Should I Buy Top Loading Machine?

[Emilypost]

I am looking to buy a top loading Whirlpool washer as I want the large capicity but I've noticed that the spin speed is only 450-650 - will this be sufficient for cottons- towels, jeans etc or will I end up spending more on drying - I am presuming the spin speed is low because of the larger drum - any help on this gratefully received!

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Check out the spin efficiency rating on the eco energy label. If it's good at spinning, it should be at least a B. Top loaders have a lot of disadvantages over front loaders, and one of them has been spin speeds.

I've written an article on this subject on my white goods Blog - Which is best, a top loader or a front loader? (washing machine)

[Emilypost]

it's a "G" is that really bad?

[uumode]

it's a "G" is that really bad?

G 'sounds' quite inefficient

Countries where they have traditionally used top loaders have recognised this

'...the Department of Energy's new energy and water standards for washing machines will increase the cost of front loading machines by $200, and top loaders by $800. To meet the new standards, manufacturers must start selling more efficient front loading machines, instead of the more popular top loaders, even though front loaders don't wash as well, can't be opened during the wash cycle, and take longer to do the job, using precious water of course.'

If you have young kids at home who are allowed access to the top loader, there is the safety aspect particulary if they are left unattended, damage to limbs and very isolated cases of drowning since most top loaders don't have a lock on the door (for ease of adding in extra washing)

This safety report refers mainly to top loaders I think

http://ip.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/9/4/357

Slightly dramatised documentary, but happy ending....phew. I think most top loaders have a smaller secondary door now due to this. - if you have young kids who could access an unattended top loader, check if it does, or if there is a lock mechanism.

Also, if you can do a physical check yourself in the shops, load up a top loader and then load up a front loader to see if the top loader can really take more washing, I'm curious as there is feedback to indicate that the capacity of a top loader 'may' be the same or less than a front loader (for whatever strange capacity discrepancy there is between the two types of machine)

read the reviews by previous top loader users

dated

September 11th, 2005 and

May 1st, 2005

http://www.productreview.com.au/showitem.php?item_id=3013

So it may be worthwhile checking out 7.5kg front loaders?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Indeed. Some people need a top loader because of problems fitting in a front loader, but top loaders use more water, more energy, more laundry detergent and rarely spin as well as a front loader. Which? had this comment about them too -

"The last time we tested top loaders, none was good enough to be a Best Buy. They were noisy, awkward to use and vibrated too much." - Which reviews and reports - £1 offer

In the interest of balance, it should be pointed out that top loaders have a tendency to be more reliable and wash quicker and may rinse better as they use more water .

[Emilypost]

Thanks - these are really helpful links.

The machine will be in the garage and my children are older so safety won't really be an issue.

I'm still in two minds and the Whirlpool technical advise I got wasn't particulary helpful!

[Emilypost]

Does any one have any experience of Admiral (by Maytag) brand?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Admiral (Maytag) are American, they look like good washing machines. As far as I know the American washing machines are generally well made. My concern is service and spares. Some washing machine manufacturers are virtually embedded in the UK and therefore spares and service (particularly by independent local engineers) are easy to come by. Other manufacturers are either relatively new in the UK or just retail their washing machines here and don't have a great service network set up.