When decides to buy a new washing machine you may ponder whether to buy a front loader or a top loader washing machine. Though there shouldn’t be much difference in the performance in the two types of washing machines, however, their designs differ and therefore the efficiency in which the clothes are cleaned. Most people think that deciding between a front loader washing machine and a top loader doesn’t really make a difference since the capacity and the material with which the body is made is more important.
Front Loader Washing Machine
Front loader washing machines are a signature of the countless Laundromats present worldwide. But with their elegant designs as presented by most companies, people have started keeping these at home as well. The front loader washing machines are famous for their energy efficient characteristics that are a necessity of the world today. The most distinguishing factor also is the place from where the clothes are put in the machine. The front loader has a cabinet like levered door that is opened from its hinges. The front door is usually round and has a glass on it to look inside the washing machine. The door has to be properly sealed to avoid water dripping during washing.
Top Loader Washing Machine
As the name suggests, a top loader washing machine is a vertical standing machine since the opening is from the top and the drum where the water stores is in a vertical position also. The water drains onto the tub from the top and has an agitator that moves the drum in a fashion so that the clothes and the water mix. In this manner, the detergent also mixes into the clothes. In most top loader washing machines, the detergent and fabric softener are placed directly in the drum along with the clothes. The water then gushes out of the top when the machine is started.
Difference between front loader and a top loader washing machines
The major difference between a front loader washing machine and a top loader washing machine is the efficient manner in which water is utilized. A front loader only uses one third the amount of water a top loader uses since a front loader has water spraying facility compared to the top loader where first the water gushes in to create soapy water, then the water is leaked out and more filled in so that the clothes can be rinsed from any soap residues.
The water holding capacity in front loaders also more and clothes can be washed in one go whereas a top loader may require several loads to be put in and taken out.
Also, it can squeeze out more water from the laundry during last wash, so the time required for drying will be less.
In front loader due to the aggressive agitator action the soft fabric can get damaged more; the front loader works on gravitational mechanism and thus extending the life of your clothes and linens.
However in the front loader due to the horizontal drum mechanism; the door has to be sealed properly to avoid water dripping out. The door cannot be opened once the machine starts working. Even if accidently clothe get pinched between door and drum you cannot remove it during the wash, this may result in damage to that clothe.
Also for front loaders, you have to only use recommended detergents, which is slightly expensive.
Conclusion
An important feature to go with washing machines is dryers which can be placed on top of front loader washing machines in order to save space. However, if the user has aback problem, the ergonomics of a top loader is of advantage to the user since a front loader requires bending down.