Top Load vs. Front Load Washers

Are you Team Top Load or Team Front Load? Both types of washers will clean your clothes, but most Americans hold a strong opinion on which will clean their clothes the best.And rightfully so -- the average American spends $1,500 a year on clothes; protecting that investment with the best washer on the market is important!

When front-loaders were first introduced a few years ago, Americans were in love with the promise of water and energy efficiency compared to their top-load nemesis. Unfortunately, first generation front-loaders did not live up to that promise, and consumers returned back to their trusted top-loaders.

Many of the issues in first generation front-loaders were solved in successive generations. Top load washers have also increased their energy efficiency, putting up a fair fight against the front-loaders. Today, both front load washers and top load washers have money and time saving features!

Top Load Washers

Traditional Top Load Washers

Most people are used to traditional top load washers because it's familiar and reliable. Traditional top-loaders can last up to 12 years, proving their reliability. These top loaders use an agitator that sticks up through the middle of the wash basket. The agitator turns your clothes over, while the wash basket spins and extracts water.

High-Efficiency (HE) Washers

HE top load washers offer the traditional look of the top-loader with the energy efficiency of the front-loaders. HE top-loaders come without the agitator, allowing more room in the wash basket for laundry. The spin mechanism is faster so your clothes are left dryer. The HE top-loader also uses less detergent and water than the traditional top-loader.

Front Load Washers

Unlike the top-loader, the wash basket in a front-loader is set horizontally, and uses gravity to pull water through clothes. The wash basket never has to fully fill with water, meaning your clothes get clean using a third less water than top load washers. Front load washers almost double the speed of the wash basket compared to the top-loader. This leaves less water in your clothes, which shortens the amount of time your dryer needs to run. Front load washers do not have an agitator, so you have more room for laundry.

Although front load washers will save you more time and money on utilities down the road, they still cost more upfront than top load washers. They are also low to the ground and allow for multiple configurations including stacking and the use of pedestals.

Only you can decide what team to root for. Ultimately, it comes down to the size of your loads, cost, energy efficiency, and water savings. If you still need help deciding if you're Team Top Load or Team Front Load, talk to one of our highly-trained sales professionals today.