washing machines front loading
Before buying a washing machine, you have to realize that a washer consumes both water and energy. The key to buying the best washer is to get the one that is the most energy efficient. Along with being energy efficient, the washer also has to fit your lifestyle and needs.
Lets discuss some basic things that you need to understand before buying a washing machine:
Energy Efficiency
Compare the yellow energy efficiency stickers. IF you’re shopping online, look at the energy specifications. The LOWER the energy efficiency rating, the better. Which machines are more efficient: Front loading or top loading?
Front-load or Top-Loading Washing Machine
There are the 2 basic models of a washer:
- Top Load
- Front Load
Top loading washing machines – the most common of the two because the machine itself costs less. However, these are not as energy efficient as front loading machines. You may end up making a wiser decision going for the more expensive, but more energy efficient front loading machine.
Front loading washing machines – Cost more than top loading, but they will save you money on energy efficiency. They will often save you anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 of water consumption! The agitator on front loading machines spin on an horizontal axis. These types of machines are also refereed to as H-Axis washing machines. You should also note that some front loading machines require different detergent.
Your Lifestyle
- Before deciding which washing machine is best for you, take into account your lifestyle. Consider things like what kind of clothes you wear, and how often you wash them. If you find yourself frequently doing laundry, you may want to consider a washing machine with a stainless-steal tub. Those who wash less frequently will be fine with a porcelain steel, or a high grade plastic tub.
- Another thing to consider is if you frequently wash very dirty clothes. If this is the case, it would be was to choose a washer that has special features like a second rinse or a water temperature booster.
- You may find that you only have a tight space to fit your washer and dryer. You can buy stackable washers and dryers, just make sure that the size of the washer matches the dryers capacity.
- Find a washer with a good warranty. Generally, most companies offer about the same warranty on their machines. Also, make sure that the washer has easy access to the parts to make for easier repairs if needed. There are washers with an easy detachable panel for easy access to the parts.
Washing Machine Features
You need to decide which features you may need. Here are some of the features of newer models:
Steam – Having the steam feature will give you stain removing power. It also gives you the power to remove wrinkles from stale clothing.
Automatic Program Settings – Your washing machine will have the ability to measure how much water is needed and automatically adjust how long each load will be.
Delay Start – You can your wash to start at a certain time that is convenient for you. This feature is not really a necessity for most people, but it can prove to be useful for a few.
Front load washing machines used to be seen only in laundromats, but over the years, these type of washers were made available for home use. Although front load machines look similar to top loading washers, they are quite different from each other when it comes to functionality. Top load washers, for example, use agitators to move the clothes around, while front load ones work by spinning the clothes, much like a dryer.
If you’re looking to get a front load washer to use at home, you might want to consider the pros and cons of such machine before buying one.
The Pros
Front load washing machines have plenty of advantages. Here are some of them to help you decided if one is really right for you:
1. More capacity – Front load washing machines hold more compared to top loading ones. You can actually wash around 30% more clothes in a front load washers than in top loading one. Large and heavy items like comforters and rugs can fit easily into one of these washers.
2. Energy-Efficient – Front load washers consume less water and electricity compared to regular washing machines. Not as much water is used to spin the clothes properly and not as much electricity is needed to heat up the water inside the washer, saving you a few hundred dollars on water and electric bills per year.
3. Low Noise Level – Unlike older models of washers, front load washing machines produce a low humming sound instead of loud clunking noise.
4. Gentler On the Clothes – Washing machines affect the quality and lifespan of your clothing. You will like front load washing machines as they don’t use agitators. Thus, they are easier on your clothes. Your clothes will still look fresh and new even after several washes.
5. Tougher on Stains – Stains come off easily when a front load washer is used.
The Cons
Before finally deciding whether this type of machine fits your needs, consider these cons as well:
1. Costly – Since they are of better quality and functionality compared to regular washers, front load washing machines cost higher. Their price range is between $300 to $400. But consider it money well spent due to the machine’s durability and energy-saving features.
2. You Have to Bend Over Constantly – One disadvantage of using this type of washer is that you have to bend over to put in the clothes and take them back out, a painful inconvenience to people who have back problems.
3. It’s not As Effective When Washing Just One or Two Items – Washing just a couple of items will not work well very well. Washing machine manuals discourage using the machine this way.
It is evident that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages that come with using a front load washing machine. However, the final decision will still be up to you. Consider your options carefully before making purchasing a machine that’s right for your home.