What load is the washing machine best with?

If you dive into the history of the appearance of washing equipment, the first machines were exclusively top-loading. Only after a while did washing machines with a hatch on the front wall appear. Today there are models of both the first and second types on the market. It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which machine with which load is preferable. Everything will depend on the situation. For example, for a narrow bathroom, a “vertical” is more suitable, but for installation in a furniture set, only a “front” is more suitable. How to choose between two types of equipment?

What is the difference between the two types of machines?

Front-loading washing machines have become more widespread in the household appliances market. In them, laundry is placed into the drum through a hatch provided on the front wall of the housing. Top-loading models are not that common, but there are plenty to choose from. To put things into such a machine, you will have to open two lids.

Laundry is easier to remove from a top-loading machine. Users do not have to bend down to remove items from the drum. It is for this reason that people with back pain often opt for vertical washing machines.

A few years ago, top-loading washing machines did not have a self-parking feature, which caused inconvenience to users. At the end of the cycle, the door could remain at the bottom; to get things out, you had to manually turn the tank. This action takes less than one minute, but for many it is really annoying. Modern models do not have this problem; the drum stands up straight after washing, its flaps remain at the top.

Almost all top-loading washing machines have the same body dimensions: width 40 cm, depth 60 cm, height 80-90 cm.

If we talk about front-facing washing machines, they come in different sizes. The design of the models may also differ radically. This is a big plus of horizontal loading machines.

Typically, front-facing washers are bulkier than top-loading washers. Although you can find small, medium, and large models in stores. The capacity of the device often depends on the dimensions of the case. You can load 10 kg of dry laundry into the largest “vertical” washing machine, and 15-16 kg of clothes into a horizontal washing machine. Of course, for everyday purposes the average family will need a 5-7 kg machine gun.

“Vertical” ones are better in the sense that they are less susceptible to vibration due to their design features. Such machines are more stable and do not “jump” around the room during the spin cycle. There is an opinion that top-loading machines break down less often, since they withstand the effects of centrifugal force more easily.

As for the functional “filling”, this does not depend in any way on the loading method. Both horizontal and vertical washing machines can be “stuffed” with various options and additions. Therefore, before you finally choose and buy a machine, be sure to compare the main characteristics of the models you like, namely:

• energy efficiency class;
• maximum possible spin speed;
• the number of washing modes recorded in the intelligence;
• washing class;
• possibility of drying;
• availability of technologies (EcoBubble, AddWash, etc.);
• equipped with a steam generator, etc.

Both types of washing machines can be either primitive in terms of functionality or advanced.Inexpensive models will be able to wash things on basic modes. Automatic machines in the middle and high price segments, both horizontal and vertical, will provide better and more careful care of things.

Case dimensions

When choosing a “home assistant”, the dimensions of the body are of great importance. The sizes of front-facing washing machines vary, both smaller and larger. However, it is worth understanding that for models with horizontal loading, you still need to take into account the size of the hatch opening, leaving room for the door to open freely.

In some front-facing vehicles, the hatch opens only 90-120 degrees; in more modern models, it opens 180 degrees. As for machines with vertical loading, they need to leave space at the top so that the lid can be lifted freely.

“Vertical windows” are usually standard in size, they are 40 cm wide, 60 cm deep, and 80-90 cm in height. The dimensions of “frontal windows” can be different - width from 47 to 60 cm, depth from 32 to 60 cm, height from 68 to 90 cm. Some models with horizontal loading type have a removable lid for embedding.

One of the disadvantages of the “vertical” is that you cannot store anything on its lid, since the panel has to be lifted every time you wash it. The “frontal” is easy to use as a shelf, and such machines can also be “hidden” under the sink or hung on the wall. However, if there is not at least 60-70 cm of free space left in front of the horizontal washing machine, then opening the hatch and loading/unloading things will be problematic.

The most convenient machine

It is very difficult to immediately answer the question of which type of washing machine is better. Everything will depend on the situation and the specific goals of the buyer.We can name only some advantages of horizontal and vertical loading washing machines.

