Front Loader vs. Top Loader: The Grudge Match

Weighing up which one wins your laundry? Here’s how to choose without getting a consumer tech degree.

It’s the ultimate domestic showdown: the sideways-swinging, Euro-cool front loader vs. the high-capacity, no-nonsense top loader. And like most passionate rivalries – pineapple on pizza, All Blacks vs everyone, socks in bed – there’s no one right answer.

But there is a right answer for you. Here's how to figure it out without rage-Googling "what's the best washing machine" for three hours.

So... Which One Should You Get?

Pick a front loader if:

+ You’re washing a lot of delicates
+ You care about water use, space, or energy bills
+ You like appliances that look like they probably came with an instruction manual in Italian

Pick a top loader if:

+ You want speed and simplicity
+ You’re doing heavy loads (think towels, school uniforms, mystery camping gear)
+ You value practicality over aesthetics

Summary

Both front and top loaders will get the job done — it just depends on what your version of "done" looks like. The right machine comes down to your space, your habits, and your household. Need help choosing? Pop in-store and chat with our team — we’re full of surprisingly useful thoughts on spin cycles.

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