Finding the right appliances for your home can make life a lot easier. When it comes to cleaning your clothes, not all washing machines are the same. With a top-loading washing machine, you can effectively wash your garments as quickly as possible with no hassle. There's never been a better time for anyone who hasn't yet added one to their laundry room. If you're interested in learning more, read on to discover the reasons to invest in a top-loading washing machine.
What Is a Top-Loading Washing Machine?
Standard top loaders use a central mixing mechanism called an agitator with blades that look like a propeller to move clothing from the top of the washing tub to the bottom. For the entire wash cycle, agitation, or movement, starts from the top to the base used to force water and detergent through clothing and remove any dirty substances clinging to them.
For high-efficiency top loaders, things are a bit different. These machines use a rotating device called an impeller at the bottom rather than the agitator in the center to clean clothing. While they may be a bit more expensive at first, they save you money in the long run, as they use less water than standard machines and can get clothes much dryer at the end of the cycle than you would typically expect.
Differences Between Top- and Front-Loading Machines
As the name implies, top-loading washing machines have their lid on the top of the appliance rather than on the side like a front-loading washing machine. Beyond that, there are several other key differences between these two types of washing machines, including the following:
- Top loaders can have clothes soaking in water for the length of the wash cycle, while the design of the front loader means that clothing doesn't all submerge simultaneously.
- Both a high-efficiency and front load machine use an impeller rather than an agitator, which means there is no propeller-like mechanism inside them.
- Washing cycles in front loaders are more extended, ranging between 1-2 hours or more. Cycle times for top-load washers typically range from 45 to 60 minutes.
Why Invest In a Standard Top Loader?
Whether you're replacing an old or faulty machine or designing your laundry room from scratch, there are many different reasons to invest in a top-loading washing machine. Here are some of the things to consider:
Ergonomic Design
For many people, the design of the top loader is perfect because you don't have to squat or bend your body down to access it. When you've got complications such as arthritis or joint pain, you can avoid having to put a tremendous amount of stress on your knees as you're cleaning and removing your clothing from the appliance. It's even easy to conveniently let your clothes basket rest on top of the machine while you're waiting, so you don't have to place it on the ground.
Affordable for Any Budget
The standard top-load design has been around since the early 1940s. Because of its longevity, manufacturers have had plenty of time to figure out the best ways to simplify manufacturing and delivery to make top loaders relatively inexpensive for any budget. Since virtually all repair people are familiar with the simplistic design and there are so many that have been produced, repair costs are also meager compared to a front loader, which is a bit more complex in design. If you're on a budget, a top loader will give your clothes a high-quality clean at a reduced cost.
Quickly and Easily Add Clothes Mid-Cycle
You're running around the house trying to deal with family issues and forgot to put all of your children's socks in the wash or stumble upon the pair of pants you need to wear tomorrow night. Luckily, it's a snap to put clothing in mid-wash without affecting the cycle or dumping water onto your shoes. Since the garments sit on the bottom of the washer, you just need to open the lid, place the articles of clothing inside, and let the washer do its thing.
Virtually Eliminate Mold and Odor
Mildew and mold will form in your front-load washer for reasons such as not using suitable detergent, filling it up with too much detergent or fabric softener, or if you leave the drum and gaskets damp between washes. You must make sure you're cleaning the interior parts regularly to prevent foul odors from happening. On the other hand, top loaders have virtually no odors as gravity helps clear all the water out of the machine between uses. Any excess moisture can easily escape since the door is not entirely sealed.
Benefits of a High-Efficiency Top Loader
High-efficiency top-load washing machines offer additional advantages over a standard top loader. Some of those advantages include the following:
Larger Capacity
While it is true that standard top loaders have slightly less space inside due to the agitator, a high-efficiency top-loader has no such issues. Some can even carry as much as a front loader while still cleaning clothing with the best performance.
Save Money On Utilities
High-efficiency washers use technology to minimize the amount of water and energy needed to complete a load of laundry. They can tell load size and fabric type through sensors inside the appliance and will use the exact amount of water required and the right temperature for each wash. That means you will save big on your future utility bills when you make the switch.
Dryer Clothes
While these types of machines tend to take a bit longer to wash than the standard top loader, they have the benefit of making your clothes much drier by the end of the cycle. Your clothes dry faster because they spin at a much faster speed and draw more moisture out of the fabric. You will need much less time in the dryer afterward and use less energy in the process.
When you’re ready to upgrade to a top-loading washing machine, the experts at Town Appliance can help you find exactly what you need. We make it easy and convenient to buy washing machines online and within our delivery radius—shipping is free! Our washers are extremely efficient and produce high-quality results. Feel free to contact us with any questions about our products.
