Top-Loading VS Front-Loading Washers: Which is Better?

If you’re in the market to buy a new washer, one of the first decisions you’ll want to make is whether to buy a top-loading or a front-loading washing machine.

Until a few years ago, front-loading washers were seen almost exclusively in laundromats, but these days, you can find them in more and more conservation-minded homes as manufacturers begin offering a broader array of choices.

The traditional top-loading washer does its job well, compared with the washing drums and rollers previous generations used. The washer’s tub sits vertically in the machine and has an agitator in the middle that churns the water and clothes together, forcing water through the items. It drains, refills with clean water, agitates again, drains, rinses and spins. The front-loading machine follows the same basic method, but has many advantages over the standard top-loaders.

The front-loading machine’s greatest advantage may well be its energy efficiency, no small advantage considering an increasingly environmentally aware marketplace. Nearly every model bears the US Department of Energy’s “Energy Star” label, setting it apart as an appliance that meets or exceeds the stringent efficiency standards set out jointly by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

Here are some of the other differences between top- and front-loading washers:

Efficiency:

While a top-loading machine requires enough water to cover all the clothes in its drum, a front-loading washer needs only a third of that amount because its drum is set horizontally in the machine. As the drum turns, it uses gravity to drop the clothes back into the water. And while a top-loading machine will empty the soapy water and refill for a rinse agitation cycle, a front-loading machine just sprays clean water on the load as the drum continues to turn, saving gallons. Since there’s no agitator in a front-loading machine, there’s a lot more room for dirty clothes – and larger loads means fewer loads.

Finally, the front-loading machine’s spin mechanism can reach up to 1,000 rpm, as opposed to the standard top-loader’s average 650 rpm. That means less water left in the laundry, which in turn gives you a shorter drying time, saving energy there, too.

Space:

Most front-loading washers can be stacked with a companion dryer, an impossible feat for standard top-loaders, except for a mere few models. If floor space is important to you, a front-loading washer is the better choice.

Clothing life:

There’s no question that agitators are tough on your clothes. Because only gravity is at work in a front-loading machine, you’ll save a lot of wear and tear on your laundry, extending the life of your clothes and linens.

Cost:

In this department, the front-loading washer is at a significant disadvantage. Typically, they cost a minimum of several hundred dollars more than their top-loading counterparts. This initial outlay will be recouped, of course, in energy costs over the long run, but if you can only budget $500 or less for a washer, you’ll have to go with the traditional top-loading model.

Ergonomics:

If bending or kneeling is difficult for you, stay with a top-loading machine. You’ll need to kneel or bend to load the clothes as well as remove the wet load from a front-loading washer. When the machines are stacked, the washer goes on the bottom, so there’s no relief there, either.

Last-minute lid-flipping:

We’ve all run back to the washing machine to toss in a just-found pair of socks or T-shirt after the machine has started. But with a front-loading machine, there’s no turning back once you push the start button. The door locks until the cycle has ended. There are however, a few models that allow a few seconds to add a garment, but once that light or time has elapsed, your clothing has to wait for the next load.

Detergents:

Although you can use any kind of laundry detergent in a top-loader, your detergent selection may be a bit limited with a front-loading machine, depending on the manufacturer. Most manufacturers of front-loading washers recommend using an HE low-sudsing detergent; these are becoming more widely available all the time.

In the conservation department, the front-loading machine is a clear winner, saving water, energy and, of course, money over the life of the machine. The major detractor for most consumers is the larger initial cash outlay; front-loaders often cost $800 or more compared with around $350 for a good top-loader.

Electrolux Induction Cooktop

Join Randy Tyra from Airport Home Appliance as he demonstrates the amazing features of Induction Cooktops by Electrolux. Boil water in less than 90 seconds, easy to clean smooth surface and ventilate with a unique downdraft ventilation system.

Electrolux Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator

Randy Tyra, resident Expert at Airport Appliance, demonstrates to you the counter french door refrigerator from Electrolux. Water and Ice Dispenser, Filtration system, Theatre Lighting, Temperature/Climate Controls... This stainless steel refrigerator has it all!

