- 1161 E Kimberly Rd #A Davenport, IA 52807
- (563) 265-0777
- Send Us A Text
- Email Us
The first automatic washing machine in the United States was front-loading. After World War II, however, top-loading machines became the dominant type in the U.S.
These days there are plenty of both top-loading and front-loading options available to consumers. Which, however, is better?
The answer, however, might be that you are asking the wrong question. Instead consider which is better for you.
This is one area in which the top-loading washer, in general, has the front-loading washer beat.
Because the standard top-loading washing machine with an agitator (the post in the middle of most top-loading washing machines) fill the whole tub with water for the entire cycle, it is able to complete its wash cycle in about half the time for a full load vs. a front-loading machine.
If you are someone who does one load at a time, or hangs your clothes to dry, the added speed can be a benefit. If you typically do multiple loads one after the other, and then use a dryer the savings will be minimized. That is because dryer cycles typically take longer than the washing cycle of a top-loading machine.
If you have a lot of space for your laundry room, this really doesn’t matter.
If, however, you have a small laundry room or are trying to disguise your washer and dryer (for example hiding them behind a cabinet door in a kitchen), a front-loading washer could be a big benefit.
That is because front-loading washing machines can be more easily stacked with a dryer, fitting both into a small space. Theoretically you can stack a top-loading machine on top of a dryer, but you would either need both to be pretty small or you would need a ladder to do your laundry.
If space matters, consider a front-loader.
On the other hand, if you don’t plan to stack, a top loader can eliminate some of the bending over or crouching that is needed to operate a front-loader.
In part because they are the common, standard option, top-loading machines tend to cost less than a comparable front-loading machine.
This can obviously change if you are comparing a high-end top-loader to a lower-end front-loader. In general, though, if you want the lowest cost up front, a top-loader will give you that.
One of the biggest differences functionally between top-loaders and front-loaders, other than the obvious logistics of loading the machine, is that top-loaders fill entirely with water while the front-loader operates by moving the clothes through water at the bottom of the machine.
This allows front-loaders to use much less water (and, consequently, less detergent). This is why most high-efficiency washers are front-loaders.
Because of how they spin at the end of the cycle, clothes also tend to be dryer at the end of a cycle than with top-loaders. This can save on drying time and energy costs if you are using a dryer.
There are high-efficiency top-loaders, but they tend to eliminate the other advantages of top-loaders in washing time and price.
We have a variety of name-brand options so that we can find a washing machine that fits your needs while also saving you money versus typical store prices. Contact us to find out more.
Our store offers a wide selection of high-quality appliances, including dishwashers, washers and dryers, stoves and ovens, and refrigerators.
Connect with us on Facebook for the latest updates and promotions. Visit our store at 1161 E Kimberly Road STE A Davenport, IA 52807, to explore the possibilities of an appliance upgrade.