How to Buy a Washing Machine of Your Choice
Introduction
Washing machine nowadays plays an inevitable role in our daily life. It makes the task of washing our clothes easy and comfortable by saving our valuable time and energy. Due to the advancement in technology, washing machines are available in various types and sizes. All of them have a variety of attractive features too. The task of choosing the best washing machine can be made easy by understanding the distinctive special features of this home appliance.
Normally, washing machines are of two types - Front loader and top loader. While top loading washing machines are considered as the traditional choice, modern front loaders are now achieving a lot of recognition all over the world. Front loaders are available only in fully automatic types, whereas top loaders are available in both fully automatic and semi-automatic types. Both the top loading, and front loading washing machines have their own set of merits and demerits.
Features of top loading washing machines
Top loading washing machines may be the conventional choice. However, they are still exceptionally popular among the washing machine users across the world. Top loaders offer an assortment of benefits which are not accessible from the front loaders. Let us have a look at them.
Top loading washing machines typically have a better capacity than the equally sized front loading washing machines. The leading commercial top loaders possess a capacity of up to 10 kg. Even though, the top loader domestic models also possess better capacities than the corresponding range of front loader washing machines.
The top loaders usually require a faster wash cycle duration than the front loaders. Most of the top loaders characteristically have a run cycle of about 15 to 30 minutes. In contrast, front loading washing machines usually utilize up to an hour for finishing each wash cycle. The reason behind this difference is the added facility of the top loading washing machines to keep the clothes immersed in water, whereas in front loader, getting clothes immersed in water while washing is not possible.
According to some washing machine users, top loaders are more convenient than front loaders. This opinion cannot be ruled out to some extent. In top loading washing machines, users need not bend over either to load or unload before or after the wash cycle. This is absolutely very advantageous for elderly people who used to operate washing machines.
Top loaders allow users to put additional clothes during the washing cycle, whereas in front loaders this is not at all possible. Moreover, the top loaders exhibit a satisfactory tendency to respond to fabric softeners in a far better way than the front loaders.
Downside of top loader washing machines
Even though top loader washing machines positively offer many benefits, they do show signs of some drawbacks as well.
Foremost downside of the top loading washing machine is its least efficiency when compared with the front loading washing machines. A top loader uses considerably more water and energy than a front loader for washing the same quantity of load.
Top loaders generate a large magnitude of friction between the clothes due to the turning and twisting that occurs while washing. After every wash, the friction may also result a kind of deposition of lint on the machine. So, during washing, many of the top loading machines produce unpleasant noise. This nuisance is normally less in top loading washing machines.
While the top loaders are generally cheaper than front loaders of the same size or capacity, the price difference of these two types will not be a big margin. So, by considering the excellent efficiency of front loaders, they are said to be the better option for your wash requirements.
However, if you need wash only small loads, and your household has not much space to accommodate a front loader, then a top loader is the best and convenient option.
Features of front loading washing machines
Even though, top loaders are the customary choice, they have been losing their attractiveness to the most trendy front loader washing machines. This is because of the added features, and exceptional benefits offered to the newly launched front loaders. Let us have a look at them.
The horizontal drum of front loading washing machines makes use of the gravitational force while tumbling load of clothes. This is how the front loading washing machines get more energy and efficiency than top loaders. So, front loaders need only less detergent and up to 50% less water (warm water) than top loaders. With cold water, the water efficiency between the front loaders and top loaders do not make much difference.
Front loaders normally have more built-in features as well as cycle options while contrasting with the top loaders. Front loaders are modernized with additional features which are observed as more beneficial. Naturally, a front loader washing machine will have higher spin cycles than a top loader of the equal capacity. Front loaders are also exhibiting better performance to clean tough stains which are usually hard to remove. Moreover, front loaders are not depositing any lint on the machine during a wash cycle. A front loader washing machine is found to be gentler on clothes while comparing to the washing process of a top loader washing machine.
Downside of the front loader washing machine
Front loaders also have a series of disadvantages. Time taken to wash clothes in a front loader will be normally more than a top loader. When a top loader takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete a wash cycle, the average wash cycle time of a front loader washing machine is nearly an hour.
Front loaders are also not available in very large capacities, and at the same time their upfront cost is found to be higher. Even if, front loaders show more energy and water efficiency than top loaders, they take more time to recover from the expensive upfront costs.
Very important thing about front loaders is that it cannot be overloaded for any cause. Overloading quickly generates wear and tear in a front loader washing machine, and it also produces lots of pressure on the drum bearings. Though you should not overload a top loader also, it is far less risky while comparing to front loaders.
In front loading washing machines, there are also chances to have issues with the mold, and mildew. This normally happens especially when too much detergent or substandard fabric softener is being used. If the drum and gaskets remain wet between wash cycles, the chances to have problems with mildew, and the mold also remains open. On the other hand, top loaders seldom suffer from mildew or mold issues because there are arrangements for the water to get evaporate from the top door.
Fully automatic washing machine
As the name implies, the functions of this washing machine is absolutely automatic. The machine starts working just by a touch with your finger tip. Nowadays, it is wholly advanced and improved to a great extent. It is constituted with a single tub which acts as the washer. The same tub can be used to rinse and dry clothes. Each process is carried out one after another. Once the washing is over, the rinsing of clothes take place. If you want to rinse the clothes more than once, the options are available on the switch board. Once the rinsing of the clothes finished, the process to dry the clothes start. In the switch board, there are facilities to set these different wash functions in advance. Fully automatic washing machines are available in both front loader and top loader varieties. They are also very expensive when compared to other type of washing machines. So, if you are ready to spend a handsome amount for washing machine, it is better to buy a fully automatic variety. However, the wash program setting, and wash functions could be different with respect to the brands you have decided to choose.
Semi-automatic washing machine
This is the most common type of washing machine. Semi-automatic washing machine can finish only half of the works. It consists of two separate tubs for carrying out washing as well as rinsing. After washing, the user has to transfer the clothes from one tub to another. The second tub is meant to carry out rinsing and drying. In short, regarding a semi-automatic washing machine, your presence is very vital when the machine starts functioning. Since, the cost of these washing machines is affordable, a lot of people prefer to buy semi- automatic washing machine. Moreover, only top loading washing machines are available in the semi- automatic type. Like the fully automatic washing machine, consistent water supply is not required by the semi-automatic washing machines. This is found to be the main advantage of a semi-automatic type washing machine.
Conclusion
When you are thinking about purchasing a top loader or a front loader washing machine, the points mentioned above are to be considered predominantly. The question regarding whether you require a front loader or a top loader, exclusively depends on your individual requirements as well as washing habits. If you already own a top loader, and your washing requirements are not too strict, you need not go beyond a front loader. Moreover, in a top loader washing machine, you can choose either a fully automatic or a semi- automatic type with respect to your convenience. If you are thinking to buy your first washing machine, it is more reasonable to go for a front loader because the front loaders are more cost-effective in the long run, and they are environmental friendly too.