Front load washing machine vs top load washing machine

If you’re in the market for a new clothes washer, you should seriously consider purchasing a front load washer for important benefits that are good for you, good for your clothes, and good for the environment.

What’s the Difference Between a Front Load Washer and a Top Load Washer?

Back in the day, top load washing machines had an agitator, which is a central post that twists back and forth in a full tub of water and rubs against clothes to clean them. In the past decade or so, top load impeller washers, which have a low-profile cone or disc instead of an agitator, have become popular as a more energy- and water-efficient option compared to traditional top load washers.

But out of all the options, front load washers are the most efficient. These washers have drums with side paddles that lift up the clothes and use tub rotation and gravity to tumble them through a small amount of water. They rinse clothes by repeatedly spraying high-pressure water on the clothes rather than soaking them in a full tub of water.

ENERGY STAR certified front load washers use about 45% less energy and 50% less water than a top load agitator washer. Compared to a top load impeller washer, front load washers are still 25% more energy and water efficient. Furthermore, front load washers help save on drying time and energy by spinning clothes much faster than top load washers to extract more water out of clothes.

To put this all into perspective, there are about 59 million top load clothes washers that are in use today in the U.S. If those were replaced with front load washers, we would save about 14.9 billion kWh of energy and 170 billion gallons of water EVERY YEAR. The energy that could be saved is equivalent to the electricity used by approximately 1.3 million homes annually.

What Are the Benefits of Front Load Washing Machines?

Front load washers have these other benefits:

They clean better and are gentler on clothes. The agitator in a top load machine can be harsh on clothes and fabrics, causing more wear and tear and stretching of delicate fabrics. Washing your clothes with a front load washer can help lengthen the life of frequently washed items. Also, many front load washers can safely clean silk, wool, and other fabrics that usually require handwashing.

They lead to less plastic pollution than top load washers. Microfibers and microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic yarn from synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, and fleece, for example) that make their way into drinking water systems and oceans as plastic pollution, resulting in increased plastic consumption by humans and marine life. Studies have shown that with their gentler washing action, less microfibers shed from synthetic fabrics, thereby being the more eco-conscious choice.1

They can clean more clothes at once. Front load washers typically have a larger drum than top load washers, and with no agitator taking up space, they can handle more laundry—between 15-20 pounds of laundry in 4.5 cubic feet of space. That means that more laundry gets cleaned in fewer loads!

The next time you’re in the market for a new clothes washer, make the smart choice. First, look for the best front load washing machines in sizes that meet the needs of you and your family. Then, look for the blue ENERGY STAR label to get a model that is independently certified to save energy, water, and money!

Choosing the right washing machine for your home is a significant decision—you need a dependable workhorse that can manage your family's laundry demands over the long haul. To kick off this journey, you first need to answer a fundamental question: Should you opt for a front load vs. top load washer? While both the best front load and top load washers have their merits, your choice should align with your specific requirements, making laundry day as seamless as possible.

When deciding between a front load vs. top load washer, the eventual goal is to choose a machine ... [+] that makes laundry day as seamless as possible for you.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS

It's essential to recognize that neither type of washer inherently surpasses the other—they simply offer distinct features. Read on for guidance on the best front load vs. top load washer of 2023, along with the best options on the market right now.

Quick Look At Front Load Vs. Top Load Washers

The different washer styles describe where you load the laundry into the machines. A top load washer has a lid that opens on top, allowing you to place laundry down into the device. A front load washer features a door that swings open in the front of the machine, so you can load laundry inside.

Front Load Washer Pros And Cons

Front load washers are an increasingly popular choice, but they also have certain factors that are important to consider.

Pros:

• Energy efficiency. “Front-loading washers spin at a higher RPM, so your clothes come out dryer and take less time in the clothes dryer,” Shimek says.
• Space saving: These washers can be stacked with a dryer, allowing you to use vertical space in tight areas, Mitchell points out.
• Water usage: “From my plumbing background, I can affirm that front-load washers generally use less water,” Mitchell adds.

Cons:

• Mold: Every machine is different, but front load washers may be prone to developing mold build-up, Mitchell says. (That’s why it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.)
• Cost: Front load washers are generally on the pricier end.
• Cycle interruption: It can be difficult to interrupt a wash cycle and add more clothes in a front load washer.

Top Load Washer Pros And Cons

There are benefits to using a top load washer and some potential drawbacks. Consider these.

Pros:

• Familiarity: “First off, it's most likely what you grew up with and are used to using,” says Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance.
• Ease of use: “It is easier to get clothes out of a top loader than it is a front loader, even if the front loader is on a pedestal,” he adds.
• Price: Top load washers are often more affordable than their front load counterparts, says Josh Mitchell, CEO at Plumbing Lab. “Having helped many families with budget considerations, top load washers are often more affordable,” he notes.

