There are mainly two kinds of washing machines: front-loading and top-loading.
The front-loading washing machines are the most common by far. The drawback with this type of machine is that it takes up a bit more space, but on the other hand, you can use the top of the machine to store things.
In a home with plenty of space, a front-loading washing machine is always a better choice because it often has a more generous capacity and has more advanced settings. If you live in a small space, a top-loading washing machine might be a better option.