A washing machine today is not a luxury item, but a simple necessity. The popularity of these designs is increasing every day, which leads to the appearance of a large number of them.
Upon purchase washing machine There are many nuances to consider. You can find out how to do this correctly on the website https://y.ua/stiralnye-mashiny/vertikalnaya/c10114/f=808:6887/.
Let's start the comparison
Front-loading and top-loading washing machines are very common today. But not everyone knows how they differ from each other. To understand which one is better, you should evaluate several parameters:
- price. Vertical models are slightly overpriced compared to their front-facing counterparts. This is due to the fact that such a structure is a little more difficult to assemble;
- download type. Front-facing vehicles are equipped with a hatch, which is located on the side. Open lid At the same time, it takes up additional space.
The advantage of vertical models is that you don’t have to bend over to load laundry. These systems also allow the drum to be refilled with laundry even in the middle of a wash cycle. This functionality is not available in front-facing models, since the lid is locked with a magnetic lock.
Some nuances
Front-facing and vertical washing machines have several more distinctive features:
- Dimensions. Frontal models are available in various sizes, which allows you to choose them to suit any style and amount of laundry. At the same time, in such designs the top shelf remains free, which allows you to place light items on it. The dimensions of the vertical modifications are not so varied. But at the same time, they are much more compact than their front-facing models. One of the disadvantages of vertical systems is that no more than 7 kg of laundry can be put into such a machine. Frontal systems of some modifications can operate with a weight of up to 12 kg.
- Service life and maintenance. There is no clear leader here. High-quality machines of both types will last a long time and reliably. But repairing a vertical model will cost slightly more. This is also due to their design features.
- Design. Here we should highlight front-facing washing machines, since their variety is very huge. Manufacturers present products in both classic white color and unique systems complemented by touch panels, etc.
When choosing a washing machine, you should evaluate its functionality and your needs.
Our author Nastya is an expert on washing machines. Therefore, everyone who plans to purchase household appliances turns to it. Recently, our proofreader asked her to explain the difference between a horizontal-loading and a top-loading machine. And she asked which one would be better for her. Nastya told everything in great detail. And then I decided to write a separate article. Perhaps one of the readers will have a similar question.
Differences between vertical and frontal machines
Vertical and frontal machines have several significant differences according to the following criteria.
Required space, dimensions
Depending on their size, horizontal loading washing machines can be divided into four types: full-size, narrow, ultra-narrow and compact. Height and width first three the groups are the same, but the depth can be from 32 to 60 centimeters. Compact machines are distinguished by the fact that they can be installed under the sink (height up to 70 centimeters).
Vertical machines cannot offer such a variety of sizes: their height reaches 80-85 centimeters, depth - 60, and width about 40.
But they have one undeniable advantage: when loading laundry, there is no need to use space on different sides of the appliance, so such a machine can be squeezed even into a small corner in the kitchen.
Top-loading and full-size front-loading machines can hold from 5 to 7 kg of laundry. The narrow ones fit from 3.5 to 5.2 kg, and the ultra-narrow ones can only fit 3.5-4 kg of clothes. Compact machines can withstand no more than 3 kg.
Hatch location and convenience
Clothes are placed in a top-loading machine through the hatch, which is located under the top cover. This hole must be closed during washing. In models with horizontal loading, the hatch is located on the front of the machine.
In front models, the hatch is protected by a glass window, which is tightly locked with a clamp when washing begins. You can open it only after the process is completed. Additional fixation is provided by a cuff and rubber seal. It prevents water from leaking out. The larger the hatch, the more convenient it is. They range from 23 to 33 centimeters in diameter. The opening angle of the hatch can be different: in inexpensive models it reaches only 90 or 120 degrees.
In vertical models, the drum is most often located in a horizontal position; it is secured by two symmetrical shafts. Unloading and loading clothes into such a drum occurs in two stages: first you need to open the external hatch, and then the doors with a mechanical lock. In inexpensive models, they are often not on top, and you have to turn the drum manually to open it. More expensive analogues are equipped with an automatic adjustment system.
There are also models with a horizontal drum and no hatch, but they are almost not common in Russia. Their main convenience is that you can add laundry to the drum during washing.
Practicality and convenience
Neither appearance models or drum design do not significantly affect the quality of washing and spinning of the material.
In vertical models, the control panel is on the same side as the hatch. To the left of it is a compartment for detergents, divided into three parts: for powder, liquid and conditioner. It can be easily taken out for cleaning at any time. The upper part of such a machine can be used as a shelf or mounted under a countertop in the kitchen, because it is not equipped with functional elements.
