FRONT LOAD VS. TOP LOAD WASHERS: WHICH TO CHOOSE?
Although you might have experience with both front load and top load washing machines, it can still be challenging to determine which type is right for your home. When shopping for a new washing machine, it’s important to consider the general differences between these two models, including door access, console placement, installation flexibility, capacity, wash action and water levels. This guide will help you get started by comparing features between washer types, including elements of design, convenience, capacity, water levels and efficiency.
Learn more about the differences between front loader and top loader washing machines.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TOP LOAD VS. FRONT LOAD WASHERS?
The biggest difference between front loading and top loading washing machines is in the way you load and unload clothes. On front load models, clothes are inserted through the door at the front of the washer. On top load washers, clothes are inserted by opening the lid on the top of the appliance.
Other differences between top load vs. front load washers include how much water is used, the cycle length times and washing action.
Newer front and top load washer models have improved features and capabilities to increase efficiency and convenience, while ensuring the best care for your clothes. Compare the differences of front load vs. top load washers to help you decide which model is right for you.
1. DESIGN
While differences between top and front load washers may seem subtle, each model is designed to have an impact on how your clothes are cleaned.
TOP LOAD WASHERS
Top load washers open from the top, a design that allows the machine to take up less horizontal space in your laundry room. Wash action is driven by an impeller or agitator, and matching dryers still open from the front.
FRONT LOAD WASHERS
On front load washers, the door swings open from the front and wash action is delivered via a tumbler, a mechanism similar to that of a traditional tumbling dryer. Front load washer and dryer pairs are stackable for added convenience in small or vertical spaces.
2. COMFORT & CONVENIENCE
Washing machines play a major role in simplifying daily life by expediting laundry tasks. Therefore, selecting a washer that aligns with your hectic lifestyle is crucial, enabling you to seamlessly transition to the next item on your to-do list. Depending on your preferences, choose a top load or front load washer that suits the needs of your space.
TOP LOAD WASHERS
Depending on your height or the washer’s height, reaching the bottom of a top load washer might be more difficult. Unlike front load washers, top load washers aren’t stackable with dryer pairs.
FRONT LOAD WASHERS
A great benefit of front load washers is their stacking ability, which allows you to take as much advantage of vertical space as possible. Front load washers may also require a bit of bending or reaching. A simple solution to this is laundry pedestals. Washer and dryer pedestals can bring your appliances to a more convenient height and some offer storage for detergent and fabric softener.
Laundry pedestals like these by Maytag brand can help you maximize the comfort and convenience of your appliances to help make laundry days more manageable.
3. SETTINGS AND CONTROL LOCATIONS
While top load and front load washers may appear similar at first glance, their machine controls often differ. Control differences have a direct impact on how your clothes are cleaned, so it’s important to carefully consider the features offered by each washer.
TOP LOAD WASHERS
Top load washers include a console featuring the controls used to operate the appliance. Depending on the brand and model, some top load washers may feature a Deep Water Wash setting.
FRONT LOAD WASHERS
On front load washers, the controls are usually integrated into the front of the appliance, either above or beside the front-facing door. Front load washers often include more settings compared to their top loading counterparts, such as spin speeds.
4. CAPACITY
Depending on your needs, you may require a washing machine that can accommodate larger or lighter loads. Before you commit to either a top load or front load washer, consider the size of your average laundry loads and how often you wash your clothes to make the best choice.
TOP LOAD WASHERS
Top load models have a wide range of capacities but usually offer the largest capacities available. For instance, Maytag brand offers a large capacity 5.2 cu. ft. agitator washer to help you get the most out of every wash cycle and shorten the amount of time spent in the laundry room.
FRONT LOAD WASHERS
Front load washers are also available in larger capacities. Some models handle larger loads than top load washers of the same size because they don't have a central agitator taking up space. However, avoid overcrowding your front load washer to ensure the door is able to close properly.
5. EFFICIENCY & WATER LEVELS
Due to their operational differences, top load and front load washers use different levels of water to wash clothes. They also generally perform at different efficiency levels.
TOP LOAD WASHERS
Many high-efficiency top load washers use low water levels to meet efficiency standards, and deliver more optimal cleaning results with a higher concentration of detergent. However, some models allow you to add more water to select cycles—like the Deep Fill option from Maytag brand.
FRONT LOAD WASHERS
Front load models that use HE (high-efficiency) detergent use lower water levels and concentrated cleaning. This means you probably don’t need to use as much detergent as you might be used to.
