Top load vs front load washing machines: 11 key differences

Once it’s time to buy a new washing machine, the big challenge is to decide whether you go for a front loading or a top loading washer. Both front loading and top loading washers come with their advantages and disadvantages, but which one is better?

Here, Electrolux Arabia will discuss 11 key distinguishing factors between top load vs front load washing machines to help you decide which set up fits your needs and style.

Front load and top load washing machines: Brief definition

Before going into the detailed comparison, let’s walkthrough the brief definition of front loaders and top loaders.

Top load washing machines

Top load washing machine is designed with a door on the top of the machine. With this layout, you don’t necessarily need to bend over while doing laundry since you load from above. And especially, you are free to add or remove items in the middle of the cycle.

According to Wikipedia, top load or vertical axis cloth washing machines are dominant design in the United States and Canada.

Front load washing machines

Unlike top loading washing machines, front loaders come with a door at the front which opens one side of the drum into which washing is placed.

In most regions of the world, high-end washers are often of this type. Most commercial and industrial clothes washing machines worldwide are of the horizontal-axis design as well.

>>> Read more:

11 key differences between top load and front load washing machines

1. Appearance

As their names suggest, the overarching difference between these two types of washers is where the door is located on the machine. A front washer features a thick glass door on its front, whereas top loaders are opened from the top of the machine.

Without the large door on the front, top washers may have a smoother and sleeker look, but front loader allows users to see the clothes churning in the suds and water.

2. Size & Capacity

Agitator or impeller in most top loaders tend to take extra space and reduce the washing capacity. Thus, front-load washing machines can usually handle bigger loads.

Top-load washers, on the other hand, have smaller dimensions and are easier to fit into smaller areas and laundries.

3. Water & Energy efficiency

Generally speaking, front loaders tend to be more water and energy-efficient than top loaders. Thanks to their design, front load washing machines can wash larger loads and consume around one-third the amount of water. Besides, high-advanced technology setting also allows users to reduce energy consumption.

>>> Read more: Handy tips on how to load your laundry

4. Cleaning performance

For a washer, cleaning performance is crucial. It’s widely accepted that front load washing machines offer excellent washing performance, compared to its top-load counterparts.

Front-load washers remove more dirt and grime and are better at removing stains than their top-load counterparts. The reason is that a front loader’s tumbling washing motions are more effective than a top loaders’ twisting wash motions.

With top-load washers, clothing tends to clump together during circular wash motions, making it ineffective when washing larger items such as winter coats and pillows.

Electrolux makes top-notch washers that are gentle on fabric yet effective on stains. The Electrolux EWF8251SXM is a great front load washing machine worth considering.

How to Efficiently Remove Common Stains from Clothes

5. Cycle time

If you prefer fast laundry, front loading washer might not be the best choice. It takes longer time for a wash cycle than top loaders because it combines the rotation of the drum with a shallow pool of water and detergent to wash your clothes.

The average washing cycle of a front load washing machine is about an hour, while that of a top loader is roughly 20 - 35 minutes.

6. Spin speed

Another factor we should examine when comparing top load vs front load washing machines is spin speed. Front loaders have higher spin speed, around 1500 RPM (revolutions per minute). In the contrary, top loaders produce only around 600 RPM.

In brief, front loaders can extract more water from the clothes, making clothes dry faster.

7. Noise

Front loaders are quieter and cause less vibration when washing.

8. Smell & Mold issue

Designed with a rubber, front load washers may build up mold around its doors. It requires user to clean your front-loading washing machine more often than you do with a top loader.

Top load washing machines, by contrast, don’t have mold problems since they rely on gravity to pull water down. There aren't any seals or gaskets for water to get trapped in.

9. Maintenance & Repair

Talking about maintenance, top load washers are less expensive to repair and easier to maintain than front load washing machines. While users can make basic do-it-yourself repairs on their top loaders, front-load washers are best checked by trained technicians.

>>> Learn step-by-step guide on how to clean your washing machine

10. Convenience

Top-load washers are more convenient since you can freely add or remove clothes to and from the washer. Moreover, if you have back or knee problems, you will find it more difficult to unload your clothes from a front loader. In addition, kids may get inside your front-load washer since the door is lower.

The abovementioned facts are true to most front loaders. However, Electrolux washing machines are equipped with helpful features that can address most of the inconveniences which front loaders are popularly known for.

For example, our Electrolux front load washer EW6F5722BB comes with child lock feature, keeping both your beloved kids and washer safe from any possible damages. Moreover, adding clothes mid-cycle is totally possible with Electrolux front load washers. Let’s check out the video below for further details:

Adding clothes mid-cycle is possible with Electrolux front loaders

11. Price

Commonly, front loaders may cost you more at the checkout, but that initial outlay should be quickly offset by savings in the long term because they are more energy and water efficient.

Washing machine front load vs top load: Which is better?

Comparing a top load vs front load washing machine may not reveal which type is best. Our comparison table below will summarize both pros and cons of these two types and how each model can make your laundry day easier.

	Top loaders	Front loaders
Pros	Lower price Safer for elders and kids Easy to use & maintenance Compatible with most detergents Easy to add or remove items mid-cycle	Water and energy efficient More features and functions Better cleaning performance Less noise and vibration during cycle Higher spin speed and shorter drying time
Cons	Consume more water and energy Make more noise and vibration Less function Damage clothes more Shorter lifespan	More costly Compatible with specific detergents only Hardly can add or remove items mid-cycle

>>> Read more: 5 tips to choose your perfect washing machine

Our recommended washing machines

Choosing the right washing machine can be time-consuming. Electrolux is well-known for our high-quality and durable washing machines which were designed to fit in your budget without compromising the cleaning performance.

To streamline your search for the best washing machines, browse our wide range of Electrolux washing machines in Arabia.