I used to have top loaders. Changed to a front loader. Wouldn't go back. I reckon the missed sock can wait for the next load. As inevitably there will always be another load ! I have heard there is one that has a 15 minute cycle. When ours dies, I want that one lol. Ours is 7.5kg and I find that to be about right for us. Two loads fills our clothesline exactly.