Will it be a front loader or a top loader ?

Is it going to be a front loader or a top loader? This is one of the first questions you are gong to have to decide. At the bottom of this article we've summarized the key points to look out for.

One of the factors which will definitely influence your decision is where the machine is going to be placed in your house. Measure the space before you buy.

When you do measure the space bear in mind where the drainage will take place – note the position of the water spuds so you can make sure the hose coming from the washer will be long enough.

Front loaders were designed to be accommodated in tight useful spaces in the kitchen or garage. They aren’t as tall as the top loader so can easily squeeze under a work surface.

It’s even quite useful to use the top of a front loader as an extra surface. A tumble drier can also be integrated easily on top. If you do have an idea where it could be placed make sure there is room in the front of the machine to open the door as you put the clothes in and out.

Top loaders however are a good deal narrower so it is much easier to store them in places because they take up much less room.

It’s also easier to load a washing machine from the top. Although make sure there is space above the machine in the place you have in mind to put it – so you can have access to the clothes.

If you’re buying a Top loader you have a choice of two sorts of spinning devices which spin the clothes. These are known as the agitator (like a big winged pole in the drum) or a impeller (something which looks like a propeller and sits at the bottom of the drum).

The agitator uses less water and is more popular out of the two despite being rougher on the clothes. With the impeller you can fit more clothes in the machine but they tend to tangled up quite easily.

It is because top loaders can be rougher on the clothes you must make sure your new machine has a lint filter. Lint is something that is stripped from the clothes every time they are washed. This is not so much a problem on front loaders but on the top loader it is essential.

It may be helpful to you if we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the front and top loader in a chart.

Summary Charts

Top Loader

Front Loader

Return from Top or Front Loader to Best Washing Machines

Return from Top or Front Loader to Washing Machine Review