home-Working with sound-Which is the best washing machine to buy - The delights of vertical and front loading. Vertical cleanliness: conventional washing machine versus vertical Vertical or front loading which is better

Which is the best washing machine to buy - The delights of vertical and front loading. Vertical cleanliness: conventional washing machine versus vertical Vertical or front loading which is better

The variety of modern household appliances is simply amazing. Many people are lost in choice, studying many different models and trying to understand their functionality. This also applies to washing machines. The question especially often arises: which washing machine is better – front-facing or vertical.

In this material, we will try to figure out which of these varieties is more convenient to use, and what are their main differences.

Design and distinctive design features of washing machines

  • An automatic washing machine can have front loading or vertical loading. In the first option, laundry is placed and removed through the hatch-window located on the front side of the unit.
  • In the second case, before the washing process, the top lid is opened, and things are placed on top of the hatch, which must then be closed.
  • Both types of household appliances conscientiously perform their main task, so many initially do not find fundamental differences.

Let's continue to study the issue in more detail.

Still, front-facing cameras are more versatile. You can select the device by size, depth and loading volume. There are the following categories:

  • Full size;
  • Compact;
  • Narrow;
  • Ultra-narrow.

But do not forget that in order to freely open the hatch you need to allocate more space.

“Verticals” have a smaller variety of sizes. But they are narrower in size and there is no need to provide additional space for them, because the laundry is placed on top. Therefore, from the point of view of saving space, vertical loading is better: the unit can be compactly placed in a small area, placing it in a corner or moving it tightly against the wall.

The difference between hatches in washing machines

  • For front-facing cameras, the hatch opening is 23-33 cm and is closed by a door with a window made of thick glass. When washing, it is hermetically sealed with a special lock, which is unlocked only after the program is completed. U different models the door opens at different angles - from 90-120 degrees for simpler ones and up to 180 degrees for “sophisticated” ones. This also affects the convenience of loading and unloading things.
  • Another important part is the rubber seal, which prevents water from leaking out during operation of the unit.

  • Verticals have several design varieties. The most common models are those with a horizontal drum with two identical shafts on the sides. This design is most in demand in Europe and Russia. In this case, the loading and removal of laundry is carried out in two stages: first you need to open the hatch from the outside, and then the drum.
  • The disadvantage of this type is that the doors have a simple mechanical lock - after washing they are opposite the hatch, so to open the drum, you need to turn it to the desired point. But more expensive models are now equipped with a drum stopping system, which, after the wash is completed, positions the lock flaps to the hatch opening.

  • You can also find “American” varieties of “verticals” with a large volume, allowing you to load from 8 to 10 kg of dry things. The design also assumes a vertical drum without a hatch, but with a special activator in the center.
  • There is another “Asian” type with a vertical drum and a small loading volume. Such devices are equipped with an air bubble generator for better washing.
  • The most important advantage of a vertical machine is that it can stop the washing process at any time to add laundry.

Convenience and practicality of washing machines

  • For front-facing devices, the instrument panel is located on the front side. There is also a three-compartment dispenser located nearby, which can be easily removed for cleaning.
  • The upper plane is usually free, so it can be used as a shelf for various household items. Often front-facing cameras are installed in the kitchen and mounted under the countertop.

  • On vertical machines, on the contrary, the control devices are usually located on the top cover, so it should be easily accessible and not cluttered.
  • Embedding under the countertop is excluded.

Reliability of washing machines

Will a top-loading or front-loading washing machine require repair longer? Many are sure that it is the front-facing cameras that fail faster because of the drum, which is attached to only one shaft, which creates a greater load and vibration. But this is just speculation. Numerous studies have shown that both types are equally reliable. Of course, if the assembly is done efficiently.

Visual component

  • According to most buyers, the appearance of front-facing machines looks more advantageous and is more diverse. You can also monitor the washing through transparent glass, which is not only very exciting (especially for children), but also useful.
  • There have been cases when people managed to notice money or documents left in their clothes in a whirlpool and “catch” them in time. The vertical does not provide such an opportunity.

Before choosing one of the two types of washing machines, carefully consider all their pros and cons. Also don't forget about the price. It is significantly lower for front-facing cameras, since they are the most popular in the Russian household appliances market.

