ARTICLE

Ask The Expert: Should I Switch To A Front Loader Washing Machine?

December 7, 2023 - 3 min read

If I had a dollar for every time a customer asked me whether to go with a front loader washing machine in their laundry or stick to a top loader, I’d be a very wealthy man. But, seriously, choosing a new washing machine can be a big call.

And like every major home appliance purchase, the answer will always depend on your budget, your household needs – and the space where that shiny new workhorse washer will go.

So, top loader or front loader? To help you decide whether you should make the change to a front loader washing machine, let’s run through some of the burning questions I hear most often from our customers.

Should I Switch To A Front Loader Washing Machine?

We talk to so many customers who say they love their top loader washing machine because it’s what they’ve always had in the laundry, but they’re just not sure if they want to upgrade to a front loader. Here’s what I tell them: top loaders will always be popular because they’re so easy to load and to use. What's even better, these days front loaders usually come with a raft of features and tech specifically designed to save you money, time and energy every wash.

Do Front Loader Washing Machine Cycles Take Longer?

It’s true that top loaders finish first overall (their average cycle is around an hour, compared to 2–2.5 hours for a front loader). But most modern front loaders also offer faster cycles for lighter or moderately soiled loads. Some even feature 15-minute express options for when you’re in a hurry. If you do need speed, check out Samsung front loader washing machines and their 39-minute Super Speed cycle, or look at an LG front loader washing machine model with TurboClean, which replaces the second deep rinse with a jet spray to slash your wash time.

Shop Front Loaders With Faster Cycles

LG 9kg Front Load Washer

Hisense 7.5kg Front Load Washer

Samsung 9kg Front Load Washer

Do Front Loader Washing Machines Use Less Energy?

This is where front loaders really perform. Because they rely on a rotating drum (and good old gravity) to wash your clothes, front loaders use significantly less water and energy. And less water means less detergent, so clock that up as another win for your back pocket. I always recommend checking for the star rating to tell you how efficient one model is compared to others of the same size. Again, LG shines here with best-in-class, energy-smart front load washers that help you save on energy use.

“Top loaders will always be popular because they’re so easy to load and, generally, an affordable choice, but while you might outlay a little more initially for a front loader, you’ll start earning that back right away – and over the years to come.” Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Laundry

What If I Forget To Add An Item And Need To Add It Mid-Cycle?

So glad you asked. It used to be only top loaders which let you lift the lid and add an extra item of clothing. But more and more brands, like Fisher & Paykel and Westinghouse, now make front loaders with their own version of ‘add a garment’ so you can add a runaway sock or school uniform mid-wash.

Shop Front Loaders With Pause And ‘Add A Garment’

Fisher & Paykel 8.5kg Front Load Washer

Westinghouse 7.5kg Front Load Washer

Haier 8.5kg Front Load Washer

What Are The Top Features To Look For In A Front Loader?

So we’ve already discussed speedy cycles and the popular pause and add feature, but the smarts and savings don’t stop there. Here are some other must-have front loader features to put on your shopping list (including my personal favourite, the drum clean cycle, so you’ll never have to worry about how to clean your front loader washing machine):

Auto dose for precise, hands-off detergent dispensing
Steam refresh to sanitise clothes between washes
Self-cleaning to save you time and effort
Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control washing
Silent cycles for a less noisy laundry

Front Loaders Vs Top Loaders: Which Performs Best?

There’s no right or wrong choice, folks… it all boils down to your own needs and priorities. Perhaps you love not having to bend over to reach into a top loader? Maybe you want the more comprehensive fabric-specific settings of a front loader and the higher spin speeds that mean your clothes need less drying when they come out? The other great drawcard with front loaders? You can neatly stack a matching dryer on top, making them ideal for smaller, European style laundries, as well as creating a streamlined space with maximum appeal.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Peter Simic is The Good Guys Laundry Buyer. He is a product specialist with more than 8 years of experience in home appliances.

Ready to make the switch to a high-performing front loader washing machine? Visit us in-store or online to shop the best brands like LG and Samsung and start winning the laundry race today!