Washing machine: front-loading or top-loading? Which washing machine is better - top-loading or front-loading? What is better: a vertical washing machine or a horizontal one.

Facebook

Before you decide to buy an expensive item, you should collect more information about it. So this article will put everything in order and help you answer the question of which washing machine is best for you specifically.

Criterias of choice

When you come to the store and see dozens of different models of washing machines in front of you, you involuntarily get lost and for a long time cannot choose something specific. Then the price most often decides, but you want to make informed purchases and understand what you are buying and why.

Customer reviews on the Internet, ratings and reviews on specialized sites, for example, such as https://tehnokiev.com.ua/, will help you decide which washing machine is better.

You should resolve the following issues on land:

Which type of loading is preferable: vertical or frontal?
What volume is needed?
Where will it be located?
Are any special features needed?

Measure the place where you plan to place your purchase in advance so that you can go to the store with specific measurements. The standard dimensions of washing machines are 60x65x85, but there are exceptions. There are both little ones and real washing giants.

Consider where the drain will go: through a hose into the bathroom, sink, or it will be built into the sewer.

The functionality of 90% of models is the same; there are not so many distinctive functions. Some manufacturers offer a Children's clothing program, others have a Duvet, and still others offer Jeans. Even if the model you like does not have such sections, this does not mean that you cannot wash everything listed there. Just select the appropriate washing mode from those presented.

Now let’s look at the most difficult points, which usually confuse inexperienced housewives.

Which washing machine is better and more reliable: top-loading or front-loading?

To answer this question, you need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Vertical type

It was these machines that were the first to come to the Soviet market and were found in almost every apartment. However, now for some reason these beauties are chosen only in case of special needs, although they have a lot of advantages. Take a look for yourself:

Slender and petite. Such models are usually much narrower than their opponents, so they are ideal for even the smallest bathrooms;
The lid opens upward, thereby saving space in the room, the hatch does not block the passage;
The control panel is also located on top, so it will be difficult for a naughty child to click something unnecessary;
Many models have the ability to add laundry even during washing.

Speaking about the shortcomings, we highlight the following:

Smaller range compared to horizontal devices;
Higher cost;
The slimness of such models is achieved by increasing the height. So they are significantly higher than conventional washing machines;
Inability to build into countertops and use the top surface as a shelf.

Front loading

You can really find a lot of such home helpers in any hardware store - there is a choice in price, color, and functionality. What are their advantages?

Large assortment, better price;
Possibility of installation under a countertop or sink;
The top cover can serve as a stand for bath or washing supplies.

We will also discuss the weaknesses:

Dimensions. They require significantly more space in the bathroom for themselves;
During a breakdown, water often pours out through the hatch onto the floor. In particular, this happens when the gasket that serves to seal the drum becomes outdated;
Inability to download forgotten items while the process is running.

As you can see, all this does not affect the quality of washing, but only design preferences. So it would be wise to be guided, first of all, by the size of your bathroom.

Deciding on the volume

How much capacity do you need? This is one of the first questions you will hear from a sales consultant in a household appliances showroom.

The volume of the tank is measured in kilograms of dry laundry that it can accept in one cycle. The minimum capacity is 3.5 kg, such units are suitable for bachelors and small families.

Average machines are ready to wash 6 kg at a time. This will be enough for married couples with children. Considering that one double set of linen weighs approximately 2 kg, you can also add baby accessories or towels to it.

If you plan to wash bulky blankets, pillows and outerwear, consider devices with a capacity of 7 kg or more.

Please note that the cost of the unit will increase with the appetite of its tank.

Each of the main “breeds” of household washing machines, bred by designers over the last hundred years, has chosen a specific habitat.

