Washing machine with top loading: the nuances of choice and differences from frontal counterparts

Tags:Bathroom and toilet

The household appliance market in our country is quite saturated, but, nevertheless, new models of well-known manufacturers and companies are constantly appearing, trying to win their place in this segment of goods. This fully applies to all types of household equipment, including the group of machines designed for washing and other types of laundry processing. Top-loading washing machines are often controversial among potential buyers. Most often, mistrust arises because not everyone is fully aware of the pros and cons of these household appliances. Our editors decided to dwell on this topic in detail, and we offer you an overview of the main brands on the market engaged in the production of this type of machine.

Top-loading models can be easily placed outside the bathroom, because their appearance allows you to do this

The content of the article

1 Pros and cons of a top-loading washing machine
2 Device and design features
3 Top loading washing machines by control type
4 Overall dimensions of top loading washing machines
5 Functionality of the top loading washing machine
6 Rating of the best manufacturers and models of top-load washing machines 2017-2018
7 How to choose a top-loading washing machine - our editorial team's recommendations
8 Review of prices for top-loading washing machines
9 Consumer reviews of top-loading washing machines
10 Video: how to choose a washing machine

Pros and cons of a top-loading washing machine

Each technical device has its own advantages and disadvantages, which determine the possibilities of its use, especially for household appliances, which is due to its placement in our home, where a person rests and spends his free time. Washing machinesequipped with top loading, structurally differ from the usual models in which the laundry is loaded from the front (front) side, and this is precisely why their advantages and disadvantages are connected.

No need to bend over to load laundry, which is very convenient when using

The advantages of top-loading models include the following indicators:

at all stages of washing, you can add laundry to the inner space of the working drum of the machine, without having to drain water and detergent solution;
since the lid opens upwards, there is no need for free space next to the washing machine;
ease of use, especially for the elderly, because you do not have to bend over to load and unload laundry;
The overall dimensions and volume of the working drum of the machine allow loading a significant amount of laundry, expressed in its weight and quantity.

With top loading, you cannot use the top cover as a shelf, which is somewhat inconvenient when placed in small bathrooms

Among the shortcomings, it should be noted:

impossibility build into the furniture frame or other design;
the cost of models of this type is slightly higher than that of analogs with front loading;
the top cover cannot be used to accommodate accessories or other items normally found in bathroom;
the design of such washing machines is quite limited, which can cause difficulties when decorating a room in a certain style.

The lid that opens up prevents the washing machine from being integrated into the furniture in the room

Device and design features

Washing machines with vertical loading are of drum and activator type, and the activator type is possible only with a vertical version of loading laundry, which is due to the design features of the washing machine. The main distinguishing feature of these two types of machines is the design of the working area, namely:

in drum-type machines, the laundry is loaded into a working drum, which is set in rotary motion by an electric motor, as a result of which the tasks are performed (washing, rinsing, spinning, etc.);
in machines of the activator type, the working element is an activator located in the lower part of the tank, which sets the water (detergent solution) in motion, as a result of which the laundry is washed.

Automatic washing machine

Top loading washing machines by control type

Like other washing machines, top-loading models come in several types of controls:

electronically controlled - belong to the category of automatic machines, the operation of which is controlled by the programmer, and the user sets the necessary operating modes (types of laundry, spinning, rinsing, etc.);
mechanically controlled - operating modes, their time and cycle are set manually;
with mixed control (electronic-mechanical) - models of this type have in their design a programmer and mechanical controls, through which the operating modes are set.

Mechanical control panel for top loading washing machine

The control panel can be implemented using rotary switches, mechanical buttons or touch switches. Mixed and electronic control models can be equipped with an LCD display showing the progress of operations.

Overall dimensions of top loading washing machines

The overall dimensions determine the possibility of installing the washing machine in a particular location, and also affect its ability to wash a certain weight of laundry. The most popular models are designed for a one-time load of 5–6 kg of linen, but if we take the limit values, then this value is in the range from four to seven or more kilograms.

