Types of Washers and Dryers

There are many different types of washers and dryers to choose from such as front-loading, top-loading and high efficiency machines. Here is a guide to the different types to help you decide which might suit your needs best.

Standard Top-Load Washers

source: Amana

source: Whirlpool

The most familiar style to most folks is the traditional top-load washer, which works by completely submerging the clothes in water around a center agitating post that pulls and swirls clothing back and forth to remove dirt and stains.

It's the most comfortable style of washing machine to load and probably has the most choices in a budget friendly price range but they tend to use more water and energy to operate than newer high efficiency models.

High-Efficiency Top-Load Washers

source: Amana

source: Whirlpool

High-efficiency top-load washers have eliminated the center agitating post and instead clean by using a spinning motion and rotating plates or disks that agitate the clothes in soapy water. High-efficiency top-load washers use 50 percent less water than standard top loads. They also can sense load size as well as fabric type to optimize water levels and temperature.

Because the high efficiency washers use less water than conventional washers, a high efficiency (HE) detergent that produces fewer suds is needed to facilitate the rinse cycle. Look for the HE label on your detergent container. If you use regular detergent it will not clean properly and you risk damaging the machine.

High Efficiency Front-Load Washers

source: LG

source: Maytag

High efficiency front-load washers are considered to be the best performing and most energy-efficient washing machines on the market today. Experts say these high-efficiency machines use less energy and approximately 50 percent less water and detergent than conventional top-loaders while cleaning clothes better.

These front load washers have a horizontal tub that uses gravity and spin to tumble and somersault clothes in and out of the water dislodging dirt and fibers. Besides efficiency, front loaders tend to be more gentle on clothes because there is no vertical agitator twisting and pulling the fabric. Also, unlike top-loaders, front-load washers can be installed under a countertop or stacked with a front loading dryer which can maximize floor space.

One of the down sides of a front loader is that you have to bend down to load and unload your clothes however, most manufacturers offer optional pedestals that can be placed under the unit to lift it to a more comfortable height while also providing additional storage space. Another thing to consider is, because of the design, you can't soak clothes, so keep that in mind.

Also, because these washers are high efficiency and use less water you will need to use a high efficiency detergent (look for HE on the label) or it will not clean properly and regular detergents may cause damage to the machine.

Dryers: Gas vs. Electric

source: Maytag

source: Maytag

There are really only two distinct types of dryers – gas and electric. Gas dryers and electric dryers have many of the same parts and are designed to operate in the same manner to accomplish the same task. Both have a small electric motor that turns the interior drum -the difference is how they produce the heat.

Electric dryers use heating coils to generate heat and require a 240-volt outlet while gas dryers use a gas burner to produce heat and require a standard 120-volt outlet, gas hookup and safe venting of the gas exhaust.

Both gas and electric dryers also require venting to the outside, however electric dryers have more venting options than gas dryers. Typically gas dryers can only be vented out the back while many electric dryers can be vented out of the front, back, or either side. Known as four-way venting, these options offer more flexibility in installation.

The connections you have in your laundry room will probably dictate whether you choose a gas or electric dryer. Even though gas dryers tend to be slightly more expensive, approximately $50 -$100 more, if you have both gas and 240-volt connections, you may want to consider a gas dryer over an electric dryer because they tend to cost less to run over a their lifetime. Generally speaking, the cost of electricity needed to dry a typical load of laundry is 30 to 40 cents, compared to 15 to 20 cents if you use gas.

Combination Washer / Dryers

source: Maytag

Combination washer/dryers, also known as one piece Laundry Centers are the original version of a stacked washer dryer and are a great option if you don’t have space for a full size washer and dryer. This all in one unit features either a top load or front loading washer on the bottom with the dryer mounted above. Laundry centers take up minimal floor space allowing them to fit nicely in a kitchen or upstairs closet. These units come in both 24” wide and 27” wide models, and come with either gas or electric dryers. Controls are conveniently located at eye level for both the washer and dryer.

The downside to laundry centers is that they have fewer features and capacities tend to be a bit smaller. Repairs can be a challenge since both units are attached…if the dryer needs to be sent out for repair or replaced…the washer must go too.

Stacked Washer / Dryers

source: Maytag

source: Amana

Because of the introduction of the residential front loading washer, now many individual washer and dryer units can be stacked together to save space. Most front loading washers and front loading dryers on the market today can be stacked together with the washer on the bottom and the dryer on the top but some may need a stacking kit so be sure to ask your sales associate.

These individually stacked units offer buyers many more choices as well as all the fancy features and options that are available, but they do tend to be more expensive. Also they can be repaired or replaced separately unlike the one piece laundry centers.

When choosing stacking machines keep in mind the location of the dryer controls – they will need to be on the front so that you can access them, but they may be higher up than you are use to. If you have to pull out a step stool to reach your dryer controls then these individually stacked units may not be the right choice and you may want to consider a one piece laundry center instead.

All-in-One Washer-Dryers

source: LG

All-in-one washer-dryers, also known as washer-dryer combos, are more common in Europe and Asia where typical living spaces are much smaller, but they are starting to make an appearance here in the U.S. These units wash and dry clothes in the same tub – simply load your dirty clothes, select your wash and dry settings and all you have to do is remove your dry, clean clothes when the drying cycle is done. Their only installation requirements are a 120-volt outlet and sink and drain need to be nearby.

These all-in-one washer-dryers are very compact and do not require venting, making them a good choice for tight spaces, but they do have some significant drawbacks. Capacity is much smaller than standard washers and if you fill to capacity the dryer becomes less efficient, causing drying times to extend over an hour.

Drying Cabinets

source: AskoUSA

Drying cabinets can be a great addition to any laundry room if you have the extra space. Basically, whatever can’t go in the dryer can go into a drying cabinet allowing you to say goodbye to the clothes line. They are great for delicate items such as lingerie, silk blouses, wool sweaters even winter boots. They also significantly reduce wrinkling so you don’t have to iron as much. Drying cabinets work by using high air flow and low heat and use less electricity than a conventional dryer. They are also extremely quiet.

Learn more about washers and dryers:

Modern Day Washers and Dryers = Convenience, Style and Efficiency

Create an Energy Efficient Laundry Room

Special Features of Today’s Washers and Dryers

Maintaining Your New Washer and Dryer