[header] How to buy a washer and dryer [title] Decide if you want a top-load or front-load washer, and narrow your search to include only washers that fit your preferred loading location. [substeps] Advantages of top-load washers are that they are significantly lower in cost and easy to load. Top-load washers also complete wash cycles in less time than front-load washers. 
However, top-load washers are not as energy-efficient as front-load washers, and they require more water. They also hold smaller loads and generally do not clean as thoroughly.