Certain electronic appliances have acquired an indispensable place in our lives today. These household must-haves are perfect for the modern consumer who is always pressed for time. An important appliance here is the washing machine, something that can be found in almost every urban Indian household.
Like everything else today, the washing machine marketplace is also crowded with choices – brands, function types, load-type, energy efficiency and several such parameters which are considered carefully by the consumer, before making a purchase.
A popular argument here rises in the top-load versus front-load debate, with proponents of both sides claiming that their choice is superior. In the past decade, front load machines seem to have caught up with the traditionally popular top-load models. What exactly is fueling this popularity? And if you’re looking to bring home a washing machine in 2021, should you get a front-load washing Machine ?
Reasons to purchase a front-load machine
– Easier on your clothes: One of the prominent concerns with machine washing your clothes regularly has been the wear and tear, and loss of quality of your clothes. Front load washing machines are known to be gentler on your clothes, leading to minimal wear and tear as compared to their top-load counterparts. Top load machines make use of a central agitator — wide rubber fins in the centre that spin during your wash. The strong movement of this agitator can damage the loose threads of your clothes, affecting their quality. Front-load machines function on their gravity-aided wash, making them much gentler on clothes.
– Larger loading capacity: Front-load machines can take a greater number of clothes in a single wash, making it easier for the user to run fewer wash cycles, and still sustain their wardrobe. This is suitable for people living alone or with nuclear families.
– Better add-on features: Although front load machines are more expensive than their top-load counterparts, the value offered by a front-loading machine increases because of the additional features it comes with. In an entry-level front-loading model, you can enjoy the benefits of a steam setting, a self-cleaning cycle, reversible washer doors for fully customizable laundry rooms, and more.
While these features are available in top-loading machines as well, they’re only found in premium models, making it difficult for the average consumer to avail them. For example, you can buy the latest front load Whirlpool washing machine that comes with SteamCare technology and Intellisense Inverter motor, both of which offer great value for money.
– More energy efficient: Front-load washing machines score highly on the water and energy efficiency front. They can run with just one-third the amount of water, detergent and power that is required to run a top load washer. Furthermore, while a top-load machine uses about 40 gallons of water per wash, front load machines use less than half of that for almost the same number of clothes. As consumers become environmentally conscious, and sustainability becomes the norm rather than the exception, front load machines are perfectly positioned to be the market’s popular choice.
– Logistical benefits: Front-load machines are well suited for compact spaces. They don’t require a designated laundry space, and can be made to fit in suboptimal locations like a closet or the top of your dryer. As an extension of having to operate in unique spots, they are also built to emit lesser noise during the spin cycle. Some front load washers feature vibration control, which stabilizes the internal drum, ensuring that your entire machine doesn’t rattle your floor during each wash cycle.
Reasons to avoid a front-load machine
– Greater initial cost: On the money front, front load machines will be a greater strain on your pocket. The cost of these machines is significantly higher than their top-loading counterparts. If you’re looking for a machine to serve only for a few years, then it is recommended that you avoid going for front-load models.
– Longer wash cycle: The absence of a central agitator in front load machines makes the cleaning process longer compared to top-loading machines. While the larger advantage here is lesser wear and tear on clothes, extremely long wash cycles may not be conducive for a last minute-wash emergency.
– Cannot add or remove anything once the wash starts: Front-load machines come with a blanket rule that no clothing item can be added or removed once the wash cycle starts. While this isn’t a major inconvenience per se, repeated encounters of this nature can significantly reduce the quality of the user’s experience.
Investing in a washing machine is not an overnight decision. It requires planning, scrutiny and evaluation of the choices available. The initial higher cost of a front load washing machine is more or less made up for by lower electricity, water usage and detergent costs attributed to the machine’s high efficiency.
Front-load machines have been found to be gentler on your clothes, come with larger loading capacities, and are more energy-efficient. They also bring in add-on benefits along with logistical ones. The higher cost and longer wash times are a few of the drawbacks faced by front load machines. Based on the pros and cons of bringing home a front-load machine, make a comprehensive decision with the right information.
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