In vertical models, the controls are located on the top or side, and the detergent dispenser is located under the lid. Their disadvantage is that it will not be possible to use its upper part as additional workspace. But you can build it into furniture, you just need an additional structure for tilting top panel.
Service life
It is believed that front-facing models fail more often because they have only one shaft in their design. Consequently, the load on the bearing is much higher, and it becomes unusable faster. This is a misconception; modern models are equipped with a well-thought-out auto-balancing system, so they do not become loose during washing.
Both types of machines break down with the same frequency, but repairing a vertical model will cost a little more, because the spare parts themselves cost a lot. But if during the washing process a breakage is discovered in the vertical model, you will be able to remove the laundry from it without the risk of flooding the floor with water.
Which machine to choose
There are several nuances that will help determine which washing machine is best for your apartment. Determine where you want to put it and take measurements of the free space. Decide whether to use the surface of the machine as a shelf, whether it should be built into the kitchen unit or placed under the sink.
Is it important to have an inspection hatch and a laundry program? Calculate your finances. Front-facing models are significantly cheaper.
Finally, consider the issue of safety: remember that water will not pour out of a vertical machine, but the front device can flood your neighbors, and it is forbidden to open it yourself until the technician arrives.
Nastya tried to examine in as much detail as possible the differences between different models of washing machines. If you still have questions, you can send them to us through the feedback form.
On the household appliances market you can see a huge number of different types of washing machines. Every consumer wants the chosen model to please with quality, functionality and appearance. When buying a machine, many find it difficult to decide which loading is better - frontal or horizontal. But a definite answer cannot be given, since any technique has advantages.
How to decide on the model of a household appliance
Which washing machine is better to buy - top-loading or front-loading? Initially, models were manufactured with a vertical loading system. Later, devices began to appear in which the hatch was located not at the top, as usual, but at the front.
It is impossible to say exactly which car is better, because when buying you will need to take into account many nuances.
Installation location
This question is especially relevant for those who have small living space. You will need to make accurate measurements so that later you do not encounter a situation where the device simply does not fit into the opening intended for it.
In small rooms it is better to install a vertical washing machine. If space allows, you can take front-loading equipment. Moreover, it is often installed under work surfaces in the kitchen.
Device reliability
It is believed that the vertical model is safer. If a breakdown occurs, water will not end up on the floor, as happens when a front-facing washing machine breaks down. But in general, modern household appliances are quite reliable. The main thing is to use them correctly.
Manufacturer
The company that manufactures the washing machine is important. A manufacturer that values its name produces high-quality models. Accordingly, you will have to pay more for good equipment.
Price
Front-loading machines are more often purchased due to their affordable cost. Vertical models are often more expensive.
To finally decide whether a top-loading or front-loading washing machine is good, remember:
- spin speed;
- efficiency class;
- dimensions;
- the presence of a drying function;
- the material from which the tank is made;
- type of management;
- warranty obligations.
Characteristics of cars with a hatch at the top
The demand for a washing machine, which features a vertical loading, is not as great as for front-loading models. But this does not mean that the device is not worth attention. It has advantages due to which buyers prefer to choose a model with vertical loading.
This washing machine attracts:
- small dimensions;
- the ability to reload laundry while the machine is operating;
- no need for additional space to open the door.
But no matter how good the machine is, it will have some disadvantages:
- Price. Top-loading machines have a higher price compared to similar front-loading machines.
- Inability to place equipment under a countertop or sink.
According to reviews, vertical machines are more practical, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities, because washed items are more convenient to get out.
Features of devices with a front hatch
Choosing a good washing machine that loads clothes through the front hatch is quite simple. You can see many models in stores, one of which you will definitely like.
Similar devices differ:
- affordable prices;
- possibility of installation in the space under the kitchen countertop or sink;
- lower height for some models.
Many buyers believe that it is better to buy such equipment, especially if it is manufactured by a well-known company.
However, the model also has negative sides:
- Front-mounted machines have larger dimensions.
- Enough free space is required to open the door.
- When the laundry is in the wash, it is not possible to add any additional items.
Popular models
Which brand is better for a top-loading washing machine? An important criterion when purchasing a device is its capacity. That is, a person must know how much laundry he can load at a time.
There are many vertical-type equipment that differ in this parameter. For example, among models up to 5 kg, a machine from Indesit is considered good, and up to 6 kg – Zanussi, Gorenje or Bosch.
Which brand is better for a front-loading washing machine? Judging by the reviews, Siemens, LG, Bosch, and Zanussi equipment are popular.
When making your choice, you should always pay attention to the various parameters of the devices. What is ideal for a spacious room will be inappropriate in a small apartment.
