Types of Laundry Machines
There are primarily two types of laundry (washing) machines, front-loading washers and top-loading washers. Both types are available full-sized or space-saving size. They use water as the primary cleaning solution, as opposed to dry cleaning, which uses alternative solvents in lieu of water, or ultrasonic cleaners, which use ultrasound (high frequency sound waves) to agitate in liquids for its cleaning process.
Top-Loading Washers
These machines come in two categories, either regular (conventional) or high-efficiency. As the name implies, clothes are loaded by opening the top of the machine. The conventional model works by filling the tub with water and an agitator swirls the laundry in a circle to get it clean. They are the least expensive of all machines, but use the most energy. On the other hand, the high-efficiency loader is not made with a center post agitator, but uses a tumbling action instead to wash clothes. It holds more laundry, uses less water and spins at higher speeds than the regular machine. They cost more to purchase than regular machines, but will save you more money in the long run with lower energy bills.
Front-Loading Washers
Clothes are loaded through a door in the front of the machine and the outer tub is mounted horizontally. Because they do not have an agitator, they clean clothes by lifting them to the top of the tub and inner basket and then descending them back into the water. Front-load washers run at faster speeds than high-efficiency top-loaders. This makes them clean better and more energy efficient, and surprisingly, the cost is only slightly more.
Compact Washers
These space-saving machines are great for people with limited space, such as apartment, condominium and RV dwellers. They are typically 24 inches wide or less as opposed to full-sized models, which are 27 inches. They are made both as a top-loader and front-loader, energy efficient, reasonably priced and some are even portable. There are countless laundry machines available to choose from that will suit any budget, lifestyle and eco-friendly standards.