Most of us are familiar with two types: front-load vs. top-load washing machines. Most people assume these two types are not so different. Little do they know that they have very different systems, which may affect the users significantly. Before buying a washing machine, it is important to understand the difference between the two types. Make sure you don’t spend your money on the wrong appliance.

The first type is the front-load washing machine. As the name suggests, you need to load your clothes from the front. You can put them in a horizontal way or in a spiral. The advantage of this type is that you can save space. If you have a small house or apartment, this would be ideal for you. It also doesn’t require too much water and energy to operate.

The second type is the top-load washing machine. Unlike the front-load type, you need to load your clothes from the top. This means that you need to put them vertically. The advantage of this type is that it uses less water and energy than the front-load type. If you want to save money on your utility bills, this would be the best choice for you.

Cleanliness

According to studies, a front-load washing machine is more effective at cleaning clothes. For example, an experiment found that stained clothes get cleaner if washed in a front-load washer than in a top-load washer.

This is because the front-load machine’s quick spin provides more force for the clothes to rub against each other. As a result, the water flow is also more substantial, making it more effective at getting dirt out of the fabric.

Convenience

A top-load machine might be more convenient to put clothes in because you have to bend over when putting clothes in a front-load washer. This may not be a problem for most people. However, it could be a significant concern for people with back pain, knee pain, or nerve issues.

Flexibility in Usage

A top-load machine allows you to add more clothes in the middle of the washing process. In a front-load washer, this is impossible to do. Also, when your laundry gets overloaded, a top-load machine can still contain more clothes as long as you can fit them inside. On the other hand, overloading a front-load machine may cause damage to the machine.

Water Usage

Top-loaders need enough water to submerge all the clothes in it. Meanwhile, front-loaders only use water to fill half the drum; in time, the rotation will get all the clothes wet. As a result, even the most efficient top-load washing machines use at least 15% more water than typical front-loaders.

Maintenance

Front-load washers are prone to mildew or mold. Some factors that could cause these issues are using too much detergent or using a detergent that is too strong. Others include; the drum staying wet when not in use or anything else that could generate moisture inside the machine. On a top-load washer, all the excess water and detergent can quickly go down and away. The moisture can also easily evaporate from the top opening.

Space

A front-load washing machine allows you to stack it with a dryer, which is impossible to do with a top-load washer. Stacking machines can save space and make your laundry area look neater. However, you would need a proper kit to get this done. Also, a repair can be trickier if one of the machines gets broken.

Power Consumption

In general, front-load washing machines consume less energy than top-load ones. However, your power consumption will be higher if you like using hot water for the laundry. Front-loaders consume less power because they take in less hot water.

Choosing the right type of washing machine does matter. But even more than that, you must know how to maintain your appliance. That includes getting a professional repair service as soon as possible if something goes wrong with your washing machine.

Schedule Washing Machine Repair

ECM provides service on both top-loading and front-loading washing machines within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If your laundry appliances are acting up, our on-call emergency repair services help to mitigate the risk of potential water damage that could occur or any further complications. So if you need washing machine repair, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a FREE diagnostic service call (with repair)! Our appliance repair experts will diagnose your problem and inform you of the issue so that you can have the issue addressed and repaired on the spot!