Front vs. top loaders: Is one type of washing machine better?

Washing machines come with more bells and whistles than you can count: different rinse cycles, built-in sensors and fancy apps, to name a few. Before you can even think about those things, though, you have to figure out whether you want a front- or top-loading machine.

So, how to choose? “Your top considerations should be lifestyle, space, needs and ergonomics,” says Stephen Hughes, owner of Mr. Appliance.

Here’s a look at the advantages and drawbacks for both types of washers, along with some maintenance and care tips.

Front-loaders

Pros:

• Use less water. For those with low-production water sources, such as a well, who live in drought-prone areas or who just want to conserve water, these machines use only about 10 to 15 gallons per cycle. That is 30% to 40% less than a standard top-load unit and 25% to 30% less than a high-efficiency one, Hughes says.

• Gentle on fabrics. The drums use a tumbling motion to clean, repeatedly lifting clothes and dropping them back in the water. This action, coupled with the lack of an agitator, helps minimize wear and tear on fabric, says Hal Strong, marketing manager for BSH Home Appliances, which manufactures washers and dryers, including Bosch.

• Ergonomic. It’s easier to move your load from the washer to the dryer when both have a front door, says Adam Whobrey, head of product management for LG Home Appliances. If bending and squatting is challenging for you, consider adding a pedestal to raise the machine 8 to 12 inches.

• Shorter dry time. They spin 10% to 20% faster than a traditional top-loader. “That higher spin speed extracts more water from textiles,” Whobrey says, meaning they require less time in the dryer.

• Fits in tight spaces. They are designed to be space savers, Strong says. Stack a dryer on top of a front-loader to conserve valuable floor space. Several companies even manufacture models designed to fit in closets or other tight quarters.

Cons:

• Prone to odors. The door forms a tight seal to prevent water leakage. That dark, cool environment and the limited air circulation create the perfect petri dish for mold. “The biggest complaint from customers is about mold and mildew making their clothes smell bad,” Hughes says. First-generation machines were especially susceptible. More recent models are engineered to use high-efficiency detergent, which reduces the chance of mildew building up, and some brands have mold-resistant gaskets.

• Heavy. If you have a second-floor laundry room, ensure the floor is structurally sound and can support the weight, Hughes says. These machines typically weigh 150 to 300 pounds (compared with 120 to 180 for a top-loader). And when they’re spinning 20 to 40 pounds of wet clothes at 72 mph, they can shake your home.

• The front door. Typically, it’s hinged on the left side, opening from the right. Before buying one, make sure you have enough space for the door to fully open.