Should I buy a front-load washing machine? Or a top load washing machine? Let's discuss that in today's video.
I've been using a Samsung top load washing machine for the last ten years or so, and I'm considering changing my washing machine to maybe also add a dryer if required. But today's video, let's discuss whether I should consider a top load washing machine or a front-load washing machine. Let's take a look at that.
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PRICING First, let's talk about the price. Front-load washing machines are a lot more expensive than top load washing machines based on the capacity that you're considering, irrespective of the type of vendor that you're considering. And the reasons for that is what we will discuss in today's video as well. CLEANING QUALITY The first criteria is the cleaning quality. Front-load washing machines are known to have much better cleaning quality, and there are a few reasons why. The first is that front-load washing machines are a lot more gentle on your clothes because of the position where the motor is placed and the movement of the drum itself. Secondly, your entire clothes are submerged in the washing machine, as opposed to a top load washing machine where - if you're putting large clothes like pillows and resize - they don't get submerged completely and hence, the washing quality on the top load washing machine is a lot lower as well. A front-load washing machine also simulates hand motion to a certain extent because of which they're a lot more gentle and the cleaning quality is a lot better as well. When it comes to the top load washing machine, they're a lot more rougher on your clothes, especially when you overload the washing machine, primarily because of the position of the motor or the agitator in the washing machine. ENERGY EFFICIENCY Let's talk about the energy efficiency. Front-load washing machines are known to be a lot more energy-efficient, using almost 50% less power and 40% less water than a top load washing machine. In general, front-load washing machines are 5 star-rated and top load washing machines are 3 star-rated, which shows the energy efficiency of that machine itself. Thirdly, you also use a lot less detergent when you are using a front-load washing machine compared to a top load washing machine. SPIN SPEED The next criteria to consider is the spin speeds. So, front-load washing machines have almost 30% higher spin speeds, closer to about 1000 rpm, which means that your clothes are a lot more drier when they come out of the washing machine compared to a top load washing machine. TIME TAKEN Now, let's talk about how much time it takes. A typical front-load washing machine takes longer than a top load washing machine. In an Auto Cycle, a front-load might take anywhere between 60-90 minutes, whereas a top load washing machine can take anywhere between 40-50 minutes based on the model that you are using. EASE OF USE Now, let's talk about the ease of use. A top load washing machine is more easier to use because you don't have to bend too much to put the clothes in and remove the clothes, so it is suitable for senior citizens; whereas the front-load washing machine, you have to bend over to actually put your clothes in and take it out. It can be put on a stand, but of course, manufacturers recommend that washing machines and dishwashers and such apparatus should not be put on a stand. Again, coming from an ease of use point of view, in a front-load washing machine, once the cycle starts, you cannot put additional clothes, or you cannot remove clothes from the washing machine. Whereas in a top load washing machine, you can do that. So, let's say, for example, you could have forgotten to put in some clothes. You can go ahead and put it inside a top load washing machine at any time during the cycle, but preferably in the first few minutes of start of the cycle. Whereas in a front-load washing machine you cannot do that. INSTALLATION The next thing is how you can install these washing machines. So, typically if you are looking at installing a washer and a dryer, they can be stacked on one on top of the other: the dryer on top and the washing machine at the bottom. And that is possible only if you're using a front-load washing machine. It's not possible if you're using a top load washing machine because then you'll actually need to leave additional space between the washer and the dryer. So, if you are considering buying a separate dryer and you want to stack them one on top of the other, then preferably you should go for a front-load washing machine. CLEANING Now, let's talk about the cleaning. Typically, in a top load washing machine gravity does its job, and all the water kind of goes away from the washing machine, leaving it almost completely dry. Whereas in a front-load washing machine you might actually have some water that is still present near the door, on the rubber and so on, so you might need to wipe it dry and leave the door open for some time after the wash so that it completely dries itself. WHEN TO BUY WHAT So, when would you choose a top load washing machine? One, if you're extremely price-sensitive, then top load washing machines are a lot cheaper. Secondly, if you need to have the convenience of inserting and removing clothes mid-cycle. Third, if you're concerned about the ease of cleaning, then you would actually choose a top load washing machine. When would you choose a front-load washing machine? One, if your priority is a better wash quality and a dry quality because front-load washing machines have much better spin cycles. Secondly, if you need to stack a washer and dryer one on top of the other, then you would choose a front-load washing machine. And thirdly, if energy efficiency is of consideration for you, then you would choose a front-load washing machine because they're at least 40-50% more energy-efficient than a top load washing machine. With these parameters in mind, my next purchase will be a front-load washing machine, primarily because: • One, the cleaning quality is a lot better. • Secondly, it is a lot more energy-efficient. • And thirdly, I might be considering buying a dryer as well; since I have a lot lesser space in my utility area, I will have to stack them one on top of the other. And because of that, I will prefer to go for a front-load washing machine.
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