The motor used in the drum and many corresponding configuration materials are expensive, the drum has a heating device, and the drum is equipped with many functions that the top-loader does not have, such as steam washing, air washing, heat sterilization, etc.
The construction and materials used in the washer can affect its cost. Typically, washers made with high-quality materials and sturdy construction tend to be more expensive due to their longevity and reliability. So you'll pay for the quality, but you're likely to only have to do it once.
They are expensive because of the more features, technology, better wash quality that they provide to your clothes.
The tumbling action that front-loading washers use to clean clothes is what makes them so effective. “Front-load washers often provide better cleaning performance due to their horizontal drum rotation, which allows clothes to tumble and agitate more effectively,” says Joelle Battista of Designer Appliances.
Based on data from CR surveys of more than 68,474 members who purchased a new washing machine between 2013 and 2023, front-load washers present some drawbacks. Most notably, they're prone to mold, mildew, and odor.
Front load washers can require more maintenance than top load washers. You can't always put clothes in mid-cycle, as the door locks to prevent leakage. Because it's harder for water to evaporate, front load washers may have more mold or mildew problems.
Front load washers are designed to use less water, even though they have slightly longer cycle times. Front loaders also often have faster spinning speeds that expel more water from clothing, so drying times tend to be shorter.
LG has consistently emerged as the best washer brand, often vying for the top spot with Speed Queen in Consumer Reports. This reputation cements LG's status as one of the best brand washers. A key factor in LG's popularity is its impressively low repair rates, making it a reliable choice in the appliance market.
Traditionally, top-load washers last about 14 years, and they have been used for generations. The average lifespan of front-load washers, on the other hand, is about 11 years.
Load blankets into top loading washers by gently placing the blanket around the agitator or impeller to help keep the load balanced. If you're using a front loading washer, evenly place the blanket in the washer drum. Don't ball up the blanket as this can create an unbalanced load.
Front load washing machines offer several benefits that justify the increase in price. To begin with, they are energy and water-efficient and so they help you save electricity and reduce water wastage. They are gentler on your clothes and therefore increase their lifespan as well.
Best front load washing machine brands? Some of the best front load washing machine brands include GE, LG, Bosch, Whirlpool, Maytag, and Electrolux. If you want a more in-depth look at each of these brands take a look at the list of front load washers above.
Front-loaders do it best, because the tumbling motion puts gravity to work, knocking clothes against each other, scrubbing themselves against the abrasive elements in detergent, and against features of the drum or wash tub, all with more energy than the twisting motion of a top-loader can muster.
Myth: Front load washers leak Fact: False, again. This myth originated from the when the rubber seal on the doors of some of the original front load washers was prone to leakage. Since the basket is horizontal, the seal on the door plays a major role in avoiding water from escaping the inner drum.
Factors to Consider
If you spent $650 on your washer seven years ago and you're doing seven loads per week (a lot of wear and tear), a new washer purchase makes sense. But if the machine is 3 years old and you spent $1,000 for it, a repair may be the better financial choice.
The truth is that older appliances were often built with sturdier materials, like good ol' fashioned metal, instead of flimsy plastic. This means that they can withstand wear and tear much better than modern appliances.
Do Top-Loaders or Front-Loaders Last Longer? On average, top-loaders last a few years longer than front-loaders, but most washing machines can last 10 years or more, depending on use and maintenance.
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. Maytag came in at third.
That said, when considering GE vs. LG front-load washer appliances, LG has the lead. It has more Energy Star ratings and better performance in terms of efficiency. Both of these brands have similar noise levels and cycle times.
The Cons: Higher initial cost: Front-load washing machines tend to have a higher upfront cost compared to top-loaders. However, the energy and water savings over time can help offset this initial investment. Longer cycle times: Compared to top-loaders, front-load washers often have longer cycle periods.
Toploaders are the gold standard for protection of paper collectibles, so much so that most grading companies (like PSA or Beckett) require Toploaders for any shipments coming in for grading.