To optimize your space and comfortably remove the laundry from the basket without having to lower and lift weights, here are the best top-loading washing machines and how to choose the best one according to your needs.
Top-loading washing machines are perfect for those without much space and looking for a non-bulky appliance. Traditionally, the most well-known washing machine with front-loading, equipped with a frontal porthole, the type of top-loading washing machine offers many advantages and is aimed primarily at those who want to optimize space.
It has smaller and standardized dimensions. The height is 30″ – 45″, the width is 17″ – 28″, and the depth is 17″ – 28″, and the possibility to load and unload the washing machine from above greatly facilitates its use. In addition, it is much more comfortable and practical because it is unnecessary to lower yourself to fill or empty the basket, as is the case for front-loading washing machines.
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How to choose a top-loading washing machine: Types and Features
To correctly choose which top-loading washing machine to buy, it is important to consider features such as the load capacity you need, check which programs and functions the appliance has, and evaluate energy efficiency. Let’s see the main elements to consider to make the right choice.
Load Capacity
Load capacity is the basket’s capacity, measured in the lb of clothing the appliance can contain. For example, the best top-loading washing machines have a load capacity ranging between 7.7 and 24.3 lb. This is because the smaller dimensions do not allow the installation of a larger basket.
Lower capacity models are suitable for two-person cores, while larger capacity models cater to four people. The loading capacity of top-loading washing machines is insufficient to wash duvets or bulky clothes in the same cycle. The basket is stainless steel in all models and is placed longitudinally.
Washing programs
Each washing machine model with a vertical load has a series of available programs to evaluate to make the most prudent choice. First, you need to ask yourself what your needs are: if, for example, you have a large number of items made of synthetic materials, then you can look for a model that has a special program for washing these clothes. The most common programs and generally always present in the best models are the following:
- Cotton program: the standard 140°F
- Programwool program: allows a delicate and cold wash for woolen garments.
- Delicate program: also called ” by hand, “it is suitable for washing very delicate items such as curtains, laces, and dresses with applications and prints.
- Synthetic program: allows a gentle wash for synthetic or technical fabrics.
- Mixed program: allows the washing of garments of different materials.
These are just the basic programs generally found in all washing machine models. Top-loading washing machines include other minor programs such as pre-wash, soak, drain, and spin.
Some models have specific programs for different fabrics or to perform sanitizing or antiallergic treatments. The programs can be selected using a display or knob equipped with an indicator.
Functionality
The appliance can also be equipped with additional useful functions such as:
- Delayed start: This allows you to select when to start the wash.
- Memory function: allows the appliance to memorize the last stored settings to reprogram the wash each time.
- Automatic switch-off: many models switch off at the wash’s end or enter standby mode.
- End-of-cycle signal: the washing machine emits an acoustic or visual signal that warns that the wash has ended.
- Anti-crease function: reduces creases during washing to facilitate ironing.
- Automatic load balancing: allows you to ” settle ” the load optimally for a uniform washing of the clothes.
- Centrifuge adjustment: allows for an increase or decrease of the spin speed.
Quality of the centrifuge
The centrifuge is the basket’s rapid rotation, ensuring its contents undergo the centrifugal force’s action toward the basket’s perforated walls. This function allows the release of water by the soaked clothes but simultaneously makes them suffer a mechanical impact that can compromise the quality.
How many more revolutions per minute the washing machine can carry so much more water can extract from the garments, and the drier leaves the washing machine?
The spin speed varies from model to model, and most top-loading washing machines have a 1,000 or 1,300 rpm spin (rotations per minute). Therefore, the centrifuge efficiency is also indicated on the energy label scale from A (higher efficiency) to G (lower efficiency).
Energy efficiency
The energy label is useful for understanding the appliance’s cost, and it is essential to limit energy consumption. Energy consumption is expressed in kWh/year and is calculated, referring to the standard washing cycle (the one for 140°F cotton garments). It is calculated on 220 pieces of washing carried out with this cycle and different modes (full load, half load, half load at a lower temperature).
The actual consumption is closely related to how much and how the washing machine is used. This is why the energy label also indicates energy consumption more intuitively: the energy-efficiency class. The energy classes of washing machines range from the letter D (higher consumption) to the letter A+++ (lower consumption).
Water Consumption
Instead, water consumption is measured in L/annum or the number of liters consumed in a year. It is calculated the same way energy consumption is estimated (220 washes performed in different and precise ways).
For water consumption, there is no scale of efficiency classes. For example, consider that a washing machine with a load capacity of 11 lbs consumes, on average less water than a load capacity of 17 lbs.
Most market models tend to consume less than 9,000 liters a year or, in any case, no more than 10,000 liters of water a year. Thus, we must not assume that a washing machine with a high-energy efficiency class consumes less water than a lower-class one.
Noise
The silent top-loading washing machines with low sound emission are now the most market models. Tendentially, the noise of washing machines with top loading does not exceed 68 dB in the washing phase, falling to 58 dB in the quieter models, while in the spin phase, it can range from 73 dB to 79 dB.
It is good to evaluate these parameters when buying a washing machine silent model that can be used at all times of the day.
The best top-loading washing machines to buy
- TOP-LOAD WASHER: Cleans 17 towels in a single load with its spacious 3.8 cu. ft. capacity...
- TRIPLE ACTION AGITATOR: Cleans in every direction using a combination of spray jets, wash...
- CUSTOMIZED CLEANING: 12 wash cycles covering everything from delicates to towels and...
- TOP-LOAD WASHER: Provides a deep, thorough clean for your laundry items and is large...
- DUAL ACTION AGITATOR: Cleans in 2 different directions to ensure even washing for every...
- CUSTOMIZED CLEANING: 11 wash cycles covering everything from bulky/bedding to jeans/towels...
- MaxFill gives you the maximum water for the ultimate clean: MaxFill options allows for the...
- Large capacity: Fit more in every load
- Quick wash cycle: Washes clothes fast.
- Width: 25.625" x Height: 42.75" x Depth: 28"
- Type: Top Load - Capacity: 3.2 cu. ft.
- Agitator: Yes - Wash Cycles: 6
- Smart Top Load Washer
- Graphite Steel
- Works with Google Assistant/Amazon Alex
- 15.4 LBS. OF LAUNDRY PER LOAD—Wash up to 15.4 lbs. of laundry per load with this...
- IMPRESSIVE FUNCTIONALITY—With your new washer machine (79.4 lbs.) you have 3 water level...
- STAINLESS STEEL TUB— This 2.0 cu. ft. portable washing machine features a durable, rust...
- COMPACT DESIGN: 3.0 Cu.Ft. top load washer is easy to store and move
- MULTIPLE WASH CYCLES: Six automatic cycles including Normal, Heavy, Delicate, Quick,...
- SPACE SAVING: Ideal for compact spaces including dorm rooms, RVs, apartments and more with...
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