When comparing top-load vs. front-load washers, consider cost, room placement, family size/laundry needs, water efficiency, clothing care, and ease of back mobility. These are the main aspects that will help you choose between a high-quality front-load or top-load washing machine, making laundry that much easier.

Your choice of washers affects many things. While their main focus is to provide clean clothes, they also have an impact on water and energy usage, convenience, and home design.

  • Water usage: Washers use different amounts of water for each load, depending on whether the washer weighs the load or not.
  • Energy usage: Some washers use more energy than others, especially if used often. The right washer improves your home’s energy efficiency, better for your wallet and the planet’s sake.
  • User convenience: A top-load washer is usually easier to use than a front-load washer since there’s no bending over.
  • Home design: Some washers are stackable, which saves space; others will take up more space in the room.

 

At Surplus Furniture, we know that laundry is an endless cycle that needs a mean, reliable machine. Let’s take a closer look at front and top-load washers to help you make the right purchase at factory-direct prices. 

Clothing in a front-load washer

Top-Load vs Front-Load Washers: What’s the Difference?

A top-load washing machine opens at the top. This means the load is dropped into the tub, which is then filled with water and spun around an agitator. On the other hand, a front-load washing machine opens on the front of the appliance where clothing is loaded.

 

Some key differences include:

 

  • Mechanics: Loading laundry, filling the basin with water, and adding detergent will work differently based on where the door is on the appliance.

 

  • Design: Where the washing machine opens often determines where the controls are placed. Top-load washers have controls on top, while front-load washers have buttons in front above the door.

 

  • Placement: A front-load washer can be stacked with a front-load dryer to save space. This isn’t possible with a top-load appliance, but these positions are contingent on the room layout.

Top Load vs Front Load Washers Pros & Cons

To better understand these types of washing machines, we’ve created a helpful pros and cons list.

 

Front Load Washing Machines

 

Pros

  • Energy and water efficiency: These washers sense the weight of the load within the basin and use only the right amount of water. As a result, it lowers your water usage, increasing your home’s energy efficiency.

  • Better cleaning performance: The tumbling action in a front-load washer mimics gentle scrubbing on clothing. Additionally, using less water means a more concentrated detergent and fabric softener solution that removes dirt better.

  • Gentle on clothes: Since there’s no agitator (the central post in top-loaders), this washer is gentler on clothes, and doesn’t subject them to as much wear and tear.

  • Space saver: Front-load washers can be stacked, which uses more vertical space instead of floor space.



Cons

  • Higher upfront cost: Front-loaders often cost more initially because they’re built with advanced engineering and high-quality material to account for the balance necessary for washing on a horizontal axis.

  • Requires more maintenance: Because they don’t use a deep basin, they’re more susceptible to mould and moisture buildup. The door must also be maintained, as it must seal well to retain the water within.

Top Load Washing Machines 

 

Pros

  • Easier loading: With top-load washing machines, you don’t have to squat or bend over to load and unload the washer. This is easier on the back.

  • Typically cheaper: Top-load washing machines operate on a vertical axis and don’t need the same engineering and materials as front-loads to hold steady.



Cons

  • Uses more water: Since the load sits at the bottom of a basin and is spun side to side, the basin must fill with water to thoroughly soak the clothing. This means top-load washers have higher water usage, which isn’t as eco-friendly and can cost more.

  • Harsher on clothes: Since the clothing is soaked, it requires more rinsing cycles around the agitator to remove remaining residue and moisture. This adds to the clothes' overall wear and tear.

 

Which Washer is Better for You?

Choose laundry machines based on your budget, laundry room layout, family size, and energy-saving goals. 

Choose a top-load washing machine if you:

  • Have a small household and won’t do much laundry 
  • Would rather save on the initial price
  • Have a large space for a washer and dryer
  • Want an easier way to load clothing

Go with a front-loader if you:

  • Have a larger family and need to do more laundry
  • Don’t have that much space, so need to stack your machines
  • Want to save on your monthly energy bills
  • Willing to spend big upfront
  • Are environmentally conscious, since only the necessary amount of water is used

Washing Machine FAQs

How do different washing machines affect cleaning performance? 

A front-loader is usually better at cleaning clothes because it only uses the necessary amount of water and spins the clothes in more concentrated detergent. A top-loader soaks the clothing, which can dilute the detergent and take longer to rinse.

What’s the difference between a front-load and top-load washing machine? 

A front-load washing machine is loaded from the front, can be stacked, and weighs the load to use an appropriate amount of water. A top-load washing machine is loaded from the top, which is easier to do; they’re generally cheaper, but they use more water.

How long do washing machines typically last? 

A washing machine usually lasts 10 to 13 years. However, this depends on how well the machine is maintained.

 

Quick Recap 

  • Front-loaders are initially more expensive, but can help with monthly savings as they use less water.
  • Front-loaders can be stacked to save space.
  • Top-loaders are easier to load.
  • Top-loaders can be rougher on clothing since they soak clothing and spin it around an agitator.

 

Shop Smart with Surplus Furniture 

Make laundry day easier for the whole family. Check out front-load or top-load washing machine and dryer bundles on Surplus Furniture, where we offer high-quality Canadian products at factory-direct pricing. 

Enjoy same-day delivery, great customer service, and warranty options from our team. Find the product that’s right for you at any of our 30+ locations across Canada.