Video: How to choose a washing machine

There is no evidence that any of the washing machines work longer due to fundamental differences in structure. However, each type of washing machine has its own pros and cons. Spoiler: front-loading machines have a little more advantages. So, let's go.

The advantages of front-loading machines are obvious - they can be built into furniture, which will save a lot of space, and can also be loaded with a large weight (up to 11 kilograms) at a time. The maximum for a machine with vertical loading is 7 kg, and most of them are now designed for 5.5-6 kg.

If a front-loading machine is not built-in, it can serve as an additional shelf; for vertical machines this is not possible for obvious reasons. Another plus: a front-loading machine can keep your cat occupied while doing laundry.

As for the advantages of the vertical, then, of course, size comes to the fore. Namely - 40-45 cm in width, when the width of the front cameras is approximately 65 cm or more. Such machines are more convenient because you don’t need to bend over while loading/unloading laundry. And if you're a busy person, you don't have to worry about forgetting to add laundry because top-loading machines don't require draining to open during the wash cycle.

Choose a washing machine according to your needs. I would recommend top-loading machines for older people who have difficulty bending over and who do not have large washing volumes. Front-loading machines are ideal for young families and apartments with small bathrooms but large kitchens.

There is a significant difference in the load on the bearings and drum mounts. In top-loading washing machines, the bearings are located on opposite sides of the drum, which is secured on both sides. The front ones have only one drum mount, and the bearings are located on one side of the drum almost close to each other (sometimes even instead of two single-row ones, one double-row one is installed). Due to this, the fracture and wear loads on these units for frontal machines are an order of magnitude greater than for vertical ones. Therefore, during the service life of a front-facing washing machine, you will definitely have to change the bearings at least once, while for vertical ones, the bearings last longer than the machine itself, plus there are never cases of the drum being torn off the crosspiece or the axle breaking. Also, theoretically, a vertical washing machine can have better sound insulation than a front-facing one, but this depends on the specific manufacturer, so in practice there are also quite noisy vertical ones. Front-facing machines have an undeniable advantage - the ability to visually control the correct amount of washing powder poured in: through the glass you can clearly see how much foam is in the tank - there should not be too much of it, but it should not be completely absent. In any case, you need to choose a machine by checking the reviews: there are unsuccessful models from both vertical and front-facing manufacturers. For example, the machine can spoil (wrinkle too much, tear) or under-wash/under-rinse the laundry. Such shortcomings do not depend on the form factor, but on more complex and less obvious nuances. The only thing is: if (even if good reviews about washing), your choice is a front-loading machine - before buying it in the store, turn it over and see if the tank is collapsible. In recent years, some manufacturers (Indesit, Ariston) began to produce machines with front loading and a tightly welded tank, in which case it is almost impossible to replace the bearings - they say, change the entire tank. Replacing the tank will cost literally a couple of thousand less than a new machine. Moreover, according to reviews, their bearings fail a short time after the expiration of the warranty period. A kind of scam in one word.

It so happened that the first machine was a vertical one; due to size considerations, it was more difficult to fit a front-facing camera. Plus it turned out that if you are tall it is more comfortable. The fact that you can’t put anything on it is compensated by the fact that when open it itself plays the role of a basket for dirty laundry. 5 kg of loading is quite enough for the average family, and an 11 kg machine takes up correspondingly more space - so most household front-facing cameras are also 5 kg. Those. The purchasing decision is determined more by the layout of the installation site.

Threat, the following ones are also vertical, because It’s easier to shove a similar device into the finished space so as not to remodel the bathroom

