Should I buy a front-loading or top-loading washing machine?
Top-loading washing machines use less electricity but more water than front-loading machines.
![]() |
Photo: diffen. |
If you are wondering between buying a front-loading or top-loading washing machine, please note the following comparisons by refrigeration engineer Le Thanh Tung:
Price
Front-loading machine: Minimum price is about 7-8 million VND, most prices are over 10 million.
Top-loading machine: For only 5 million, you can own a top-loading washing machine.
Electricity
Front-loading machine: Consumes more, 2-4 times more than top-loading machine with the same amount of washing due to longer washing time and more functions.
Top load machine:Low power consumption.
Water
Front-loading washing machine: Uses less water.
Top-loading machine: Uses three times more water than a front-loading washing machine of the same capacity.
Washing powder/Washing liquid
Front-loading machines: Use less detergent. Only low-sudsing detergents can be used.
Top load machine:Use a lot of detergent.Any kind of detergent will do.
Washing machine life
Front-loading washing machine: Average life span is 11 years, due to the higher rotation speed of the washing drum, usually from 1,000 rpm.
Top load machine:Average 14 years due to low drum rotation speed, about 700 rpm.
Guarantee
Horizontal door machine:There is often an odor at the door so it needs to be cleaned more often.
Top load machine:Prone to water leaks, sensor problems.
Functions
Horizontal door machine:Multiple customization modes.Can be integrated with hot water washing, steam washing, drying.
Top-loading machine: Only has the usual soak, wash, rinse, and spin modes.
Clothing longevity and washability
Horizontal door machine:Do not twist clothes together.Soap is removed more thoroughly due to the water pressure and the larger space between clothes in a front-loading washing machine. Clothes are washed cleaner, avoiding the risk of mold due to soap residue. In addition, clothes are also wrung out much drier.
Top load machine:Clothes get damaged faster. Clothes in top-loading washing machines are often twisted, clothing details can get tangled and scratched, torn... Clothes washed in top-loading machines are also more wrinkled. Clothes still retain a lot of water.
Safe
Horizontal door machine:There is a door lock.If you forget to lock it, children can easily play around or even crawl inside to play because the door is low.
Top loading machine: No door lock.Difficult for children to climb in.
Noise
Horizontal door machine:The machine operates more smoothly.
Top load machine:Noisier and more prone to shaking.
Space requirements
Horizontal door machine: CNeed more space to ensure space to open the machine door and to remove/add clothes from the washing machine.Forced to kneel or sit when putting away/taking things.
Top loading machine: Suitable for even tight spaces.When putting/taking things away, you can stand.
According to VNE