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Reviewed / Tim Renzi
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Credit:
Reviewed / Tim Renzi
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This excellent washer tops our best list, and it should top yours. It boasts remarkable cleaning prowess, and is easy to use and see. Read More
This front-load washer is a stunning value with smart features, efficiency, and convenience that rival much more expensive machines. Read More
The largest capacity amongst its competition, advanced smart features, and beautiful style make this front-load washer a laundry room dream come true. Read More
This two-in-one washer-and-dryer unit offers solid performance, automated cycles, and user-friendly controls. It’s not great for delicates, though. Read More
This highly efficient Energy Star-certified washer-dryer combo comes with a large mold-resistant drum, high-end features, and an excellent warranty. Read More
When you’ve ever had to take your laundry to a laundromat, you know that the convenience of in-home laundry is unparalleled. And if you’re in the market for a new washing machine it’s probably because your current one is at the end of its life—or worse, broken.
Front-load washers have come a long way since they rose to popularity a few decades ago. If you’re researching the best front-load washers, you’ve come to the right place. While top-load washers are still popular, front-loading washers have the advantage of fitting in more places, including stacked in a closet. Modern models also run more efficiently and get clothes cleaner when compared to top-loaders. And most brands have developed new technologies to prevent bacteria build-up and odors.
The best front-load washers embrace both form and function, and often have advanced features and beautiful finishes to complement their strong cleaning performance. The process of selecting a front-loader can be daunting since every major appliance manufacturer makes at least one front-load washer.
This is where we come in: We've compiled this list of the best front-loaders available on the market today. Our current favorite front-loading washer is the Electrolux ELFW7637AT (available at Lowe's for $948.00) because of its incredible cleaning performance and stain removal, a sprinting speed cycle, and a dispenser designed for detergent pods.
The front-loading ELFW7637AT has excellent stain removal performance, a detergent pod dispenser, and a 15-minute Fast wash.
Extraordinary cleaning power
Has its own internal heater
Easy-to-read controls
A few slow cycles
Occasionally smelly gasket
The GE Profile PFW870SPVRS is an exceptional value with its unique, advanced features and sleek design.
UltraFresh Vent System+
Smart Dispense for detergent
SmartHQ app support
May require more space than other front-loaders
The GE Profile PFW955SPWGN has a large capacity and smart features that make laundry so much less of a chore.
Large capacity
1-step Wash & Dry
UltraFresh Vent System+
Adaptive Smart Dispense
May require more space than other front-loaders
Decent washing and drying performance
Integrated design makes laundry process faster and easier
The Delicates cycle on both washing and drying is subpar
Extremely energy efficient
Great warranty
Smart features
Heavy dryer loads may require additional drying time
Power Heavy Duty cycle
High number of features
Streamlined controls
Expensive
Slow cycles
Pet Pro Option
Extra Power stain-fighting setting
16-hour Fresh Hold for less odors
None that we could find
Odor prevention features
AI Intelligent Wash
Whirlpool app support with stain guide
closet-depth fit
None that we could find
Streamlined interface
Strong cleaning performance
Fast Quick cycle
HIgher than average wear and tear on Normal and Delicates cycles
Very fast quick wash
Intuitive app
Cycles finish with very wet laundry
Not very gentle
Expensive
Front-load washers are exactly what they sound like—instead of lifting up the washer’s lid and loading from the top, the machine has a front-facing door to load and unload the laundry.
Which way you open the washer may not seem like a big deal, but it really makes a difference in terms of the appliance's engineering. Consider the following factors in your decision to purchase a front-load washer:
Front-loading washers and stackable sets often fit in places a top-load washer can’t since you don’t need overhead clearance to operate a front-loading machine. Sometimes, even a closet will do the trick.
Capacity: The size of the washer drum, measured in cubic feet, is important to consider based on how much laundry you typically need to do. Families may benefit from a washer with a higher capacity (from 4.5 to 5.5 cu. ft.), which can handle bigger loads. If you live alone, have a smaller household, or have specific space limitations, a washer with a smaller capacity may suffice.
Wash Cycles and Options: Consider the variety of cycles you want. In addition to Normal and Heavy cycles, which get used frequently, a sanitize cycle can be handy for cleaning heavily soiled laundry or eliminating allergens. A delicate cycle is good for sensitive fabrics, quick wash or speed wash cycles are useful when you’re in a rush, and pet-specific cycles are helpful for households that contend with pet fur and dander.
Noise Level: If your laundry room is near living spaces, look for a washer with a vibration-reduction system, balancing technology, or specifically low noise levels. Even if your washer and dryer are closed in a closet, if the walls are shared with bedrooms or other frequently occupied living areas, vibration from laundry machines could be intrusive and limit the times when you can do laundry.
Smart Features: Some washers come with Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to control or monitor your washer remotely via smartphone apps. These features and notifications can be convenient, especially if you frequently forget to move laundry from the washer to the dryer and often need to re-run the load. Even more advanced smart washers come with custom cycles, stain guides, and over-the-air updates.
