you know why front load were so popular in US? american like to put big load in the washing machine and front load handles heavier load very well, it rolls the load and the clother presses each other by gravity, so heavier load actually helps the performance as the clothes were pressed on each other even harder. top load can't handle heavy load well, compared with front load. however you have to keep the door opened when it's not used to avoid foul smell. I know some family find it difficult as they have to put it in a cabinet.