By using a high-efficiency cleaning solution like Swash® laundry detergent1, you’ll be able to keep your clothes clean with less detergent through an ultra-concentrated formula.
SHOP SWASH® LAUNDRY DETERGENT
High-efficiency Swash® laundry detergent can be used in both HE and non-HE washers. It’s designed to fight stains without phosphates and has 8x the concentration so you can use less per load. The convenient Auto-Stop Top will stop automatically when you have the right amount—a single squeeze for standard loads and two squeezes for larger loads. Get the clean you want with no guess and no mess.
6. WASHING ACTION
Top load and front load washing machines clean laundry using a spinning or twisting action. The main difference is that a top load washer has either an agitator or impeller in the center of the wash basket to create this motion. A front load washer tumbles laundry, creating friction to clean items.
TOP LOAD WASHERS
The washing action of a top load washer is generated from an agitator or impeller in the center of the wash basket. An agitator is a tall, central post that twists back and forth, rubbing against laundry to help remove stains and break down soils. Similarly, an impeller is a low-profile cone or disc that spins in the center to create friction, although it’s the rubbing action of the clothes against each other that cleans them.
FRONT LOAD WASHERS
Front load washers typically use less water and tumble items, generating friction to clean your laundry. This gentle washing action helps to lift dirt and stains and tends to work harder at cleaning clothes. A faster spinning speed toward the end of a wash cycle can squeeze out more water to help shorten drying time.
WHICH IS BETTER: FRONT LOADERS OR TOP LOADERS?
Front load and top load washers each have their own unique set of benefits. If you’re looking to buy a new washer, take into account the advantages of each machine type before choosing one over the other.
BENEFITS OF FRONT LOAD WASHERS
Front-loading washing machines tend to be more efficient since they typically use less water. Though using less water generally means longer wash times, the fast-spinning drum helps extract excess water, which can speed up drying time.
Additional advantages of front load washers include the following:
- Leader in HE (high-efficiency) cleaning: Since they use less water, HE washers call for a more concentrated cleaning solution which allows you to get the same clean clothes with less detergent.
Generally uses less water: On average, a front load washer uses 7 gallons of water per laundry load as compared to 13 to 19 gallons for a top load washer. Only the bottom portion of the washer fills with water and then the washer drum tumbles the clothes through it.
Can result in shorter drying times and energy savings: The drum of a front load washer has a faster spin speed which can squeeze more excess water out of clothing at the end of a wash cycle.
Gentle on clothes: The tumbling motion of the front load washer drum is often gentler than the friction from an agitator or impeller in a top load washer.
Tough on laundry stains: This is due to the tumble wash action of a front load washer.
- Optimizes space: Maximize your laundry room layout by choosing a front load stackable model.
SHOP MAYTAG® FRONT LOAD WASHERS
Explore front load washers from Maytag brand to see which one works for you, and learn how to install a front load washer in your home.
BENEFITS OF TOP LOAD WASHERS
If you’re looking for a model with a more traditional design for your home, top load washers offer a familiar appliance set-up that utilizes washing action with an impeller or agitator to keep clothes clean. In addition, the lack of a sealing gasket around the lid of top load washers make them easy to clean and maintain.
Additional benefits of top load washers include the following:
- Fast wash cycle times available: And top load washers generally have a shorter spin phase than front load models.
Choice between agitator or impeller washing designs: An agitator is a tall spindle with fins that twist back and forth against the laundry and an impeller is a low-profile cone that spins to rub the items against each other to clean clothes.
Deep Water Wash functionality on select models: This option allows you to choose a deeper water level for larger loads, heavily soiled items and sturdy fabrics like towels and jeans.
- Easy to clean and maintain: Top load washers typically don’t have a mold or mildew odor due to excess water in the tub after a wash cycle, while front load washers may smell if they’re not aired out regularly and cleaned every month.
SHOP MAYTAG® TOP LOAD WASHERS
If you choose a top load washer, you’ll need to decide between an agitator or impeller design. Learn more about the differences between agitator and impeller washers or start browsing all Maytag® top load washers. Have you decided on a top load washer? Here’s how to hook it up when it arrives.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHING MACHINES
Washing machines are the unsung heroes of your laundry room—they’re there to get the job done when you need it. Explore the Maytag brand collection of washer models including the best rated washers and models featuring the Extra Power button to boost stain fighting action on any wash cycle. Power through laundry day with the Maytag® washing machine that’s right for you.
DISCOVER MORE FROM MAYTAG BRAND
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1. Swash® products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
2. Results may vary based on load size and type
