Top load washers will be your lowest capital cost option but will generally consume twice the water per load compared to a front load washer. Front load washers are energy star rated and have a greater capacity and better extraction resulting in reduced time spent drying. The front load washer will also do a better job cleaning as the mechanical action of lifting and dropping the goods is far superior to the agitation of the top load washer. Also the front load washer is the best option for processing towels as it will remove more moisture greatly reducing your dry times.
Front Load Washer
Need to bend down to load and unload
Higher in cost
More energy efficient
Uses gravity to wash laundry, which is gentler on clothes
Longer cycle times: 45 minutes
Can soak clothes, when needed
Higher spin speeds for reduced drying time
Top Load Washer
Easier to load and unload
(no bending necessary!)
Lower in cost, in most cases
Less energy efficient
Uses an agitator to wash laundry
Shorter cycle times: 28 minutes
Can soak clothes, when needed