There are several reasons why you might be interested in figuring out whether a front-load versus top-load washing machine best suits your needs. One could be that you’re in the market for a new washer, and you want to know things like front-load washing machine pros and cons. Or, perhaps you’re moving to a home that already has appliances, and you’re interested in determining whether the high-efficiency top-loader (vs. front-loader) is something that you want to keep or replace. You might even be interested in increasing the energy efficiency of your home and want to know the top-load vs. front-load washers’ pros and cons.
The most energy-efficient washers tend to be high-efficiency top-loaders, according to Consumer Reports. Its research and testing indicates that the “winner” is a high-efficiency top-load washer vs. front-load or top-load with a center agitator.
First, let’s look at the difference between a front-load washer vs. top-load washer. A traditional top-loader will float your clothes in water and rotate them with a center agitator. A front-load washing machine rotates the drum to move the clothes, rather than having a pole-style agitator in the center.
Similarly, a high-efficiency top-load washer doesn’t have an agitator. Instead, there’s a wash plate at the bottom that “tosses” the clothes. The Consumer Reports results showed that in a test between a high-efficiency top-load washer vs. front-load machines, high-end front-loaders tended to use less water and were more effective at cleaning clothes, but there are still good reasons to choose a high-efficiency top-loader.
When making any major appliance purchase, your two primary considerations are likely to be cost and features, especially if you’re starting from scratch and evaluating something like top-load vs. front-load washers. Let’s take a look at front-load washing machine pros and cons:
Even if you have already made a determination that a top-load washer is right for you, you still want to understand the top-load washing machine pros and cons so that you can make a well-reasoned purchase. Here are things to consider when purchasing a top-load washing machine:
You might not have realized that there are so many factors to consider when determining whether a front-load washer vs. top-load washer is the right choice for your laundry. Whatever your reason for choosing a front-load washer vs. top-load washer (or the other way around), there are ways to reduce the amount of energy that you’re using on your laundry. One is that you could consider air-drying your clothes either on a drying rack or on a line outside. They’d have that fresh outdoorsy scent, and you’re not paying a penny for electricity! A second way to conserve energy and save on laundry costs is to only run large loads. By limiting the number of times you run your laundry cycle, you will be saving — regardless of whether you have a front-load (versus top-load) washing machine!
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Just for the record, I am not a fan of my highly rated top loading washing machine (no agitator). I hang many of my clothes to dry, and every item that comes out of my washer is tightly twisted, which translates to many wrinkles. I have never had any issues with soap residue on clothing, but now my dark clothes sometimes have to be rewashed, as they have soap all over them. Finally, I have had multiple sheets and pillowcases (from 4 different sets of sheets) wear out (holes, tears). Again, I think it’s because everything get twisted up so tightly. I would not purchase this type of washer again.
I will wash my clothes at night,( lowest cost for electricity)gently put them in my basket and hang outside in the morning. Hanging a line between two trees or a fence or putting in posts. There’s nothing like the smell of fresh air dried clothes. Pick breezy days you’ll get the best wrinkle free clothes.
We love the smell of clothes dried out in the sunshine and fresh air! You’re lucky you live in a place and have the space to do this! Look for other energy-saving appliance guides here: https://www.constellation.com/guides/appliances.html.
My last front-load lasted 9 years and now we may need to get another one (8 years later). I can’t see how this is saving us money if we need a new one every 8-9 years. And what is it doing to the environment…all of these plastic parts going to waste. I guess top-loaders will be in my list now. Thanks for the info.
Hi Ace, you’ve made a great point. Even though front-load washers are usually more energy efficient, if you’re noticing that your front-load washer needs to be replaced more often than you thought, we agree that perhaps getting a top-load washer is best for your scenario.
I disagree with the Front-Loader “facts” of always being better than a Regular or Normal Top-Loader. I definitely wouldn’t ever buy a HE Top-Loader, watch it “wash” and you’ll agree. Sorry but, with Front-Loaders not even living 6-years on average and Top-Loaders living an average of 20-years, I’d have to say Top-Loaders win every time and in every way.
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I’ve never had any problem with any Regular Top-Loader’s cleaning and/or untreated stain removal. And who cares about water? My bill’s $30 and has never even hit $40. But, if I use anymore heating or cooling it’s blatant in my electric/gas bill. Now, I do only cold washes with Coldwater Tide (works amazingly well) and have no energy affect with my Top-Loader and saw no appreciable change in my bill from before I went cold.
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If you want to pay A LOT more from start to a sprint-finish, then a Front-Loader is what you want. If you want the UNBEATEN tried and true cheapest route, then a Regular (“wasteful”, according to liars and frauds) Top-Loader is what you need. Hey Front-Loaders, is it ecological or economical to throw away your forced obsolescence garbage purchase THREE-TIMES (minimum) as often?
Hi Iggy, You definitely make valid points. We understand your appreciation for regular top-loaders, they’re served us so well for so long! As an energy supplier, Constellation cares a lot about energy conservation, but also about water conservation, and HE washers (top-loading and front-loading) use less than half of the water than regular washers did 18 years ago. We love to give our customers and readers different tips and advice on energy matters, but we always want you to make the decision for yourself! We’re glad to hear that you’ve done your own research and found the one that’s best for you.