Imagine that not too long ago, it was a rarity to have your own washing machine. Today a home clothes washer is a commodity that few of us could live without. A washing machine is a major purchase – one that you hope will last through many long years of wear and tear. If you are looking to purchase a new machine there are a number of different factors that you should be aware of in order to make the best, most educated decision. We’ve done the research for you to take you step by step through the process of purchasing the washing machine that’s right for you and your family.
One of the first and most important decisions you’ll need to make when starting your process is whether to buy a top-loading or front-loading wash machine. The top loading washer is the traditional home model that most of us are familiar with, whereas a front loader washer is more commonly used in a Laundromat. The main difference between these two units isn’t hard to guess – the names say it all. A top loader washing machine opens from the top with an agitator in the middle to churn and agitate the clothes. Front load washing machines, on the other hand, open from the front and use the nature force of gravity to distribute the water without the need of an agitator. In the past, it was very rare for American house owners to own front loaders, although they were the washing machine of choice by private individuals in Europe for decades. Today however, front loaders have suddenly become more and more popular in North America as well, putting them on the map in America for the first time for anyone in the market for a new machine. We’ve made it our business to speak to a number of well-respected retailers in the New York/New England region and asked them to share their decades of experience with us to try to understand the new rise in popularity of the front loading model so that you can make the smartest decision possible when purchasing your washing machine.
Advantages of a Front Loader Washer:
Whirlpool Duet 9470 Cranberry Front Load Washer
Economically and Ecologically Efficient
Without exception, our sources all recommend purchasing a front loader washer over a top loader for a number of different reasons. The first and foremost reason is based on a simple law of economics – people like to save money! Although in the past, front loaders were more expensive, today the prices are basically identical, ranging from $400-$600 for middle range machines. It is possible to find a bottom of the line top loading washer for less, but the short term savings won’t come close to the money that will be saved over the life of the machine, as we will explain.
While a top loader washing machine requires large amounts of water – as much as 44 gallons per average load – a front loader uses as little as 14 gallons per load. That’s a savings of up to 30 gallons per load! The reason for this discrepancy is due to the fact that the tub of a front loader is suspended vertically and therefore requires much more water to cover all of the clothes. A front loader on the other hand, is suspended horizontally and only utilizes a small pool of water gathered at the bottom of the washing machine, relying on gravity to drop the clothes into the water. While a top loading washer needs to empty soapy water and refill for a rinse cycle, a front loader simply sprays a small amount of clean water on the load as the drum continues to turn. Considering that the average family does almost 400 loads per year in their clothes washer, the water you save annually is enough to fill three swimming pools!
Popularity: 66%
