There’s pros and cons for each type, says Palmer-Smith, but the biggest thing to consider when caring for your clothes is the cleaning action. He says: "Top-loaders can be more aggressive which can cause fabrics to wear more quickly, so delicate items won't fare well over the long-term.
"Other than that, the choice will depend on where the machine will be and user preferences. Top-loaders are slimmer and can fit into smaller spaces, however you wouldn’t be able to stack a dryer on top. They also have a shorter cycle time because side loaders tend to have more complex wash cycles and water draining systems.
"Side loaders have larger washing capacity than top loaders because they don’t have agitators, which in turn makes them quieter and causes less vibration. In addition, front loading washing machines can use up to 40 per cent less water than top loaders, saving money on bills."