Cons:

• Water usage: These machines “generally consume more energy and water,” than top loaders, Mitchell says.
• Not stackable: Families with space constraints will often stack their washer and dryer—this isn’t an option with top load washers.
• Height: Top load washers are deep and it can be difficult for users who aren’t tall to reach the bottom.

Front Load Vs. Top Load Washers: Key Differences

Design

The design of each of these machines is what puts each into its respective category. Top load washers have a hinged lid on top that opens to allow clothes to be placed inside; Front load washers have a hinged door that opens to allow users to add clothes at knee level. The controls for top load washers are usually in the back, requiring users to reach over the lid to adjust the settings. Controls for front load washers are usually in the front, allowing for easy access.

Energy And Water Usage

Each individual machine is different and it’s important to read the description carefully to see how a washer you’re considering performs in terms of energy and water usage. However, as a whole, front load washers are generally considered more energy efficient than top load washers, Shimek says. They also typically use less water than top load machines, per Mitchell. Keep in mind that many machines—both top load and front load—have sensors to help detect how large of a load is inside and adjust the water levels accordingly.

Repairs And Maintenance

For specific maintenance on a particular machine, it’s important to consult the owner’s manual. “Both machines are about equal when it comes to maintenance,” Shimek says. “The big thing is to read and follow the manufacturer's directions in the use and care manual that comes with your washer.” But each type of washer may have specific repair and maintenance needs. “Front-load washers might be more prone to mold, while top-load washers can have issues with agitators,” Mitchell says.

Size

There is a size range with any type of washer and odds are high that you’ll find one that suits your needs regardless of style. But top load washers as a whole tend to offer a little more room than their front-load counterparts. Keep this in mind, too, per Shimek: “If your space is limited, and you need a stacking washer and dryer, you might have to get a smaller washer and dryer because of the clearance needed.”

Performance

Experts say you can get a quality machine in either style. “The top and front loader are both good machines and equal in performance,” Shimek says. “It's a personal preference as to which machine you want to use.” That said, there is a difference in a conventional or high-efficiency washer, which is available in both styles of washers. “A conventional machine uses more water and spins slower but is less expensive to purchase,” Shimek says. “A high-efficiency washer uses less water and spins faster, so your clothes are dryer when they come out of the washer and spend less time in the machine.” High-efficiency machines also typically require less detergent. “While a high efficiency washer costs more, if you do a lot of laundry, the savings will add up,” Shimek says.

Price

There are a lot of factors that go into the price of a washer, including whether it’s high efficiency, included features and capacity. However, front load washers are typically more expensive upfront than top load washers when they have similar features. Keep in mind that you can find lower-priced models in both styles to fit your budget—front load washers are just likely to be more expensive.

The Home Depot

LG Front-Loading Smart Wi-Fi Washer

A huge perk of front-load washers is the potential ability to stack them with a coordinating dryer. This LG option is, in fact, stackable, and has a 4.5 cubic feet capacity to handle the loads of most families. Enjoy an army of options, including 10 wash cycles and six different wash motions to get the level of cleaning you’re after. If you’re in a rush (or aren’t choosy about the type of cycle you get), simply let the washer decide the best wash and rinse for you. The brand’s ThinQ app allows you to kick back while selecting cycles, stopping and starting your laundry and monitoring progress, all on your phone.

BestBuy

Insignia High-Efficiency Front Load Washer

Front-load washers typically cost a little more than their top load counterparts, making it tough to find a bargain price. This Insignia model offers a solid 4.5 cubic feet capacity in a front load model for just $550, making it a steal. The Energy Star-certified washer offers up to 12 wash cycles—including the speedy Quick Wash and gym clothes-friendly Active Wear—along with five water temperature levels. Automatic water level control helps prevent waste, while special dispensers release powder or liquid detergent throughout the wash cycle. The machine’s My Cycle function allows you to save your favorite settings.

Lowe's

Samsung High Efficiency Stackable Steam Cycle Front-Load Washer

Laundry will always be a chore, but this Samsung washer has elements to make the process as quick and painless as possible. Enjoy an automatic detergent dispenser that allows you to fill the drawer with up to 20 loads in advance, releasing the proper amount of soap as needed. The machine also has an OptiWash feature that senses how dirty your clothes are and adds more detergent or wash time as needed. An AI-Powered Smart Dial memorizes your preferred cycle styles and recommends cleanings based on that knowledge. This washer is stackable, with a compatible LG dryer that can be operated from the washer. While you probably don’t choose a washer based on looks alone, it doesn’t hurt that this machine is sleek.

