How many types are there and what are the differences?
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Death and taxes are said to be the only consistencies in life, we want to add laundry. And for it to be possible to get all of your laundry done, you need to have a good washing machine. Like most other appliances we've improved the washing since it was invented in 1691. We've come a long way, but there are still so many different things to consider if you're looking for a new one. So this post we're focusing in on what separates the different types of washing machines and what you need to know about them to find one that works for you.
Types of Washing Machines
We've found four different types of washing machines are the primaries on the market right now. The first two are named based on how you load the laundry into them. The others are based on how they are built and function.
Front Loading
A front-loading washing machine has the door on the front panel of the washing machine if you're standing in front of it. They come in all different shapes and sizes, but they can still be really beneficial if you're short on space. These units are typically able to be stacked with a matching or similar dryer. So, instead of having to find the space for two units, you can just have the one, and stack the other on top. Unless you live in a Hobbit hole, you should be good to go. (And if you do live in a Hobbit hole, can we come visit?) Despite saving you on floor space, a front loading machine will usually have a very large interior space, which means it can handle larger loads of laundry and bulky items like comforters. Fashionistas love them because they treat your clothes gently, as they don't have an agitator, instead using blades to tumble your clothes. They are also a good choice for the eco-conscious as they are very efficient with both energy and water usage.
They do have two major cons though that buyers need to be aware of. First off, they are more expensive that other washers, due to their design. Second, they can get a 'musty' smell if you aren't careful from water getting caught inside.
Top Loading
For some, the front load washer isn't an option. You might have back, knee, or hip troubles, or heck, you have a small child that might decide to climb into it. We understand. That's where a top-loading washing machine comes in. A top-loading machine is just as sleek and modern as a front-loading, but they don't have the price tag. They're less expensive to buy and less expensive to repair. On top of that (pun intended) they have a shorter cycle time, which means you can get more loads done in a shorter amount of time.
However, they do have their own unique drawbacks as well. If you try and load too many items into them, things don't get cleaned as well. So there's a fine line to walk in terms of your load size. You also end up using your dryer for a longer period of time because these don't get all of the water out of your clothes during the spin cycle.
No matter which of the two types you choose, they are good choices that have some very reliable brands and models to choose from. We highly suggest going with one of these if you have the space and choice.
But wait you say, didn't you say there were four options?
And you're right, there are. BUT they're vastly different from our first two choices and they're going to have very specific use cases.
Laundry Center
Our first oddball is the all-in-one laundry center. It's not just one unit that you stack on the other, but instead, the two are connected with a gap between them. These are ideal for a tiny home or apartment. You also don't have to worry about them sliding off or moving while in use the way you might with stacking units. They don't usually come with as many bells and whistles as their individual unit cousins, but they do their job and do it well.
Just like their cousins though, they do have some drawbacks. They are tall! Even taller than stacking one of the individual units on top of another. Some of them are front loading, but most will have a front loading dryer and a top-loading washer. The problem with this is that if you have that one escapee sock (as happens every load for most of us) you could end up smacking your head on the dryer. A final issue is that you're going to be doing many more loads of laundry due to a small interior capacity.
These are a good choice if you need a washer and dryer for a small space. But we'll be honest and admit we love our front-loading washer.
Washer - Dryer Combo
A washer-dryer combo is a machine that does everything in one. It's not stacked, it's not attached, it's one unit that does everything. They're usually on wheels so that you can put them in a corner when not in use and then pull them out on laundry day. Many also don't require an external air vent to be set up, which is beneficial if you're living in an apartment. They also have different temperature controls, letting you specify how you want your laundry done.
The drawbacks though are hard to get over for many people. They are expensive because the technology is still relatively new. Since they need to be portable, they aren't very large internally. And then there's the fact that they have an extended cycle time to get your clothes completely dry. The first two we can forgive but the last one we just can't get over.
We talked in-depth about washer-dryer combo units back in February of this year, if you want a deeper explanation of them, we've included the link at the bottom of the page.
For the second two of our types of washing machines, both were combination units (after a fashion) that served for small homes and apartments. We feel that the laundry center is currently the better choice, but you might feel differently.
Agitator Types
Depending on the type of washing machine you have the exact question of /how/ it gets your clothes clean is different. For the most part, there are two different systems that are used, an agitator and an impeller.
Agitator
Have you ever opened up a washing machine and seen the big spindle with fins coming up from the bottom and you can twist it back and forth? That's an agitator. It spins in different ways based on the settings you have for a wash. It works by moving the water and clothes back and forth in the drum, against the spindle, the drum and each other to 'scrub' the dirt out. The good news is that this type of agitator is GREAT at getting the dirt out of your clothes. The bad news is that while it's really good at cleaning, it's not so good at being gentle with your clothes. Even when you sort out your jeans from your undergarments, they're still getting tossed and beaten around by the agitator. So depending on how delicate you need to be with your clothes, that might rule some washers out.
Impeller
An impeller by contrast is a small cone with fins coming out from it. It sits at the back of a front loading washer and drives your clothes around the drum of the machine. The idea is that your clothes have more room to move and cycle back from the outer edge of the rim to the center, gently being cleaned. They're more gentle on cleaning clothes, rubbing the clothes together to get dirt out. They also lead to a shorter dry time, because they can spin at high speeds to wick away moisture.
Usually, this is the point when we dive into the most common features. However due to the length of this article already, we're going to break this into two parts and come back next week to cover some of the features you might find when shopping for a new washer.
So, what type of washer works best for you or your family? Let us know in the comments below or over on our Facebook.
If on the other hand, you're here because your washing machine is broken, making noises or otherwise making you concerned for the safety of your clothes or house, feel free to give us a call. Whatever the issue might be, we can guarantee that we'll find out what's going on and get it fixed. Reach out to us via our website or by giving us a call at ((214) 599-0055).
Additional Reading:
All-In-One Washer Dryer Combo - If you’re wondering more about this and how it works.
Top Loading Washing Machines Under $1000 - If you're interested in purchasing a new washer today
Simple Steps for Cleaning Your Washing Machine - If you want to do things on your own before you call us (or someone else) in. ( We get it, self-sufficiency is good!)
All of Your Laundry Questions Answered - If you've still got questions about laundry and how to get it done properly.