10 key differences between top load vs front load washers

When it comes to buying a new washing machine, you usually look for products that can provide the proper care to your clothes, save time and energy, and are affordable. In addition to those popular factors, have you ever been confused by the differences between front load vs top load washing machines?

Both front loading and top loading washers come with their own features. While front load washing machine can better cleaning results without wrinkles or tight twists in your clothes, top load washer is cheaper, easy to use and suitable with most detergents.

Here, Zanussi Egypt will discuss 10 key distinguishing factors between top load vs front load washers to help you decide which set up fits your needs and style.

Front load and top load washing machines: Brief Definition

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 after the cycle started.

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.

10 key differences between top load vs front load washer

1. Appearance

As their names, 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.

>>> Check out best-selling Zanussi front-loading and top loading washing machines

3. Water and Energy efficiency

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

>>> Read more: 8 tips on how to save electricity when using a washing machine

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.

>>> Read more: How to operate an automatic washing machine.

5. Washing 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 minute

6. Spin speed

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

This makes the overall time spent doing laundry faster with a front-loading machine.

7. Noise

Front loaders are quieter and cause less vibration when washing.

8. The need for cleaning your washing machine

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

Top load washing machines, by contrast, require zero maintenance. They 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 washer is less expensive to repair and easier to maintain than front load washing machine. While users can make basic do-it-yourself repairs on their top loaders, front-load washers are best checked by trained technicians.

>>> You might want to check: 5 things you need to know when using Zanussi washing machines

10. 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.

Top load vs front load washer: 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.