Although automatic top-loading washing machines are not leaders in demand among domestic buyers, they are in the assortment of every manufacturer and occupy their modest but stable market share. The fact is that this technique has a number of significant advantages.
Text: Olga KUZMINA.
IFR® top model of a top-loading washing machine: which model is most often bought in Russia?
Determined by the percentage of distribution in February 2012.
The leader in distribution models on the shelves of Russian household appliance stores in FEBRUARY among top-loading washing machines is:
free-standing white washing machine with washing capacity up to 5 kg,
with electronic control, spin 800 rpm,
with partial protection against leaks, without drying,
with dimensions (WxDxH) 40x60x85 cm, energy consumption class A,
washing efficiency class A, spin efficiency class D,
energy consumption 0.19 kWh/kg, with water consumption per wash 52 liters.
Prices for this model vary across Russia from 12,872 to 21,790 rubles. The most common price in Russia is 14,999 rubles.
This model appeared on the shelves in Russia in June 2010.
We can accommodate everything
The most important thing is the minimum width of the machines, only 40 cm! The standard depth is 60 cm, the height is also most often 85 cm. The numbers may differ slightly, for example, Bosch machines have a slightly greater depth (62 cm) and height (90 cm).
The dimensions of the vertical units make it possible to place them as compactly as possible, choosing a suitable place in the bathroom or kitchen.
Moreover, thanks to the design, the device can be placed against the wall with the side, and not just the back, orienting it in the way that is convenient for you - after all, loading can be done both from the front and from the side.
True, vertical units are used less often in the kitchen than in the bathroom; they do not combine as effectively with kitchen furniture as front-loading models. In addition, they cannot be installed under a countertop, and there are no built-in models.
Standing apart are automatic machines with vertical loading, which are of the activator type. They are designed for large houses, so the dimensions differ significantly, for example, Frigidaire FWS 1649ZAS and White-Westinghouse WWS1449ZAS have a width and depth of 69 cm, and a height of 111 cm.
Top loading washing machine and its characteristics
Despite the popularity of models with horizontal hatch placement, many consumers prefer machines with vertical loading. Some buyers are interested in the design of such units, while others want to save free space in the house. These designs are compact in size, so they fit perfectly into the interior of small spaces and are perfect for moving.
Top-loading washing machines are smaller in size than comparable side-loading motels.
Front designs are more versatile because their size range is much wider. However, we should not forget that in order to load things, you will definitely have to provide additional space in front of the washing machine. The need for this arises because the hatch for storing laundry is located on the front wall of the structure.
In turn, vertical type modifications are filled with clothes on top. For this purpose, the unit body is equipped with a hinged lid, where laundry is loaded into the drum through a special hatch. This hole is closed during washing. The size of top-loading washing machines is almost the same. Most models have a height of 85 cm, width varies between 40-45 cm, and depth - 60-65 cm. The small dimensions of these devices allow the structure to be installed in any convenient place, even in the corner of the bathroom.
Note! Some models can be compared in terms of load capacity with full-size front-type machines, designed to wash up to 6.5 kg of clothes.
In addition to small-sized models, the market also offers machines with the characteristics of industrial units
This category of home appliances also includes narrow top-loading washing machines. Their dimensions are significantly reduced in comparison with standard units. The depth of the drum in such models is 33 cm.
Why is it profitable to buy a top-loading washing machine: advantages of designs
Like any other type of equipment, vertical loading washing machines have both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of compact models:
- narrow models with a side door are designed for installation under a bathroom sink, making it possible to save space in a small room;
- despite their compact size, many machines with a narrow design are equipped with the same set of functions as classic full-size models;
- the capabilities of a top-loading washing machine make it possible to serve a small family of 1-2 people, in which case there is no need to use large-sized equipment;
One of the undeniable advantages of top-loading machines is the ability to reload laundry during the washing process.
- processing 2.5-3 kg of laundry (the standard load volume of most machines) requires less electrical energy and water, which saves on utility bills;
- An extensive model range allows the buyer to choose a machine with any set of functions and a suitable design.
