


It’s worth a look at the washer settings to determine what kind of fabrics the machine will be able to handle. Your washer might have room for that fitted silk sheet, but it doesn’t mean it can wash it gently enough. And while size matters, it’s hardly the only consideration. Among top load washers, the drum capacity can vary greatly, anywhere from 2-3 cubic feet up to 8 or more. Plan on doing a lot of sheets? You’ll want to start by considering a washer with high-load capacity. Not only does this save the environment, but it will also save you money on utility bills.Ĭash-saving perks aside, the type of laundry you do will likely determine the kind of washer you need. In the specific case of machines like the LG Efficiency Top Loading Washer, it means that a unit with this certification uses roughly 25% less electricity and 33% less water than comparable, non-certified washers. This EPA-backed rating establishes resource-saving standards for a variety of appliances. “The cycles are much longer but users feel their clothes and bedding are cleaner after the wait.”Īnother thing to look for if you’re concerned about your bill is Energy Star certification. “These washers have no agitator, so there’s less wear and tear on your clothing than a standard washer,” notes Vicki Liston, our home improvement expert. HE washers can also give your clothes a longer life. Just look for the “HE” designation on the label.) (It’s available in most stores and offered by most major brands. To compensate, machines that operate on a HE setting will need a corresponding HE laundry detergent that keeps the suds to a minimum. High Efficiency (HE) washers have settings that can reduce the volume of water in certain cycles. Thanks to new technologies, top loading washers can be plenty efficient. And even the water usage is a broad rule of thumb. The good news is, the wash cycle won’t take as long. No matter what method they use to stir things up, most top load washers are going to use more water than their front-loading counterparts. This has the obvious benefit of creating space for more clothes, and it generally handles fabrics more gently. Newer washers use an impeller, which is a low-profile hub at the bottom of the drum that agitates the clothes by shooting a cross-current up into the laundry. While some models still have this feature, the majority of top loaders have done away with the agitator. Historically, they’ve used a plastic spire called an agitator that sits in the middle of the drum, turning during the wash cycle with fins on it to help catch and tumble the clothes. On average, they can also handle more material per load, and they tend to run through their wash cycle at greater speeds.Īs the name implies, laundry is loaded into the machine’s cleaning drum through the top, with controls and display monitors on a panel toward the back. In general, between the two types of washers - top loading or front loading - top loaders tend to be less expensive. If you’re in the market for a top load washer, congratulations! You’re saving money already. It will be one of the appliances that gets the most use in your house, apart from maybe your dishwasher. And that’s why buying a washer may be the most important purchase you make. Let’s face it: Nobody likes to do laundry.
