The deep dive on Top Loader Washers

Whether you call them top loader or top load, washers or washing machines, lets dive in (figuratively) to how they work and why! 

Did you know there are two different types of top load washers?

When you think of a top loader, most people think of the traditional design with the agitator, the big stick looking thing in the middle. There’s also a second type, an impeller. Absolutely it was a missed opportunity not to call them an impale-r and an impeller.

There are 4 factors which determine the cleaning quality of washing machines;

Water Temperature

Whilst it is very temp-ting to save electricity and always use a cold wash cycle, this isn’t necessarily going to achieve the best results. In the same way that trying to wash a greasy baking tray in cold water won’t shift the grime, sometimes our greasy, sweaty, dirt-encrusted clothes need hot water as well.

Time

Just because your washing machine has a “quick” setting, does not mean it is the best setting to choose every single time. Your clothes will come out clean on this setting with small loads of lightly soiled garments, but don’t expect a full week’s worth of work shirts covered in oil and grease to come out any different.

Detergent

On some brands of laundry liquids and powders, a higher amount is suggested for top loaders, this is because they use more water so to achieve the same ratio of detergent to water more is needed. Using a good quality laundry detergent within your budget is a good place to start. Laundry detergent activates at 23^o C, so here in Brisbane you can probably get away with a 'cold' wash in summer, but during winter when our cold taps average 19^o C its best to add a little hot water in to properly dissolve and active your detergent.

Mechanical Action

In comparison to front load washing machines, their top loader counterparts have a lower spin speed. This is because more water allows for less mechanical action to achieve the same result. However there are two different types of mechanical actions to choose from, each with its’ own pros and cons.

Agitator Top Loader Washing Machines

Like I mentioned above the agitator style of washing machine has a piece in the middle that you need to distribute your laundry around as not to impale your clothes. But WHY is it there? What is its purpose in life?

The agitator in the middle is a key part of their mechanical action. As the drum spins around, the agitator rubs on the clothes and scrubs them. Whilst this style of washer gives you less room for clothes, and you need to be mindful of how they are placed so the machine doesn’t become unbalanced. Overall this machine is considered to be more effective in cleaning heavily soiled clothes.

Impeller Top Loader Washing Machines

An impeller relies on a finned base and your own clothes for its mechanical action. As the finned base spins it moves laundry around the drum and lets the garments scrub each other. The lack of agitator in the middle of the drum, means clothes are able to move around more, it is easier to fit in large blankets and is generally less likely to become unbalanced that its counterpart. Whilst this is washer is gentler for your clothes, it is considered to be less effective than an agitator. For generally soiled clothes this would not be an issue. But if you have kids that do lots of outdoor sports, or adults who often work in greasy environments it may not be the right choice for you.

What about costs?

There are a few things that factor into the true ‘cost’ of a washing machine. Whilst purchase price is the first thing that comes to mind, looking at the electricity and water usage can save you money in the long run. I’ve picked two medium sized top loader machines to show you the difference;

Brand	LG	Fisher & Paykel
Model	WTL1-85W	WL8058G1
Capacity (kg)	8.5	8
Dimensions (WxHxD)mm	694x1065x782	580x1020x600
Washer Type	impeller	agitator
No of programs	5	14
Warranty Period	2yr parts + labour, 8 yr motor	2yrs parts + labour, 8yr motor
Energy Star Rating	4	4.5
kWh/year	280	219
WELS Star Rating	3	4
L/wash	124	82
RRP	$899	$1099

Running costs per wash

Using $0.32/kWh for electricity and $3.60/KL for water, below are the costs for each machine per wash. I also looked into the EnergyRating websites' calculations and their year total is based off 7 loads per week over the course of a year.

The LG WTL1-85W comes to around 70 cents per wash, and the Fisher and Paykel WL8058G1 is about 49 cents. While it is only a few cents difference per wash, if you are doing an average of 4 loads per week over the course of 10 years, combined with the retail price of each machine the "more expensive" washer to buy upfront becomes the more economical option to purchase.

Cost of each machine over 10 years

As I often tell people the "best product" is the one that suits your needs, lifestyle and budget the best. I've given you a few points to consider in choosing your new top loader but if you still need help the team here at Newtons Designer Appliances are real people, with real knowledge and old fashioned customer service.