When choosing a washing machine, you must first decide on the dimensions and type of load - in the kitchen or in the bathroom. If there is little space in the bathroom, placing a washing machine in the kitchen can be an excellent solution, as it will allow you not to limit yourself when choosing.
Based on the type of loading, there are models with vertical and front loading.
Vertical washing machines are smaller in width, for example, H*W*D - 90-85*40*60 cm, but are almost as spacious as full-size front-loading washing machines.
Front washing machines come in full size (H*W*D - approximately 85*60*60 cm), narrow (with reduced dimensions in depth, depending on the model, H*W*D - 85*60*32-45 cm) and compact - for installation under the sink (H*W*D - 67-70*51*45 cm).
The most widely represented on the modern market are full-size front-loading washing machines. As a rule, they are designed for a maximum load of 5 kg (cotton), although there are models with the ability to load up to 7 kg of laundry. Accordingly, the loading capacity for synthetics is 50% of the maximum load, and for wool - 25%. Usually a full drum is not filled very often, and besides, it is quite difficult to find a lot of the same type of laundry for a full load.
However, a full load of 5 kg is used from time to time, for example, for washing large items. For regular regular washing, you can load any smaller amount of laundry into the drum, even a couple of socks at a time. Note that if you have enough space for a large washing machine, it is better to buy a full-size model: they are not limited in the choice of options, are more resistant to vibration during spinning, have a larger drum volume and are cheaper than their narrow and compact counterparts.
Slim front-loading washing machines are usually a good choice if installation space is limited. And if there is none at all, they choose compact machines - they can be installed under the sink. When choosing small washing machines, pay attention to ensure that their loading parameters match your washing volumes. Thus, among narrow models you can find washing machines with a maximum load of 3 - 5 kg.
Vertical washing machines retain all the advantages big loading, but at the same time they are smaller in width than front-facing machines and can significantly save space. This is also facilitated by the flexibility of installation, since the upper location of the lid and control panel of a vertical washing machine allows them to be placed against the wall on either side (unlike the front ones, when placing which it is necessary to have access to the hatch and free space for an open hatch).
Typically, the main reason for choosing top-loading machines is precisely because of the placement features that make it difficult to use a front-loading machine. Although some simply find this loading method more convenient, it is a matter of personal preference. One of the common misconceptions is that vertical washing machines are more reliable than front-facing ones (supposedly due to drum fastenings, etc.). This is wrong. The reliability of a washing machine does not depend on the type of load.
Washing machines with dryers are combined washing and drying machines, with which you can get dry laundry within 0.5 - 1.5 hours after washing. The advantages of such machines will be especially appreciated by those who have a small child, and anyone who has no time or nowhere to dry their clothes. Please note that most washer dryers should dry no more than half of the maximum load.
It is also desirable that the laundry be well wrung out, that is, it is best to choose washing and drying machines with a high spin speed - from 1200 rpm. Depending on the model, drying can be carried out only by a timer (that is, after the end of washing, a certain time is allotted for drying), or by both a timer and humidity (that is, the washing machine itself determines how long to dry the laundry). In the latter case, you can choose one of three humidity options: “iron”, “dry” and “closet”.
Drying significantly increases the cost of a washing machine. Also, when choosing a washer-dryer, you should keep in mind that for such a device to operate effectively, a large drum volume is needed, and that the washing-drying process requires a lot of time and electricity.
As you know, all washing machines are divided into two large groups: front-loading appliances and top-loading appliances. The difference between a horizontal washer and a vertical one is quite significant; moreover, they are not even similar in appearance. In this publication, we will compare two types of washing machines in detail and answer the long-standing question of consumers about which “home assistants” are better.
How do these washers work?
The fundamental difference between a top-loading washing machine and a front-loading washing machine is the location of the loading hatch, hence the names. For front-facing washing machines, the hatch is located on the front wall of the washing machine, and for vertical washing machines, the hatch is located on top. This difference is the main one, but not the only one.
A front-loading washing machine, like a top-loading washing machine, has drums that rotate in a vertical plane. But if in order to get to the drum of front-facing cameras you just need to open the hatch, then to access the drum of a machine with vertical loading, you need to open the hatch and special metal doors. If the drum of a top-loading washing machine does not position itself automatically, then you still need to manually tighten it, then open the doors and then just load the laundry. Besides this.
A front-loading washing machine has a cuff - a rubber seal that prevents water from seeping through the closed hatch. In addition, there are a bunch of minor technical differences, which we will definitely tell you about when necessary.
How much space does it take?
Many users are very interested in saving space, so they are often willing to pay extra for more compact equipment. In this sense, a front loading washing machine the better that it is produced in 4 standard sizes. There are washing machines: narrow, super-narrow, standard and compact. Choices can be made in almost all situations.
