Front-load washers have modern looks and convenient, space-saving designs. They use less water than their alternatives, and they clean clothes more efficiently. However, from capacity issues to moisture problems, they also have their drawbacks. The following are several pros and cons of having a front-load washer.
Pro: They’re Better for the Environment
Front-loading washing machines use less water and less energy than top-loading designs. If you wash a lot of clothes, switching to a front-loader is an easy way to reduce the environmental impact on your household.
Pro: They Offer Excellent Agitation
Top-load washers offer mechanical agitation. Central posts called agitators move back and forth to loosen stains and disburse detergents. Front-loading washers, on the other hand, use gravity to mix detergents and break stains down. This allows for more effective cleaning overall.
Pro: Effective Spin Cycles Limit Drying Times
Among the many benefits of front-load washers is their ability to spin clothes until they’re nearly dry. With a front-loading washing machine, you’ll use your dryer a lot less. With shorter drying times and less cumulative wear, your dryer could last much longer and experience fewer problems over time.
Pro: Front-Load Washers Modernize Homes
Front-load washers have a fresh, modern look. They’re features that many renters and buyers look for when searching for new places to live. With their impressive energy and water savings, they’re perfect for eco-conscious consumers committed to reducing waste.
Con: You Can’t Add More Clothes After Starting a Wash
With a front-loading washing machine, you can’t toss more clothes in after a wash has already started. These appliances have secure, locking doors that keep water from seeping out. This can be a frequent source of frustration for larger families when stray socks and other articles of dirty clothing are discovered too late.
The tightly sealed doors of front-load washers also trap moisture when these appliances aren’t in use. Without careful maintenance, trapped moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors.
Con: They Require Smaller Loads
Front-loading washers have less capacity than top-loading models with larger drums. Although each wash in a front-loading machine will use less water and energy, larger families will need to run these appliances more frequently.
Con: They Require a Lot of Bending
If you have age-in-place seniors in your home or if you often struggle with lower back pain, you might want a top-loading model instead. Front-loaders require a lot of bending and lifting to get clothes both in and out. To compare, you can load a top-loading machine without bending at all.
Front-loading washing machines save water, energy, and space. They’re better at agitating and cleaning clothes than their alternatives, but their smaller capacity and locking doors may be a source of frustration for larger families. To shop our expansive selection of washers and dryers in Knoxville, TN, contact Pinpoint Appliance Repair today.