During wash cycles, the agitator twists from side to side to rub against items to remove debris and other soils. Agitators, which are the more traditional choice, are a tall post with a finned design that rises up in the center of a washing machine. Each mechanism features a different design and cleaning method. Top-loading washers clean clothes using either an agitator or an impeller. Consider how easy it will be to move items from the washer to the dryer to determine which configuration is optimal for your space. Note the direction that the dryer’s door opens if you’re placing a washing machine next to a dryer. However, there are still a few considerations related to configuration that you’ll want to keep in mind while shopping.įirst, determine if you’d prefer to have a separate washer placed beside your dryer, or if you’d prefer a stack washer/dryer combination unit with the dryer above the washer. They feature a hinged door on the top of the machine that opens to allow access to the interior wash basin. Most top-loading washing machines offer a similar configuration. As a reference point, a 4-cubic-foot washer will hold between 12 and 16 pounds of laundry, and a 4.5-cubic-foot washer will hold up to 20 pounds of laundry. Keep in mind that overloading and underloading the machine can both lead to laundry mishaps. Also think about the size of your bedding, especially comforters and duvets, which tend to be bulky. Consider the number of people in your household and how often you do laundry to help find the right size washer for your needs. Washing machines with a greater capacity will be able to hold more clothing and linens. However, most home washing machines typically have a capacity between 4 and 5.5 cubic feet.
#BEST TOP LOADER WASHING MACHINE PORTABLE#
A washing machine’s capacity is measured in cubic feet and may range between under 1 cubic foot for some portable washing machines to nearly 6 cubic feet for extra-large models. While you’ll want to pay attention to the physical size of each washing machine to ensure it will fit in the space you have available, the capacity of the machine will tell you more about how much each option will hold. Compact washing machines may have a depth of only around 20 inches.
Many models have a depth of 27 inches, but large-capacity models are closer to 30 inches deep. The depth of a machine varies based on its capacity. Most washing machines have a width of around 27 inches and a height of 44 inches, though these numbers can vary between models. Begin by measuring the space where you plan to put the washing machine, and look at the dimensions of each product being considered. Sizeīefore making a purchase, confirm that the washing machine you’re interested in will fit in the available space. Some washing machines may also be WiFi-compatible or offer other features that make them a better fit for your specific needs. Top-loading washing machines come in different sizes and capacities, offering varying wash cycles and levels of water and energy efficiency.
While all top-loading washers share the common characteristic of loading from the top of the machine rather than the front, there are still a number of important differences between the various options available. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Top-Loading Washing Machine