There are two types of washing machines on the market: top-loading and front-loading machines. Front-loading washing machines offer superior agitation, resulting in cleaner clothes. They can spin at up to 1400 revolutions per minute, efficiently drying clothes without tangling them thanks to their unique horizontal spin axis design.
Aside from their performance advantages, front-loading machines are aesthetically pleasing and have a longer lifespan. Their horizontal drum design also makes them more water-efficient than their top-loading counterparts.
Despite these advantages, many people are reluctant to choose front-loading washing machines. Why is this the case? Here are four reasons:
**1. Inconvenience when adding clothes:** To prevent water and soap from leaking out during operation, the door of a front-loading machine locks. This means that once the machine is running, the door remains sealed, and adding clothes mid-cycle is nearly impossible.
Top-loading machines don’t have this issue. Even while the machine is running, you can still open the lid and add clothes.
In recent years, some front-loading machines that allow mid-cycle additions have entered the market, but they tend to be expensive. Additionally, you still have to wait for the drum to stop spinning and drain the water before opening the door.
**2. Uncomfortable when removing clothes:** With top-loading machines, you can stand upright while removing clothes for hanging, which is convenient. However, the horizontal drum design of front-loading machines means that the door is lower, so you have to squat or bend down to retrieve your laundry. This can be uncomfortable for people with back pain or the elderly.
**3. Higher price:** Front-loading washing machines are typically more expensive than top-loading ones. While you might be able to purchase a top-loading machine for around $4000, a front-loading machine of similar quality will likely cost you over $7000.
It’s worth noting that cheaper front-loading machines often have average quality and performance, and may not clean your clothes as effectively.
**4. Higher maintenance costs:** The complex structure of front-loading machines, due to their multiple functions and wash programs, results in higher maintenance costs if something goes wrong.
In contrast, top-loading machines have a simpler structure, and their parts are more commonly available, making maintenance relatively affordable.
Additionally, even when it comes to routine cleaning, hiring someone to clean a front-loading machine tends to cost twice as much as cleaning a top-loading machine.