In Europe, and on other continents, front-loading washing machines have become widespread (Fig. 1). When you enter any home appliance store, you will immediately notice them: the glass “eye” of the loading hatch on the front wall of the machine looks at you, urging you to open the hatch and fill the drum with laundry. It is probably thanks to this glass window that many buyers choose the “front-facing”: they are driven by the desire to see the laundry spinning in the drum and the water splashing. Indeed, for the first few washes it is difficult to tear yourself away from this spectacle. Apparently, the well-known saying that a person can endlessly watch how a fire burns and how water flows should be supplemented with the words “... and how a front-loading washing machine works.” However, after several washes, the enthusiasm of the owner of a new car gradually subsides; watching the drum rotate becomes boring. And water in modern machines splashes only at the rinsing stage, since at the washing stage its consumption is minimized. The constant attempts of washing machine developers to make the washing process extremely economical and to ensure that the water meter counts as few liters as possible seem to have brought the evolution of machines to a natural limit, when it is hardly possible to spend less water on washing. It is no coincidence that one of the largest European manufacturers recently attracted customers with a retro-style slogan: “We wash with water again.”

Rice. 1. 1 — control panel, 2 — detergent dispenser hopper, 3 — loading hatch door, 4 — drum, 5 — trap filter cover

We will talk in more detail about how a front-loading type of washing machine works and what its individual components are intended for, but for now we will look at another popular type of washing machine - with a top loading of laundry (Fig. 2). Such models are also very popular in Europe, especially in France. Instead of “top” loading, they sometimes say “vertical”, and for simplicity the machines themselves are called “verticals”.

Rice. 2. 1 - top cover, 2 - control panel, 3 - detergent dispenser, 4 - drum, 5 - top cover latch, 6 - trap filter cover

Top-loading machines do not have a window through which you can view the rotation of the drum. To load laundry, there are flaps on the side of the drum that are locked with a light mechanical lock (Fig. 3). To open the drum flaps, you need to press the lock button with a little force (Fig. 4). In “advanced” models of top-loading washing machines there are devices due to which the drum stops with the flaps facing up after the wash is completed. This is convenient - you do not need to turn the drum manually to remove the laundry. Such devices are called drum parking systems (brand names “Drum Up” for Whirlpool machines, “Posistop” for Gorenje machines, “Stop loading” for Candy machines).

Rice. 3. 1 - doors, 2 - lock, 3 - shaft

Rice. 4. Opening the drum doors

Frontal or vertical?

Both the “front” and “vertical” have a perforated drum with laundry in a tank of water. But in a front-loading machine, the shaft on which the drum rotates is only available on its rear bottom, since the drum simply does not have a front bottom - laundry is loaded into the drum through the front end. And a top-loading machine has two shafts, symmetrically located on both sides of the drum. How significant is this difference? Doesn't the cantilever mounting of the front drum lead to increased vibrations during operation, excessive load on the shaft bearing and its premature wear? Numerous laboratory tests do not confirm these concerns. Machines of both types - both front-loading and top-loading - have the same service life, and the different method of attaching the drum does not have any decisive influence.

This is just one of the many doubts that arise when choosing a washing machine. Which is better - front loading of laundry or vertical loading?

Each type of washing machine has its pros and cons. Let's start with the geometry of the body. Front-facing machines (with the exception of compact ones, such as Eurosoba, Candy Holiday and others, 46 cm wide) have a width of 60 cm, and a depth - from 60 cm for full-size machines to 42-45 for narrow and even up to 32-35 cm for ultra-narrow models . The top cover of the body of such machines is flat (all controls are located in the front), and can serve as a tabletop for placing any small utensils that are available in the bathroom - a basin with linen, etc.

With a machine in which laundry is loaded from above, this trick will not work: firstly, the control handles are located at the top, and secondly, the top cover of the machine must be lifted twice during washing - when loading laundry into the drum, and when unloading it. But during these operations you will not have to bend down as low as in the case of frontal loading: after all, the flaps for loading laundry at the “vertical” drum are located a little higher than the hatch of the frontal machine.

In “constrained circumstances” of placing the machine, the decisive argument in favor of the “vertical” may be, firstly, its dimensions: width 40 cm, depth 60 cm, as well as the fact that there is no need to have a reserve of space to open the loading hatch. In short, the decision to choose the type of washing machine should be made literally based on the “circumstances of the place.” Neither the set of functions, nor the efficiency of washing or spinning, one type of machine dominates over another.

