A washing machine and dryer package is perhaps one of the most important appliance purchases out there. It can be hard to imagine yourself handwashing your clothes, especially if you’ve got pieces of denim and other tough fabrics.
It’s typical for a family to opt for appliances with large capacities, say a 10kg washing machine. A small front loader washing machine would be enough for couples or three people living together. However, apart from the various sizes and washing machine brands, you might face a more challenging decision opting for either front loading washing machines or a top loader washing machine dryer combo.
Before rushing to your smartphones to key in ‘washing machine near me,’ it’s crucial to know the upsides of using front- or top-loading washing machines. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of using a small front loader and why it may be the better option of the two.
5 Benefits of front-loading clothes washers
A quick look at the costs of appliances online will tell you that front-loading washing machines typically cost more upfront. However, you may be saving way more than the price difference down the road for the following reasons. (1)
- Small front-loading washing machines are reliable
Regardless of the type, a washing machine and dryer package must be taken care of to avoid costly repairs, ensure its peak performance, and extend its lifespan. For example, it’s mandatory to leave the lid for some time to allow chemical residue to dry out. Similarly, front-loading washing machines or top loader washing machine dryer sets should be thoroughly cleaned regularly to prevent grime and residue build-up.
In addition to these, a front-loader washer’s sealing gasket requires extra care, and wiping it after every load can help remove excess sediments that could encourage mildew growth. But while top-loaders may require less upkeep than their front-loading counterparts, tests have shown that the latter are generally more reliable and highly efficient. (1)
- They’re energy-efficient
According to The United States’ leading power efficiency accrediting agency, Energy Star, front loaders use 45% less energy than their top-loading counterparts. Additionally, these washing machines can save time and costs by spinning more rapidly than the latter. This holds true, whether the appliance in question is a small front loader washing machine or a big one. That said, they can get clothes dry more easily. (2) (3)
Energy Star further stated some 14.9 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) may be saved every year if the 59 million top-load clothes washers were replaced by front-loading machines. In more concrete terms, the amount of energy saved is equal to the power requirements of 1.3 million households annually. (2)
- They’re water-saving, too
Front-loaders rely on the spinning drum, which processes and washes clothes in a shallow solution, unlike top loader washing machine dryer sets that need deep containers to ensure clothes become wet. (3)
This means that besides needing less power than top loaders, front-loading washing machines generally use 50% less water than the former. Energy Star further stated that if all top load clothes washer users switched to front loaders in the US, some 170 billion gallons of water will be saved per year. (2)
- Small front-loading washing machines are better at cleaning
Because of the way they’re built, front-loaders are more effective at cleaning clothes compared to their top-loading counterparts. The claim mentioned above has been proven in several tests that showed front-loading washing machines are better at eliminating soils and stains on fabrics compared to most top loader washing machine dryer units. Consumers are also more satisfied with the former’s performance, with users of front-loading washing machines giving these appliances excellent marks. (3)
While the mechanical action of these washing machines can guarantee better cleaning power, you’d still need a good detergent mixed with warm water to achieve best results. The strong washing motion allows clothes to touch each other while the stain and dirt-dissolving action of warm and soapy water complete the task. (3)
- They’re excellent space-savers
For households with limited space in their apartments, choosing a small front loader washing machine from a list of appliances online is the best option. These units can easily fit small spaces and rooms.
On the other hand, a 10kg washing machine isn’t enough if you’re a rental property owner. It’s best to buy front-loaders when adding more clothes washing units for your tenants because you can pile them if you don’t have enough space. Conversely, space-hungry top loader washing machine dryer units must be placed side by side, but obviously never on top of each other. This is also why laundromats have front-loading washing machines for the same reason, among many other benefits as discussed earlier. (3)
Wrap up
Front-loading washing machines are obviously the better choice if you want to save energy, water and space without compromising cleaning power. The downside is that it’s pricier and may require more careful attention and care than top-loading washing machines.
When choosing which appliance to purchase, prioritise your or your family’s needs to come up with the correct size, type, and must-have features.
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