Washing Machine Information Source

Top Loader Front Loader Combination Compare Efficiency Site Map

Top Loader Washing Machines are cheaper to buy, but are less efficient to operate. So what may seem like a bargain at first might end up costing you more over time than the more expensive front loader. Here is an example of a GE 3.2 cubic foot top loader washing machine Top loaders have an ergonomic advantage though: one does not have to bend as much to handle the laundry when compared to a front loader. Amazingly, top loaders are more mechanically complex than front loaders. The drum uses a back and forth agitiation action that requires a complex gearbox and clutch to convert the spinning electrical motor to this type of movement. The biggest reason a top loading washing machine is less efficient than a front loader is the fact that the drum sits upright and can only use an agitating action to clean laundry. The clothes must be completely submerged in water, which is the greatest drawback of the top loader. Top loaders typically use two thirds more water than a front loader. This means that much more energy is needed to heat the extra water, and far more detergent is required. Due to the less agressive agitiating action, more detergent per gallon of water is also required. Top loader and front loader washing machine comparison Overall, top loaders clean clothes less thoroughly, using more water, energy and detergent. They are a little more harsh on fabric too. Top loading machines do have a shorter cycle even though they consume more inputs. Often this is due to government reguations requiring shorter cycles to reduce the energy consumption. This leads to less thorough cleaning than a front loader which can have a longer cleaning cycle and still use less energy. One advantage of the top loader is that clothes can be added and removed in mid cycle. The top loader uses gravity to keep its water in the tub, whereas the front loader relies on door gaskets requiring the door to be kept locked during the cleaning process.