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We’re used to seeing them in laundromats. They’ve been popular in European homes for years. Now front loading washing machines are becoming very fashionable in American homes.
Front-loaders are sometimes referred to as horizontal-axis washers or H-axis washers, and typically use less water and less energy than top -loaders – from one-third to one-half the amount. This is why.
In a conventional top-loader, the tub fills with water and all the clothes are kept wet. The water is swirled around by the agitator to clean the clothes. The front-loader, however, uses less water because the tub itself rotates, and the clothes tumble in the tub – rise above the water, fall into the water, rise above, fall into (think laundromat). |
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While the initial price of a front-loader is generally more expensive than the traditional top-loader or vertical-axis machine, it will save you money in the long run. First, it uses less water, and about 80%-85% of the energy used for washing clothes is for heating the water. Also, since the machines spin quicker, the clothes get tossed more, so they are dryer when they come out of the washer. It will cost you less energy to dry them.
Aesthetically, a front-loading laundry pair is more visually appealing. Plus, since you don’t need access to the top, a counter can be placed over the appliances, for a fantastic built-in look that ties everything together.
In addition, laundry is moving upstairs – sometimes as the only set, sometimes as an additional set. A front loader is the perfect size to move to the bedroom or hall closet – to be used side-by-side or stacked vertically with its dryer counterpart. |
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