The Home Depot

Maytag Smart Top Load Washer

It’s an unfortunate fact of life: Messes and spills happen. The Maytag Smart Top Load Washer has several features to help target stains, including the Extra Power button to deliver cleaning might and a built-in water faucet for extra-dirty items. Meanwhile, the Sanitize with Oxi cycle takes out up to 99.9% of household bacteria for germy items. It also has a roomy 5.3 cubic feet capacity, along with a deep fill for large loads. The Maytag app makes it easy to remotely start or stop your machine from anywhere you have reception, just in case you remember you need to add an item while you’re in another room. Another perk: This washer has a slow-close glass lid to lower the risk that you’ll have to deal with loud bangs when you’re done loading and unloading your machine.

The Home Depot

GE Profile High Efficiency Smart Top Load Washer

A washing machine is never going to be cheap. But this GE model is on the lower end of the cost spectrum while still offering plenty of great features. For starters, the machine has a sizable 5.4 cubic feet capacity, which should work for many families—and, again, it’s at a low price. You’ll also enjoy smart sensors that help measure the levels of dirt and detergent to help adjust your cycles to get the best clean, along with the ability to track the action via an app on your phone. Bacterial growth can be an issue for washing machines—this model has special antimicrobial technology to fight that. Ten wash cycles and four rinse cycles allow for a high level of customization with each cleaning.

The LG TurboWash 3D offers a roomy 5.5 cubic feet capacity to help you do more laundry less often. In fact, the brand points out that you can fit a comforter and a full set of king-size bedding in one load. The machine has a Direct Drive motor (with a 10-year limited warranty) to make the washer quiet when it’s in operation, along with other thoughtful features like steam washing to pull out dirt and stains. Control your laundry from just about anywhere with the LG ThinQ app—it also gives you maintenance tips and alerts. Enjoy six different wash motions to get your laundry clean, along with high-efficiency operation to save you money over time.

Final Thoughts

It’s difficult to say if a front-load or top-load washer is better. Both have their own unique features and qualities that can make each a great fit for a range of households. If you’re on a budget, a top load washer may be a better option given that these models are typically less expensive than front loaders. A top-load washer may also be your preferred choice if you have a large family and regularly do big loads. But if you plan to stack your washer and dryer or value energy efficiency, a front load washer may be more your speed.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, our home editors and writers are experts in appliances, devices and other products designed to make your life easier. We’ve researched, reviewed and written about a wide range of washing machines, including stackable washers and dryers and the best washers and dryers overall. The author of this story, Korin Miller, has covered home appliances for years, and the experts interviewed for this piece—Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance, and Josh Mitchell, CEO at Plumbing Lab—have hands-on experience installing and maintaining these machines.

To ensure you’re presented with the most up to date products, we will regularly monitor this story and will update it as needed.

Which Is Better: Front Load Or Top Load Washers?

“The choice between top load and front load washers will largely depend on your unique requirements,” Mitchell says. Top-load washers can hold bigger loads than front-load machines, making them a good choice for larger families. However, front-load washers are often more energy efficient and use less detergent. They’re also often stackable—a big perk for people with space issues. To choose the best type of washer, it’s often best to think of your personal needs and search from there.

Do Front Load Washers Last As Long As Top Load?

On average, top-load washers tend to last longer than front-load washers. However, front-load washers typically need less repairs over time. Regular maintenance is important, though. Top load washers tend to develop issues with agitators (the spindles that twist back and forth) over time, Mitchell says. However, front load washers can develop mold if they’re not maintained properly, Mitchell says. In general, you can expect your washer to last around a decade.

Do Front Load Washers Get Off Balance?

Balance can be an issue with top load washers, and that can lead to noise, shaking, cycles that are improperly washed or the machine struggling to get through the full cycle. Front-load washers usually have shock absorbers to keep the tub from moving too much during a cycle, and that can lower the risk of balance issues. Still, a front-load washer can get out of balance. If your washer is shaking and making noise, it’s a good idea to get it checked out.

Which is better a front load or top load?

Top-load washers can hold bigger loads than front-load machines, making them a good choice for larger families. However, front-load washers are often more energy efficient and use less detergent. They're also often stackable—a big perk for people with space issues.

Why are front

The type of washing programs and the agitation / pulsation used to clean the clothes are different. More importantly, the front loaders need a door that is leak proof and they need a pump to pump out the detergent solution - they can't use gravity for that…

How long does a top load washing machine last compared to a front load?

There are two categories of washing machines when determining the average lifespan of these appliances. 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.