What is the disadvantage of top load washing machine?

Author: Nikita Hammes  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 3, 2025

The Cons: Lower water efficiency: Top-loaders typically use more water compared to front-load washers. This can lead to higher utility bills and a larger environmental footprint over time. Smaller capacity: Drum capacity is frequently lower for top-load washing machines compared to front-loaders.

What is the most common problem with a washing machine top loader?

Water Won't Drain

If the drain path is clear, the drain pump might have failed or a broken water-level pressure switch might not sense how much water is in the washer. A failed lid switch can also keep the washer from advancing to the drain and spin cycle in some top-load washing machines.

Which is better front load or top load washing machine?

Front load machines are more efficient, water-saving, and gentler on clothes. Top load washers are more affordable, offer faster cycles, and are easier to use. The best option varies based on your needs.

Why do people prefer top load washers?

Top-loaders are, cheaper, easier to load and unload, are less likely to leak, and because the door doesn't have to seal, they have fewer issues with mold and other moisture-related biology. They typically have higher capacity and fit better in small spaces.

Is a top-load washer better with or without an agitator?

If you frequently wash heavily soiled items and prefer quicker cycles, an agitator may be the better option. If you want a gentler wash that is more energy-efficient and can handle larger loads, a non-agitator machine might be the way to go.

Front Load vs. Top Load: Which Washer is better?

What is the most reliable top load washing machine?

  • Best Overall: SALE. Whirlpool Top Load Washer with Removable Agitator at Home Depot $899 $678. Jump to Review.
  • Best Upgrade: Whirlpool Smart Top Load Washer at Home Depot $898. Jump to Review.
  • Best for Bulky Items: GE Profile PTW600BSRWS 5 cu. ft. HE Smart Top Load Washer at Wayfair $648. Jump to Review.

Which cleans better, an agitator or an impeller?

Top load washers with agitators are the best for heavy-duty cleaning. Impeller washers have more drum capacity than spindle washers. Agitator washers are typically the cheapest washer style on the market. Impeller washers also require less water vs agitator washers.

What lasts longer, front loader or top loader?

Top-load washing machines typically last longer than front-load versions. Front-load washing machines have an average lifespan of 11 years, whereas top-load washing machines have an average lifespan of 14 years.

What are the pros and cons of a top load washer?

Minimal upkeep: Top-load washers don't have an airtight seal, thus they are less likely to develop odors. Less upkeep and cleaning may be needed as a consequence. The Cons: Lower water efficiency: Top-loaders typically use more water compared to front-load washers.

Which brand of washing machine is best?

Our surveys indicate that LG is the most reliable brand that makes front-load and top-load HE washers, while Speed Queen is the most reliable brand for top-load agitators. Electrolux, LG, and Miele shine among compact front-load washers.

Which type of washing machine is best?

For instance, if water usage is important to you, a front load washer may be best because front load washers generally use less water. However, a top load washer may be better suited for your needs if you are looking for potentially shorter cycle times. Read on to compare front load and top load washing machines.

What happens if we use front load detergent in a top load machine?

If you use a front-load washing machine's detergent for a top-load washing machine, you won't be able to produce enough lather to remove stains from your clothes. A front-load washing machine uses a tenth of the water needed in a top-load machine means it needs a detergent that creates less lather.

What are the disadvantages of an LG top load washing machine?

Cons of Top Load Washers
  • The twisting mechanism of agitator-style top loaders doesn't clean as thoroughly or efficiently as the tumbling motion of front loaders.
  • The agitator also takes up space, so agitator-style models may not fit as many clothes per cycle.
  • Top load washers tend to use more water and energy.

What is the lifespan of a top-loading washing machine?

The lifespan of a washing machine, no matter the brand, is typically 11-14 years. This number is found assuming one load of laundry is done every day.

Why are top load washers popular again?

Front-loaders have a problem area around the gasket, where mold, bacteria, and odors can build up, and they also have a filter that needs to be cleaned every few months. Top-loaders on the other hand, don't have these problems, because of the orientation of the top door and vertical drum.

Do top load washers get mold?

Thirteen percent of all front-load washer owners reported mold or mildew buildup in their machines compared with only 3 percent of HE top-load washers and 1 percent of top-load agitators.

Why do people prefer top-load washer?

Benefits of a Top-Load Washer

As the more traditional and standard option, these appliances cost less than their counterparts. Since top-load washing machines are also more common than front-load models, they are easier to find and purchase, making any potential repairs, maintenance, or replacements easy.

What is the best top-load washer?

6 Best Top-Loading Washing Machines, Tested by Cleaning Experts
  • Best Overall. Maytag Top-Load 5.2 cu. ft. Capacity Agitator Washer. Read more.
  • Best Value. LG TurboWash 5.5-cu ft High Efficiency Impeller Smart Top-Load Washer. Read more.
  • Most Innovative. Whirlpool Top-Load Washer with 2-in-1 Removable Agitator. Read more.

Which is better, front-load or top load?

In term of washing capacity, front-load machines outperform top loaders, since this type of washing machine does not have an agitator, which is a part of top loaders. This leaves more space for clothes, which means you need to do laundry much less often with front loaders.

What brand of washing machine lasts the longest?

Brand-by-Brand Lifespan Comparison
  1. Speed Queen (20-25 Years) Speed Queen is in a league of its own regarding longevity. ...
  2. Miele (15-20 Years) Miele sets the gold standard for premium washing machines. ...
  3. Bosch (12-15 Years) ...
  4. Maytag (10-12 Years) ...
  5. Whirlpool (10-12 Years) ...
  6. Kenmore (10-12 Years) ...
  7. LG (10 Years) ...
  8. Electrolux (10 Years)

What are the disadvantages of front-load washers?

Cons
  • Often more expensive.
  • You may have to bend down to unload the machine.
  • Mold growth is more common with the airtight door, possibly causing bad washing machine smells.
  • More expensive to repair when damaged.

Why are front loaders more expensive than top loaders?

Why are front-load washers more expensive than top-load? A top-load washer uses "free" gravity to drain water from the drum and less complicated mechanisms to house the components. Front-load washers require a leak-proof door and additional pumps to remove water since the drum is horizontal, not vertical.

What brand of washing machine is the most reliable?

What washers do repairmen recommend? Whirlpool and LG were the two washing machine brands recommended by Puls who said they had the fewest problems and were the cheapest to repair, on average.

What is the disadvantage of an impeller washing machine?

Impeller washers are usually more expensive to purchase and take longer to complete cycles. Will an impeller washer tangle my clothing? Sometimes, an impeller in a washing machine can move your clothing, causing tangles. Avoid overloading and loosely place clothing in the washer to reduce tangling.

Why don't washing machines have agitators anymore?

Agitators are primarily used on older models because newer machines tend to be made with more efficient impellers. If you want to save money on energy bills and reduce your environmental impact, it's best to use a front-loading or no-agitator washing machine instead.

Previous article
What do professionals use to remove mold?
Next article
Can peppers tolerate 40 degrees?