Efficiency
- Front load machines use roughly 1/3 the water of a top load because the tub does not completely fill with water. The tub rotates to gently move the clothes through the water to clean them. This results in better cleaning and less wear and tear on your clothes.
- The final spin cycle is considerably faster than a top loader so more water is removed from your clothes and drying time is reduced.
- Nearly all front load washers are Energy Star qualified.
Convenience/Flexibility
- Front load washers typically have a larger capacity than top loaders. Even on models with comparable cubic foot measurements a front loader wins because you don't have to load around the agitator.
- Since there isn't an agitator and the tub opening faces you - much like a dryer - it's easier to load, just throw clothes in and shut the door.
- Front load machines can more easily accommodate larger items - such as comforters.
- These machines may be used in conjunction with pedestals or platforms which raise them to a comfortable level and reduce the need to bend over. Often the pedestals have drawer storage as well. You may also stack the washer and dryer to save space - ideal for closet installations.
So What's The Catch?
- A front load washer is typically more expensive to purchase than a top loader, sometimes double or triple the cost.
- Front load washers require you to use HE detergent - this detergent is low sudsing. You want something that does not produce a lot of suds because soap suds actually decrease the effectiveness of the wash and may actually halt the machine's operation. The HE detergent is typically more expensive and the variety of available brands is limited. On the plus side, as front load machines become more and more popular more manufacturers will produce an HE product.
Capacity
Manufacturers describe capacity by cubic feet. They may also use terms like large, extra large, super, or oversize but since terminology differs greatly the only real way to compare is by cubic feet.
So how much do I need?
Think about the size of your household and how often you use your current washer, or how often you go to the Laudromat and how many machines you use while there. Obviously the more you can wash in a single load, the less time and money you'll spend on laundry. An average size household of 4 should consider purchasing a machine around 4.0 cubic feet. As strange as this may sound, the best suggestion is to bring your largest load of laundry with you to the store and place it in the washers you're considering. If you'd like a machine big enough to wash your largest quilt or comforter bring that along as well. The last thing you want is a washer that's not big enough for your needs. Also, make sure that the washer's capacity is comparable to your dryer's size - shouldn't be an issue since most dryers are usually 1.5 to 2 times the size of a washer, but keep it in mind.
Top load machines vary in size from 2.1 cubic feet all the way up to 4.6 (model without an agitator), while front loaders range from 2.3 cubic feet up to 4.7. As you can see, whether you choose top or front load you can still have whatever capacity you need.
Feature Glossary
- Cycles - Most machines offer 4 to 5 basic wash cycles depending on the type of clothing to be washed. Advanced models offer numerous options to customize the cycle even further. The cycles typically consist of Regular, Permanent Press, Knits/Delicates, Hand Washables, and others.
- Temperature Settings - Just about every washer will have these three wash/rinse temperature settings: Hot/Cold, Warm/Cold, Cold/Cold). More feature packed models will offer multiple temperature combinations to ensure the best cleaning options for all of your fabric types.
- Automatic Temperature Control - Machines with this option automatically mix the hot and cold water to maintain a more consistent water temperature that will in turn prevent undo wear and tear on your clothes, such as shrinking and color bleeding.
- Water Levels - Standard machines offer basic water level settings while more feature packed models use sensors to determine the load size and adjust the water level accordingly.
- Noise Reduction - This is an important feature to look for if your washer will be used near your homes living areas rather than the basement. Manufacturers use insulation and other noise reducing technologies to ensure the washer runs quietly.
- Unbalance Sensor - Automatically detects when the wash load is out of balance. The machine will alter it's spin speed to correct the problem and if unable to an alarm will sound to alert you to the problem.
- Control Lockout - Ideal for homes with small children.
- Electronic Controls - Allow for one touch operation as well as the ability to store your own personalized wash programs to be used by those in your home with less laundry experience than you.
- Water Heater - Boosts the incoming water to the proper temperature for optimal cleaning results.
- Delay Wash - Allows you to complete the wash at a more suitable time, even while you sleep.
- Steam Technology - Machines with this option use the power of steam to remove stains from your clothes without the need to pretreat.
Make sure it will fit!
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