There is a significant difference in the load on the bearings and drum mounts. In top-loading washing machines, the bearings are located on opposite sides of the drum, which is secured on both sides. The front ones have only one drum mount, and the bearings are located on one side of the drum almost close to each other (sometimes even instead of two single-row ones, one double-row one is installed). Due to this, the fracture and wear loads on these units for frontal machines are an order of magnitude greater than for vertical machines. Therefore, during the service life of a front-facing washing machine, you will definitely have to change the bearings at least once, while the vertical bearings last longer than the machine itself, plus there are never cases of the drum coming off the crosspiece or the axle breaking. Also, theoretically, a vertical washing machine can have better sound insulation than a front-facing one, but this depends on the specific manufacturer, so in practice there are also quite noisy vertical ones. Front-facing machines have an undeniable advantage - the ability to visually control the correct amount of washing powder poured in: through the glass you can clearly see how much foam is in the tank - there should not be too much of it, but it should not be completely absent. In any case, you need to choose a machine by checking the reviews: there are unsuccessful models from both vertical and front-facing manufacturers. For example, the machine can spoil (wrinkle too much, tear) or under-wash/under-rinse the laundry. Such shortcomings do not depend on the form factor, but on more complex and less obvious nuances. The only thing is: if (even with good reviews about washing) your choice is on a front-loading machine, before buying it in the store, turn it over and see if the tank is collapsible. In recent years, some manufacturers (Indesit, Ariston) began to produce machines with front loading and a tightly welded tank, in which case it is almost impossible to replace the bearings - they say, change the entire tank. Replacing the tank will cost literally a couple of thousand less than a new machine. Moreover, according to reviews, their bearings fail a short time after the expiration of the warranty period. A kind of scam in one word.

It is necessary to take into account its technical and operational characteristics, dimensions, volume, appearance and a number of other factors. But the first thing you should decide on is the type of download. There are two main types of washing machines - vertical and frontal. In this article, we will help you figure out in what cases you should purchase a particular device, based on strengths each of them.

Which washing machine should you choose – top-loading or front-loading?

In order to make a choice, first of all you should clearly understand how one type of washing machine differs from another. The operating principle of both vertical and front-facing washing machines is the same. The laundry is loaded into a drum, which is driven by a motor, and water and detergents are supplied there. Depending on the selected program, the water temperature, washing time and number of rinses may vary. At the end of the cycle, the liquid is drained and spinning occurs through accelerated rotation of the drum.

The main difference between a vertical-loading unit and a front-loading device is the method of attaching the loading tank. In the first case, it is connected to two symmetrical shafts, and the laundry is loaded from above, which requires opening special doors with a mechanical lock. In the second, the drum is located “facing” the user, and loading occurs through a special hatch on the front side of the equipment. In this case, the washing process can be observed through a glass window.

Design and design differences

Front washing machines have a hatch (diameter varies from 23 to 33 cm), which is closed by a metal or plastic door with a glass window. During washing, the door is locked and can only be opened after the process is completed. The larger the drum size, the more convenient it is to load laundry into it. Operating comfort also depends on the door opening angle. In more advanced units it opens 180 degrees. Thanks to the rubber seal (cuff), the hatch fits tightly around the entire perimeter, which ensures complete tightness and, as a result, no water leaks.

The main difference between the types of washing machines, as mentioned above, is the method of loading laundry. In a vertical device - from above, in a frontal device - from the front. Moreover, in the first case, loading and unloading occurs in two stages: first you need to open the external hatch, then the drum. One of unpleasant moments for the user is that the flaps are not always opposite the hatch, and you have to scroll the drum to the desired point. Modern models are equipped with a “drum parking system” in a position convenient for unloading things.

For models with a door, the controls are located on the front panel. The upper horizontal plane is free, so it can be used as a shelf for household items. The display of a top-loading washer can be located on the top cover or on the side. One way or another, the lid must be free to access.

Dimensions and required space

The dimensions of full-size front-facing vehicles look quite impressive. A unit with a height of 85-90 cm, a width and a depth of 60 cm cannot be installed everywhere. In addition, you should take into account the amount of space for opening the hatch. Full-size equipment is usually purchased for large and medium-sized rooms, and it can also be built into a suite. There are also narrow and ultra-narrow units, the depth of which is 35-40 cm and 32-35 cm, respectively. If you want to install a washing machine under the sink, you should pay attention to the compact model, the height of which is in the range of 60-70 cm, width - 47-50 cm, depth - 43-45 cm.

Vertical machines are small in size and have better ergonomics. Firstly, the washing machine can be installed on the wall in two ways (backward or sideways), which increases the variability of placement; secondly, there is no need to provide additional space for loading and unloading laundry. The depth of devices with top installation is usually 60 cm, the width can be in the range of 40-45 cm, and the height is 85 cm. Such a model cannot be built under a countertop or installed under a sink.