Standard size top-loading machine takes up little space, which is very convenient in small spaces

Unlike front-loading washing machines, top-loading models have no concept of a "narrow" washing machine, because this size is almost constant at 40 centimeters. Other standard sizes for top loading machines are shown in the following table.

Machine size	Height, cm	Width, cm	Depth cm	Load of laundry, kg
Oversized	85-100	40	60	5,5-7
Standard	60-85	40	60	4,5-6

Functionality of the top loading washing machine

For models of automatic washing machines with a vertical load, the set of operations and types of washing is no different from machines with a front loading version of linen, it depends on the equipment of a particular model and affects its cost. The main functions that are equipped with all models of a similar design are:

washing laundry made from different types of fabric (washing modes);
rinsing and spinning;
additional soaking and foam control.

Model equipped with a combined type of control and LCD display

In addition, washing machines of this type can be equipped with additional options:

protection against leaks and penetration of children;
power saving mode and protection against voltage surges in the electrical network;
delayed start and troubleshooting.

Related article:

How to clean a washing machine with citric acid. We will analyze how to clean a washing machine with citric acid and other available means to increase the lifespan of the technique.

Rating of the best manufacturers and models of top-load washing machines 2017-2018

As already mentioned above, the market for household washing machines offers a wide selection of models from various manufacturers, differing in their design, overall dimensions and functionality. In the category of top-loading washing machines, the most popular are models from brands such as:

Whirlpool (USA).

A well-known manufacturer of household appliances, which began more than 100 years ago. Whirlpool Corporation currently has manufacturing facilities in 70 countries around the world. In the category of top-loading washing machines, the most demanded models are: TDLR 60230, TDLR 60810 and TDLR 70220.

Appearance and control panel of the washing machine model Whirlpool TDLR 60230

Electrolux (Sweden).

A well-known brand in our country, in the line of household appliances of which there is a whole series of top-loading washing machines. The most popular models are: EWT 0862 IDW, EWT 1064ERW and EWT 1064 ILW.

Gorenje (Slovakia).

European brand, quite popular in our country. In the line of top-loading washing machines, the model is popular among domestic users WT 62093.

Bosch (Germany).

A world-renowned company operating in various fields of technology and equipment. Among top-loading washing machines, the most popular models are WOR 16155 and WOR 20153.

External view of the control panel of the Bosch WOR 20153 model

Indesit (Italy).

Among the washing machines of this company, the most popular models in the top-loading group are: ITW D 51052 W and ITW A 5851 W (RF).

Candy (Italy-China).

Quite a lot of different household appliances are produced under this brand, including top-loading washing machines. A distinctive feature of the company's products is a lower price than competitors, with the same functionality.

Zanussi (Italy).

A well-known and popular brand in our country. In the line of top-loading washing machines, the following models are popular: ZWY 51024 WI, ZWY 51004 WA and ZWY61025CI.

Hotpoint-Ariston (Slovakia).

The most popular models in this company's top-loading washing machine category are WMTF 601 L and WMTG 722 H.

Appearance and control panel Hotpoint-Ariston WMTF 601 L

Ardo (Italy).

Not as well-known as other European manufacturers, the brand, but, nevertheless, occupies a certain niche in the group of household appliances for home use.Of the models of washing machines with vertical loading, the most popular among users is ARDO Effective TLN125LW, as evidenced by the reviews.

Brandt (France).

A popular manufacturer, both in our country and abroad. For a while, it was believed that the best top-loading washing machines were produced under this brand. Currently, the most popular model in this category is considered Brandt WT10765E-X.

The most popular models of the above listed manufacturers are summarized in the following table.

