Washing Machines - Top vs. Front Load

Can be interrupted mid-cycle to throw in clothes you forgot

Cannot be interrupted mid-cycle

Needs enough water to cover all the clothes in its drum

Needs less water (about ⅓ of the water the top loader uses) since the clothes are dropped back into the water as the drum spins

Cannot be stacked with another dryer

Can be stacked with a front loading dryer, so it helps to save space

Uses an agitator for rinse cycles

Has no agitators so there is less wear and tear on your clothes, thus extending their shelf life

Less room for dirty clothes so more loads are required

Without an agitator, there is more room for dirty clothes so fewer loads are needed (about 20% to 30% more)

Less expensive than the front loader

More energy efficient, but is more expensive upfront than the top loader

Doesn't have a door lock

Has a door lock

Any brand of laundry detergent is fine

Recommended to use low-suds laundry detergents as front loading washing machines require less water, so traditional detergents may have difficulty dissolving and leave soapy residue on your clothes

The spin speed is slower than the front loader, but has a shorter wash time cycle

Spins up to 2 times faster than the top loader, but has a longer wash time cycle

Common problems: its mechanical gearboxes are more prone to wear and tear over time than the motor drives in front loaders

Common problems: faulty door seals or door-locking mechanisms, leakage

Not as maintenance-intensive as the front loader

Requires regular maintenance to clean the door seals, bellows, and drum

Tend to be noisier

Front loaders tend to be quieter as the door seal helps to contain the sound.

May have difficulty washing large items like pillows or large soft toys as they tend to float in the water

Has enough space for large items, but is gentler on delicate fabrics