Vertical units have another advantage. If necessary, such a washing machine can be stopped after the wash has started and additional laundry can be loaded into the drum. Moreover, this does not require stopping the cycle or draining the water. Of course, it is advisable to perform this operation at the initial stage of washing.
According to consumer reviews, top-loading washing machines are more economical to repair than front-loading models. Their design lacks some elements that often fail, for example, parts of the hatch cover, rubber seals, and a glass window. Replacing broken glass or a stretched rubber ring will cost the owner a significant amount.
Due to their design, repair costs for machines with vertical loading are significantly lower than for similar devices with horizontal loading.
Disadvantages of top-loading washing machines
Machines with a vertical type of hatch placement have a small number of disadvantages. In most cases, they are a consequence of improvements that the manufacturer tried to achieve, for example, compact dimensions:
- containers intended for washing powder cannot be completely disassembled in some models, which complicates the cleaning process and can cause the appearance of mold and mildew;
- The opening for loading laundry is much smaller than that of front-facing machines, so the user experiences difficulties when loading bulky items, which makes washing soft toys, bedspreads and blankets impossible.
Helpful advice! You should not buy models with a spin function at high speeds. Such machines are very expensive, and this option will be used extremely rarely during operation. The high price is due to the presence of expensive modern parts.
When choosing a washing machine, give preference to models that provide the ability to completely clean the detergent container.
Features of top loading washing machines
Many buyers are primarily interested in the size of the washing machine. However, its capabilities and parameters deserve no less attention.
The standard set of functions includes:
- accelerated wash mode;
- program for cotton and linen items;
- mode for washing synthetics;
- program for delicate washing of woolen and delicate items;
- hand wash;
- pre-soak mode;
- the ability to wash when the drum is not fully loaded;
- delayed start.
The use of special washing products in automatic machines will help extend the life of such equipment.
Every year, hundreds of new models come onto the market, equipped with improved features and additional options. But not all of them will be useful for every car owner; many of the functions are never used.
Not every wash cycle in a top-loading machine requires high temperatures. In addition, it is possible to purchase modern laundry detergents in the store, which can remove heavy stains without additional help. For this reason, many consumers do not see the need to purchase a washing machine with a boiling function. When operating in this mode, the unit consumes a very large amount of electricity.
Some buyers do not need an accelerated spin program. Processing laundry in this mode leads to premature wear of clothing. Using spin at high speeds is completely contraindicated for delicate fabrics.
The functionality of top-loading washing machines is quite wide, however, remember, the more functions the machine has, the higher its cost
Features of top-loading washing machines
Top-type washing machines differ from front-facing modifications not only in the size and nature of the hatch placement. Manufacturers often pay special attention to the innovative design of structures with a horizontal hatch, which becomes part of modern interiors. The external design of vertical washing machines is much more modest. At the same time, the top method of loading laundry does not allow installing the unit under a countertop or in a closet, where it will be invisible.
The number of functions of vertical structures is limited. Often they do not have a drying or delicate washing function. This is especially true for budget models. More expensive options are closer in capabilities to front-facing machines. The list of differences does not end there. Vertical structures are characterized by a different arrangement of bearings. These elements are installed not at the back, but at the sides.
Note! In reviews, top-loading washing machines are positioned as reliable and durable units. Experts say that the presence of two units with bearings in these models made it possible to increase the stability of the structure, which is important for such equipment.
Budget models of washing machines are not equipped with a “drum parking” system, which can complicate the removal of laundry after washing
The drum has doors equipped with a simple mechanical lock. After the end of the washing cycle, these elements are not always opposite the loading hatch, which is a common occurrence for budget models. It is quite difficult to manually turn the drum to the required position, so expensive modifications are equipped with a “drum parking” system that controls its position.
