The Shift Towards Front-Load Washers

 Most countries are far ahead of the US in the wide spread use of front-load washers which accounts for around 90 percent in their markets. Although they comprise less than 10 percent of the American market, the trend towards front-load clothes washers is increasing due to consumers' awareness of the environmental footprint left by energy inefficient appliances.

Manufacturers are getting creative in their ways of enticing the consumer. They have added more bells and whistles with new features like a steam mode to boost cleaning, design elements that are gentler on clothes, a sanitize feature and the fighting action of silver ions to kill 99.9 percent of the bacteria in your dirty clothes.

Front-load washers unarguably use less water, detergent, and energy but of course they are not perfect for everyone. There are advantages and disadvantages to consider before rushing out and purchasing one.

Advantages

Front-load washers use only 16-25 gallons per load, which is about 40% the amount that top-loaders use. This can save as much as 7,000 gallons of water a year. Because they use less water, they also require less electricity to heat the water, resulting in more energy savings.

Since front-load washers use less water, they require less detergent. A low-sudsing detergent is required but uses only a tablespoon per load compared to a cup for top-loaders. The price of HE detergents is comparable with standard detergents.

Front-load washers spin at over 1000 rpm in American-made machines, and up to 2000 rpm in European models. This is considerably faster than the 600-700 rpm spin cycle on top-load washers. The result is that clothing comes out drier thereby reducing the drying time. This saves energy and helps the dryer keep pace with the washer during multiple-load washing.

The large capacity accommodates loads up to 30 percent larger than conventional top-load machines because there is no agitator to consume space. This allows plenty of room for large items such as several pairs of jeans, sleeping bags or comforters.

Front loading washers are by design gentler on clothing due to the tumbling action. As the drum turns, the gravity pulls the clothing to the bottom. Top loading washers have an agitator connected to a gearbox, which twists the clothing and rotates it from the bottom of the tub towards the top.

For those with limited space, some models allow the dryer to be stacked on top of the washer and fit into a bathroom or closet. Models with controls mounted on the front can be installed under counters.

Some states offer water and energy efficiency rebates or tax credits on the purchase of front loading machines.

Disadvantages

The price for a front-load washer is 30-40 percent more than an equivalent top-loading machine. So the initial cost of a front-loading machine is more expensive but if the machine is used for more than a couple of years, these initial costs are generally earned back with substantial energy, water, and detergent savings.

Vibration can become a problem for washers that are installed on second story floors instead of concrete basement flooring.

Even though the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent the smell of mold from accumulating are followed very closely, many owners complain that doing so is no guarantee.

Front-loaders have a hard time washing small loads because the effectiveness of tumbling and compression is proportional to the size of the wash load.

The length of time to complete a wash cycle is longer for front-load washer but the clothes come out with 7 percent less water moisture due to the high speed of the spin cycle. This means less time in the drier.

Finally, anyone with back problems should be aware that front-load washers are low to the ground requiring more bending over to retrieve the clothes. Manufacturers now offer bases that raise the washer, but at an additional cost.

As I walk through stores selling appliances, I see a larger selection of front-load washers on display and I have noticed the price steady declining into the more affordable range. I am of course a fan of any technology that decreases our environmental footprint by using less water and electricity. Therefore, if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, I would encourage anyone looking for a new washer to shop around for the many affordable front-loaders on the market today.



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