Front Load Vs Top Load Washing Machine: A lot of women are forever going to be thankful to Thomas Elva Edison. Other than being the man who ‘invented’ electricity, he also initiated the ‘industrial revolution.’ It is safe to say that it was Edison who single-handedly changed the world forever. With the availability of electricity and its commercialization, our world was never the same. Also, in the early 1800s, rapid urbanization took place across the United States. Now, people were ‘moving away’ and living apart. The population grew more and more ‘independent’ from each other and chose to live separately. This required certain assistance to do household chores. Around this time, the labour-saving devices grew into a new rage of sorts. Machines soon moved from the factories and into the homes. The washing machine is the ‘love child’ of the industrial revolution, and women across the world swear by it. After all, washing and scrubbing clothes is no joke. It is long, tiring, and laborious work. Not so long ago, the ‘doing laundry’ was more of communal activity. This involved people gathering around at a natural water body to scrub, clean, and gossip.
The first actual washing machine was invented in the year 1851 and 1858 by James King and Hamilton-Smith, respectively. But these were far from the modern wonder machines of today. To start with, these were large and bulky drums made of wood and metal agitator. However, some even claim the first-ever washing machines to have been invented in France in early 1800, where large metal drums were placed over sources of fire. It took World War I to finally push the invention to a more modern technology where the ‘electric’ clothes dryers were commercially used. Today, a washing machine is a permanent fixture in any home across the world. It is necessary one can barely survive without. It takes off the labour and does the washing of clothes in a matter of one or two hours. The washing machine technology did not stop or stagnate. It was quick to embrace the digital technology of the 21st century where the washing machine grew ‘smart.’ It was in the year 1998 that the first-ever computer-controlled washing machine was introduced to the world. The company to do so was Fisher & Paykel, and the appliance was computer-controlled.
To be more precise, the washing machines are of two kinds, ‘the front load’ and the ‘top load.’ This categorization is based on the location of the ‘door.’ But before that, it is worth a mention that a company named ‘Hurley Machine’ was the first ever to introduce electric washing machines to the world. This washing machine was lovingly called the ‘Thor.’ Machine technology was soon changing rapidly with new companies trying to come up with the next-bi-thing. In the year 1911, ‘ Whirlpool Corporation’ made its debut, and the rest is history. Thus, the first-ever electric motor driven machine was launched.
Today, the choices are plentiful. As man is constantly bored and on the lookout for the next big thing, machine technology is ever-emerging. This has led to newer models in the washing machine being introduced. But what are the basic types? Which is best for you? How to estimate the right capacity? Let us explore the difference between the Top load and the front-load washing machines.
The basic working of a washing machine is based on the principle of Centrifugation. This separation process involves the utilization of Centrifugal force that speeds up the settling of particles in the solid-liquid mixture.
The basic model of a washing machine comprises of an Inner drum and an outer drum. They are arranged one within the other. The ‘front or the outer drum’ comprises the door which is opened to push the clothes inside. This also holds the inner drum as it rotates when the machine starts. The Inner drum is where all the action takes place. It comprises ‘holes’ through which the water is poured. This drum also paddles around into a rotating action as the clothes are washed. The drum is mounted on a vertical axis that is fixed with a paddle in the middle. This setup is called the ‘Agitator.’ This is what powers the machine to rotate into washing your dirty clothes. Depending upon where the door is located, the washing machine is of two types: the Front-load and the Top load washing machine.
What is a Front Load Washing Machine?
Also known as the Horizontal-Axis Clothes washer, this comprises the inner basket within the outer tub arranged horizontally. The clothes are placed through a door placed horizontally on the machine’s body: the back and forth rotation of the cylinder by gravity powers the ‘Agitation’ process. The clothes within the inner drum are ‘lifted’ with the help of paddles situated on the inner walls of the drum. This is how the fabrics are ‘flexed’ through the solution of detergent and water. As water is not required for the complete suspension of the clothes for washing, a limited quantity of water is sufficient. Thus, the washing of the fabric is done by the repeated ‘pick’ and ‘drop’ motion of the tumbling.
ADVANTAGES
- The front loader utilizes only a limited quantity of water for the complete washing cycle.
- Large capacity of clothes can be washed in this machine type.
- These machines treat the clothes gently. Thus, less damage is done.
- The drying action is more efficient.
- These can be easily installed under the counter or a low laying shelf.
DISADVANTAGE
- Requires the user to bend down to load, unload, operate.
- Mold-growth is a problem here.
- These are not child-friendly, as the control panel is usually on the front-side, making it an easy plaything for young ones.
What is a Top Load Washing Machine?
This comprises the door located on top of the machine body. The inner drum in the outer drum is mounted on top of a ‘Verticle axis.’ Pipes are located on the top of the body of the washing machine. These go through the detergent tray, and the solution is thus, flushed into the machine. This comprises of a large Agitator made of plastic that moves your clothes as it gets washed. The drums do not move in the process. The electric motor powers the Agitator using an electric belt. The only difference is that during the Spin-cycle, the inner drum is rotated by the motor at high speed. This way, water is extracted the ‘thrown’ out through the holes into the outer drum. A pump is used to drain the water from the outer drum.
ADVANTAGES
- Are easy to be used, as you do not need to bend down to load the clothes.
- No mould growth occurs.
- This usually falls well within the budget of a majority of the population.
DISADVANTAGES
- These are rough on clothes.
- Too much rinsing of the clothes occurs in a repeated mode.
- The wash cycle is more prolonged, needs more water, and requires more energy.
Difference Between Front Load Washing Machine And Top Load Washing Machine
So, overall, what are the fundamental difference between a Top load and a Front-load type? Let us find out:
FRONT LOAD WASHING MACHINE | TOP LOAD WASHING MACHINE |
Capacity: 3.42 Cubic Feet | Capacity: 3.3 Cubic feet |
Water consumption: 11.7 gallons | Water consumption: 24.3 gallons |
Spin Speed: 1200 RPM | Spin Speed: 710 RPM |
The spin speed is more, thus, the drying power is more | The Drying power is less in comparison |
G-Force: 440 | G-Force: 150 |
Decreases operating costs by improved water usage, thus, 20% increase in capacity | Each cycle can be programmed due to a delayed start, thus offering you the time of your choice |
Features control lock, thus, making it safe for the children | Features multi-cycle controls and high Spin speeds. This offers better washing options for your specified needs |
Costly | Less costly |
The Conclusion- Which one is better?
Washing machines are essential members of our families. These are permanent at all homes and are a basic necessity of modern times. But which among the two types are better for us? Well, that entirely depends upon your use:
ON A BUDGET AND BUSY:
If you are on a budget, then the Top load is perfect for you. Also, These are preferred for those users who have a ‘Spine issue’ and cannot bend. The top-load machine also has controls located on the top side, making them more child friendly.
FOR THE HYGIENE-FANATICS:
If you wish your wash to be of top grade, then the Front-load machine is your perfect pick. The cleaning mechanism is superior, and the results are better. Also, these use less water; therefore, if you have a water supply issue to deal with, the Front load is for you. These are also less noisy and have better wash program options. So, if you are loaded with money, invest in the Front-load washing machine type.