If you're in the market for a new washing machine, do as 34% of English people do and opt for a top washing machine. Two things set them apart from a traditional porthole machine: they are compact and easy to use. With a top loader, you won't have to bend over backwards to fill the machine! For more information, check out this complete buying guide.
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Our selection
"Electrolux is one of the references in terms of household appliances. Efficient, economical and easy to use, this model perfectly honors the reputation of this…"
"Efficient, easy to use and very quiet, the FAURE FWQ6412C is a small washing machine perfect for satisfying the needs of a family."
"A top washing machine with more than enough performance. It is a complete model with the presence of steam and anti-allergen options. Its LCD screen…"
"High performance, ecological and low noise, this washing machine is signed Whirlpool, the reference across the Atlantic in terms of household appliances for many years."
Electrolux is one of the references in terms of household appliances. Efficient, economical and easy to use, this model perfectly honors the reputation of this brand.
399 £ on BoulangerWith this washing machine, your shirts will be forever grateful. Equipped with SteamCare technology and the Cashmere program, it diffuses steam on your dry clothes while reducing wrinkles, these programs allow you to save energy, water and washings.
The Electrolux EW7T3733BO guarantees fresh, wrinkle-free clothes. It's a great time saver on a daily basis. This top washing machine has a capacity of 7 kg and has a delayed start up to 20 hours.
Efficient, easy to use and very quiet, the FAURE FWQ6412C is a small washing machine perfect for satisfying the needs of a family.
239 £ on Cdiscount
A top washing machine with more than enough performance. It is a complete model with the presence of steam and anti-allergen options. Its LCD screen allows you to see precisely the state of the machine. With a capacity of 7 kg, it runs at 1300 rpm during the spinning.
599 £ on DartyThe compact dimensions of the AEG L7TBD734E, 40 cm wide, combined with its modern design, make it a perfect decorative element. The performances are not left out. Indeed, with a spin speed of 1300 rpm, this appliance consumes only 157 kWh and 9990 l of water. This is confirmed by its "A++" energy rating. In addition, it is very quiet, as it produces only 49 dB, however there is no question of falling asleep next to it. With a maximum capacity of 7 kg, it is perfectly suitable for a family of 3-4 people or more.
On this top washing machine you have the features of: delayed start (20 h), remaining time display and steam function. On the washing side, you have the short "quick 20 min" program that allows you to quickly wash 3 kg of laundry or the jeans mode, for example. The presence of the anti-dumping and anti-spill system will make your washes safer.
High performance, ecological and low noise, this washing machine is signed Whirlpool, the reference across the Atlantic in terms of household appliances for many years.
331 £ on AmazonWith FreshCare technology, the Whirlpool tdlr70211 ensures your laundry stays fresh for up to 6 hours after the cycle is complete. Equipped with a soft opening and a return to the top feature at the end of the cycle, it ensures comfort during loading and unloading.
This 7 kg capacity model is equipped with 13 particularly effective programs. Thanks to the 6th sense program, the appliance automatically adjusts water and energy consumption. This represents a minimum saving of 50%.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level top washer
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Electrolux EW7T3733BO
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FAURE FWQ6412C
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AEG L7TBD734E
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Whirlpool TDLR70211
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Electrolux is one of the references in terms of household appliances. Efficient, economical and easy to use, this model perfectly honors the reputation of this brand.
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Efficient, easy to use and very quiet, the FAURE FWQ6412C is a small washing machine perfect for satisfying the needs of a family.
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A top washing machine with more than enough performance. It is a complete model with the presence of steam and anti-allergen options. Its LCD screen allows you to see precisely the state of the machine. With a capacity of 7 kg, it runs at 1300 rpm during the spinning.
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High performance, ecological and low noise, this washing machine is signed Whirlpool, the reference across the Atlantic in terms of household appliances for many years.
