Front-loading (Horizontal axis) machines use a tumbling action to clean the clothes, clothes are gently plunged through the water and detergent. (Diagram below)

Washing machines are now expected to do more with less water and less energy.

Front-loading machines use just over half the amount of water required for the average top-loading machine, which means less water has to be heated and you'll only need to use about a third of the detergent.

The gentle tumbling action of a front-loading machine is much easier on clothes than the twisting action they receive in a top-loading agitating machine.

The typical top-loading machine spins at about 600 rpm. Many front-loading machines also spin faster -1000 to1200 rpm. This forces more water out of the washing, so a tumble dryer would use less energy to dry the clothes.

Studies have found that front-loading washing machines use considerably less water and energy, and clean more efficiently than top-loading machines.

Here in Europe, where expensive energy and water have been driving efficiency improvements for many years. More than 90% of washing machines are front-loading, less than 35% of machines in the U.S.