make up for a higher upfront cost.
Which Washing Machine Has Better Cleaning Performance?
Are front load washers better than top load washers at cleaning clothes? Yes, repeated testing has revealed that they offer better cleaning performance. The tumbling motion of front loaders not only gets clothes cleaner but it’s also gentler compared to a top loader’s agitator or impeller. This means less wear and tear on clothing with each wash cycle.
We hope knowing the difference between front load and top load washers can help inform your next washer purchase. Sloan Appliance Service can offer expert advice as well as the best in washer repair Lexington. Call us for all your laundry appliance needs!
