There are mainly two types of washing machines, the front loading and the top loading washing machines. The top loading type is popular in Latin American countries, Canada, Australia and the United States. As the name suggests the clothes are loaded from the top by opening a hinged lid or door. Also known as the V-axis designed washers, the front loading washing machines, have their inside tub mounted vertically. Inside this tub is a basket that is perforated, which actually holds the clothes.

The top loading washing machines are cheaper and also do the washing a bit faster than the front loading type. When the clothes are loaded in the top loading washing machine the tub gets filled with water and the clothes get suspended in the perforated basket. In the center of this basket is a mechanism called the agitator with paddles, and its movement causes the clothes to move in a downward and upward direction, while brushing against the sides of the perforated basket. Fabrics which are delicate can sometimes be damaged by this motion churned up by the agitator, and can be a little rough on other fabrics too. Another main disadvantage is that top loading washing machines are not suitable for bigger items like a pillow or a comforter. The design of the machine is such, that the agitator cannot much use gravity, to get these items to come down, and they will float on the top, and no circulation will take place, which in turn will not displace the dirt from these items.

Although the mechanism of top loading washing machines is more complex, they have relatively a lower maintenance cost. They seldom need repair, and also they do not have a door that needs a proper sealing, like the front loading machines. The loading of clothes in the machine is much more convenient, as also its removal, because the person does not have to bend, as in comparison to front loading. Running costs will be high for these machines as they consume more electricity than the front loading types.

Most renowned washing machine companies manufacture both the types of machines and there are some very popular models. One on top of the list is the WJRE5500GWW from General Electric. This top loading machine has a spacious interior of about three and half cubic foot, which gives it a much larger capacity, to tackle heavier loads of laundry. Amazingly for its size, this machine has a much lesser noise level during its operation, which is due to the superior technology used in its agitator and motor. The controls give you a choice of 18 wash cycles to choose from and also control the level of temperature of the water.

The Whirlpool Cabrio is another popular model among the top loading washing machines. This machine saves on detergents and water by a mechanism which keeps adjusting the level of water in the tub, to make optimal use of the detergents according to the load of the clothes. The controls offer options for a deeper cleaning, extra rinsing and presoaking.