So you're in the market for a new washing machine. As any appliance is a major investment, you have a big decision to make — one made more complicated by the fact that you have to decide between two distinct types of washing machines: a front-load vs. a top-load washer.
Front-loading washers are popular because they can be stacked in a small laundry room or even a closet, while top-load washing machines are less likely to develop mold and odors. But the path to finding a top-performing washing machine isn't quite that simple. There are a lot of other features to consider when shopping.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, our product analysts and cleaning experts have been testing washing machines of all types for more than a century, assessing everything from cleaning performance to the machine’s gentleness, water and energy usage, specialty cycles and more. To help inform your next big purchase, we leaned on our pros' years of collective hands-on experience and extensive testing data to break down the major benefits and disadvantages of front-load and top-load washing machines.
Top-load washers, at a glance
Maytag Top-Load 5.2 cu. ft. Capacity Agitator Washer
Whirlpool Top-Load Washer with 2-in-1 Removable Agitator
The more traditional of the two, a top-loader's drum sits vertically in the center of the machine. They may come with or without an agitator and bounce clothing under a water shower or swish items through water in the tub.
Pros of a top-load washer
- Requires less bending and is easier to load: A front-load washing machine requires the user to bend down to load and unload laundry. With a top-loader, you can stand while doing the laundry, leading to less back strain.
- Gentle on fabrics: Top-load washing machines may or may not have a center agitator. Those without agitators have larger tubs for larger loads and gently bounce clothing under a shower of water. Models with agitators in the center tend to be less expensive, but use the most water and may be a little less gentle on fabrics.
- Less likely to retain odors: Because the water in top loaders drains down and out of the machine, they're less likely to develop mold and odors. Still, it’s a good idea to clean the washing machine, particularly the tub and dispensers, about once a month.
Cons of a top-load washer
- Tub may be hard to reach: Some top-loading models are so deep that reaching in to grab the last garment can be challenging for shorter users.
- Less energy-efficient: Top-loading washing machines use more water than front-loaders, but there's good news: Newer, high-efficiency models are still rather energy efficient.
- Can't be stacked: If you're outfitting a particularly small space, this may mean a top-loader is out of the question.
Front-load washers, at a glance
LG Signature High-Efficiency Smart Front-Load Washer
GE UltraFresh Front Load Washer with OdorBlock
Over the last 20 years or so, front-load washers have become much more popular in the United States. These horizontal-axis machines tumble and drop clothing through a small pool of water in a center drum.
Pros of a front-load washer
- Can be stacked: If space is at a premium, a front-loading washing machine can be stacked with its matching dryer and placed in a closet, bathroom or any small space where water, electrical connections and venting are available. (Note: Non-venting dryers are becoming more widely available, and our preliminary tests show their performance rivals that of vented models.)
- More energy-efficient: Front-load washers use the least amount of water during each load, making them the more energy-efficient choice. The machine senses the weight and type of load, then tumbles clothes in a small pool of water.
- Can handle large items: A front loader can easily handle big, bulky items, like pillows, comforters and sleeping bags.
Cons of a front-load washer
- More susceptible to mold and odors: At the end of a cycle, water can often puddle in the door gasket of a front-load washer, dispensers and even the drum itself. This can lead to mold growth and odors. If you opt for a front loader, it's important to be diligent about cleaning the gasket and dispenser. We also recommend leaving the door ajar or drying the machine. There are some newer machines that have features like venting and Microban technology to help address this issue.
- Can vibrate loudly: Some front loaders tend to vibrate very loudly during the high-speed spin cycle.
- May need a pedestal: A front-loading washing machine requires the user to bend down to load and unload laundry. If the washer's manufacturer makes them, a pedestal (typically sold separately) that raises the machine several inches can help avoid back strain by making the door easier to reach. Some even offer storage space for laundry products.
Main differences between front-load and top-load washers
Cleaning performance
In our Lab tests, front-loading washing machines outperformed top-loaders, but only minimally. Our pros say you'd probably never know the difference — unless you regularly wash very large, heavily-soiled loads, since front-loaders are more equipped to handle and tumble especially large loads.
Energy and water usage
Today's top- and front-loading washing machines are both more energy-efficient than their predecessors, but front-loaders use less water, giving them the edge.
Price
In general, top-load machines are slightly less expensive than front-loaders, which tend to be packed with more pre-programmed cycles and smart features.
Which is better: a top-load or front-load washer?
Front-load washing machines performed slightly better in our Cleaning Lab tests, but both types clean so well that it's unlikely you'd notice a difference in your laundry. At the end of the day, it really comes down to personal preference.
Front-load washers typically require more maintenance to keep them mold- and odor-free, but are slightly more energy efficient and tend to come equipped with more smart washing machine features. Top loaders have a traditional design that’s low maintenance and easy to access without bending. On the downside, they can be actually be too deep for some smaller users. Also, remember: Only front-loading washing machines can be stacked with a dryer.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Carolyn Forté has been testing washers, dryers and other laundry room essentials, like laundry detergents and stain removers, for more than 40 years in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care & Cleaning Lab. She often consults with the appliance industry, especially washing machine manufacturers, about appliance testing protocols and consumer laundry habits. She also researches and writes our laundry how-tos and personally tests or oversees all testing done for the Cleaning Lab's product guides.
Brigitt Earley is a writer, editor and content creator with over 15 years of experience in the home and cleaning spaces. She's no stranger to laundry day, either — she runs clothes for a family of six through her front-loader just about every day of the week. She put together this explainer on front-load vs. top-load washers under Forté's guidance.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