Load volume

For domestic needs the best option will washing machine volume 5-7 kg. If you decide to save space and pay attention to a narrow, ultra-narrow or compact front-loading unit, be prepared for the fact that it will have less volume. Such models can hold from 3 to 5 kg of laundry. The same rules apply to vertical devices, the standard capacity of which is 5-6 kg; accordingly, equipment with reduced dimensions has more modest performance.

You should know that in addition to the maximum permissible, there is also a minimum permissible volume of loaded laundry. It is usually 1 kilogram. Fewer items are much more difficult to balance in the drum. As a result, there is an uneven load on the components and parts of the device, and increased wear. You should also not load the laundry to the maximum, since things in this case are poorly washed.

Energy costs

Before reaching the end consumer, the washing machine undergoes laboratory tests, based on the results of which it is assigned an energy consumption class. To do this, cotton laundry is loaded into the device and washed at a temperature of 60°C, after which the indicators are displayed - the number of kW/h per kilogram of clothes. Energy consumption classes are indicated by letters of the Latin alphabet (just like washing and spinning classes).

Today you are unlikely to find equipment of types C, D, E, F and G. Units of class B are also quite rare. All modern models consume from 0.17 to 0.19 kWh per kilogram of laundry, more advanced ones - less than 0 .17 kW/h, the most advanced - less than 0.15 kW/h. Based on this, they are assigned energy consumption classes A, A+ and A++. There are also ultra-modern devices that consume half as much electricity as type A devices. Such equipment is assigned class A+++. Energy costs are also affected by the efficiency of the wash itself.

It should be noted that the new European sticker for washing machines does not contain information about the efficiency of washing clothes, which was previously available. The fact is that the new CECED rules oblige all units with a load of more than three kilograms to have class A. Otherwise, their sale on the European market is prohibited. And since the classification A+, A++ and A+++ is not provided for determining efficiency, indicating the maximum (and only) possible class A becomes unnecessary.

Pros and cons of the two models

Each of the two types of washing machines has its own pros and cons, so there is approximate parity among users of front-facing and vertical units. Domestic consumers give preference to the first type, but abroad the picture is somewhat different. For example, in the USA and France the number of owners of top-loading devices is higher.

Advantages of front-facing machines

Let us summarize and list the advantages and disadvantages of units of this type. The advantages of front-facing washing machines include the following factors:

  • equipment can be built under the countertop or sink in the bathroom;
  • it is possible to use the device as an additional shelf;
  • if desired, you can observe the washing process through the glass window of the hatch;
  • stylish design.

The disadvantages are the limited possibilities for installing equipment in a small apartment and the use of additional space due to the opening of the door.

Pros of vertical models

As for top-loading units, the first thing to note is their compactness. You can install such a machine in the smallest corner of the bathroom or kitchen. Let's consider the main advantages of the technology:

  • compact dimensions;
  • no need to provide additional space for loading laundry; ease of use - no need to bend over or sit down to load things;
  • safety of use - the upper location of the control panel limits access to it for small children;
  • the ability to add items during washing.

The disadvantages of vertical washing machines include some uniformity in design, the inability to integrate equipment under the countertop, install it under the sink and use it as an additional shelf. Otherwise, top-loading devices are in no way inferior to front-loading equipment in terms of functionality, reliability and durability.

Features and advantages of Gorenje washing machines

The equipment of the manufacturer from Slovenia has long been well-known; this brand has earned the respect of buyers in many countries around the world, producing high-quality household devices for many years.

Gorenje washing machines are famous not only for their impeccable quality, but also for their ease of operation, elegant appearance, reliability and durability. In addition, the devices of the Slovenian manufacturer save water and electricity. In this way, the company takes care of the environment.

SensoCare technology

This option is designed to select the optimal mode. For example, when using regular programs washing (“Synthetics”, “Cotton”, “Wool”, “Mixed”, “Delicates”), you can choose one of four modes - “Eco-friendly”, “Normal”, “Fast” and “Anti-allergy” - optimized to achieve flawless result.

People with hypersensitive skin will especially appreciate the “Anti-Allergy” mode of SensoCare technology, in which thorough rinsing is carried out and the washing powder is completely washed out during the washing process.

