Choozza - The right choice, everytime.
Use the sliders set the importance of each feature.
Click the button and Choozza will find the right product for you.
Scroll down to read the comparison details.
There are two types of washing machines you can choose from: top loaders and front loaders. While they'll both clean your clothes, there are some big differences between them.
This choozza helps you choose the washing machine type that is the best for you.
What's the perfect choice for you?
Last updated by Nimo, on 25/7/09
|
Top Loader With Top loading washing machines, the opening is at the top of the machine. The washing action is performed by swirling the clothes back and forth in the water. |
Front Loader With a front loader washing machine, the opening is on the front of the machine. The washing action is performed by turning the clothes over and over. |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Low Cost: A washing machine is not a cheap item, but to counter that, it stays with you for a few years. How much will this type of washing machine cost you? |
Typically, top loading machines cost less than their front loaders counterpart. On the other hand, top loaders consume considerably more energy and detergent when they operate, so in the long run they are not all that cheap to own. |
Front loaders are more expensive than top loaders of the same quality. They would typically cost at least a couple of hundred dollars more than their top-loading counterparts. This is offset in the long run by lower energy, water and detergent costs. |
|
Space Saving: How suitable is the washing machine for when you only have a small space for it? |
With top loading washing machines you need to allow some space above the washer for the lid to open upwards when you need to put your washing inside. This means that placing the washing machine under the kitchen's countertop or shelves is out of the question. It is also not possible to stack a drier on top of it (and stacking the washing machine on top of a drier is never practical). |
Opening to the front, a front loader placing is quite flexible. Because you don't need space above it, you can place the washing machine under your kitchen countertop or shelves with no problem. The front loading machines are also almost always suitable for stacking a drier right on top of them, thereby saving floor space. |
|
Quick Washing: How much time does the wash cycle take? |
Top loaders are almost always faster than front loaders for a normal cycle. |
On a normal cycle, front loaders are usually slower than top loaders. However, most brands have fast wash cycles that come close to matching the time top loaders offer for normal cycle. |
|
Eco friendly: Washing machines need water, electricity and detergents to operate. What will be the environmental effect of your washing? |
Top loaders are not as eco friendly as front loaders, since they typically use a lot more water. Because of the way top loaders work, the water needs to cover all the clothes in the drum, and soapy water must be emptied and replaced with clean water for the rinse cycle. Some of the newer brands of top loaders, however, are better at water conserving. Top loaders also use significantly more detergents than front loaders. This not only contributes to their comparatively higher running costs but also makes them less friendly to the environment. |
Front loading washing machines are normally more eco friendly than the top loaders. A front loader's washing cycle requires significantly less water that a top loader's, since water is required to fill only a third of the drum, and rinse cycles do not empty the soapy water completely. Unlike the top loaders, the front loader's drum does not contain an agitator, and there is more room for dirty washing in every load, meaning less overall loads are required. The front loaders also get higher spin speeds (1000rpm and more). This means the washing contains less water when you take it out to the drier, and less energy is wasted there as well. On the down side, front loaders don't usually have 'real' cold wash. The cold washing temperature on front loaders is usually warmer than the top loaders. This makes them a little less efficient in this respect, since some energy is required to heat the water. |
|
Detergent Variety: How many detergent types can you find for the washing machine? What are your chances of finding that specific fragrance or a detergent suitable for sensitive skin? |
Top loader washing machines allow you to use almost any type of laundry detergent available in the market. The brand and type variety is large, and your chances of finding a specific detergent to your liking are excellent. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin or are looking for that special fragrance. |
Most front loading washing machines require you to use a low-sudsing detergent. This type of detergent may be a little difficult to find in some places. This greatly limits the detergent selection available, and may affect you directly if you usually shop at small outlets that do not carry a large variety of detergents. |
|
Washing Delicates: How does the washing machine treat your delicate clothes? |
The way top loaders work, they beat the clothes with far more force than front loaders. This is excellent for removing dirt from your ordinary clothes, but means the top loaders are less gentle on delicates. Additionally, washing with a top loader will cause more wear and tear to clothes on a normal cycle than front loading washing machines. |
Front loaders are usually gentler than top loaders for the normal washing cycles. This is because they spin the clothes to remove the dirt rather than beating them like the top loaders do. The gentler washing method makes the front loaders more suitable for delicate fabrics which will last longer, especially if you use a hand-washing cycle. |