With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s a good idea to get the basics right before the influx of family and friends coming over to stay for the Festive Season. Washing machines fall neatly into place here. We cannot do without them! Make sure you choose the right machine for your family – not just for the holidays but for years to come!
When it comes to finalising your laundry room or scullery, there's one important debate to tackle: do you want a top or front loader washing machine? On the surface, it may seem like there isn't much difference between the two; one loads clothes from the top while the other loads from the front. But if you look a little further into them, you'll find there's actually key difference that set them apart.
Let’s break down the differences to help you make the right choice:
Front Loader Washing machines
Front loader washing machines have the opening at the front of the appliance and in order to put your clothes in and out, you'll have to bend down to reach the door and it's opening. Aside from design, the machine functions differently to top loaders as they are built with a horizontal drum that tumbles the clothes in each cycle.
Top Loader Washing machines
As the name suggests, top load washing machines have an opening on top of the machine. There's usually a door you lift to access the drum you drop your clothes into, which means there's no bending required. You can easily stand up to toss your laundry items in.
Top loader washing machines have what's called an agitator in the centre of the vertical drum that's used to create friction amongst the clothes when washing. This is what moves your items around to get them clean during the washing process.
Performance & Efficiency
If it’s efficiency that you’re after then front loaders are your best options. Modern front loader machines are more efficient with energy and water. Where top loaders rely on the agitator to clean the items, front load washers are strategically built with side paddles that lift the clothes up and rotate them in the tumble.
Because front loaders are more efficient, they can have a beneficial impact on your energy expenses, and the wear and tear of your clothes.
Capacity/Size Considerations
Top loader washing machines usually outweigh front loaders when it comes to drum size capacity. Top loader washing machines are great for bulkier items like blankets and duvets as their drum sizes tend to be larger than front loaders - which are great for everyday use. But, like all appliances, you can find a variety of sizes within each style, so consider your normal washing load sizes to determine how big of a drum you need.
Here's a brief breakdown of general issues you can expect from both types of washing machines:
Drum won't spin: This usually comes from an overloaded drum. Try removing clothing to see if this helps. If it doesn't, then your drain pump might be clogged.
Leaks are present: This is likely cause of either a disconnected or deteriorated hose or worn out seals.
Drum isn't filling: If your drum isn't filling with water, then there might be a clog in the hose.
User Convenience & Accessibility
The easiest type of washing machine to use and access, especially if you have mobility issues, is a top load washer. It doesn't require you to bend down and it's easy to dump your clothes in. The only time you might experience slight inconvenience is when you're getting clothes that have fallen to the bottom of the drum.
Where front loaders beat top load washers is newness in features and smart technology. Both machines feature a locking mechanism that keeps the door closed during the washing cycle, but you'll find that front load washers come with extra capabilities like smart technology functions and extra wash cycles.
So if you're looking for a washer that offers a range of features, then a front load is the better pick. If you're fine with a standard washer that has basic functions, OR you need to regularly wash larger items then the top loader is the way to go.
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