By country and continent

In addition to the usual European-type machines, there are other top-loading washing machines, which are rare in our latitudes. On the American continent, for example, large washing machines with a vertically positioned drum, in the center of which there is an activator, are very popular (Fig. 5). Linen, which can be placed in such a machine up to 8...10 kg, is loaded into the drum from above (Fig. 6).

Rice. 5. 1 — control panel, 2 — drum, 3 — activator, 4 — drain pump, 5 — electric motor

Washing machines with a vertical drum and top loading are also popular in Asian countries (Fig. 7). These cars are not as spacious as American ones and have a different type of activator. Many models of “Asian” machines have an air bubble generator: millions of them, collapsing, destroy contaminants on the surface of the fabric.

Rice. 7. 1 - top cover, 2 - bleach compartment, 3 - washing powder compartment, 4 - filter catcher, 5 - drum, 6 - control panel, 7 - activator

Nowadays, there is probably no country where one or another type of washing machine is not used. Traditions give way to technical innovations, and even in those corners of the planet where just a few years ago they generally washed clothes in the nearest river or pond, today you can find the most modern washing machine.

Which washing machine is better, front loading or top loading? — This question arises, for example, among a newly-made family that has acquired its own home, or among other residents of cities and villages whose old washing machine has “decided to live for a long time.” If you have had a front-loading machine, you might wonder: “What if top-loading is more convenient? More durable?“ If you had a vertical washing machine, on the contrary, you might think: “Or maybe the front washing machine washes better? Maybe it will fit better into the interior?”

To come to the store and spend your honestly earned money on “the very best of the best washing machines in the world,” you need to familiarize yourself with the features of front-loading and top-loading washing machines. This article will help you understand the important nuances of choosing this technique.

Price and manufacturers

In order to compare prices for horizontal-loading washing machines and vertical washing machines, you need to take two machines from the same manufacturer, the same washing class, designed for the same number of kilograms of laundry and so that other parameters are similar.

Whatever one may say, equipment with vertical stacking of laundry is much more expensive. But does this mean that it will last longer and wash better? Unfortunately no.

The price is increased by the features of the factory assembly, and not by any additional benefits. The “famous” brand also significantly affects the cost. If a vertical one is right for you and you trust only well-known manufacturers (Bosch, and others), then you will have to spend a lot of money. A front-loading machine will cost a little less.

Choosing a washing machine. Which is better, vertical or front loading?

The compartment for storing dirty laundry in vertical and front-loading washing machines is located on different sides, respectively. Therefore, their internal structure is also different.

Front Load Washing Machine:

The linen feed hatch is located in the center of the front wall. It has a diameter of 23 to 33 cm and can open to a width of 90 to 180 degrees.
Above the door there is usually a control panel - buttons or a touch screen.<
The hatch has a transparent window through which you can see the entire washing process. It is unlikely that anyone will have the desire to sit for an hour and a half in front of a machine and watch with emotion how things spin in the drum. But there is still a plus in having a window. If an item that is not intended for washing is lost in a pile of dirty clothes (a wallet forgotten in a trouser pocket or a doll that your child “hid”), then you can stop the washer at the beginning of the cycle and take it out.
When the program starts, the door is locked with a special lock. That is, you will not be able to open it at any time. The door will unlock automatically after the wash is completed or when the machine is turned off.
Between the drum and the hatch there is a rubber seal (cuff) that prevents water from penetrating out. It is quite strong and durable, so it takes a lot of effort for the seal to fail.
When loading laundry, you will have to bend or squat in front of the machine. For most, this is not a problem, but for the elderly or people with sore legs or spine, this is a significant disadvantage. This detail is worth thinking about when choosing an automatic car.

Important! When choosing such a washing machine, in order not to make a mistake on quality, use ours.