InverterPowerDrive motor

This powerful motor is installed on advanced models of Gorenje washing machines. The InverterPowerDrive inverter motor operates without brushes, eliminating mechanical influences, friction and, as a result, wear of engine elements. At the same time, the results of washing regular and mixed fabrics are improved, energy efficiency is increased, quiet operation of the unit is ensured, and its service life is extended.

Large loading volume

IN model range Gorenje washing machines have units with an impressive load capacity of 9 kilograms. Moreover, the devices have standard sizes and are suitable for most houses and apartments.

In addition to the fact that a large volume of laundry can be washed in one cycle, items can be different materials and have different colors. In addition to increased capacity, washing machines use water and electricity sparingly.

Self-cleaning program

The “Self-cleaning” program is carried out without loading laundry and is designed to eliminate bacteria that may appear due to low water temperature (in some modes), as well as the use of non-aggressive agents, as a result of which things have an unpleasant odor. And this function allows you to maintain ideal cleanliness and sterility in the loading tank.

AquaStop system

If the permissible water level is exceeded or the fill valve malfunctions, the pump begins to automatically pump out liquid until the level required for this program is reached. Thus, the AquaStop system allows you to leave the washing machine unattended without fear of leaks. Top Gorenje models are equipped with a special sensor, which in case of leakage will immediately stop the water supply to the tank.

QuickWet system

This program is designed to soak laundry quickly and reduce washing time. The QuickWet system supplies water to the tank simultaneously from above and below. As a result, the laundry is soaked much faster, the cycle time is reduced, which leads to energy savings.

TimeComfort

In most washing machines, the wash start time can be programmed in advance. The TimeComfort function analyzes the selected program and independently determines when it is necessary to start the process so that the time for drying the washed laundry is the most optimal. In addition, advanced Gorenje models have an EndTime option, which allows you to set the end time of the wash.

SpaDrum

The loading tank in Gorenje units is made of stainless steel High Quality. The SpaDrum drum has an exceptionally smooth surface, which ensures a thorough and gentle wash. When rinsing and spinning, damage to items is completely eliminated.

Detergent Saving System (DSS)

This is a laundry detergent saving system. Gorenje washing machines are equipped special program Eco-protection, which makes the equipment as safe as possible for nature. The DSS system prevents the consumption of powder during water collection, which leads to a 20% saving in washing products, and as a result, environmental protection.

Stability control

Vibration of Gorenje units during operation is minimal. This is ensured thanks to a special stability control system, which allows you to evenly distribute the laundry in the drum. If the sensor detects an imbalance, the rotation of the drum stops to distribute things more evenly.

Child lock

It is impossible to open the door of the Gorenje washing machine during washing. In addition, the manufacturer has provided an additional child lock - just press a simple combination of buttons on the control panel.

SoftSound

In addition to the stylish design, Gorenje units do not irritate with unpleasant sound during operation. High quality speakers and soft sound signals provide maximum operating comfort of the device. Engineers paid special attention to the functional buttons, the movement of the program selector, the door and the detergent dispenser.

Heater DurableHeater

The surface of the heating element is made of nickel, which prevents the formation of scale on it (the most common cause of breakdowns). Compared to conventional washing machines, models with DurableHeater are more economical and have a longer service life.

The washing machine is currently represented by a huge number of models. The market is overflowing with household appliances from different manufacturers. They vary in quality, functionality, as well as appearance. Every person who decides to purchase a washing machine has a choice: top-loading and front-loading machines. At the same time, I would like them to work quickly, reliably and economically, to be cheap and unpretentious. I would also like the machine to last as long as possible. It's time to get acquainted with both types of these household appliances and make a choice which suits us best.

The difference between a vertical washing machine and its front-facing counterpart is that laundry is loaded and unloaded from above. It should be remembered that the lid must be closed during washing.

In a front-loading washing machine, items are placed through an opening at the front of the machine. This hatch must also be hermetically sealed. However, with the hatch open, the machine simply will not turn on: when closing the hatch, a special button is pressed, which lets the system know that everything is in order, and you can start filling the drum with water.


In fact, most users do not see a fundamental difference between these and other machines. Either one or the second type of machine will work equally well. But there are still differences, so we will compare them, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Occupied space and dimensions

A front loading washing machine may have various sizes. There are 4 standard sizes of washing machines. But it is worth remembering that no matter how compact the front-facing machine is, you should always leave enough space in front of it for loading and unloading laundry.