Top-loading washing machines are almost all the same. If all car models of this type put next to each other, then you will practically not see the difference, although there may be slight differences in size. For example, the variation in height reaches 10 cm (from 80 to 90), although height does not play a special role here. The spread in depth is even less than 5-7 cm, but the width is often standard - 40 cm.
If we compare a standard-sized front-facing dishwasher and a vertical-size washing machine, a top-loading washing machine will take up less space. If we compare a compact front-facing camera with a vertical camera, then the former gains a good 10 centimeters in depth and several centimeters in width. Among front-loading washing machines, there are some quite unusual ones. They are apparently specially made for people who want to solve the issue of saving space radically.
When we talk about overall dimensions There are two types of washing machines, in almost all cases front-loading washing machines win - they are better in this component.
Convenience issues
Now let's look at the issue of convenience. Which of the two types of washing machines is more convenient for the user? When answering this question, one cannot ignore subjective factors. Often, a person simply likes a top-loading washing machine better because he is used to it, and he himself cannot really explain why. It's the same with washing machines that have front loading. We will deliberately not discuss subjective aspects, but will look directly at the objective circumstances that make this or that type of washing machine more convenient.
- For top-loading washing machines, the hatch is located on top, which means you don’t have to bend down every time you need to load laundry into the drum. For people suffering from radiculitis, this is a very valuable design feature.
- For front loading washing machines top cover completely free. Users place jars, bottles, bags of powder and other things on it as a shelf, considering it convenient.
- The front panel can be built under the tabletop, which is very convenient. The vertical one loses in this regard.
- In washing machines with front loading, the powder cuvette is easily removed, however, it is also easier to use, it is easier to pour in powder and pour in conditioner. Although experienced users of vertical machines claim that their “home assistants” have convenient powder receptacles, they are in the minority here.
Beauty and maintainability
It is difficult to talk about the beauty of a washing machine, since each user evaluates the beauty of equipment in his own way. But there are quite objective points. Top-loading washing machines are very similar to each other; there are no differences in design. The control panel, designed to individualize the washing machine model, is located on top, and therefore does not attract attention.
For front-facing cameras, everything is different. The dimensions and shape of the hatch, the shape and design of the powder cuvette and control panel elements are given specific model washing machine unique personality and special beauty. Conduct your own experiment. Go to a hypermarket that sells household appliances and look at model range front loading washing machines. In this case, your gaze will definitely be drawn to the appearance of any model.
If you look in the same way at the model range of top-loading washing machines, then you will not be able to see anything remarkable - washing machines are just washing machines. There is another important nuance. If you buy a top-loading washing machine, then for the next ten years you will have to admire its appearance, since nothing can be done about it. The front camera can be installed separately, and if you get tired of its appearance, the problem can be solved by integrating the equipment into the furniture.
Only the color of the body can personalize a top-loading washing machine. Personalizes the front camera a whole series elements. Which washer is better for this component? Draw your own conclusions.
As for maintainability, preference can also be given to front-loading washing machines. Everything is explained simply. There are more front-loading washing machines, and more spare parts and various components are supplied for them.
Craftsmen working in various cities of our vast homeland are better acquainted with washing machines with front loading. Accordingly, components and spare parts for front-facing cameras can be purchased cheaper, and craftsmen will be relatively better able to repair them, although everything is individual. In terms of reliability, front-loading and top-loading washing machines are approximately the same; much will depend on the country of assembly, manufacturer and many other factors.
Why is vertical a little more expensive?
According to the manufacturer himself, top-loading washing machines are a little more expensive to manufacture, which means this certainly affects the final cost of this type of home assistant. But we think this is not the only reason. The fact is that top-loading washing machines are less in demand, there are fewer of them, which means there is less demand for them. Demand, as we know, creates supply, and the more manufacturers offer front-loading washing machines, the tougher the competition between them.
Where does this lead? And this leads to the fact that producers, competing with each other, are forced to reduce prices for goods in order to stay in the corresponding economic niche. Somewhere this effect is more pronounced, somewhere less, but in the end, approximately the same technical specifications Front-loading and top-loading washing machines cost differently. Moreover, the price difference is definitely not in favor of verticals.
What is the conclusion?
Based on the totality of positive features and based on the opinions of the majority of consumers, we conclude that front-loading washing machines are somewhat better than top-loading washing machines. Although, of course, verticals also have a right to exist; moreover, in a number of cases their use is more justified.
In principle, our general opinion is quite consistent with the market situation. If we look at the market for automatic washing machines, we see the following picture: front-loading washing machines account for about 80%, while vertical washing machines account for only about 20%. Further reasoning is pointless, because the numbers speak more eloquently.