Top loading washing machine

This device has a slightly different design:

The hatch for loading and unloading laundry is located on top. When it is folded back, we see a drum located horizontally, on which there is another hatch with a simple mechanical lock. The laundry gets into the washing compartment through it.
The big advantage is that you don’t need to “bow” to this technique. It's quite convenient to load laundry, although, frankly, you still have to bend down if you need to get socks or a T-shirt that are at the bottom of the drum.
On older models, the drum door is not always opposite the top hatch. You will have to scroll it to the desired position manually. Although in newer models this problem has been eliminated - manufacturers have added a “drum parking” function.
Of course, there is no window through which the washing process is visible, but you can add laundry while the machine is running (for example, socks that were suddenly found under the bed), without water spilling on the floor.
The control panel can be located on the side or on the top cover, and the detergent dispenser can be located under the cover.

Important! Use the ready-made review of such models to make the right choice. Click on the link with a separate article.

Dimensions

This question is of key importance when choosing which washing machine is better - vertical or frontal.

Front washing machine

Automatic front-loading washing machines can have different dimensions:

full-size: width - 60 cm, depth - 60 cm, height - from 85 to 90 cm, designed for 5-7 kg of laundry.
narrow: width - 60 cm, depth - from 35 to 40 cm, height - from 85 to 90 cm, designed for 3.5-5.5 kg of laundry.
very narrow: width - 60 cm, depth from 32 to 35 cm, height from 85 to 90 cm, designed for 3.5-4 kg of laundry.
compact: width from 47 to 50 cm, depth from 43 to 45 cm, height from 68 to 70 cm, designed for 3 kg of laundry.

You can choose the model that is suitable in size for your room.

Important! At the same time, do not forget that there should be free space in front of the machine for unhindered opening of the door and loading of laundry.

Additional advantages and opportunities:

The upper part of the machine can be used as a shelf for storing, for example, bath towels.
And if the equipment practically does not vibrate during washing, then you can place shampoos, shower gels, and tubes of cream on it.

Important! Many people embedfront loading washing machinesin kitchen furniture. This is also very convenient, especially if the bathroom is small.

When choosing, you should also take into account the expected washing volumes: there are models in front-facing machines that can accommodate up to 12 kg of dry laundry. Vertical ones allow you to load a maximum of 7 kg.

Vertical washing machine

Top-loading washing machines are usually 80-85 cm high, 40 cm wide, and 60 cm deep. It turns out that they are narrower than front-loading ones and more compact. In this case, there is no need for free space in front of the car, since the hatch opens from above.

This technique is an excellent choice for apartments with a small area, where every centimeter is worth its weight in gold.

Important! Such models are not often built into kitchen furniture, as it is not very convenient.

You cannot use such a machine as a shelf for bath accessories. But you can place this technique end-to-end in any corner.

Important! Most models have wheels under the bottom. This is convenient if you need to move the car to another place or simply clean up the dust behind it.

Service life and repair. Which washer is better: vertical or horizontal?

Practice shows that if you choose equipment from a reputable manufacturer, then front-facing and vertical-facing cameras last the same long time.

Important! Ifwashing machine - frontal or vertical, assembled with high quality, it will not vibrate during operation. The quality of washing is also no different - both types wash perfectly. Here you just need to pay attention to the technical data on the parameter when choosing a suitable model.

However, there are some nuances that may be useful to you in deciding which washing machine is better - front-loading or top-loading:

Previously, there was an opinion that vertical models were less likely to fail due to their design. Their drum is located horizontally and rests on two symmetrically located shafts. Allegedly, this fact suggests that the drum is more stable during operation and therefore lasts longer. But in modern front-facing washing machines, the design is also very well thought out; there is an automatic laundry balancer, so the drum does not loosen too much during washing and spinning.
It is impossible to say that some type breaks down faster. As for the cost of repairs, it must be said that putting the vertical in order will cost a little more, since repairs are more difficult, because the parts are very close to each other, and the spare parts themselves are more expensive.
If the vertical model breaks during the washing process, you will be able to remove the laundry without spilling water on the floor, which cannot be said about front-facing models. If they break down, then water leakage is more than likely.

Important! Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and all types of machines break down without exception. Therefore, when purchasing, try to consider whether there is a service center of the selected manufacturer in your locality.

