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Washer Buying
Front Load vs. Top Load
The biggest trend in washers today is the front-load machine (also known as H-axis). These washers open from the front, like a commercial washer in a Laundromat. In contrast, a traditional washer (V-axis) opens from the top. How to buy the best washer depends on your space and needs.
For buying a clothes washer, keep in mind each type has specific features:
Front Load:
- Can be stacked with a dryer on top to conserve space.
- Spins clothes faster than a top-load, extracting more water. This saves energy (and money), because it allows you to dry a load of clothes in a shorter amount of time.
- Uses a wash process that is more gentle on clothing.
- Requires a special type of detergent made for front-load machines. These detergents are becoming more common on grocery store shelves, but they might not be available everywhere. They also might cost a little more.
- Costs more. Prices vary, but expect to pay 30 percent to 40 percent more for a front-load machine than you would for a comparable top-load machine.
- Uses less water, which lowers utility bills. This savings can offset the additional cost of the machine, but it usually takes several years for the numbers to balance.
Top Load:
- Includes a wider variety of available models, colors and features.
- Costs less initially, but is less energy-efficient.
- Offers easier access to the wash tub.
- Uses regular detergent.
- Cannot easily be stacked to save space.
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