Europe will help us
The largest model ranges of vertical washing machines are represented by the brands Whirlpool, Electrolux, Brandt, Candy, Zanussi, Ardo. From each manufacturer you can find about fifteen to twenty current machines. A more modest range - up to 10 models - is presented by Gorenje, Bosch, Hotpoint-Ariston, Indesit, AEG, Miele, Mabe, Kaiser. The price ranges from 13,000 to 73,000 rubles.
The American brands that have already been discussed present piece goods - literally 1-2 models each. Among the brands already mentioned are Frigidaire, White-Westinghouse, Maytag. The device costs at least 40,000 rubles.
As you can see, among the represented companies there are no manufacturers from Asia or Turkey; some European companies, for example Schulthess and Smeg, are also indifferent to machines of this type.
Not in splendid isolation
For the vast majority of upright dryers, there are no paired dryers that could be installed together to form a beautiful and logical set, as, say, is done with front-loading machines - similar design, control units, exact color match.
But there is an exception here - overseas laundry centers, where a top-loading machine comes complete with a dryer that suits it in all respects. The dryer has a narrowing downward, giving free access to the lid of the washing machine.
They may have a common control unit, located on the bottom of the dryer (for example, Frigidaire MET 1041ZAS, 86,000 rubles).
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- compact dimensions;
- simplified algorithm for loading and unloading laundry;
- childproof (the control panel is located on the housing cover);
- less noise and vibration during washing and spinning;
- Installing the drum on 2 bearings increases the reliability of the design.
Flaws:
- increased cost (20-25% compared to horizontal equipment);
- a small number of models;
- impossibility of embedding into furniture sets;
- Before starting work, you must remove foreign objects from the cover.
Under strict control
Vertical washing machines are equipped with a more compact control panel, due to their small width. More often the panel is located at the back, behind the door, on a slight elevation. The controls are clearly visible due to its tilt. Less commonly, for example in Miele cars, the panel is moved forward and installed in front of the hatch.
The set of programs for vertical machines is standard - there are functions for cotton, synthetics, wool, thin fabrics, and specialized programs can be provided. Therefore, the set of modes often includes more than 10-14 programs, and a traditional set of options for them - “easy ironing”, timer, memory, pre-wash, increased water level.
Quite often, the control unit looks unusually simple, offering a minimal set of programs. It is thanks to models with such a control unit that the impression is created that the machines are simpler and therefore limit the owner.
This is wrong. Many companies provide extensive opportunities for additional programming of existing modes by including options, thereby providing the same functionality. Machines with a small range of modes are presented in the collections of Bosch, Zanussi, Brandt.
Principle of operation
First you need to load the laundry into the washing machine and select the appropriate washing program. The operation of the technique involves several stages:
- Soak. When the program starts, the washing process starts. The machine is filled with water to the required level. The dispenser dispenses the required amount of detergent and mixes with water.
- Start of operation of the electric motor.
- Drain and spin. New tank filling. Rinsing.
- Drain and spin. Repeats several times.
- Final spin. A signal is sent to the “brains”, which unlock the door.
Thrift is in her character
Washing machines in general have become more economical, as evidenced by the fact that the highest energy efficiency class A is assigned to the vast majority of models sold in our country. Verticals were no exception. What is much more interesting is that they were able to step over this upper limit.
Thus, three machines - Whirlpool AWE 9630, Electrolux EWT 136640 W and Bosch Logixx 6 WOT 24552 OE - are 20% more economical than A-class devices. There are generally more than eighty machines that save 10% more electricity than A-class devices. The following brands are often found among them: Electrolux, Brandt, AEG, Bosch, Candy, Ardo, Whirlpool, Mabe.
The “eco” function in the set of programs also helps to save money; with its help you can further reduce resource consumption. This program, by selecting a lower temperature (for example, 40 degrees), achieves the same washing result as in hot water, by slightly lengthening the cycle.
For example, the Whirlpool Super-Eco program saves up to 30% energy, and Aqua-Eco is more careful about water. “Eco” programs are available from Gorenje, Bosch, Zanussi, Brandt (eco-control).