Design and variety of models

If the space in your apartment allows you to choose any model of automatic washing machines, then of course front-facing machines have an advantage. All manufacturers have a model range to suit every taste and budget - from classic, modest white cars to futuristic bright ones with touch panels.

Important!Horizontal loading washing machinesoccupy 85% of all models on the market. But vertical models make up only 15% of the market.

Almost all brands can offer a vertical type of washing machine, but in appearance they are not very different from each other. These are simple, reliable “helpers”.

How to choose a washing machine?

In order to make a choice in favor of the model that is truly right for you, it is worth considering the following important aspects:

Decide on the location of the washing machine. If there is enough space, then choose any model you like. But if space is limited, then a vertical machine will definitely suit you better.
Think about whether it is important for you to have an inspection hatch and whether you need an additional shelf in the bathroom? If yes, then you need to buy a front-loading machine.
If you have small children and, after turning on the wash, there are constantly new soiled things in all the nooks and crannies of the apartment, then the vertical model is perfect. You can add more laundry to the machine at any time.

The money question: if you are not short on funds, then choose any model, but if the budget is limited, then a front-facing washing machine will cost you less, and subsequent costs if repairs are necessary will be lower.

Video material

When choosing a suitable model of an automatic machine, rely on the above points, since the quality of washing, service life and ease of use do not differ significantly.

Currently, everyone has the opportunity to choose the equipment that suits them not only in price, but also in appearance.

Deciding which washing machine is the best is almost impossible, because each of them is special, with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Let's decide in this article which washing machine is the best.

Studying visual parameters

Modern manufacturers take into account the small space in the bathroom, and in the household appliance market you can often find small machines with great functionality.

Depth and loading

It will be narrow (no more than 45 cm) or standard (from 55 cm). To do this, you need to choose a place where it will stand, and also understand what you will wash.

When looking for an assistant, it is important to know the parameters that you need to focus on when choosing.

Most machines have drums with a load of no more than 6 kg, but if you plan to wash a lot or pillows and blankets, then it is more advisable to purchase a machine with a capacity of 7 kg or more.

Super narrow machine with a loading capacity of up to 4 kg and a spin speed of 1000 rpm.

Korean model is not far away LG F – 12U2HFNA with a wide range of possibilities.

Overview of top loading machines

Top-loading machines first appeared in Soviet times. Ideal and indispensable equipment for small apartments. Today they are no less popular than front-loading machines.

Significant advantages include:

The following are considered disadvantages:

low cost;
lack of design refinements;
lack of spare parts, which affects the cost of repairs.

What are the best vertical washing machines?

...spin

It indicates the number of revolutions and which spin in the washing machine is better depending on your preferences.

At 1500 rpm, the laundry comes out with a moisture content of less than 45% and corresponds to the letter A.

At such speeds, things are almost dry, but their appearance is often lost and you have to work hard to iron the product.

Each company has its own consumers and the answer to the question: “Which company’s washing machine is better?” - not easy.

For example, Bosh has good build quality, Samsung has additional features, Indesit has an affordable price.

Additional functions

There are a lot of them, but the main ones are useful and can come in handy, for example:

control system (presence of sensors for water quality control, child protection, etc.);
Aqua Stop leak protection (necessary and practical, it will save your neighbors from flooding and is available on almost all modern cars);
direct drive (the drum is driven by a motor, not a belt);
Eco bubble (more effective removal of dirt by dissolving the powder before washing);
delayed start.

Price

It can be very cheap, a little more expensive and quite expensive.

Mechanical or electronic control

Mechanical control involves manual switching of modes. This type is simple, but less functional.

With electronic control, the car is more complex, but also more independent. She will weigh it herself, collect the water herself, pour in the powder and calculate the washing time. After this, the display will display all the data and inform the “brain” about the washing parameters.

But not everything is so smooth, the machine will not work correctly except on a 220 volt network.

Buying a washing machine is a responsible and serious matter. After all, not many people can afford to change it every couple of years. Usually this is a purchase for many years.