What is the difference between top and front loaders

There are two popular reasons why people decide to go with a stacked washer-dryer layout. The first is that they have no other choice.

Many homes or rental units have their laundry sets located in small closets where vertical space is the only space available. But even those who have the space are opting to stack their laundry units since it allows them more functional floor space that can be used for additional cabinetry or storage, or even left open. In many homes, space, among other details, tends to be a major deciding factor when choosing a washer and dryer.

If you have limited space or an unusual setup, be sure to refer to our post on compact washers and dryers. Gone are the days when consumers and homeowners were constricted to the builder-grade laundry centers that are immovable and space-hogging.

As vertically stacked arrangements have become more popular, nearly all washers and dryers being manufactured are built to have stacking compatibility.

Even the largest units which might seem unstackable are being produced with vertical stacking capability as a key feature. It is an ideal laundry for apartments or tight spaces. The ventless heat-pump dryer uses standard volt electricity, which makes it versatile.

During the final spin cycle, front-loading washing machines generally spin about 33 percent faster than typical top loaders, meaning that more water will be removed from the clothes before you transfer them to the dryer. This means your clothes will dry faster in the dryer and will be less heavy to move between the two units. One drawback, however, is that the spin cycle causes many front-loading washers to vibrate, making noise that many people would rather not hear. You can find the spin speed of any washer in its specifications document measured by RPMs revolutions per minute.

We expect a good front load washer to have 1, RPMs; try to steer clear of any front load models with less than 1, RPMs. On the other hand, you can expect to get anywhere between and RPMs from an average top load washer. One of the biggest complaints about front-loading washers is that over time mold can build up around the door's rubber gasket. To combat this, front-loading washers require a lot more maintenance than top-loading washers.

We recommend placing these washers in an area with good airflow and leaving the washer door slightly ajar between cycles to minimize issues with mold and mildew. If you insist on having a front load washer, the GE washers have a unique solution to fight mold. The feature set found in front-loading washers is generally better than that in top-loading washers. Also, front-loading washers are more energy and water efficient. Overall cleaning performance and stain removing abilities are better in front-loading washers.

However, these attractive looking, modern washing machines come at a slightly higher price tag, and the door seals do require regular wiping down to prevent mildew.

If you need to fit a washer in a smaller space, compact front-loading washers can be placed under the countertop or stacked in a closet. Top-loading washers are more convenient to load and unload, offer a tub of water for presoak, and are easier to maintain than front-loading washers.

If you are looking for a quicker and easier wash, top-loading washing machines are probably a better way to go.

If your laundry area is in a basement with limited airflow, gravity pulls residual water away from the seals and gaskets so wiping down these parts is not necessary. However, while these washers initially save money, top-loading washers will cost more in water usage over time than a front-loading washing machine will. Shopping for a front load or top load washer ultimately comes down to what you personally are looking for and where your laundry will be located.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our sales staff at Designer Appliances for help deciding which is the best fit for you and your household. We keep our roundup articles up to date as manufacturers release new products.

We also gather real-time customer information and feedback, and update our rankings based on this input. John Carey. I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Notice. Create an Account. Continue Shopping. Session Timed Out Your session has expired. Whirlpool Brand U. Top Load Washers: Which is Better? Front load vs. Read on to learn more about the differences between top load and front load washing machines. Select a link below to jump to a topic. What are the differences between front load and top load washers?

What are the pros and cons of front load vs. How do front load vs. Do front load or top load washers have a larger capacity? Are front loading or top loading washers more comfortable to use? Are front load or top load washing machines more efficient? Do front loaders or top loaders wash laundry faster? Are there front load and top load dryers? Pros: Front load washers. Use less water per load Higher spin speeds force more water out of clothing for shorter drying times Can stack and save space Tumbling motion is gentle on clothes.

Cons: Front load washers. Can be uncomfortable to load and unload without a washer pedestal May develop mold or mildew problems Harder to add clothes mid-cycle Generally more expensive. Pros: Top load washers. Cons: Top load washers.

Generally uses more water and energy May be difficult to reach the bottom of washer for those with shorter stature Can cause more wear and tear on clothing Not stackable. Washing tip: If you have a top load washer and are looking to save money and energy, washing your clothes with cold water can make your top load washer more energy efficient. Smart Top Load Washer. Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator. Get help making more laundry decisions. Need help properly measuring your space to make sure you've got the right washer and dryer dimensions?

Check out our guide. The agitator has ridges on it which are responsible to push clothes to swirl along with the agitator. This alternate movement creates friction which removes dirt from the clothes. Thus, the agitator in top-loading grabs and thrashes the clothes, where in front-loading paddles gently pick up the clothes and drop them into soapy water. The absence of agitator in front-loading makes gentle washing and drying of clothes, keeping them safe from being stretched or knotted by the agitator.

In front-loading, you can place more clothes than top-loading because there is no agitator in the center. It means you can wash more clothes in one round than top-loading. It saves time if you have to do several rounds of washing. The price of the front load washer is more than a top load washer. But, spending several hundred dollars more is really worth it because they are energy-efficient, so you will definitely save on your electricity bills. Moreover, they are bought once in years or more, so it is worth to spend a little more on the front-loading machine.

As there is no center agitator in front-loading, there is more space inside for clothes. If you have a really big family and daily if you get so many clothes to wash, then front-loading can save your electricity bills by reducing the number of rounds than top-loading. Also, the front-loading takes less time to dry the clothes transforming into shorter drying rounds and ultimately saving electricity.

The main advantage of front-loading over top-loading is it uses less water and detergent to wash clothes. The front-loading uses water by half the quantity of top-loading washing machine. It means half cut off on your water bills.