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The more common clothing washers in US households are top loading washers. Top Loading washers account for 65% of US households versus only 10% with our European counterparts. The corresponding adaptation rates for front loaders is 35% in the US and about 90% in Europe. Front load washers have always been preferred in Europe and have been historically sold in European countries since the mid 1950s. In the US on the other hand there has always been a preference for top loading washers.
It this article we will compare the benefits of front vs top loading washers;
Wash Capacity
Front loaders have more capacity that top loaders. This is because top loading washers in the US typically have an agitator, which is used in conjunction with the spin cycles to wash the clothes. The agitator takes about 25 to 30% of the washer capacity, which is recovered in front loading washers that do not have an agitator. This increased space allows for larger loads and well as the washing of bulkier laundry items.
Lower Noise Levels
With front load washers there is no banging and clunking sounds as the agitator and spin cycles run to clean clothes. The only sound is a humming noise made by the spinning drum of the washer. This decreased noise pollution enhances the efficiency of the front loading washers.
Spin Cycles and Water Extraction
Top loaders typically spin about 400 - 1000 RPM depending on the device; spin times with front loaders are typically greater than 1000 RPM. Faster spin times are better because it means that more water is extracted from the clothes before loading them into the dryer. Clothes with less moisture have a lower drying time requirement, hence conserving energy when using the clothes dryer.
Storage Considerations
Front loaders can be stacked on top of each other, taking up less space. Top loaders can only be placed side by side, requiring larger floor space. The stacking advantage of the front loaders makes them more attractive for smaller spaces, which is often the case in Europe. US front loaders are often designed to replace top loaders and can be placed side by side in laundry rooms, which are also designed with sufficient floor space to allow for this.
Water Consumption
Front loaders use less water despite the increased capacity. The cleaning mode of these washers (with out the agitator) allow for the use of less water during the cleaning cycles.
Washing of Delicate Fabrics
The back and forth action of the agitator in top loaders can often be damaging to delicate fabrics. Front loaders are thus better suited to wash delicate since they do not have an agitator.
Ease of Loading / Unloading
This is one area where the top loaders have a natural advantage over front loading devices. It is easier to load and unload laundry from the top of the device versus from the front door. Front loaders sold in the US now come with a base that raises the washer (and matching dryer) to a certain height above the ground making it easier to load and unload from the front door. This base serves an additional function as a drawer for laundry related items.
As part of your next clothing washer purchase, consider a front loading machine due to the advantages mentioned above.
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