It would be optimal to buy a top-loading washing machine if:

• there is very little space in the room for an automatic machine, and access to the device will be limited;
• there is a need to reload laundry during the cycle;
• there are small children in the family - when buying a “vertical” it will be difficult for them to reach the lid and interfere with the washing process;
• You need to wash no more than 10 kg at a time;
• there is no need to use the washing machine as a shelf;
• I don’t want to constantly bend over to unload laundry from the drum.

You should pay attention to a front-facing washing machine if:

• it is necessary to build the equipment into furniture or hide it under the sink;
• I don’t want to constantly have to deal with two “locks”, first lift the top cover and then open the drum flaps;
• the washing machine is planned to be used as a shelf;
• you need a machine of an unusual design, for example black or gray;
• More than 10 kg of clothes need to be washed at a time.

If we compare the cost of “front-loading” and “vertical” washing machines, which are similar in functionality, then horizontal-loading washing machines are cheaper.

If even after the listed advantages of each type of washing machine you still have doubts, then pay attention to the options that are of value to you. Having learned about the software “stuffing” of the machine, it will be easier to choose a specific model.

Which washing machine is more beautiful and easier to repair?

When looking for an answer to the question of which type of machine to choose, think about the maintainability of each type of equipment. Since both types of washing machines are common, repairing the equipment will not be particularly difficult.Our technicians calmly eliminate malfunctions on both front- and vertical-mounted systems. Components for top-loading machines are a little more expensive, but often the price difference is negligible.

If we talk about design, then the front models are more interesting. Therefore, when the interior is made in dark shades, it is better to choose a machine with horizontal loading; they come in both black and gray. The overwhelming majority of “verticals” are classic white, so they will fit into a light-colored environment.

For both vertical and front-facing washing machines, the tank can be made of either plastic or stainless steel. Therefore, this is not a fundamental factor when choosing a new “home assistant”. It is better to avoid buying washing machines with a polyplex tank - the material is extremely unreliable. But the carbon container will last a long time.

When choosing an automatic car, pay attention to the manufacturer.

Well-known brands care about their reputation, so they strive to produce the highest quality equipment. Also in this case, it will be easier to repair the machine under warranty - large companies try to fulfill their obligations on time.

Which washing machines cost more?

There is an opinion that vertical machines are more expensive than front ones. In fact, this is true, but sometimes exceptions are possible, everything will depend on the SMA model. Let's analyze the cost of different types of washing machines from one budget brand. Let's compare "Indesites" with top and horizontal loading.

Thus, the Indesit BTW A5851 (RF) vertical camera costs approximately $185. The functionality of the model is minimal. From the main technical characteristics:

• drum capacity – up to 5 kg;
• energy efficiency class – “A”;
• maximum spin speed – 800 rpm;
• 12 washing programs;
• noise level – up to 73 dB;
• complete protection against leaks.

The Indesit IWSD 51051 front washing machine has a similar description:

• maximum loading weight – 5 kg;
• energy consumption class – “A”;
• maximum spin – at a speed of 1000 rpm;
• 16 special washing modes;
• noise level – up to 76 dB.

At the same time, the front-facing model costs an order of magnitude cheaper – $135. In addition, it is equipped with a delayed start timer for up to 24 hours and a digital display. One of the minuses is the inability to lock the control panel from children.

These are budget models from a well-known company. If we compare machines from the middle price segment, for example, from the Electrolux brand, then, for example, the “vertical” PerfectCare 600 EW6T will cost $540. Its basic characteristics are:

• loading – up to 6 kg;
• energy efficiency class – “A+++”;
• spin – up to 1000 rpm.

The Frontalka Electrolux EW6F4R08WU with a maximum load of 8 kg, a similar energy consumption class and spin speed costs an order of magnitude cheaper - about $445. Therefore, the opinion about higher prices for “verticals” is completely justified.

When thinking about which washing machine to use, analyze all the nuances. Of course, the main factors when choosing remain the size of the machine, its capacity and software “stuffing”. It is equally important to look at the manufacturer and real reviews of people already using this model.

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