It surprises me how the US loves their top-loading washers. Here in the UK, there isn't the complex (though interesting) "transmission": the drum has fins to act as both agitator and spin-dryer. This means it's just a boring belt drive between motor and drum (or direct drive, for newer machines.)
Front loaders also get moldy and stink because they have to be sealed up so tightly. If you're not there to immediately pull out the clothes after the cycle, you're screwed. And in a small laundry room there isn't always room to let the door stay open to dry out the inside.
In my experience with front-loaders, all of these are non-problems.
But my understanding is that top-loaders are always inefficient: they have to use a lot more water, because the clothes have to be submerged, and thus they also have to use a lot more energy to heat it.
They use more water because they do a much better job at cleaning than side-loaders, especially the new "high efficiency" ones that seem to barely work. Just look at all the complaints online.
and thus they also have to use a lot more energy to heat it.
Most if not all top-loaders don't heat the water.
Liftyee · · focus · HN ↗
emmelaich · · focus · HN ↗
aidenn0 · · focus · HN ↗
olyjohn · · focus · HN ↗
gmac · · focus · HN ↗
But my understanding is that top-loaders are always inefficient: they have to use a lot more water, because the clothes have to be submerged, and thus they also have to use a lot more energy to heat it.
userbinator · · focus · HN ↗
and thus they also have to use a lot more energy to heat it.
Most if not all top-loaders don't heat the water.
aidenn0 · · focus · HN ↗
> Most if not all top-loaders don't heat the water.
That's a bit pedantic, since on warm and hot cycles the water-heater will use energy to heat the water.
brudgers · · focus · HN ↗
If you wash with cold cycle, efficiency is just a matter of water volume…and most detergents work well in cold water.