8 Disadvantages of Front Loading Washing Machine (Explained!)

While front-loading washing machines are notable for their superior cleaning power and efficiency, they are equally known for their numerous problems. So, what are the disadvantages of front loading washing machine?

Well, front-loading washing machines are mold-susceptible, less ergonomic, costly, damage-susceptible, and heavier. Additionally, they are not easy to add clothes to mid-cycle and have longer wash cycles and learning curves.

So, these washers have a few worrying concerns worth knowing before making a purchase. That, however, doesn’t mean that they don’t have advantages. 

Quite the contrary; you could argue they’ve more advantages over concerns, which explains why most buyers choose them despite knowing about their problems.

In light of that, I’ll help you decide what washer to get between a front-loader and a top-loader, as none of the two is problem free. 

Let’s get into it!

In a hurry? Here are the pros and cons of front loaders:

Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Front Loading Washing Machine

What Are the Disadvantages of Front Loading Washing Machine?

Generally, front-load washers come with these eight concerns:

1. Front Loaders Are More Susceptible to Mold

A front loader door is designed to close airtight. When it does, it traps moisture inside. The trapped moisture, unfortunately, creates damper conditions that encourage mold and mildew growth. 

But of course, using too much detergent and failing to clean the washer after use highly contributes to mold susceptibility.

However, that doesn’t mean that top loaders are not mold-susceptible as they are. They can smell like mildew if poorly maintained but are less susceptible than front loaders because their lids don’t trap moisture as much as front loaders.

2. Front Load Washers Are Less Ergonomic 

Front loaders require you to bend a lot to load and unload clothes. That could take a toll on your back, especially if you are tall. 

Their short stature and design only make them easily accessible in a wheelchair or by kids. But if you are tall, you have to endure the strain that comes with bending or invest in a washer pedestal. 

Note, however, that you may not feel the back strain if you don’t suffer from back pain and do not wash very often. 

3. Front Loading Washing Machine Are Costly 

While it’s possible to get a decent top-load washer for $400 – $600, you may have to pay up to $800 or more to get a proper front-loading washer. 

So, front-loaders are costly, primarily due to their superior cleaning capability, design, and capacity. 

4. Front Loaders Are More Susceptible to Damage 

While it’s tempting to overload front loaders because of their larger capacities and lack of agitators, it’s not advisable. 

Doing so will only make them more susceptible to breakdown and damage. But overall, these washers don’t break down often unless you overload them.

5. Front Loading Washing Machine Are Heavy

Front loaders are designed to reduce vibrations and unnecessary motion when running. They are built to be heavy and more stable for that to happen. 

These washers can be as heavy as 50% more than their top-load rivals. So, they are not the best option for moving around. You may need someone to help you do it. 

6. They Do Not Allow Easy Adding of Clothes Mid-Cycle 

Once you load the clothes, shut the door and run the washer, the door automatically locks, making it hard for you to open it mid-cycle and add clothes. 

While this safety feature prevents the door from cracking open, you can’t interrupt the cycle.

Yes, some allow you to pause the process, but it still means you’ve to wait for the water to drain before adding laundry. That’s not cost-effective. 

7. Front Load Washers Have Longer Wash Cycles 

Though front loaders have higher spins which shortens the drying time, they enjoy much longer wash cycles. For example, while the fastest top loaders take an average of 30 minutes per load, the fastest front loader averages an hour. 

So, if you prefer to do your laundry quicker, a front-loader can somehow disappoint you. 

8. They Have a Longer Learning Curve 

Front loaders come with more settings and programs that may take longer to master. It also takes longer to balance the detergent and clothes you wash. 

So, unlike top-loaders, you may have to wait much longer to learn to perfectly and efficiently use a front loader. 

What Are the Benefits of Front Loading Washing Machine?

After looking at the disadvantages of a front loading washing machine, you may wonder if that’s all about them.

Well, no! As I hinted, these washers have some exceptional qualities, which is why most buyers overlook the negatives. Their advantages include the following:

