Front-Load Washing Machines

To give you an idea of the difference in energy efficiency, consider that front load clothes washers have EnerGuide labels ranging between 121 kWh to 312 kWh. In comparison, some conventional top-load washing machine models reach as high as 1011 kWh.

One advantage of the front load machine is its gentle cleaning method. While conventional “top-load” washing machines suspend clothes in a tub of water and pummel them with a central agitator, front load machines repeatedly tumble fabrics through a small amount of water in the bottom of the receptacle, with no agitator.

Aside from gentler cleaning, a key benefit to this method is the reduction in water and energy use. A typical conventional mode of washing will use about 33 gallons (151.4 litres) of water per load for the cleaning and rinsing process. Front load washers use about one-third as much water and require about 65 per cent less energy to heat the water during the cleaning and rinsing process.

Gentle cleaning and the ability to conserve energy and water are not the only attractive benefits of front-loader machines. Other benefits include:

• Less detergent is used. Decreased water use helps your detergent go the extra mile, as fewer suds are necessary for each load.
  
  
• Reduced drying time. Front-load washing machines turn much faster during the spin cycle, extracting more water from fabrics and reducing costly drying time.
  
  
• Space savings. With the option to purchase a model that stacks onto the dryer, frontload washing machines are practical for apartments and small homes with limited space.
  
  
• Less noise. With no agitator, the only sound you hear is the whir of the spin cycle.
  
  
• Front-load washing machines generally cost more than the conventional top load machines but offer a payback through reduced energy, water and detergent use.