So we’ve evaluated the pros and cons of regular top-loaders and today we’re going over the positives and negatives of front-loading washers.
Remember in this analysis, we are only evaluating traditional top-loaders and high-efficiency front-loading washers.
Pros of High-Efficiency Front Loading Washing Machines
- No agitator! Arguably the best selling point of HE front-loaders. There are so many advantages to not having an agitator: clothes take less of a beating-literally, bulky items can be easily washed and retain their shape, large items can be washed, clothes come out cleaner due to the rotating action of the drum, and more space is available for clothes not housing an agitator.
- Use a small amount of water. My front-loader uses 13.5 gallons of water per wash cycle. That’s a huge difference compared to the 40-44 gallons used by a top-loader. Whether you’re into being a little more green, or just want to keep your water bill low…you just can’t beat 13.5 gallons.
- They are enormously energy-efficient. When doing our taxes this year, we found out that our washer can no longer be marketed as ‘energy-efficient’ come September 2010. Since there are newer and better machines on the market, ours is considered older technology – and we just got it in 2007! But compared to a traditional top-loader, it is hugely energy-efficient. The energy to heat 13.5 gallons of water compared to 40 gallons of water is substantial. Just that measurement alone makes them a huge money-saver in the utility department.
- They practically dry your clothes. It always shocks me to pull out practically dry clothes from my washer. The amount of water the machine can extract is unbelievable. This always helps decrease the power bill since the dryer runs for a lesser amount of time.
- Large washing capacity. Most top-loaders can only hold up to 13-14 pounds of clothes. Most front-loaders on the market today can hold up to 18 and even 20 pounds of clothes. A larger capacity equals fewer loads. And fewer loads equal less money spent on energy, water, and laundry supplies.
- Many washing options. Front-loaders come with tons of cycle options. It’s so nice to have choices.
- Laundry just seems easier. I don’t know what it is – maybe the nice control panel with numerous options. Or the pretty look to the machine. Or the technology. But it seems it is just ‘easier’ to wash laundry with a nice, high-efficiency front loader. Maybe it’s just me.
Cons of High-Efficiency Front-Loading Washing Machines
- Price! Possibly the hardest issue to swallow with the front-loaders is price. It is easy to drop $2000-3000 on a nice washer/dryer set when you’re looking to buy a front-loader. They are 2-3 times more pricey than a traditional top-loading set. Even when on sale, they are out of range of many people’s budgets.
- Not for people with back problems. Unless you splurged on the pedestals, one really has to bend down low to reach into the front-loaders. I’m only 5’3” and I am so thankfully every time I open that washer door that we purchased the pedestals too.
- Wet clothes fall on the floor. It seems practically impossible to move clothes from the washer to the dryer without some of them dropping on the floor. They just seem to tumble out. I don’t like clean, wet clothes on my laundry room floor. Bleh.
- Poor soak option. Most front-loaders only have a limited soak option. My washer only gives the option to soak for 30 minutes, which is ridiculous to me! Most items need a couple of hours to soak.
- Long wash cycles. Front-loaders have notoriously long wash cycles. If selecting all of the options, my machine offers a wash cycle of almost 3 hours (Heavy Duty cycle, Steam Sanitize, Steam Treat, extra rinse)! Who has that kind of time?!
- Require High-Efficiency Detergent. It’s expensive and hopefully you can find laundry detergent on sale. I know the controversy over using regular detergent in your high-efficiency machine. But I’m a scaredy-cat. And I don’t want to ruin the warranty.
- Expensive to repair. Because it is so electronic-heavy, repairs are more complex and definitely cost more money. I speak from experience. <sigh>
What is the Best Choice for My Family?
Carefully evaluate the pros and cons from each type. Which of the listed features are must-haves? Which features can you live without?
The choice is going to be different for everyone. And I guarantee for every person you find who loves their top-loader is another person who adores their front-loader. Go to the home improvement store and inspect each type. Envision washing your family’s clothes in each type and ponder whether you think it would be a good fit.
You’ll be much happier with your purchase if it is thoroughly researched and thought out.
Okay, so I’m dying to know: Do you have a top-loader or front-loader? Do you love it or…not so much? Tell me all about it, but please remember to be kind. Not everyone may share your opinion!
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Still waiting rather impatiently for our front loaders to arrive TOMORROW! 🙂 I read somewhere (don’t remember where) that you can use regular detergent, just much less. What are your thoughts on that?
We didn’t get the pedestals because I wanted a counter top to fold clothes on (ok, let’s be real…a countertop to stash things-hahaha).
