The different types of washing machines comparison - which one to buy?

Different types of washing machines

To start, know all your options first so you have a bigger picture of what to consider. There are different types of washing machines out there for different needs — each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
In this guide, AEG simplifies each one, compares them with each other, and suggests which type of washing machine is best for you.

Different types of washing machines

Washing machines come in different shapes and sizes — each suitable for different homes, laundry needs, and budgets. Read on to know more about the main types of washing machines, and to identify which suits you best.

Front load
Top load (High-efficiency)
Top load (Standard)
Single Tub
Twin Tub
Washer Dryer
Portable

Front load and top load washing machine

Different types of washing machines

What are front load and top load washing machines?

Both washers can be easily identified by their door design. A front-loader has a door on the front because of its horizontal drum, while a top-loader has one at the top due to its vertical basket.
However, their differences go beyond just appearance. This design difference significantly dictates factors like convenience, running costs, and performance.

Differences between front-load and top-load washing machines

Here is the comprehensive comparison between front-load vs. top-load washing machines.

	Front Load Washing Machine	Top Load Washing Machine
Convenience
Accessibility	Bend to load and unload. Use support boxes to raise it	Waist-high lid for easier loading and unloading
Adding clothes mid-cycle	Door locks once cycle starts, preventing you from adding more	Add clothes anytime
Noise	Quieter, causes less vibration	Louder, causes more vibrations
Laundry Layout
Space saved	Wider but stackable with a dryer	Unstackable with a dryer, but narrower
Performance
Cleaning	Tumbling action gives a more effective and gentle clean to remove dirt	Swirling action is less effective and can damage clothes. Higher risk of damage if it has a central agitator.
Spin Drying	Faster spin speeds	Slower spin speeds
Washing Time	Longer cycles due to less water use	Faster cycles due to more water use
Consumption of resources
Water	Uses less water, enough for clothes to tumble in	Needs more water to cover all the clothes inside
Energy	Less water used, less energy to heat it. Faster spin cycles also means less dryer use	More water used, more energy to heat it. Slower spin cycles also means more more dryer use
Detergent	Only uses special High Efficiency (HE) detergent — but in small amounts	A high-efficiency top loader also only uses HE detergent in small amounts A standard top-loader uses standard, less expensive cleaners, but needs more amounts of it
Price	Higher upfront cost	Lower upfront cost
Maintenance
Hygiene	Mould and mildew can grow if uncleaned	Less chances of mould problem because moisture can easily evaporate
Repair	Overloading wears it out. Best repaired by technicians	Can be DIY-ed for basic repairs. Replaceable parts cost less

Generally, the best type of washing machine is a front-loader because it provides a more effective clean with less water, electricity, and detergent, gently caring for your clothes so you preserve them for longer. It’s also easy to clean a front load washing machine at home.
If you want a convenient and easily maintainable machine, a top-loader is an adequate appliance that can get the job done — best to opt for a high-efficiency type. Instead of using a central agitator, it uses a bottom impeller for better cleaning results. It also has improved spin speeds for more water and energy efficiency.
For more details, please refer to this buying guide to know how to choose the right washing machine.

Single and twin tub washing machines

What are single tub and twin tub washing machines?

Washing machines can also differ according to the number of tubs they have. A single tub washing machine can wash and spin dry your clothes in one tub. This category includes top-loaders and front-loaders that automatically spin dry clothes after washing.
A twin tub washing machine makes use of two separate, adjacent tubs — one for washing, and one for spin drying. It is typically made of plastic, and looks like two joined top-loaders.
This is a semi-automatic machine that requires some manual input during the cycle — a good introduction to washers for someone slowly transitioning from hand washing.

Differences between single tub and twin tub washing machines

Here is the comprehensive comparison between single tub vs. twin tub washing machines.

	Single Tub Washing Machine	Twin Tub Washing Machine
Convenience
Water Use	Automatically fills and drains water	Manual retrieval and draining of water for each load (hose attachment or bucket)
Spin Drying	Automatically spin dries	Manual transfer of clothes to spin dryer
Laundry Layout
Space saved	More compact for small spaces	Wider and cannot be stacked under counters
Performance
Cleaning	Has special features for a better and gentler clean	Not as effective with dirt removal and may be rougher on fabrics
Spin Drying	Dries your clothes up to 90%	Dries your clothes up to 70%
Consumption of resources
Water	Top-loader uses the most amount of water to fill the tub Front-loader uses the least amount of water, only half of the drum	Needs more water than a front-loader, less water than a single tub top-loader. You can control how much to put in to lessen water use
Energy	Slightly uses more energy, even more during use of heating and other features	Uses slightly less energy
Price	More expensive due to more features	Less expensive due to fewer features
Maintenance
Hygiene	Typically has a self-cleaning feature	Manual cleaning
Repair	Repairs can be more costly since it is made up of more parts	Easier to maintain. Mostly made of plastic, less risks of rust, and has a basic mechanism

A twin tub washing machine is good enough for a basic clean — something easier than hand washing but still requires some effort and time. If you want to take it a step further and you have more budget, the type of washing machine for you is a single tub. It provides more convenience and a better clean.

Washer-dryer combo

A washer dryer conveniently lets you both wash and dry your clothes with a single machine. With this two-in-one, you won’t have to buy a separate washing machine and tumble dryer.
Unlike a single tub machine that automatically spin dries, this appliance takes it a step further by also drying your clothes with heat for pure convenience.
Read more on how to choose the right washer dryer combo if you’re looking to get one.

Space-saving

Serving as two appliances in one, it is a popular choice among flat residents, helping them save on space, especially if they do not have a dedicated laundry room. Whether in the bathroom or kitchen, it can be easily installed wherever you have enough space.

Set-and-forget laundry

A washer dryer combo can independently wash and dry, while some models can even wash then automatically dry. Busy professionals can conveniently focus on their other tasks while it does their laundry — from start to finish.

Less expensive

Since you won’t need to get a separate washer or dryer, this two-in-one is generally a cheaper option upfront. However, its dryer function consumes a lot of energy — even more than tumble dryers. A solution? Simply lessen its use. This makes it suitable for small households who can afford to do their laundry once or twice a week.

Good washing results

The washing performance of a washer dryer is comparable to that of a standalone washing machine. With AEG washer dryers, you are assured your clothes are efficiently and gently cleaned.

Should I buy a washer-dryer combo or separate machines?

It all depends on your home and laundry habits. Convenient as they are, washer dryers lack what separate washers and dryers have. They generally take a long time to dry your clothes, have less dryer capacity, and consume more energy when drying.
To help you decide, here is a comprehensive comparison of a washer dryer versus a separate washer and dryer.

Should I buy a washer-dryer combo or separate machines

Don’t settle for less

Deciding on a washing machine is something you should not overlook. Your choice will dictate your utility bill, laundry routine, and, most importantly, the quality of your clothes. Why settle for less?
To know which type of washing machine suits you best, consider six factors: performance, convenience, budget (upfront, running, and maintenance costs), machine maintenance, household size, and available space. What do you prioritise here?
From there, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices. Need more help? Check out this comprehensive washing machine buying guide .AEG offers front load washing machines and washer dryers for more convenience in your laundry routine. All are equipped with advanced laundry technologies to keep your clothes looking new for longer.