Top 5 vertical machines in the mid-price segment
In the middle price segment there are machines with wider functionality. These are models that will be an excellent replacement for the classic “horizontal” models. They won't take up much space, but will do their job perfectly.
Electrolux EWT 1064 ILW
One of the best options for a washing machine at a low price is Electrolux EWT 1064 ILW. It has modest dimensions - 40 x 60 x 89 cm and can wash up to 6 kg of laundry at a time. The machine independently sets the required washing duration, determining the number of items. There are 14 programs available here: washing silk, wool, denim, shoes, etc.
The peculiarity of this machine is the presence of a night wash mode with almost complete absence of sound, as well as a stain removal control system. It also has the ability to delay the start. The machine is characterized by efficiency in the use of water and electricity, as well as an electronic control method with a touch panel. The disadvantages are incomplete protection against leaks and high noise during spinning.
Indesit BTWA 5851
This model has a rather modest price, which is reflected in its functionality and characteristics. The machine's capacity is up to 5 kg of laundry, there are 12 washing programs. The unit allows you to adjust the spin cycle from complete shutdown to the highest speed - 800 rpm.
Users often note in reviews the advantage of the machine in the form of a quick wash function - with its help you can quickly refresh items that are not too dirty. Another advantage is the modes for washing denim, woolen items and delicate washing. You can also choose to wash items made from different fabrics in combination. The ability to select the desired program, low noise level during the washing process, control of increased foam formation and efficiency are what attract users to this model. Its disadvantages are minor - slight vibration during spinning, short hoses and the inability to see the time until the end of the wash.
Zanussi ZWY 51024 WI
This machine allows you to wash quite large volumes of clothes – up to 5.5 kg. The machine is fully protected from leaks, there is control of increased foam formation, as well as protection from children. Thanks to special technology, you don’t have to worry about the appearance of mold even if the tank remains completely closed after washing.
The significant advantages of this model are its compact size, the presence of an express wash mode, high-quality assembly and high energy efficiency. The disadvantages include a small number of programs (there are only a few and poor collection of powder from the container. Overall, the machine is worth the money and will be an excellent helper even for a large family.
Gorenje WT 62093
The washing machine from a well-known brand is designed for 6 kg of laundry. Its dimensions are quite standard for vertical models - 40x60x85 cm. There are 18 washing modes at once, including washing children's clothes, woolen items, sports shoes, etc. The model has a self-cleaning tank function, a SensoCare option and auto-weighing of items, which allows you to choose the most suitable one program.
Among the advantages are high build quality, quiet operation, a large selection of programs, and the ability to manually adjust the spin speed. The disadvantages are not very good spinning (no more than 900 rpm), incomplete extraction of powder from the container and short hoses.
Whirlpool AWE 6516
Many experts put this brand in first place in various ratings. And this is quite justified, judging by the presented model. For a relatively low cost, you can purchase a high-quality machine with a load of up to 6 kg and a spin speed of up to 1200 rpm.
The Whirlpool AWE 6516 washing machine has a number of advantages - washing modes for delicates and woolen items, digital control with a display, efficiency, the ability to delay start, and smooth closing of the hatch door. The only drawback is, perhaps, the noise when the machine is running at maximum speed.
Speeds, but not cosmic ones
Despite the fact that spinning in a vertical machine is structurally simpler (the drum is attached not on one side, but on two), the peak speeds (1800 and 2000 rpm), which are currently relevant, have not been achieved here.
The drum of the AEG L 86560 TL washing machine can reach the highest speed – 1500 rpm, but it is not currently for sale. Of the same models that are in stores, the leaders are Brandt MAX 148 DSE and Hotpoint-Ariston ARTXF 149 with 1400 rpm.
One curious point: vertical machines use unusual speed numbers in increments of 100, so the common values are 1100, 1200 and 1300 rpm (front-loading machines use 200 rpm increments).
The minimum spin speed of conventional upright machines is 600 rpm. The American Frigidaire is close to this record; it spins at a speed of 650 rpm, thanks to which it has spin class D. Only a few devices have the maximum spin class A, these are the Brandt MAX 148 DSE, Hotpoint-Ariston ARTXF 149 and the new Candy Top machine, which is just going on sale.
