Your washer is one of the most important appliances in your home. Which is why buying a new one requires careful consideration. One of the first decisions you will need to make is choosing between front and top loaders. Here are some of the main differences between the two.
User-friendly
Top-loaders are often considered easier to use because you don’t have to bend over when you load them. You can simply drop your laundry inside. In order to address this issue, many people place their washers on pedestals to raise them off the ground and make it easier to load. Top loaders have one clear advantage in that you can add clothing mid-cycle. You cannot open the door on a front-loader until the water has drained out. So, if you left out a shirt or sock, it may have to wait for the next wash cycle.
Wash Speed
Top-loaders with an agitator are usually faster than front-loaders. There are, however, some exceptions to the rule so it’s best to consider each washer as an individual as far as this question is concerned.
Best Cleaner
Top-loaders can be rougher on clothes. Especially if you overload them. Front-loaders are usually more gentle as they tumble and spin. Larger items are more difficult to wash in top-loaders. This is because they are not necessarily fully immersed in the water.
Best Price
Front-loaders are often more expensive but this is largely due to the better quality clean. Coupled with energy and water efficiency, it’s easy to see why so many people choose these models over top-loaders. The extra money you spend on the initial purchase will eventually pay for itself in terms of lowering your energy and water bills.
Water Efficiency
Take note of the energy efficiency rating of the appliance before you buy. Front-loaders are able to wash your laundry effectively without using excessive water. This is because of the way that the drum is positioned. Many front-loader washers also have special water-saving settings to improve efficiency with minimal water use.
Installation
You will need to leave the space above your top-loader completely free. This can be an inconvenience since it takes up more space. Front-loaders can be stacked which is great if you have a smaller apartment or home.
Spinning Speeds
Front-loaders spin significantly faster than top-loaders. The only drawback is the fact that this can cause the appliance to vibrate and even ‘walk’. This can cause damage to various working parts of the washer which is one of the main problems that affect most front-loaders.
Mould or Smells
Front-loader have a significantly greater chance of getting smelly as opposed to top-loaders. This is because the mould often builds up in the rubber door gasket. Regular maintenance is required to combat this problem. Top-loaders don’t have this problem because gravity pulls the water down and you don’t have to worry about smelly mould.
At the end of the day, both models have their fair share of pros and cons. It usually comes down to personal preferences and the needs of the consumer. It’s always a good idea to read plenty of product reviews and do your research before buying any appliance. If your washer is making a strange noise, leaking or if you notice any other problems, call Ottawa Appliance Fix at (613) 518-6662. Why replace your beloved and trusted washer when our team can restore it to perfect working order? Save time, money and the worry of choosing the best replacement thanks to our professional washer repairs in Ottawa.