Model	Overall dimensions, cm	Specifications	Place in the ranking, according to the magazine homemaster.techinfolux.com/en/
Electrolux EWT 1064 ILW	40×60×89	Tank - plastic; The volume of linen - 6 kg; Energy class-A +++.	1
Indesit ITW D 51052 W	40×60×90	Tank - plastic; The amount of linen - 5 kg; Energy class-A ++.	2
Bosch WOR 16155	40×65×90	Tank - plastic; The volume of linen - 6 kg; Energy class - A +.	3
Zanussi ZWY 51024 WI	40×60×85	Tank - plastic; The volume of linen is 5.5 kg; Energy class -A ++.	4
Gorenje WT 62093	40×60×85	Tank - stainless steel; The volume of linen - 6 kg; Energy class-A +.	5
Hotpoint-Ariston WMTF 601 L	40×60×90	Tank - plastic; The volume of linen - 6 kg; Energy class-A +.	6
ARDO Effective TLN125LW	40×60×90	Tank - plastic; The amount of linen - 5 kg; Energy class-A +.	7
Brandt WT10765E-X	40×60×85	Tank - plastic; The volume of linen - 6 kg; Energy class -A.	8
Candy EVOT 10071 D	40×60×85	Tank - stainless steel; The volume of linen - 7 kg; Energy class -A +.	9
Whirlpool TDLR 60810	40×60×90	Tank - plastic; The volume of linen - 6 kg; Energy class -A ++.	10

Related article:

Which brand is the best washing machine? Getting started with the choice, you need to decide which model of technology is better and better. It is with this question that we will try to understand in detail in this review.

How to choose a top-loading washing machine - our editorial team's recommendations

Due to the large number of offers on the washing machine market, it is sometimes difficult to choose the right model yourself. In this case, qualified specialists in this field of household appliances come to the rescue, to which some members of our editorial staff can be attributed. Here's what they recommend for top-loading washing machines:

First of all, you need to decide where the washing machine will be installed. its geometrical dimensions depend on it.
It is necessary to decide how much laundry the model should be designed for.
It is necessary to decide on a set of necessary functions and operating modes, because the more options, the more expensive the household appliance.
Last but not least is the energy consumption class of the washing machine, because the cost of electricity is constantly growing, and the increase in the cost of paying bills will not be pleasant to anyone.
The delayed start function has the same effect (energy saving), especially in regions where payment for consumed electric energy day and night is calculated at different rates.
The reliability of the purchased device directly depends on the manufacturer's brand, so it is better to buy models of well-known brands.
Before buying, you should consult with experts and look on the Internet for reviews of experienced users about the model you like.
The top-loading washing machine can be placed even in a very small bathroom

Review of prices for top-loading washing machines

You can buy a top-loading washing machine in retail chains and stores specializing in the sale of household appliances, as well as select and purchase on Internet resources, where a large number of companies offering household appliances for sale are also represented. The following table shows the cost for the popular models discussed in this article, when implemented in trade organizations, as of Q2 2018.

Model	Average cost (as of May 2018), rubles
Electrolux EWT 1064 ILW	27900
Indesit ITW D 51052 W	25400
Bosch WOR 16155	38400
Zanussi ZWY 51024 WI	22100
Gorenje WT 62093	24900
Hotpoint-Ariston WMTF 601 L	23500
ARDO Effective TLN125LW	38500
Brandt WT10765E-X	20500
Candy EVOT 10071 D	19500
Whirlpool TDLR 60810	23500

Each user decides which model to choose purely individually, and advice from experienced users will be very useful.

Consumer reviews of top-loading washing machines

This section provides user feedback on the models discussed in this article.

Review of the Whirlpool TDLR 60810 model:
Read more on otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_4149714.html

Feedback on the Electrolux EWT 1064ERW model:
Read more on otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_2921231.html

Feedback on the Gorenje WT 62093 model:
More on IRecommend: http://irecommend.ru/content/norm-178

And a few more opinions.

Feedback on the Bosch WOR 20153 model:
Read more on otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_5398223.html

Feedback on the IndesitITWD 51052 W model:
More on IRecommend: http://irecommend.ru/content/samaya-luchshaya-na-svete-1

Feedback on the Zanussi ZWY 51004 WA model:
Read more on otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_2323653.html

Also among the popular models are the following brands.

Feedback on the Candy EVOT 10071 D model:
Read more on otzovik:http://otzovik.com/review_2989953.html

Feedback on the ARDO Effective TLN125LW model:
More on IRecommend: http://irecommend.ru/content/otzyv-stiralnaya-mashinka-ardo-effective-tln125lw-otzyvy