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Capacity
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7 Kg
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6 kg
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7 kg
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7 kg
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Spin speed
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1300 rpm
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1200 rpm
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1300 rpm
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1200 rpm
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Energy class
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A+++
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A++
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A+++
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A++
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Electric consumption/year Electricity consumption/year
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157 kWh
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150 kWh
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157 kWh
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174 kWh
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Water consumption/year Water/year
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9990 L
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9490 L
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9990 L
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8900 L
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The capacity of the appliance is the total amount of laundry it can handle in one wash cycle. In general, this characteristic is expressed in "kg". Top washing machines have a capacity that varies between 5 and 8 kg, which is correct for all types of households. To go further in our analysis, a model with a capacity of more than 7 kg will be perfect for medium-sized families.
The big drawback of top washing machines is the noise level, which is high, that they can produce when washing. Since December 2011, all washing machine manufacturers must highlight the noise level of their appliance. Thus, you can see in the manual or on the box the level of noise pollution emitted by the model during two specific periods :
We advise you to choose appliances with decibels (dB) below or equal to 75 dB during spinning. If you have a better budget, you can go down to about 60 dB. Why the price difference? It's simple, the quietest ones have a motor with better technology.
If you don't have a dryer, the spin speed of a washing machine is crucial. Indeed, it is during this mode that your top washing machine dries your clothes a first time by removing excess water. For this, the drum of your machine will turn at a high speed. To obtain a convincing result, it is ideal to have a motor capable of turning at a speed between 1200 or 1600 rpm at least. After a good spin, your clothes will dry faster!
Ecology is becoming more and more central in everyone's lives. We all want to consume less to participate in the environmental effort. It is in this spirit that we created the energy labels present on all appliances. It is composed of a notation going from "A", the best note, to "D". In our case, it is wise to choose a model with a grade between "A+" and "A++"
. This means that the appliance consumes little energy and has the best technological advances on the market. However, this rating does not take into account the water consumption of the machine!
Before starting this phase, remember to methodically check each joint on the various connections. It should not have any traces of wear. So, every washing machine has two pipes: water inlet and outlet.
First you have to connect the water inlet hose. To do this properly, you must have a water inlet witha threaded shut-off valve. This will allow you to close the valve in case of a leak, which is convenient, and the threaded connection ensures that the connection is watertight. In addition, for the machine to work properly you need a minimum pressure of 100 kPa. However, a pressure of 1000 kPa should not be exceeded.
Then you can place the drain hose in 3 different ways:
Test your water supply connection by gently opening the tap and check that there are no leaks. Then, the first time you use the machine, make sure that the water drains properly and that no liquid remains in your machine. If this is the case, adjust the height of the dirty water drain hose.
If you want to buy a top washing machine, it is to use it for many years. In this sense, it is useful to know the different options available on the market. The different models have been designed to fit a certain type of specific needs. We tell you more about them below.
In a nutshell, a top load washer
is a normal washing machine, but it is loaded from the top. So, unlike a porthole model, you won't have to bend over to get your laundry into the drum. So, this type of machine will allow you to wash your clothes like everyone else. Obviously, the performance of the machine is linked to the characteristics of the motor and the options on the machine.
In addition to saving you from backaches, a top washing machine has compact dimensions. This allows you to place them in tight spaces or save space. All you need is for the room to have a water inlet, an electrical outlet and a water drain.
Like
all washing machine models, you can find top washers with two functions in one unit: washing and drying. The advantage here is clear, you save a lot of space, because you use one appliance instead of two. In addition, the price of these models does not differ too much from the classic models. Nevertheless, the 2-in-1 models have 2 glaring problems:
That's not all! You should know that on this kind of model the drying capacity is half of the total amount of washing. This means that if you wash "x" amount of clothes on one cycle, you're going to need two cycles for drying.
We're
talking about top dryers, because they're the perfect complement to the same type of washing machine models. Unlike a porthole washer where you can place the dryer on top, you can't do that on a top dryer. For good reason, the controls and loading porthole are on its top. The solution is to have a dryer of the same type next to it.
The nerve center of a washing machine is its motor. It is the motor that allows the machine to wash, dry or spin your clothes.