.-= Mandy´s last blog ..Evolution of Beds =-.
Mandy – You’re going to LOVE them! So happy for you and your new purchase!
You’ll be fine without the pedastals – the counter top will be wonderful. I often wish I could have the best of both worlds – counter top and having them higher.
Honestly? I’m a rule-follower, so I might not be the best person to ask about the detergent! I use only HE. After I paid such a huge price for those babies, I wouldn’t dare try to put a substance in it that would potentially mess them up. And it voids the warranty. But that’s just me…I am definitely no rebel! Ha!
-Lauren
I love my front loader. I also love how dry it gets our clothes! We definitely save a lot on drying costs with it. I use normal detergent (actually homemade sometimes), just much less. It hardly takes any! No problems yet.
What really sold me on the front loader is how little water it uses. The amount that top-loaders use is fairly disturbing to me.
.-= Mrs. Mordecai´s last blog ..Letter T =-.
The front loader sets are stackable! Great for condos and small spaces
That’s right! I had that written on my list and then forgot to add it!
Thanks so much – HUGE perk for those who live in smaller spaces.
-Lauren
I bought a front loading set a couple of years ago. Whenever it was that they were mailing out those tax rebate checks that were $600 per adult and $300 per child. We spent pretty much every cent that we got (and it was a sizable check) on a set of front loaders. Love them!
Plus, we gave away our old set (that were still in fine enough condition) to a family that had recently had a house fire. Bonus!
.-= Angie @ Many Little Blessings´s last blog ..7 Quick Takes: April 16, 2010 (Vol. 37) =-.
Oh Angie – so nice of you to give your used set away. 🙂 Glad you love that front loader! I sure do too…
I went from a front to a top loader and I must admit that I miss my agitator but I love the HUGE water savings.
.-= [email protected]´s last blog ..Weekly Wrap Up =-.
I’m convinced that should I be in a position to afford a new HE machine, I’d get one of the top-loading kinds. You get the benefit of no agitator, but you can still open the door mid-cycle!
.-= Jennifer @ Simple Scrapper´s last blog ..Featured Designer: Biograffiti =-.
I think it’s a good design too! And it would eliminate clothes falling all over the floor when transferring from washer to dryer. Big plus to me.
What a cute site! I found you via blogfrog. Your site is so original. Love it!
There are actually top loaders that do not have agitators. Instead of the agitator, it uses wash plate found at the bottom part of the washing machine. It creates centrifugal force when it spins to clean your clothes well. This way, you will have more space for your clothes. There are now eco-friendly top loaders so you have more washer options.
Right – they look fabulous! I didn’t want to include them on this comparison since I felt like they deserved their own post.
Thanks for commenting 🙂
-Lauren
I have just purchased a samsung front loader washing machine, Iwas told how little water it uses, but when it washes the clothes only appear wet it does’nt fill up where you see any volume of water is this normal?
Sue – Yes, it is completely normal. Keep in mind that a typical front loader only uses between 13 and 16 gallons of water (depending on the load of clothes and capacity of the washer) in the entire wash cycle.
I’ve only seen maybe 2-3 inches of water in the basin of my washer during a cycle.
Congrats on your purchase! I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by Mama’s…
-Lauren
I purchased a new Top Loader Ge washing machine. The clothes do not get wet that are on the top of the pile. It uses somethng called ” advanced soaking technology” Total Rip off. The clothes do not get wet because there is only 1-2 inches of water in the tub. If I put in a large King size comforter, the top of the comforter does not get wet at all. For something to to be washed you ” have to get it wet to get out the dirt”. This washer doesn’t do that. Payed over $2000.00 for the set and want to throw it in the ocean where there is plenty of water ! Signed Ripped off
I am so, so sorry. 🙁 It feels awful to pay so much money for an appliance and not have a good result with it.
I appreciate you leaving your review! Maybe it will help others when making an informed decision about which machine to purchase.
-Lauren
Thanks for sharing these tips on choosing a washing machine! I have been trying to choose between high efficiency and top loading for a few days now. Right now I am leaning towards a more high efficiency machine, especially since it saves money each month!
It does sound like front-loading washing machines are a good choice. I really like how they are so energy efficient, and can save on utility bills. I am looking for a new washing machine, so thanks for the information!
I am looking at buying a front loader washer. I was wondering if anyone knew how many towels could be washed in one load of a 5.2 cubic ft washer.
Hmmm. Very good question, Sally. I need to research that a bit!
-Lauren