Most of us will spring for a washing machine to ease the domesticity of laundry duties. If you live in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane and are shopping for such an appliance, see this collection of affordable top-load washers from The Appliance Guys – a go-to store for various household appliances.
Even so, as you browse through the different types of washers available, you might want to narrow down your options. Hence, when comparing front and top load washers, consider the following queries:
How Much Space Do You Have?
Front loaders require more room in the horizontal plane, while top-loaders need more vertical space. Depending on how much space you have in your laundry area, one type may be more suitable than the other.
Or maybe you intend to place yours in the hallway. Hence, a top load will suffice if the washer is likely to interfere with foot traffic.
Similarly, most front-load washers are stackable, implying you can mount a dryer on top of them. This saves you the extra space required for a stand-alone dryer. Read our article on benefits of installing an Access Control System
What’s Your Budget?
Front-load washers are usually more expensive than their top-load counterparts. Still, they boast more efficient technologies that can reduce water and electricity consumption. The tradeoff, in this case, involves cost versus savings.
Hence, review the cost of both machines and their running costs to find the best balance. While at it, bear in mind that it’ll cost more to operate a top loader than its counterpart.
However, if money is tight, a top-load washer might be preferable. Conversely, if you’re willing to pay a bit more for the energy-saving capabilities of a front loader, then you may consider it.
Which Features Can You Leave Without?
Do you need a bare-bones washer or one with a wealth of features? There are several features you may not find in top-load washers, including steam cleaning, child locks, Wi-Fi capability, sanitizing cycles, pre-soaking, energy-saving settings, or built-in sensors that can detect the soil level of your load.
Front-load washers often come more loaded than top loaders and provide more customization options, making their higher price tag justifiable. A front-load washer would be a better choice if you need the added convenience.
What’s more, a front-load washer does a better cleaning job than a top loader. They rely on gravity to mix the load better, ensuring a more even distribution of detergents and fabric softeners.
Conversely, top loaders use an agitator, which doesn’t offer the same level of cleaning performance. As such, it may not get rid of stains like a front loader. That said, if you don’t mind soaking your clothes or pre-treating stains, a top loader could be a worthy consideration.
Which Machine Requires More Maintenance?
Let’s face it; we don’t want to spend our time on chores we can avoid. To that effect, top loaders tend to require less maintenance than their counterparts. For starters, front-load washers sport rubber gaskets (on the doors) that you need to wipe down and keep clean. Otherwise, they can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Hence, such a unit requires more rigorous cleaning and maintenance.
Front-load washers, on the other hand, are easy to drain. As such, they require less maintenance, which can translate to more free time. What’s more, their design makes upkeep a cinch. If such a washer breaks down, you can easily access the motor and repair it – if you’re more hands-on. If a front load needs repair, you’ll typically need to hire a professional or risk turning your unit into a brick.
What’s Your Washing Style?
Everyone has a unique approach to doing laundry. Some people like to do one big load, while others prefer washing multiple, smaller loads. Likewise, some want to get the job done quickly while others don’t mind taking their time – who thought laundry day could be therapeutic? Heck, some people like to add more clothes mid-cycle. Learn about food processors here
A top-load washer might be more suitable if you’re in the latter group. They typically have a large capacity and can easily be opened while the cycle runs. However, if you prefer fewer loads and have no problem waiting to open the washer at the end of a cycle, then a front-load washer might be a preferable option. They also have faster spin cycles, although they take longer to complete the job. Thus, a top loader might be the better choice if you prefer to get it over with in less time.
Your choice of a washer is heavily contingent on various factors. By comparing the two types of washers, you can determine a suitable option based on your needs and lifestyle. While at it, let the questions posed above guide your decision-making process.
