Is It Time For A Front-Load Washing Machine?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

24 Jun 2006 11:46 AM

A few months after I found out I was pregnant I looked into purchasing a front-load washing machine. I always dreamed of having a washer that could clean 20 towels at once. But, my dream was soon dashed when I learned that the machine would not accommodate "Dreft"--the pediatrician recommended laundry detergent that I had purchased to wash my baby's new clothes.

That was nearly three years ago. Now, I am back doing research on front-load washers. Last week my parent's top-load washing machine died and now they are looking into purchasing a front-loader. They aren't alone. A recent study showed that 30% of washers sold in the United States last year were front-loaders. Front-load vs. top-load. How do you tell which washer is best for you? I recently made a list of pros and cons in regards to purchasing a front-loader. Take a look and see if it helps in your decision-making process:

Front-Load Washers (Pros and Cons):

Pro--Several models - notably Whirlpool's Duet - boast the ability to wash 20 pounds in one load. That's 16 pairs of jeans or 50 T-shirts. (My husband and I-combined-don't own that many pairs of jeans or t-shirts, but the idea that I could clean all that material excites me).

Pro--Uses less water, which lowers utility bills. A conventional top-load machine will hold 11 or 12 bath towels and use 45 gallons of water. A high-capacity washer will hold 22 bath towels and use 18 to 22 gallons. Front-loaders also spin clothes faster than a conventional top-load washer, extracting more water. This too translates into lower energy bills since a single load will require less time in the dryer.

Pro--Uses a wash process that is gentler on clothing. No agitator to rub and potentially weaken fabric. Manufacturers claim the tumbling action of a front-loader is actually gentler than hand-washing your clothes as the cleaning action consists of gently lifting clothes out of the water, and then dropping them back in, over and over.

Pro--Quieter operation-it creates less noise and vibration than a top-loader.

Con--Requires a special type of detergent made for front load machines. The high-efficiency detergents (which are recommended for best results in front loaders) cost more than the traditional types and might not be available everywhere.

Con-Front load-machines cost more. Prices vary, but expect to pay 30 percent to 40 percent more for a front-loader than you would for a comparable top-load machine. Some cost $1,000 or more, but you can find a few models in the $600 to $900 range.

Con-Some front loaders do not allow you to add an item once the cycle has started. So if you find a sock under the dresser shortly after you have started a load, you'll have to wait to wash it with another load.

Con--Cycle times for front-load washers tend to run a bit longer (60 to 80 minutes vs. 40 to 60 minutes for top-load).

Pros for sticking with your conventional top-load washer include:

· Price-Conventional top loaders cost about $300-$600.

· Proven Reliability-These machines have been around a lot longer than front loaders.

· Uses Regular Detergent.

· More models are available.

I have a few friends who own front-load washing machines and they have no complaints. I still have yet to make up my mind. Do you own a front-load washing machine? Would you recommend it to others?

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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