Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washers: How to Choose the Right One for Your Home

The choice between a front-load and top-load washing machine might not seem crucial—they both do the same job, after all—but there are important pros and cons to each style that go beyond aesthetics. To decide which washing machine is best for you, consider your lifestyle, the size of your laundry space, the energy efficiency of the unit, and its load capacity. We asked appliance and laundry experts to help us sort through the differences between a front-load and a top-load washer so you can make an informed choice on this important purchase.  

What Is a Front-Load Washer?

In a front-load washer, the door through which you load clothes is located on the front of the machine. It is almost always see-through. This kind of washer has a drum that is suspended on its side and rotates in order to clean clothes. Front-load washing machines are known for their efficiency, gentle cleaning, and ability to handle large loads of laundry. They are also stackable, a popular design option that maximizes space in a small laundry room.

Benefits of a Front-Load Washer

They're More Eco-Friendly

Nick Evans of of Home Appliance Hero says front-load machines are designed to use less water. Also, their higher spin speeds extract more water from clothing, ultimately shortening the dry cycle and using less electricity. For these reasons, front-load washers are typically considered a more eco-friendly option than top-load machines.

They Get Clothes Cleaner

“Front-load washing machines have a tumbling action that lifts and drops clothes allowing for a more thorough cleaning," says Evans.

Many front-load washers are also equipped with more advanced wash settings and technology to leave your clothing fresh. Richard Tarrant, senior vice president of Dish & Laundry Care at Bosch, explains that due to their tumbling motion, front-load washers tend to be gentler on clothes and better at removing stains.

They Fit in Small Spaces

Front-load washers can either be set beside or stacked on top of a dryer. This means they can more easily fit into small spaces. The more flexibility you have with where to put the washer and dryer, the more potential the space will have to be used in for other purposes in addition to laundry.

They Give You More Surface Area

Because the door is on the front of the machine, you can use the top as a sorting or folding surface, for storing laundry detergents, or for any other purpose you may need your laundry room to serve. That couple square feet can give a small laundry room some valuable storage or workspace.

Disadvantages of a Front-Load Washer

Because the door is on the front, you'll have to bend over to load and unload laundry, which can be a challenge for people with mobility issues. If you want to raise the door up to a more comfortable level, you'll have to purchase a pedestal.

Water can collect in the rubber seal, or gasket, around the door, especially at the bottom. This can cause mold and mildew and make your laundry and the room smell musty. The gasket needs to be cleaned regularly in order to avoid the problem.

Although front-load washers are energy- and water-efficient, they can be pricier. According to Evans, front-load washers cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on the brand and features, while top-load machines cost $300 to $1,500 for more advanced models. Front-load washers also often require more and costlier maintenance and repairs than top-load machines.

What Is a Top-Load Washer?

A top-load washing machine is often considered the more traditional type of washing machine. This machine’s drum is positioned upright within the machine, like a large bowl. Clothes are loaded through a door on the top. The drum rotates back and forth, or agitates, to moves the clothes to clean them during the wash cycle.

Benefits of a Top-Load Washer

They Cost Less to Buy

Top-load washing machines are a more affordable option for buyers on a budget. As the more traditional and standard option, these appliances cost less than their counterparts. Since top-load washing machines are also more common than front-load models, they are easier to find and purchase, making any potential repairs, maintenance, or replacements easy. 

They Wash More Quickly

Top-load washing machines have shorter cycle times, meaning laundry gets done quicker than with front-load machines. This could be a perk in a fast-paced household that needs laundry done in a pinch.

They're Easier to Use

Top-load washing machines can usually be paused mid-cycle, which is helpful in case you need to add or remove a garment in the middle of a wash. Also, since the door is on the top, you don' thave to bend down to load and unload clothing, making a top-load washer easier on the back and knees. 

Disadvantages of a Top-Load Washer

Top-load washers may be less expensive to purchase, but you might see less long-term savings on water and utility bills compared to a front-load machine.

You can't stack a top-load washer on top of a dryer, so the pair will take up more space in your laundry area.

You can't use the top of the unit for storage or a workspace because you'll need to access the door to load and unload laundry.