Top-loading or front-loading washing machine - which is better?

As you know, all washing machines are divided into two large groups: equipment with front loading and equipment with vertical loading. The horizontal washer differs from the vertical one quite significantly, moreover, even outwardly they are not similar. In this publication, we will thoroughly compare two types of washing machines and answer the long-standing question of consumers about which “home helpers” are better.

How are these washers arranged?

The principal difference between a top-loading washing machine and a front-loading washing machine is the location of the loading hatch, hence the name. For front-wheel doors, the hatch is located on the front wall of the washing machine, and for vertical hatch, the hatch is located on top. This difference is important, but not the only one.

The front-loading washing machine, like the top-loading machine, has drums that rotate in a vertical plane. But if in order to get to the drum at the front-wheel it is enough just to open the hatch, then to access the drum of the machine with vertical loading, you need to open the hatch and special metal doors. If the drum is not automatically positioned on the top-loading washing machine, then you still need to manually tighten the drum, then open the doors and then only load the laundry. Besides.

• A top-loading washing machine, like a front-loading machine, has a panel management. The panels are generally similar, but they are located in different places: for frontalos in front above the hatch, and for verticals on top.
• The front-loading washing machine has a more capacious drum. If the vertical load rarely has more than 6-7 kg of maximum load, then the frontal drum holds 12-15 kg of dirty laundry.
• Vertical lines have less loaded drive mechanism, which means it lasts longer. The same bearings are destroyed much less often, and the machine itself is much more resistant to the negative effects of centrifugal force.
• At vertical bars, shock absorbers and balances are arranged differently, not that this makes the vertical loading washing machine more stable, but there is a structural difference.
• Thanks to the position of the hatch, top-loading washing machines do not have a problem stopping washing at any time. Even the oldest models can stop and report underwear. Front-loading washing machines can only be stopped if the manufacturer has provided this option.
• A fairly large number of different functions are integrated into front-loading washing machines: drying, bubble washing, steam washing, and more. The latest verticals also have some of these functions, but they do not have drying, at least in those models that are sold in Russia.

The front-loading washing machine has a cuff - a sealing gum that prevents water from seeping through the closed hatch. In addition, there are a bunch of minor technical differences, which we, on occasion, will definitely tell.

How much space does it take?

Many users are very interested in the issue of saving space, so they are often ready to overpay for more compact equipment. In this sense, a front-loading washing machine is better in that it is produced in as many as 4 sizes. There are washing machines: narrow, super-tight, standard and compact. The choice can be made in almost all situations.

Top-loading washing machines are pretty much all the same. If you put all models of machines of this type next to each other, then you will almost not see the difference, although there are some slight differences in size.For example, the spread in height reaches 10 cm (from 80 to 90), although the height does not play a special role here. The spread in depth is even less than 5-7 cm, but the width is often standard - 40 cm.

If we compare the standard-sized frontal and vertical, the washing machine with vertical loading will take up less space. If we compare the compact frontal with the vertical, the first one wins a good 10 centimeters in depth and a few centimeters in width. Among front-loading washing machines, there are quite unusual wall models. They, apparently, are specially made for people who want to solve the issue of saving space radically.

When we talk about the overall dimensions of two types of washing machines, in almost all cases front-loading washing machines win - they are better in this component.

Convenience Issues

Now let's deal with the issue of convenience. Which of the two types of washing machines is more convenient for the user? In answering this question, one cannot but take into account subjective factors. Often, a person simply likes the top-loading washing machine more, because he is used to it, and he himself cannot really explain why. The same thing with washers that have front loading. We will not deliberately discuss subjective issues, but rather look at the objective circumstances that make this or that type of washing machine more convenient.

1. For washing machines with vertical loading, the hatch is located on top, which means that you do not need to bend down every time you need to load the laundry into the drum. For people with radiculitis, this is a very valuable structural feature.
2. For front-loading washing machines, the top cover is completely free. Users place jars, bottles, a bag of powder and other things on it like on a shelf, considering it convenient.
3. The front can be integrated under the countertop, which is very convenient. The vertical line loses in this respect.
4. In front-loading washing machines, a powder cuvette is easily removed, however, it is also easier to use, it is easier to pour powder and pour conditioner. Although experienced users of verticals claim that their “home helpers” have convenient powder receivers, they are in the minority here.

Beauty and maintainability

It is difficult to talk about the beauty of the washing machine, since each user evaluates the beauty of the technique in his own way. But there are quite objective points. Vertical loading washers are very similar to each other, design differences are not visible. The control panel, designed to individualize the model of the washing machine is located on top, and therefore does not attract attention.

In frontalok, everything is different. The dimensions and shape of the hatch, the shape and design of the powder cuvette and control panel elements give the concrete model of the washing machine a unique personality and special beauty. Do your own experiment. Go to the hypermarket where household appliances are sold and look at the range of front-loading washing machines. In this case, your look will necessarily be riveted on the appearance of any model.

If you look at the model range of top-loading washing machines in the same way, you won’t be able to see anything remarkable - washing machines like washing machines. There is still an important nuance. If you buy a top-loading washing machine, then the next ten years will have to admire its appearance, since nothing can be done with this. The front can be put separately, and if you get tired of its appearance, then the problem can be solved by embedding the equipment in the furniture.

Only the color of the cabinet can customize a top-loading washing machine. The front line is individualized by a number of elements. Which washer is best for this component? Draw your own conclusions.

As for maintainability, here preference can also be conditionally given to front-loading washing machines. The explanation is simple. There are more front-loading washing machines in quantity; spare parts and various components are also supplied to them.

Masters working in various cities of our vast country are more familiar with front-loading washing machines. Accordingly, components and spare parts for front-end cameras can be bought cheaper, but masters will conditionally better cope with their repair, although everything is individual here. The reliability of front-loading and vertical-loading washing machines is about the same, a lot will depend on the country of assembly, manufacturer and many other factors.

Why is vertical a little more expensive?

According to the manufacturer himself, top-loading washing machines are a little more expensive to manufacture, which means that this will certainly affect the final cost of this type of home helper. But we think this is not the only reason. The fact is that top-loading washing machines are less in demand, there are fewer of them, which means less demand for them. Demand, as you know, creates supply, and the more manufacturers that offer front-loading washing machines, the tougher the competition between them.

What does this lead to? And this leads to the fact that manufacturers, competing with each other, are forced to lower prices for goods in order to stay in the corresponding economic niche. Somewhere, this effect manifests itself more, somewhere less, but in the end, washing machines with frontal and vertical loading, approximately identical in technical characteristics, cost differently. Moreover, the price difference is clearly not in favor of verticals.

What is the conclusion?

Based on the combination of positive features and based on the opinion of most consumers, we do Conclusion - front-loading washing machines are slightly better than top-loading washing machines. Although, of course, vertical lines also have a right to exist, moreover, in a number of cases their use is more justified.

In principle, our general opinion is consistent with the market situation. If you look at the market of automatic washing machines, we will see the following picture: front-loading washing machines account for about 80%, while vertical lines only about 20%. Further reasoning is pointless, because the numbers speak more eloquently.