Cons of Front Load Washers
Front load washers can require more maintenance than top load washers. You can't always put clothes in mid-cycle, as the door locks to prevent leakage. Because it's harder for water to evaporate, front load washers may have more mold or mildew problems.
Front load washers are considered superior at cleaning clothes with less water and less wear on your fabrics. Top load washers clean faster and are slightly more ergonomic, so it may come down to the monetary value.
In addition to outperforming top-load models in terms of stain removal and cleaning, front-load washers are also gentler on clothing than agitator top-load machines. However, there's one advantage that top-load models offer that many front-load washers do not: the ability to presoak a load of laundry before washing it.
Compared to a top load impeller washer, front load washers are still 25% more energy and water efficient. Furthermore, front load washers help save on drying time and energy by spinning clothes much faster than top load washers to extract more water out of clothes.
"The average lifespan (of a front loader) is just five years, regardless of make. The average lifespan of most top loaders, on the other hand, is about ten years."
So why the decline in popularity? Based on data from CR surveys of more than 100,000 members who purchased a new washing machine between 2011 and 2021, front-load washers do present some drawbacks, notably that they are prone to mold, mildew, and odor.
Although top-load washers last longer than front-load washers on average, a front-load will likely need repairs less often over the course of its life. The repair costs typically will be higher, though, due to the many optional wash cycles and extra features.
A top loader also comes with the convenience of being able to add items mid-cycle and saves you from having to bend down to load and unload clothes. This type of washer is also cheaper to buy upfront, although uses more water and energy.
Out-of-Balance Loads
HE top-loaders do a better job of balancing loads on their own by adding water and improving circulation. Front-loading styles also encounter occasional out-of-balance issues, although the drum's horizontal rotation significantly reduces the likelihood of encountering error messages.
A toploader is a plastic trading card holder used for protection and organization. Different than a penny sleeve – which is softer and more bendable – a toploader is rigid, and thus provides a more secure storage option.
Front-loaders clean better because the wash motion is more effective. Cleaning is a result of chemical action (detergents), thermal action (water temperature), and mechanical action (the movement of the washer), plus time.
Myth: Front load washers leak Fact: False, again. This myth originated from the when the rubber seal on the doors of some of the original front load washers was prone to leakage. Since the basket is horizontal, the seal on the door plays a major role in avoiding water from escaping the inner drum.
They're hard on dirt but gentle on clothes
The front loader method results in less damage to your clothes over time – so even though you're likely to pay more upfront for the appliance, you won't be having to replace your clothes as frequently.
Top loaders have more of the washing submerged in water than a front loader which will have the clothing being tumbled in and out of the water. Therefore to achieve the same amount of contact with water and detergent (and hence the same amount of dirt removal) in a front loader, it needs a longer cycle time.
Comforters: Instead of lugging your king-size comforter to a laundromat, you can wash it in any washer with a claimed capacity of at least 4.5 cubic feet, according to our tests. It's best washed by itself, for better agitation and rinsing. An extra rinse cycle might also be helpful for these bulky items.
You left your clothes in the washer too long.
A dark, wet environment like a washing machine is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew to thrive. These can build up in your clothing as time goes on, eventually leaving them with a permanent odor.
If you start to notice that your towels smell, and not in a spring meadow or clean mountain kind of way, it's a pretty good indication you have mold in your washing machine. The first plan of attack is to clean your washing machine.
If the washer has a minor failure such as a bad lock on the lid or door, it's usually better to repair the washer instead of replacing it. Completing a minor repair on a well-maintained washer with more than 8 years of expected useful life remaining is typically more economical that replacing the washer.
By placing your hand into your machine's drum, you can see how much space is left. Perfect is if you can fit nothing else in the drum, just your hand and your wash. If you can't get your hand into the drum, then it's overloaded.
Front-load washers last about 10 to 12 years, while top-load washing machines usually last up to 14 years. Front-load models are newer to the market, while top-loading machines have been popular for generations. While top-load washers tend to last longer, they also usually need more maintenance and repairs.