Front Load Washing Machines

Image Credit: tap78 on stock.xchng (

Image Credit: tap78 on stock.xchng (

FAQ: Washing Machines

What's the difference between front loading and top loading washing machines?

Front load machines tend to use significantly less water and power, as well as being gentler on clothes. Their design also means they are more suitable for small rooms. Their main downside to front load machines include longer wash times and generally a higher up front price. Top load machines on the other hand operate roughly twice as fast, cost less, and allow you to open the machine at any time during the wash.

Why do some washing machines with a better star rating use more electricity?

The star rating is based on two things; the amount of energy used and the size of the unit. So while a unit with four stars may use more power than one with three stars, it may also be much bigger, meaning it is more efficient at using electricity.

Why do some washing machines with a better star rating cost more to run?

As stated above, the star rating isn't only based on how much electricity is used, but also how big a unit is. A big unit that uses lots of electricity may still be more efficient than a smaller unit, even though it uses more power. So a large machine could have four stars, while using more electricity than a smaller one, which would in turn cost more.

What does the water star rating mean?

The water star rating is designed to tell you how water efficient the machine is. The more stars a washer has, the less water it uses per kilogram of washing done. Look for a three star or better machine, to ensure you save as much water, and thus, as much money as possible.

How are clothes washer star ratings calculated?

The energy star rating is determined by a combination of the size of the washer and the amount of electricity it uses. This is a fairer system than simply going by the overall energy usage, as it takes into account how efficient the device is. The same system is used to work out the water star rating. The amount of water used is factored against how many kilograms of clothes are washed, which tells you how efficient the unit is.

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