Full size

- 60 centimeters.

Machine height- about 90 centimeters.

Machine width- 60 centimeters.

Loaded laundry weight- 5-7 kilograms.

Narrow

Maximum loading depth- 35-40 centimeters.

Machine height- 85-90 centimeters.

Machine width- 60 centimeters.

Loaded laundry weight- 3.5-5.2 kilograms.

Very narrow

Maximum loading depth- 32-35 centimeters.

Machine height 85-90 centimeters.

Machine width- 60 centimeters.

Loaded laundry weight- 3.5-4 kilograms.

Compact

Maximum loading depth- 43-45 centimeters.

Machine height- 68-70 centimeters.

Machine width- 47-50 centimeters.

Loaded laundry weight- 3 kilograms.

Vertical washing machines are quite monotonous: they are almost the same size. They are from 80 to 85 centimeters in height, 60 centimeters in depth, and 40 centimeters in width. Not as wide as front loading machines. They have a clear advantage: no space is required in front of the device, because things are loaded from above. They are ideal for small apartments where every square centimeter of space counts.

It is worth noting that the washing quality of both machines is the same. The difference is which one is right for you.

Front loading washing machine

The hatch diameter ranges from 22 to 33 centimeters. The door closes with a special lock, which keeps it hermetically closed, without letting in a drop of water. The door always has a window made of durable glass through which you can observe the washing process. The door can open differently, which affects the ease of removing things. In cheap models it can only open 90 degrees, but in more expensive ones it can open up to 180.

Space in the room also plays a role here. If there is a wall on the side into which the door opens, there will still be no room for a wide-opening door. This aspect must be taken into account when choosing a washing machine, so as not to overpay for something that will not be used.

The cuff, or, in other words, the seal, is responsible for the tightness of the door, preventing water from passing through it. It is made from very high quality materials, as a result of which it hardly wears out. It can only be damaged mechanically through negligence. This means that you don’t need to look at the machine door, being careful that it might let water through. Each washing machine must be tested before going on sale.

Top loading washing machine

Vertical washing machines are equipped with a drum mounted horizontally on two symmetrical shafts. In order to load or unload laundry, you must first open the hatch and then the drum. In Europe, such machines are in greatest demand. They are about as popular in Russia.

It happens that after the wash is completed, the drum flaps are not opposite the hatch. In cheap models this happens quite often and causes inconvenience to users. It is very inconvenient, and for some people it is also difficult to rotate a drum full of wet laundry. But in many modern models available special system stop, thanks to which the drum flaps always stop opposite the hatch, allowing you to immediately begin unloading clean linen. But it is worth remembering that you will need to fork out for this option.

There are also so-called American vertical type cars. They can accommodate up to 12 kilograms of dry laundry. There is no hatch in the drum, but there is a so-called activator. Such cars are not imported to Russia - there is no demand. It can also be noted that there are also Asian-type cars. But in Russia they also have no demand due to the small volume of the drum.

Often these devices have the ability to generate air bubbles, which, according to manufacturers, improves the quality of washing. Is this really so - the big question. Currently, there is no reliable information supported by the results of laboratory studies on this matter, so the option is quite dubious and also adds to the cost of the washing machine.

Many housewives consider top-loading washing machines to be the most practical, not only because it is more convenient to remove laundry, but also because the machine can be stopped right during washing in order to unload some of the most easily washed items or load more items if Initially the car was not fully loaded.

This approach leads to significant savings in washing powder, water and electricity. In addition, it is incredibly convenient if there are things that cannot be washed with the rest. Whether it's garage jeans stained with gasoline or work overalls covered in construction dust. Instead of drawing and heating new water, these items can be washed with old, relatively clean water, in which the bed linen was previously washed. Savings and that's all!

Which is better in terms of convenience?

For front-loading machines, all the elements that are significant to the user: buttons, hatch, dispenser, display (if any) are located in the front part. The upper horizontal part is always free. Various things are placed on it: toothbrushes, tubes, bottles. That is, they are used as a shelf, and sometimes even as a table or stand for a small refrigerator. Especially if the machine is in the kitchen. Thus, such machines are more suitable for kitchen use than vertical machines.

