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.
|
.jpg)