You can find so-called classic motors, such as asynchronous models, fitted to washing machines. This type of motor has a constant, unchanging speed, dictated by the frequency of the alternating current. In addition, you can find a phase-shifting capacitor to initiate starting and give torque. In most cases, this type of washing machine is equipped with a motor for each phase: washing and spinning. Each motor has its own speed.
Despite their old technology, this type of motor is reliable and consumes little energy. The main problem with this mechanism is the presence of a belt and a pulley that can break. Secondly, machines equipped with this mechanism make a lot of noise.
The main advantage of this motor is the electromagnetic field produced by the magnet in the coil. This allows it to generate less vibration and therefore less noise. Here you have a single motor that drives the drum either via a belt (induction) or without (direct induction). In the industry, this type of motor is called induction or universal.
The speed of the motor is variable and it is controlled by means of an electronic variator. These are machines with a very good durability.
First of all, conventional three-phase motors are easier to repair. While induction models offer you great convenience. In short, it depends on your budget.
Dimensions
A top model washing machine takes up less space than a porthole machine. More precisely, a top model is generally 40 to 45 cm wide, as opposed to 60 cm, approximately, for a porthole washing machine. This makes them perfect for small spaces or for people who want to save space.
Top loading
This type of machine is loaded from the top, hence the name "Top". Forget backaches, here you fill the machine from the top, which adds a considerable plus to the comfort of use.
Practical
Despite their compact size, top washing machines have a large capacity drum. You can find appliances with a capacity of between 5 and 8 kg.
Features
Don't worry! With this type of machine, you will be able to clean like a front or porthole model. A top washing machine has short programs and as many specific programs that will make your life easier.
Just as efficient!
Depending on the product you buy, top load washing machines have enough power to clean your laundry effectively. Whether it's washing or spinning.
Prepare your clothes
Before putting your clothes in the top washer, it is helpful to follow a few steps. 1. Empty the pockets, as objects such as keys or coins can damage the drum. 2. Close the zippers. 3. Consider treating large stains by applying specific products or gently rubbing with a damp cloth.
Stop wasting!
If
you don't have a lot of laundry to wash and you don't have a short wash option, it's best to wait to fully fill your machine. Then, when filling be careful not to overload your top washer as this will damage it.
Cold wash
The
top washer will tend to consume more energy if it runs at a temperature of 70 or 90°. Yet, this type of high-temperature washing is for very dirty clothes or when you want to kill any bacteria or allergens. Otherwise, a cold wash, 30°, is just as effective.
Baby wash
Baby clothes need special attention. That's why it's always recommended to clean newborn clothes at a high temperature, 60° to 90°.
Don't be heavy on the laundry detergent!
It's a
misconception that the amount of laundry products you put in the machine affects the quality of the cleaning. This is a myth! On the contrary, if you put too many products, the machine will consume more energy! For your machine to work optimally, you must respect the indicated doses, according to the type of textile and the degree of dirtiness.
The best top washer depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide for the best products out there.
Qaund
? When you smell a foul odor coming from inside your top washer, it's time to service it. How do you do it? All you need is a bottle of white vinegar. Then, pour 2 doses of white vinegar into one of the pockets in the detergent dispenser and one dose into the drum. Then, start the machine by programming a full cycle on high temperature. It is useful and recommended to do this type of maintenance at least once a month! In addition, you should clean the seal at the lid.
The
choice of a top washing machine must be made based on very specific criteria. In this comparison, we've written a complete guide and recommend the best current products.
Effectively,
one might wonder if "top" is not a brand of washing machine at first
glance.
Well, no! So, there are two types on the market: porthole with front loading and top that you fill from the top. If you want to know more about its advantages and disadvantages, I invite you to read our comparison.
On the
market, there are many brands of top washing machines like Whirlpool, Brandt or LG. They design appliances with different features and performance. You can also find appliances with lesser known names like Vedette which has the distinction of making reliable and intuitive appliances. In the end, it all comes down to your budget. Take the time to understand the features that will best suit your needs!
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