What Are the Differences Between Front-Load & Top-Load Washers?

When shopping for a new washer and dryer set, one of the first decisions you need to make is whether you will opt for a front-load washer or a top-load washer. Front-load washers are the "newer" design compared to conventional top-load washers, but that may be about the only difference most people know. No worries, we're here to help! In this blog, our appliance experts explain what the differences are between front-load and top-load washers to help you make the right decision.

Front-Load vs Top Load

What Is a Front-Load Washer?

Front-load washers have a horizontal drum that is loaded from the front of the machine. The door to the drum usually opens outward, resembling a small door. These washers use gravity and the rotation of the drum to agitate and clean the clothes.

What Is a Top-Load Washer?

Top-load washers feature a vertical drum, where clothes are loaded from the top of the machine. Depending on the model, there is an agitator or impeller located in the center of the drum, which helps move your garments around to clean them. Top-load washers have a lid on the top that opens to allow access to the drum for loading and unloading.

Which Is Easier To Use?

Doing laundry is work. This is especially true if you have a large household and find yourself doing laundry just about every day. It requires some effort on your end so you will want to consider how convenient each design is to use.

A front-load washer requires you to physically lift clothes to the top of the unit to put them in the tub, whereas a front-load washer requires you to bend over to load it from the front.

Generally speaking, most people find the top-load washer easier because you can just plop clothes down into the tub instead of having to strain your back and shove it in (and keep clothes from falling out). You can bring a front-load washer closer to your level by placing a laundry pedestal underneath it.

Which Washes Faster?

When time is not on your side, you want a washer that can sufficiently clean your clothes in a jiffy. On average, top-load washers with agitators can wash a complete load in around 30 minutes while top-load washers without agitators (that use an impeller instead) can take about 50 minutes.

Front-load washers usually take the longest at around 60 minutes. However, some brands such as LG provide specific models equipped with TurboWash Technology, which allows for completing a laundry cycle in just 30 minutes.

Which Cleans Better?

Whether a front-load or top-load washer cleans better will also depend on the model and brand you purchase rather than the design. In general, top-load washers with agitators tend to be efficient at cleaning but can be rough on clothes and don't fit large items like pillows or comforters as well. Top-loaders with impellers are gentler on clothes but not as efficient.

Front-load washers are gentler and can handle larger items. Tests conducted on soil levels found that front-load washers do tend to clean better, but top-load washers are still able to clean very well.

Related Reading:
- Are Stackable Washers and Dryers Good?

Which Is More Efficient for Water and Energy?

Top-load washers fill up the tub, surround clothes in water and use an agitator or impeller to agitate fabrics while front-load washers only use enough water to saturate each item and rely on gravity to agitate fabrics.

Front-load washers not only use less water, they are also able to remove more water from your items, leading to faster drying times and ultimately less energy consumption.

Which Is More Affordable?

Finally, you may be asking yourself which item is friendly on your wallet. While this will depend on which brand and model you decide on, top-load washers are generally less expensive than their front-load counterparts.

However, before you jump for the cheapest unit, you will want to also consider how much water and energy each unit uses to compare which one could save you more in the long run.

Should You Buy a Top-Load or Front-Load?

When deciding between a top-load or front-load washer, consider efficiency, affordability, and cleaning performance. Front-load washers are more efficient in water and energy usage, leading to lower long-term costs. They also tend to clean better due to their design. While top-load washers may be more budget-friendly upfront and convenient for some users, they may not be as efficient or effective at cleaning. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities and budget.

Get Your Next Washer at Mountain High

At Mountain High, we carry a great selection of laundry appliances to serve you best. Besides top-load and front-load washers, we also sell commercial washing machines, washer dryer combos, stacked washers and dryers, electric dryers, gas dryers, commercial dryers, and laundry pedestals.

If you need more assistance finding the right laundry appliances, make sure to contact us or visit one of our appliance store locations in Denver, Louisville, Littleton, Colorado Springs, and Glenwood Springs, CO. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you find the right laundry appliance for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions: Front-Load vs Top-Load Washers

Are front-load washers better?

Front-load washers offer several advantages, including higher efficiency, better cleaning performance, gentler treatment of clothes, and a space-saving design. However, the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs.

What are the advantages of front-load washing machines?

Front-load washers are known for their efficiency in water and energy usage, superior cleaning performance due to tumbling action, gentle treatment of clothes, and space-saving design, often being stackable for smaller laundry areas.

What are the advantages of top-load washing machines?

Some benefits of top-load washers are: their affordability, ease of use (loading and unloading), and typically require less maintenance compared to front-load washers.

Do front-load washers have mold issues?

Front-load washers can develop mold if not properly maintained. Mold may accumulate around the door seal and detergent dispenser if water remains trapped. Regular cleaning and leaving the door slightly ajar between washes can help prevent mold growth.