This particular Electrolux refrigerator is a counter depth refrigerator. This refrigerator fits flush with your cabinetry to provide the look of a built-in refrigerator at a more affordable price. Counter depth refrigerators are 23 5/8” deep which is shallower than standard freestanding refrigerators.

Buying Guide for BBQ Grills

Before purchasing an outdoor grill we recommend reading our buyers guide to help you make the decision on the right grill for you.

Liquid Propane

About 85% of all gas grills are fueled by propane - also known as LP or liquid propane. Propane comes in a portable tank that fits beside or underneath your grill. These propane tanks connect directly to your grill, usually with a simple "twist-on" connector similar to those found on a garden hose. Tanks can be purchased and refilled at many locations such as a local gas station or propane distributor.

Natural Gas

Natural gas grills make up about 10% of the gas grill market and tap directly in to your home's gas fuel supply, the same supply used to fuel your furnace or other natural gas appliances such as stoves or dryers. Your utility company or locally certified contractor can install the necessary connection outlet so that you can easily and conveniently use natural gas for your grill. While a natural gas connection ensures that you won't run out of fuel in the middle of cooking it does require that your grill remain in one spot near the connection; you won't be able to move you grill to another part of your deck or patio.

Charcoal

Charcoal grills include a reservoir where the griller must ignite coals, allowing them to burn down before spreading them out and beginning to grill. The use of charcoal tends to add a distinct smoky flavor which depends on your preference. Charcoal grills are also better at slow-cooking, since they burn at a lower temperature.

Drop-In Grills

Drop-In Grills offer you the option of installing them into a brick or stone fixture or cart for a customized look and feel.

Portable Grill

Portable Grills offer you the ability to become mobile to take with you anywhere.

Buying Guide for Mattresses

Use this mattress guide to help with your purchase. There are many features, sizes and types to choose from that can provide a more comfortable rest to help you sleep better at night.

Choose the Size

Most sleepers shift positions during the night, and cramped quarters can keep them from moving freely. Standard mattress dimensions are: King (76” x 80”), California King (72” x 84”), Queen (60” x 80”), Full or Double (53” x 75”), and Twin (38” x 75”).

Consider the Innerspring

A conventional innerspring mattress is the most common choice and often the least expensive. Memory foam, which was developed to protect astronauts against g-force is heat-sensitive and conforms to your body. Not all memory foam feels the same and it can take time to get used to. You will also have a selection of pillowtop variations to choose from. Our recommendation is to stop by one of our showrooms to try out each mattress and test the softness or firmness that meets your comfort needs.

Buying Guide for Dryers

Before purchasing a dryer, the most important piece of information you’ll need is whether you are shopping for an Electric or a Gas dryer. Most dryers are front-loading but many have new energy efficient features and stylish colors or designs to consider.

Electric

By far the most common types of dryers are electric. Their sticker price is usually less expensive than those of gas dryers--but in exchange they typically cost more to operate day-to-day depending on electricity rates.

Gas

Most gas dryers cost more than their electronic counterparts. But over time, they are more cost effective to operate. The only hitch is that you need a gas hookup in your laundry area to install the dryer.

Buying Guide for Washing Machines

Before purchasing a washer, please feel free to use our guide below to help you along the way. Washing Machines have become more high-tech, stylish and energy efficient than ever before.

Front-Loading Washers

This is the most popular option because of the style and attractive design. The laundry is loaded in the front of these machines. Some of the benefits of front-loading washers are that clothes tend to come out cleaner and the machines typically use less water, detergent and energy. They can also be more quiet than top-loading machines. Some models are stackable with a dryer.

Top-Loading Washers

Top-Loading Washers are the traditional style washer where you load your laundry at the top of the machine. New top load models are built without agitators so that clothes no longer get stuck on one side. New models also are energy efficient. More traditional top load washing machines can have unbalanced loads, however they are commonly priced lower.

Portable Washers

Portable washers are typically compact in size and provide easy portability for small spaces.

Washer-Dryer Combination

These washer/dryers combine the washer and dryer into one machine--once you place your clothes in they will be both washed and dried.  The cycles take longer while the loads are often smaller than a standard washer but offer you an all-in-one space saving solution.