**Build Quality, Durability, and Warranty:* Look for washers with a stainless steel drum (instead of plastic), as it better resists staining and damage. Also, check the warranty. While the standard warranty is 1 year, some brands such as Electrolux and Maytag offer warranties of up to 10 years for the motor and tub.
Some studies, including our own, indicate that front-loaders may do a better job at cleaning dirty laundry than top-load washers do. This may have to do with the dynamics of a horizontally-oriented washer drum.
In a top-loading washer with a vertical drum fitted with a pole agitator or impeller, stains are removed from clothes by either being in contact with the pole agitator (the post in the middle of the drum that rotates to push and pull clothes), the outside of the washer drum, or by the friction of rubbing against other nearby laundry.
In a front-loader, the stain removal happens when laundry is lifted and dropped in and out of the water, mimicking hand washing. Because each piece of laundry will go through this “tumbling” process many times, there's an increased likelihood that stains will be removed from your laundry.
When it comes to water usage, a front-load washer is more efficient. Unlike a top-load washer, a front-load washer does not have to fill the tub with as much water. All they have to do is spray water while spinning the drum. This gets all of the clothes wet in two ways: firstly, from direct water spray, and secondly, those that don't get hit with the initial spray will absorb water from other wet clothes during the spinning-and-falling process.
By using less water in each wash cycle, front-loaders are typically more efficient (i.e. they cost less to operate on a per-cycle and per-year basis) than top-load washers. Less water also means less electricity needed to spin the water out of the laundry before the cycle is complete.
Yes, in general, front-load washers are considered gentler on clothes compared to top-loading washers. There are a few key reasons for this:
Wash Action: The “tumbling” action used by front-load washers, described above, is gentler because it doesn’t involve a pole agitator, which can be rough on clothes in top-load washers.
Less Wear and Tear: Since front-load washers don’t have an agitator, there's less friction between the clothes and the machine. This reduces wear, fraying, and fading of fabrics over time.
Water and Detergent Efficiency: Since front-loaders tend to use less water and detergent, your clothes spend less time soaking and tumbling in harsh water and chemicals, further protecting the fabric.
That said, top-load washers, especially newer models without agitators, have made significant improvements and can also be gentle on clothes depending on the cycle used. However, for the ultimate in gentle cleaning, front-load washers still have the advantage.
The Reviewed appliance testing team has spent many years testing major appliances including washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and ranges. With a combination of rigorous scientific testing in the lab and experiential usability testing, we develop a real-world, holistic sense of which appliances deliver on their promises and which aren't worth the purchase.
Unlike a top-load washer, a front-load washer does not have to fill a tub with water.
Every washing machine that comes into Reviewed’s labs gets put through the same testing regimen, which addresses both performance and user-friendliness. We test for stain removal power, wear and tear on clothes, water retention in the spin cycle, and cycle duration. The best washers have solid stain removal abilities, do not damage your clothes, retain little water, and have reasonable cycle times.
Beyond these performance tests, we also assess the usability of each washing machine. Our main goal is to get the answer to one question: How easy is it to actually use this washing machine?
By combining the performance data with our own observations, we can make solid recommendations for someone looking for any type of washing machine at any price point.
Read more about how we test washing machines in the Reviewed lab.
The experts seem torn on what the best front-load washer is. To save you some time and trouble, we’ve gone ahead and done the research for you.
Wirecutter: Wirecutter’s top pick is the LG WM4000H, and its runner-up pick is our favorite, the Electrolux ELFW7637AT.
Consumer Reports: The Consumer Reports team currently ranks the LG WM4000HWA at the top of their list. Electrolux appears as the next brand on its list, with our top pick leading the Electrolux rankings.
Good Housekeeping: GH ranks our best-value pick, the GE Profile PFW870SPVRS, at the top of its list, noting its unique technology and exceptional value.
User comments around the topic of best front-load washers seem to display the typical amount of rancor and infighting. We’re pulling these user reviews from some of the largest appliance retailers and consumer forums.
Abt: Customers at this giant online appliance retailer give the Electrolux ELFW7637AT 4.7 stars, and one staff expert says it’s the “Best cleaning washer out there.”
Reddit/BIFL: When asked about the best front-load washers, commenters in r/BuyItForLife highly recommend Speed Queen. While it’s a more expensive investment than many better-known brands, Speed Queen is known for durability and longevity.
AJ Madison: At this reliable online appliance retailer, customers give all of our top picks 4.5 stars or better, with our best overall Electrolux front-load washer garnering 4.8 stars.
Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.
Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.
Freelance Editor, Kitchen & Appliances. Danielle has a B.S. from Syracuse University and a AAS in Culinary Arts from Newbury College. Previously, Danielle was a Test Cook and Associate Editor at America's Test Kitchen, as well as a freelance recipe developer and food writer. She’s the mom of two boys and loves making pizza on Friday nights.
Our team is here to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and experts obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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