Why Buy a Front-Loading
Clothes Washer?

For the past 50 years, top-loading washing machines have dominated the domestic consumer market. While they were less efficient, they were convenient to use, their load capacities were high, and operating costs were not extravagant.

Today, with public concern for conservation, and with energy costs soaring, front-loading washers have experienced resurgence in popularity. New technology has brought about machines that are much more efficient than those of yesteryear, and they clean better as well.

Advantages of Front-Loaders
Some of the advantages of front-loaders are obvious:

• Convenient
  They are more convenient to use, with easier access rather than having to lean over and into the top of the machine. Diminutive or disabled homemakers have a hard time reaching the bottom of the tub of many washers.
  
  
• Space Saving Features
  Most of these machines can be mounted under a counter, allowing for the area above it to be used for sorting and folding clothes, thus gaining valuable workspace in tight quarters ... or they can be purchased with a dryer as a stackable unit, thereby gaining workspace.
  
  
• Accessible Controls
  The washer controls are typically mounted on the front of the unit where they are convenient and accessible, even to someone confined to a wheelchair or who otherwise has trouble reaching across the top.
  
  
• More Usable Drum Space
  There is no center agitator so more clothes will fit in a smaller space. Larger items such as blankets and rugs can be easily washed in most front-loaders; many top-loaders have difficulty handling these bulky items.
  
  

Other advantages are less obvious but equally important:

• Use Less Water
  Front loaders typically use 40 percent less water than top-loaders; their tumble action uses water movement to clean rather than an agitator, and this requires much less water. Over the course of a year the average family could save enough water to fill a backyard pool.
  
  
• More Efficient Spin Cycle
  Spin cycles extract 35 percent more water due to higher spin speeds. Clothes come out damp rather than wet. This greatly reduces the wear and tear on the clothes dryer, thus extending its life expectancy.
  
  
• Energy Efficient
  These washers use up to 75% less electricity to run because continuously rotating action requires less energy than alternating agitation.
  
  

These combined efficiencies could result in annual savings of up to $150. Also, in some areas of the country these appliances qualify for utility company rebates.(see the Consumer Energy Center for more information)

• Reduces Wear & Tear on CLothing
  They are much gentler on clothing. With less twisting and tugging, clothes will last longer when washed in a front loading machine.
  
  
• Cleaner Clothes
  Clothes come out noticeably cleaner than with standard top-load units.
  
  
• Longer Life Expectancy
  These appliances tend to have a longer life expectancy than typical top load models. Many units are still running strong after 20 years. Agitation is not only hard on clothes, but on the moving parts of the machine as well.
  
  

• More Expensive
  Front-loading washers are invariably more expensive to purchase than top-loading appliances. Prices typically range between $800 and $2000.
  
  

Although front-loading washers are more expensive, their savings in water, energy, and detergent will more than make up the difference.

• Must Stoop to Remove Clothes
  For some taller people, the bending and stooping may be more awkward, but if desired, the machines can be mounted on a raised platform to relieve this stress. However, that would preclude mounting a work-counter above it.
  
  

Features to Look For:
Features abound in these units. Many high-quality models have stainless steel drums.

Most offer multiple cycles for various laundry conditions; prices typically increase with the number of cycles offered. These cycles may control such things as wash time, water temperature and volume, and spin speed. Some adjust these factors automatically by sensing the type of load.

Some models offer automatic detergent and bleach dispensers. Many have electronic controls while others have mechanical types.

A few models are offered in compact sizes to accommodate small spaces.

A few have internal heaters to raise the water temperature to 200 degrees or more, which will remove stains without the use of bleach, but these models require 220 volt lines.

For highest efficiency, when shopping for a washer,
look for the Energy Star designation.

Some manufacturers offer optional customized pedestals to raise the units to more comfortable heights.

See Also:

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