Washers: Top Loading vs Front Loading

If you're deciding between a front-load and a top-load washer, there are a few things to consider. If you're on a budget, top load washers start at a lower price point. However, these lower priced models use an agitator during wash cycles, which results in slightly more wear and tear on your clothes. They also use more water and energy than their counterparts.

Front load washers are very popular today, as they're more energy-efficient and gentler on clothes. However, they do have a higher upfront cost.

Today's high-efficiency top-load washers clean your clothes without the use of an agitator; instead, they use a washplate - located at the bottom of the basket - to gently move the clothes against each other during the wash cycle. Today's high-efficiency top-load washers rival the most advanced front-load washers. They are very gentle on your clothing while saving water and energy. Top-load high-efficiency washers can be found in similar sizes to front-load washers, so it really comes down to personal preference, since both styles produce great results.