But in this case, you need to find out in advance how much the machine vibrates during washing. There are such cars that shake like a tractor engine, bringing down to the floor everything that was placed on them by the unsuspecting owner. By the way, some models for such cases are equipped with a special anti-vibration mode. It reduces engine speed, thereby reducing vibration of the drum, but increasing the duration of the wash.

For vertical cameras, buttons and displays are most often located either on the side or on the top panel. The location of the dispenser is always under the lid. In this case, nothing can be placed on the lid, which means there can be no talk of using machines of this type as a shelf or table. But they can be built into kitchen furniture with an open top, thereby not spoiling the specific design of the kitchen.

Which washing machine will last longer?

So what can be said about the durability of the two types of washing machines? Do they have any design features that make some elements prone to damage? They are definitely equally reliable. Proof of this is a lot of laboratory tests in which machines were subjected to both normal and completely abnormal loads for them.

The testers forced the machines to work for many hours on end, pumped dirty water into them with large elements, and plugged them into a network with high or low voltage. There is only one result: the wear and tear of vertical washing machines and their horizontal counterparts is the same. Of course, there is a lot of speculation that horizontal machines are subject to large axial loads due to the resulting vibrations. But all this is just speculation and nothing more. They were rechecked dozens, if not hundreds of times, and were not confirmed.

Visual comparison

Front-facing machines are superior to vertical ones in that they have a transparent hatch through which you can observe the washing process. Sometimes this can be very useful. Especially when a large bill slips through the laundry cycle or a plane ticket forgotten in your pocket, and it’s not too late to stop the machine, drain the water and get the valuables. But still, given the frequency of rotation of the drum, it is unlikely that you will see paper bills or other valuables in the soapy water against the background of multi-colored laundry. Therefore, this option can be classified as additional, but not very important in practice.

Let's start choosing a car

Choosing exactly the machine you need should be done in several steps.

First you need to decide on the location of your car. This is the first and most important thing to do. This is where most washing machine buyers have the biggest problems. The reason for this is inattention, inability or unwillingness to take very accurate measurements. It will be a shame if the machine doesn’t have just a millimeter to squeeze between the wall and the bathroom. And it will be even more annoying if during installation it gets stuck there so much that you have to dig into the wall or move the bathtub.

You should also determine whether it will interfere with other pieces of furniture and household items in the place where it will be located. A washing machine is an item that is usually installed in an apartment once and for all. As you acquire more and more furniture, there will no longer be room to rearrange it. Therefore, a lot of attention needs to be paid to this issue.

In small apartments and dorms there is often not enough space to accommodate a front-facing machine - every square centimeter counts. As a rule, there will be nowhere for the door to open. Therefore, owners of such apartments should choose a vertical type machine.
The second step is to take reliability issues into account. Vertical devices are leaders in this regard. But this is only in theory, not in practice. This is explained by the fact that if they break down, water will not flow out of them under any circumstances. If a breakdown occurs with a front-facing machine, especially if the door, its seal is somehow damaged, or even the viewing window is broken, then soapy water will pour out, ruining the floors, walls, furniture, and also flooding the neighbors.

If another type of breakdown occurs, for example, the water drain pump jams, but the tightness of the structure is not broken, then in order to get things out of there, you will have to call and wait for a repairman. If a breakdown occurs in a top-loading machine, you can easily remove things by opening the lid. The water won't leak out anywhere.

It is worth noting that in our time the level of reliability of household appliances is such that, as a rule, security issues remain issues, never becoming a practical problem. All washing machine diseases have long been diagnosed and cured.


 The third step is to determine the price that suits you. Front machines take up most of the Russian market. The reason for this is a significantly lower cost, which is now more than relevant, because household appliances are produced abroad. Sales of vertical models in this moment constitute barely 15% of all sales in this market. By the way, on the American continent everything is exactly the opposite: the ratio is approximately the same, but models with vertical loading are in great demand there.

Be that as it may, washing machines differ only in design, ergonomics, and size. They cope with their task - washing - flawlessly. Competition in the market is very high, and therefore each manufacturer produces the highest quality products that meet all the requirements of the modern consumer.

Video “Washing machine: which one to choose?”

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