• Superior cleaning – Front loaders employ the tumbling action to clean clothes, which is superior to the top-loaders agitator/impeller action. So, clothes come out of a front loader cleaner. 
• Highly efficient – One Energy Star report shows that front loaders save more energy, while another Energy Australia study shows they save up to 60% water. What is more, they use less detergent and so they are efficient all around. 
• Gentle on laundry – Unlike the top loader agitator action, which is aggressive on fabric, a front loader’s tumbling action is very gentle. So, they are the best for fabric care. 
• Easily accessible wheelchair or by average height users – While front loaders are not the most ergonomic washing machine for six-footers, they are easily accessible by users on a wheelchair or average height. 
• Stylish – Unlike top loaders, which have a traditional look, font loaders have an elegantly modern look. 
• Quieter – No washing machine is quiet, and you cannot expect front loaders to run silently. However, even though these washers vibrate, they are not as noisy as their top loader counterparts. 
• More wash programs/settings – Front loaders generally have more programs and settings to offer you many options. You can get just about every setting for every clothing type you want to wash, making laundry time fun. 
• Large capacity – Front loaders come in capacities ranging from 3.6 cu-ft to 6.2 cu-ft. So, if you want a large-capacity washer, you cannot go wrong with a front loading washing machine. 
• Stackable (space-saving) – While you cannot stack top-loaders, you can easily stack matching front-loaders to save on space. Moreover, you can easily install them under cabinets, making them apartment-friendly. 
• Shorter drying time – Front loaders have a higher spin rate, which means they extract more water, reducing the overall drying time. 

Front Loading Vs. Top Loading Washing Machines: What Should You Go for?

Deciding between a front-load and a top-load washer is difficult as they both have pros and cons. For example, front loaders are more energy and water-efficient, powerful cleaners, space-saving, gentle on laundry, and quieter. 

They also have shorter drying times, larger capacities, and more settings. They, however, are less ergonomic, costlier, and mold-susceptible.

So, they aren’t ideal if you are on a budget, and if you are tall, you may need to invest in a pedestal. As for mold, it’s all about good washer maintenance. 

Meanwhile, top loaders have the advantage of being more ergonomic and budget-friendly and have shorter cycles. They are ideally best for average-height users, those in a wheelchair, and those who are budget-conscious.

So, it’s essential to consider factors like ergonomics, budget, drying time, washing speed, capacity, mold susceptibility, washing efficiency, and space-saving when choosing between the two washer types. 

People Also Ask 

1. But Do All Front Load Washers Have Mold Problems?

All front-load washers are susceptible to mold attack because their airtight door design traps moisture. That, however, doesn’t mean that they all have mold problems. 

Mold mainly grows when the washer is left shut unused for long periods and when you rarely clean it after use and use too much detergent. 

So, it is advisable to leave the door open unused, clean it after use, and avoid too much detergent. 

2. Are Front Loading Washing Machines Good?

Front-loading washing machines have several advantages that top loaders don’t have. For instance, they are more energy, water, and detergent efficient; they clean better, are less noisy, and save on space. 

They are, however, more susceptible to mold, cost much more than top loaders, and are not easy to add clothes to mid-cycle. But overall, the washers are good. 

3. Do Front Load Washers Last Longer Than Top Load Washers?

Front load washers are more susceptible to overload damage because of their tumbling action, which requires more repairs. 

However, that doesn’t mean they have a shorter lifespan, as they can last as long as their top-load counterparts with good usage and maintenance.

4. What Are the Advantages of Top Loading Washing Machines?

The most notable advantages of top-loading washing machines over front-loaders are that they are less susceptible to mold, cheaper, and more ergonomic for taller people. 

But in addition, they enjoy shorter cycles (faster) and allow you to pause them mid-cycle and add clothes easily. 

5. What Are the Problems with Front Load Washers?

Front load washers have several problems worth noting before getting them, and they are as follows:

• Mold/mildew – Their airtight door seals prevent the evaporation of trapped moisture, which attracts mold/mildew. 
• Back issues – The washers require you to bend a lot, which can hurt your back. 
• Mid-cycle loading difficulty – Once the door locks and the washer starts running, it’s hard to stop it and add clothes mid-cycle. 

6. What Uses More Water Front Loader or Top Loader?

Front-loaders use up to 25% less water than their top-loading counterparts. That’s not all. Front-loaders also save more energy and detergent, making them a more efficient option overall. 

7. Why Is Top Load Cheaper Than Front Load?

Front load washers have superior cleaning capability, are less noisy, and are highly efficient (saving on energy, detergent, and water). 

That’s part of the reason they cost more than the top load. Top loads are cheaper because they are simple in appearance and features. 

8. Do Front Loaders Use More Electricity?

No front loaders don’t use more electricity than their top-load siblings. You could save up to 14.9 KWh per annum with a front loader. 

Concluding Thought On the Disadvantages of Front Loading Washing Machine:

The demerits of a front loading washing machine are evident. These washers are more susceptible to mold and damage; they can be too hard on your back and cost much more than top-loaders.

They are also heavier, don’t allow you to load clothes mid-cycle easily, and have a longer wash and learning curve. That, however, does not negate their numerous advantages, such as superior cleaning, highly efficient fabric care, quieter, space-saving, and shorter drying period.