A Primer on Washing Machines

Choosing the Best Washer

Getting ready to buy a new washing machine? Here is the first decision you'll need to make. There are three basic types of washers to choose from. We describe each washer type below and provide an example from each of the three major brands.

1. GE Traditional Agitator Type Top Loader Washer

Agitator type washers were the primary type of washing machine used in the U.S. since the post WWII era up to the 2000's. They're still a popular choice for those who want a washing machine like Mom used to have and prefer the high-post agitator in the middle. Here's an example from GE.

GE® 4.2 DOE cu. ft. stainless steel capacity washer
GTW485ASJWS

ENERGY STAR® qualified
Stain PreTreat
Speed Wash
Rotary electronic controls with cycle status lights

2. Whirlpool HE Top Load Washer

High Efficiency top load washers have been around for about twenty years. They're absent the high post agitator of traditional washers. Instead, they have an impeller in the bottom of the tub that turns and moves the clothes in much less water than traditional agitator top loaders, but they still do an amazing job of cleaning clothes. Below is a Whirlpool HE Top Load Washer:

4.3 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Top Load Washer with a Low-Profile Impeller
Model #: WTW5000DW

Presoak Option
Deep Water Wash Cycle
Clean Washer Cycle with affresh® Washer Cleaner
Smooth Wave Stainless Steel Wash Basket
Quick Wash Cycle

3. Electrolux Front Load Washer

Front load washers have become very popular over the last 20 years. Originally popularized in Europe, front loaders have no agitator. As the name suggests, they open from the front rather than the top. They tumble clothes through the water and detergent. They use far less water than traditional agitator washers. They tend to be at the top of the price scale. The model featured below is an Electrolux Front Load Washer:

Electrolux Front Load Washer with LuxCare™ Wash – 4.3 Cu. Ft.
EFLW417SIW

Thorough cleaning with the LuxCareTM Wash System .
20-Minute Fast Wash StainTreatTM
ENERGY STAR® Certified Most Efficient

Three top brands, and three different washing systems. To be clear, each brand – (GE, Whirlpool, and Electrolux) manufactures washing machines in each category: agitatior type top load, HE top load, and front load. All are Energy Star certified.

For more information about each of these washer types, and brands contact the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today.