If it's time to replace your washing machine, you're probably feeling a bit like a deer in headlights thanks to the multitude of styles, sizes, features and prices on offer. (Not to mention that you're probably having to do it at the last minute because yours has just died.)
If you've always been a top-loader owner, switching to a front loader can seem daunting. What if it doesn't wash as well? Will it be difficult to figure out? What much will it cost to buy and to run?
Here are some facts that might help inform your decision.
We've tested to find you the best.
Front loaders can use up to 70% less water than top loaders of similar size. The reason top loaders are so thirsty is because they need enough water to make your clothes float to clean them – unlike front loaders, which use gravity to tumble your clothes.
And even though top-loaders usually take less time to wash your clothes, they use more energy to do it since they have to heat all that water.
Fun fact: Even if you wash in cold water, your clothes will heat up by around 5°C just from friction.
As a general rule, front-loading washing machines do tend to be a little bit more expensive than top loaders. This is because there's more materials in them: ballast, rubber seals, and importantly, a heater.
But while you might pay more at the cash register, a front loader will help you save on electricity and water bills, so could end up costing about the same or even less over the machine's lifetime.
Read more: What size washing machine do I need?
We've tested to find you the best.
Top-loading washing machines clean your clothes by rubbing them against each other, whereas a front loader cleans by tumbling: it uses gravity to pick up and drop the clothes into the soapy water over and over.
The front-loader method results in less damage to your clothes over time – so even though you're likely to pay more upfront for the appliance, you won't be having to replace your clothes as frequently.
Despite top-loading machines using far more water per wash, they actually don't clean clothes quite as well as water-thrifty front-loading machines. So by opting for a front loader, you're also likely to get a better wash.
Read more: How to cut your laundry costs by more than $500 a year
Because they use less water, front loaders have to work harder to get your clothes clean – and they do this by running for longer. One machine we've tested took more than four hours to complete a cycle!
On average, a front loader will take about 144 minutes to wash a full load, compared with an average of 59 minutes for a top loader, so you'll need to factor the longer cycle time into your schedule if you switch to a front loader.
Read more: Clothes washing symbols explained
Front loaders tend to have much faster spin cycles than top loaders – up to 1600rpm in some models.
A faster spin cycle means more water removed from the clothes. And the less moisture in your clothes when they come out of the machine, the faster they'll dry – saving you time and potentially money (if you use a clothes dryer, it won't have to work as hard).
The only downside to the faster spin cycle is that it can increase creases and flatten the pile on your towels, which can make them less soft. But you can dial down the spin speed if that's a problem.
Read more: How to keep your towels soft and fluffy
Okay, okay – we only promised you five. But wait, there's more! Here are a few more tidbits of information you should know about if you're considering buying a front-loading washing machine.
We've tested to find you the best.
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
To share your thoughts or ask a question, visit the CHOICE Community forum.
Stay informed. Get the latest product reviews, money-saving tips and more.
We at CHOICE acknowledge the Gadigal people, the traditional custodians of this land on which we work, and pay our respects to the First Nations people of this country. CHOICE supports the First Nations people's Uluru Statement from the Heart.