Which Washing Machine Is Better - Top-loading Or Front-loading? What Is The Difference? Which One Is More Reliable?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-09 13:15

Many of us cannot imagine our life without such a household appliance as a washing machine. You can choose a vertical or frontal model, it all depends on the preferences and needs of the user. How to decide on the design and what advantages and disadvantages each of them has, we will tell you in our article.

Device and differences

Before choosing a washing machine, the consumer invariably wonders which one will be better. Among the varieties are products with vertical or front loading of things . In the first case, the clothes are loaded into the drum from above, for this it is necessary to fold the cover located there and place it in a special hatch. In the very process of washing, it must be closed.

Front loading assumes the presence of a hatch for loading linen in the front plane of the machine . Additional space is required to open and close it.

However, according to reviews, this factor can be called the main difference between the models. The washing procedure does not depend on the location of the hatch.

Top loading

Top-loading machines are very convenient when the owners especially value the availability of free space in the room. For their installation, half a meter will be enough. Besides, many are equipped with special wheels that make it easier to move the product to the desired location … The sizes are mostly standard, the choice of the manufacturer or other points do not matter.

The vast majority of machines are produced with parameters 40 cm wide and up to 90 cm high . The depth is 55 to 60 centimeters. Accordingly, such compact models will perfectly fit even in a very small bathroom.

However, it should be borne in mind that, since the lid opens from above, it is impossible to make this household appliance built-in.

Models of vertical washing machines may differ from each other in design features. In most cases, their drum is located horizontally, fixing on two symmetrical shafts located on the sides . Such products are especially popular in Europe, but our compatriots also appreciated their convenience. You can load and take out laundry after the door is opened first, and then the drum.

The flaps on the drum have a simple mechanical lock . It is not a fact that at the end of the procedure, he will be on top. In some cases, the drum will need to be rotated by itself to the desired position. However, such a nuance is found mainly in inexpensive models, newer ones have a special "parking system", which guarantees the installation of the doors directly opposite the hatch.

In addition, you can opt for the so-called "American" model. It has a more impressive volume and allows you to wash up to 8-10 kilograms of clothes at the same time. The drum is located vertically and is characterized by the absence of a hatch . The so-called activator is located in its center.

Models from Asia also differ in the presence of a vertical drum, but at the same time they have more modest volumes than in the previous case. Air bubble generators are placed in them for a better quality wash. This is a peculiar feature of the manufacturers.

Vertical cars do not have sensors or pushbutton controls on top . This makes it possible to use this surface as a shelf or work plane. When installed in the kitchen, it can be used as a worktop.

Frontal

Users consider this type to be much more variable. Such machines can have various dimensions, both as narrow as possible and full-sized. They are often used as built-in home appliances. For extravagant personalities and bold interior designs, manufacturers have even offered wall models.

The top surface of these machines can be used as a shelf . However, in this case, strong enough vibration can interfere, so you should take care of their correct installation. The models are located in niches that are about 65 centimeters wide and 35-60 centimeters deep. In addition, free space will be required in front of the unit, since otherwise it will become impossible to open the hatch.

There is a metal or plastic door on the hatch . Its diameter ranges from 23 to 33 centimeters. During the washing process, the door closes with an automatic lock, which opens only at the end of the wash.

Users note that larger hatches are easier to use … They make loading and unloading laundry easier. The width of the door opening is also important. The simplest models swing open 90-120 degrees, the more advanced ones - all 180.

The hatch has a rubber seal known as a cuff. The fit is quite tight around the entire circumference .… This ensures that there are no leaks from the inside. Of course, with careless handling, the element can be damaged, but in most cases it is able to serve for a long time.

There is also a control panel next to the hatch . It is often presented in the form of an LCD display. In the upper left corner on the front side there is a dispenser, consisting of 3 compartments, where powder is poured and rinse aid is poured. If necessary, it is easy to reach for cleaning.

Advantages and disadvantages

In order to find out which of the models is more reliable and more convenient, it is necessary to compare their advantages and disadvantages. Let's start by looking at top-loading devices.

In the upper part there is a hatch through which loading is carried out . Accordingly, the installation of such a unit allows you to save space, which is very important for small rooms. However, at the same time, there should be no shelves and cabinets at the top. Some users find it inconvenient to be able to manually spin the drum after completing a wash cycle. With a front-facing machine, this problem does not arise.

Another plus is the fact that with such machines, things can be added to the drum already during the washing process. Since the lid will open upward, no water can spill onto the floor . This allows very dirty things to be washed for a longer time, and later to add less soiled ones. This distribution saves time, washing powder and electricity.

As for the front models, it is very convenient to control them with buttons or using a sensor . They are located on the front side, respectively, on top you can place powder or other necessary trifles.

Some people think that vertical machines are of higher quality, but experts argue that this is not true.

Also, one cannot fail to note the variety of design when it comes to front-end units. You can choose a more interesting and suitable model.

The price is also worth talking about. Undoubtedly top-loading models are an order of magnitude more expensive . The quality of the wash is not very different. For this reason, consumers make choices based largely on their preferences and convenience.

Top Models

In order to choose the most suitable unit for themselves, the consumer will have to consider a large number of options. We offer an overview of the most popular models with excellent ratings for characteristics and quality. We will choose both vertical and frontal products.

Among the models with vertical loading, it should be noted Indesit ITW A 5851 W . It is capable of holding up to 5 kilograms, while it has an intelligent electronic control with 18 programs that have different degrees of protection. The 60 cm wide unit can be easily moved on special castors.

All settings are displayed by means of a special indicator. Washing efficiency and energy consumption are at the level of class A. The cost is considered quite affordable.

Washing machine " Slavda WS-30ET " is small - with a height of 63 cm, its width is 41 centimeters. It belongs to the budget class and has vertical loading. The product is very simple, and there are only 2 washing programs, but this does not affect the quality. At a cost of only about 3 thousand rubles, the model becomes an excellent solution for a summer residence or a country house.

Finally, noteworthy is the model Candy Vita G374TM … It is designed for a one-time washing of 7 kilograms of linen and has advanced functionality. As for the energy class, its marking is A +++. You can operate the machine using the display, washing takes place in 16 programs.

If necessary, the start can be postponed for up to 24 hours. The washing machine provides control over the level of foam and imbalance in the drum. Moreover, it is equipped with a leakage protection. The price category is average, and reviews about it are mostly positive.

Among the frontal models, it is noted Hansa WHC 1038 . She refers to the budget options. The drum is designed for loading 6 kilograms of things. The hatch is quite large, which makes it easy to wash. Energy consumption at the A +++ level.

The unit has manual settings. Washing is provided in 16 programs. There are systems of protection against leaks, children and foam. There is also a 24 hour delay start timer. The display is large enough and easy to use.

More expensive, but very high quality is the washing machine Samsung WW65K42E08W … This model is quite new, therefore it has a wide range of possibilities. Allows you to load up to 6, 5 kilograms of things. A distinctive feature is the ability to add laundry during washing.

On the case there is a display that provides electronic control. 12 wash programs can be adjusted according to your needs. The heater is made of ceramic and is protected against scale. In addition, there is an option to clean the drum.

Model LG FR-296WD4 costs slightly less than the previous one. It can hold up to 6, 5 kilograms of things and has a stylish design. The protection system has different levels and helps to extend the life of the product. The machine has 13 washing programs. Its difference is the function of mobile diagnostics Smart Diagnosis.