Free parking
Access to the inside of the vertical drum is achieved by opening a special hatch on the side surface. To make this process as convenient as possible (and it has its drawbacks), all machines are equipped with two special functions. The first of them is car parking: the position of the drum after stopping is such that the hatch is always under the car door. There is no need to tighten it manually, but only open it and remove the laundry.
The process of this very opening could cause some difficulties for housewives, because the latch must be reliable so that the hatch does not open at the wrong time. In addition, it has to withstand a large load when the drum rotates.
But women’s hands do not experience discomfort thanks to the use of a special function that ensures smooth and easy opening of the doors. The function may have a proprietary name, for example Sesam from Brandt or Posistop from Gorenje.
They are so special
Top-loading machines seem simpler than their front-loading sisters, but this is not the case. Innovative technologies are also used in this class of equipment. Thus, the new AEG washing machine has a brushless inverter motor. It has a longer service life, while working much quieter and more accurately, which allows you to equip the device with more precise washing programs.
Hotpoint-Ariston uses an asynchronous motor, the main feature of which is reliability, simplicity of design, and in combination with acoustic panels and a new pump, a very low noise level.
Whirlpool uses a direct drive motor, which is also quieter and more efficient. Due to the design, the motor has become more compact, the level of vibrations and power consumption have decreased.
Another interesting feature is the use of steam in the wash, which straightens the fibers of clothes, so after drying they require less care, and some items can be worn immediately. Among the verticals there are only two such models so far: one from the AEG collection is the new L 76260 TL, the second is Electrolux EWT 136551 W.
Models Mabe and Brandt are able to determine the required amount of detergent depending on the amount of laundry and automatically select it from a special container inside the machine. Thus, no unnecessary waste is consumed, the only “but” is that there can be only one product (say, for light cotton) and only in the form of a gel.
Features include brand-specific techniques or technologies, such as Miele's honeycomb drum, Asko's six extra rinses, Electroluxe's Time Manager, Whirlpool's full powder flow eco-ball system and Ardo's Janus.
Criterias of choice
When choosing, you need to carefully study those points that are specific to this type of machine:
- dimensions - allow you to build the machine into a small niche - from 45 to 50 cm. There are many “narrow” front models in stores, but here you should take into account the need to open the door;
- drum volume - the selection of the model must be carried out based on the composition of the family. Manufacturers offer models with drum volumes from 4 to 15 kg. For example, for a family of 5 people, a unit with a capacity of 7 kg will be sufficient;
- Operating principle: drum and activator. In the first, washing occurs due to the rotation of the drum, in the second, the water is rotated by the blades of a special nozzle located under the tank. The latter are considered more economical, but less functional;
- type of control - electronic, mechanical and combined. The electronic type of control frees the user from some manipulations. It is enough to press one button, the mode with the set parameters will be launched. It's comfortable. Especially if you are in doubt about how to wash this or that item;
- number of programs. Practice shows that most users use only two or three special programs;
- spin class and electricity consumption. The higher these indicators, the more efficient and economical household appliances will work;
- protective functions - modern models must be equipped with automatic protection systems;
- automatic diagnostic system. If there is a breakdown, the system itself will display an error code on the display. This may be a letter designation. If there is no display, it may be the blinking of diodes on the panel in a certain combination.
Automatic diagnostic system
Non-spill machine
The leakage protection system of a top-loading washing machine usually corresponds to that generally accepted by the brand. The most common option is body protection; this solution is typical for Candy, Hotpoint-Ariston, Gorenje, Ardo, and most of the Brandt line.
Noteworthy is the fact that it is used even by companies that traditionally provide complete protection (A striking example is Asko). There are not many devices with full protection, about 20 models, including vertical units from AEG, Bosch, Whirlpool, Kaiser, Miele. The most expensive, more than 30,000 rubles, is Kaiser W 34210 NTLG.
