Design, disadvantages and advantages of top-loading washing machines

Vertical washing machines are fundamentally different from frontal (horizontal) washing machines in that laundry is loaded into the tank from the top, and not from the side. They are more compact and less noisy, and can operate for several years with virtually no breakdowns. The advantages of top-loading washing machines, their disadvantages and operating features are described in detail in this article.

Design Features

The design of a top-loading washing machine has its own characteristics. The main difference is due to the fact that the hatch for loading laundry is located on top, that is, in the lid, and not on the side, as in more common front-facing models.

Moreover, it is usually made of the same material as the body. Such a hatch is usually opaque, which also distinguishes it from devices with traditional horizontal loading.

The drum also has its own characteristics. It is equipped with 2 shafts (one on each side). They are fixed in the tank using 2 reliable bearings. In addition, the drum has doors (1 and 2), which open during the laundry loading process, as can be seen in the diagram.

The top cover also functions as a tray for washing powder, as well as an air conditioner. Another interesting difference is that the control panel is also located on top of the rear part. However, the operating principle of a top-loading washing machine is exactly the same as a horizontal one.An electric motor drives the drum, which rotates to carry out both the washing and rinsing process and the spin cycle.

Advantages and disadvantages

As you can see, the vertical machine has its own characteristics. It works similarly to the front one, but the component elements are located in different places. In this regard, the unit has quite a lot of advantages:

1. Thanks to the vertical arrangement, the dimensions are reduced. The device becomes narrow, so it can be placed even in a small bathroom or placed in the kitchen, in the hallway in the corner.
2. Despite the small dimensions, the capacity is sufficient - it is 4-5 kg, often 5-7 kg.
3. It is easier to load things from above, this is especially important for older people who find it difficult to bend down and take laundry out of the bin.
4. Right during washing, you can look into the tank and, if necessary, add more clothes, even if the process is already in progress.
5. The drum is fixed in the volume of the tank not on one side, but on both sides. Therefore, the load is reduced, which means the service life increases.
6. Since the control panel is located at the back, this allows you to protect the devices from access by children.
7. Finally, vertical machines make much less noise, even at maximum drum rotation speed.

Such devices also have disadvantages. The obvious disadvantage is related to the price - since the design is more complex, it costs more than the front one, usually by 20-30%. Along with this, there are other points:

1. The machines are durable, but if they break down, repairs will cost more.
2. There is no way to install such units under the countertop.
3. Also, the top cover cannot be used as a small additional shelf.
4. If the material is of poor quality, the hatch begins to rust due to frequent contact with water.

In general, vertical machines do not differ from horizontal ones in terms of their operating principle. Although the design itself is more complex and allows you to load laundry from above. There are also operating features. So, before washing, you need to carefully close the drum flaps - otherwise, major damage may occur during operation.