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Washing machines:
Top-loaders or front-loaders?
Almost all machines do a fine job
washing. Top-loaders are usually less
expensive, but front-loaders cost less
to operate because they use less water
and energy.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Top-loaders. Top-loaders are becoming
more energy efficient. Because they "agitate"
the laundry to ensure thorough
cleaning, they have a smaller effective
load capacity than front-loaders--generally
about 12 to 16 pounds--and they tend
to be noisier. They are typically 27 to
29 inches wide. Some are stackable with
matching dryer.
Front-loaders. Front-loaders do the
job using less water, including hot
water. They clean clothes by tumbling
them in the water which usually makes
them gentler on clothing and more a
dept at handling unbalanced loads.
They can typically handle 12 to 20 pound
loads and range from 27 to 29 inches
wide.
Space-saving options. Compact models
are typically 24 inches wide or less
and wash 8 to 12 pounds of laundry.
A compact front-loader can be stacked
with a compact dryer. Portable compact
models are available
Washer-dryer laundry centers combine
washer and dryer in one unit. Available
full-sized (27 inches wide, 12 to 14 pound
capacity) or compact (24 inches wide,
smaller capacity). Performance compares
to that of full-sized machines.
IMPORTANT FEATURES
High-end models often have touchpad
controls; others have traditional dials.
Some top-loaders feature an automatic
lid-lock during the spin cycle. Frontloaders
lock at the beginning of a cycle
but usually can be opened by interrupting
the cycle.
Front-loaders automatically set wash
speed according to the fabric cycle
selected, and some also automatically
set the spin speed. Top-loaders typically
provide wash/spin speed combinations.
A few models also allow an extra rinse
or extended spin.
Front-loaders and some top-loaders set
water levels automatically, ensuring
efficient use of water. Some top-loaders
can be set for four or more levels; four is
usually adequate.
Most machines offer a time-delay
feature for programming the washer to
start at an hour when utility rates are
low. Bleach, detergent and fabric-softener
dispensers automatically release powder
or liquid at the appropriate time.
How to choose
Performance differences.
Differences in washing ability tend to
be slight; they are more apparent in
water/energy efficiency and noisiness.
Front-loaders have the edge.
The water efficiency of any washing
machine rises with larger loads, but, overall,
front-loaders use far less water and
excel in energy efficiency. They are generally
quieter than top-loaders except
when draining or spinning, and are usually
gentler on laundry.
Recommendations.
Top-loaders generally cost less than
front-loaders and do a fine job. Best
values: midpriced top-loaders with few
features. Bells and whistles such as extra
wash/spin options or time delay don't
necessarily improve performance. While
front-loaders are usually more expensive
to buy, they can cost significantly less to
operate, especially in areas where water
or energy rates are very high. In general,
though, the savings are not
likely to make up the price difference over
a washer's typical life span.
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