Affiliate Disclosure:This Old House’s Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services. To support this business model, This Old House may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website.
Washers and dryers are among the most-used home appliances. Modern front-load washers are ideal for those with limited space in their laundry rooms or closets, as they have a smaller footprint than traditional top-load washers—plus, you can stack a front-load dryer on top of a front-load washer. Further, they use less water and maximize laundry load capacity better than other washing machines.
Our team researched the best front-load washers online to help homeowners choose the laundry appliance best suited to their budget, preferences, and space.
Learn more about our top picks below.
Top 5 Front-Load Washers
After hours of research and comparison, we found the following to be the best front-load washers sold online:
- Best Front-Load Washer Overall: Samsung WF53BB8700ATUS Ultra Capacity Washer
- Best Compact Washer: GE GFW148SSMWW Compact Front-Load Washer
- Most Energy Efficient Washer: Samsung WF50A8800AV Smart Front-Load Washer
- Best Stackable Washer: Whirlpool WFW5605MW Stackable Front-Load Washer
- Best Front-Load Washer and Dryer: LG Stackable Smart Front-Load Washer and Dryer Set
Compare Best Rated Front-Load Washers
| Product | Model No. | Capacity | Smart Features | Weight | Dimensions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Bespoke Ultra Capacity Front-Load Washer | WF53BB8700ATUS | 5.3 cubic feet | Yes | 225 pounds | 38.8 x 27 x 34.5 inches | |
| GE Appliances Compact Front-Load Washer | GFW148SSMWW | 2.4 cubic feet | No | 166 pounds | 33.3 x 23.4 x 25.6 inches | |
| Samsung High-Efficiency Smart Front-Load Washer | WF50A8800AV | 5 cubic feet | Yes | 123 pounds | 38.8 x 27 x 31.3 inches | |
| Whirlpool HE Stackable Front-Load Washer | WFW5605MW | 4.5 cubic feet | No | 240 pounds | 38.7 x 27 x 31.3 inches | |
| LG Smart Front-Load Washer and Dryer Set | WM3600HVA, DLE3600V | 4.5 cubic feet | Yes | 187 pounds | 39 x 27 x 30.3 inches | |
| Product | Model No. | Capacity | Smart Features | Weight | Dimensions |
Best Front-Load Washer: Samsung Bespoke WF53BB8700ATUS Washer
Samsung Bespoke Ultra Capacity Front-Load Washer
- $1304.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can start remotely using Samsung’s SmartThings app
✔ Has a stainless steel drum
✔ Comes in brushed black and stainless steel finishes
✘ Does not have as robust a warranty as other front-load washers
✘ Does not include a laundry pedestal
Good for: Families or homeowners who have demanding washing needs and require the largest drum size they can find.
What Customers Are Saying
According to our research, the majority of who reviewed this front-load washer reported that it consistently and efficiently washed large loads of laundry—including bulky loads with blankets and comforters—without any issues. Some users also liked that the washer automatically dispersed laundry detergent and fabric softener. On the critical side, we found that some users thought the control panel was too small, and others complained that the cycle times were too long.
Best Compact Washer: GE GFW148SSMWW Front-Load Washer
GE Appliances Compact Front-Load Washer
- $989.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a quick-wash setting for rapid cleaning
✔ Features a stainless-steel, rust-resistant finish that won’t snag clothing
✔ Has sleek, easy-to-use electronic controls
✘ Cannot clean large loads of laundry
✘ May not wring out wet clothing enough during the spin cycle, based on some customer reviews
Good for: Homeowners with limited space, small families, or young couples with simple laundry needs.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who were happy with this front-load washer said the controls were easy to use and that the washer fit more clothing inside than they expected. They also liked that the washer used little energy during cold wash cycles. Some unhappy customers said that the washer, while compact in its footprint, was too small to efficiently wash their clothing. Additionally, some users complained that their clothes came out of the washer too wet, even after the spin cycle.
Most Energy Efficient Washer: Samsung WF50A8800AV Smart Washer
Samsung High-Efficiency Smart Front-Load Washer
- $1439.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features a super-speed wash cycle that can clean a full load of clothes in as few as 28 minutes
✔ Has 5 cubic feet of capacity to accommodate large loads of laundry
✔ Comes with a manufacturer’s warranty that protects the agitator and other components
✘ Is more expensive than other front-load washers
✘ Does not have many wash options besides its pre-settings
Good for: Users who want to use as little water or electricity as possible when cleaning clothing, towels, bedsheets, and other items around the home.
What Customers Are Saying
Tech-savvy customers who took advantage of the machine’s Wi-Fi capabilities enjoyed the convenience of controlling this front-load washer from outside the room. Satisfied customers added that the washer looked beautiful in their laundry rooms and that the spin cycle effectively wrang out their clothes. Unhappy customers found that the included instructions were unclear and wished they could customize the load options.
Best Stackable Washer: Whirlpool WFW5605MW Stackable Front-Load Washer
Whirlpool HE Stackable Front-Load Washer
- $854.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a swirl drum interior to prevent clothing from snagging
✔ Accommodates laundry bleach for heavy-duty wash cycles
✔ Is compatible with a riser from the manufacturer for ADA compliance
✘ Doesn’t have the smart features that other modern front-load washers have
✘ Is only offered in two color finishes
Good for: Those who want a washer that has a reasonable amount of room to wash clothing and makes as little noise as possible.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who reviewed this front-load washer were mostly happy with its performance. Satisfied customers said the refresh mode was convenient and effective; they also liked how the unit looked inside their homes. Though the sanitizing and quick-wash cycles were also appreciated, one customer wished the machine had the smart features currently available on other front-load washers.
Best Front-Load Washer and Dryer: LG WM3600HVA Washer and DLE3600V Dryer
LG Smart Front-Load Washer and Dryer Set
- $2999.98
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes both preset and customizable wash options
✔ Comes with a 10-year warranty on its direct drive motor
✔ Features a tempered glass door for a sleek, stylish finish
✘ Doesn’t come with a fill hose for turnkey installation
✘ Is pricier than other front-load washers
Good for: Homeowners seeking a washer-and-dryer combo that can fit a king-size comforter without any issues.
What Customers Are Saying
Positively, customers said this stackable front-load washer-and-dryer set was fast, quiet, space-saving, and sleek. They added that the variety of wash and dry options allowed them to customize the machine to their laundry needs. Negatively, some users had longevity issues with the washer, stating that it malfunctioned after only a few months of use.
Buying Guide for Front-Load Washers
Front-load washers come in different sizes with varying features. While some washers are better for large loads, others may handle delicates better or wring out your wet clothes faster. Below, we’ve outlined several factors to consider when shopping for the best front-load washer online.
Capacity or Drum Size
A front-load washer’s capacity—or the amount of clothes and linens it can fit at one time—is measured in cubic feet. A medium-sized washer has a capacity of 4.5 cubic feet and can fit average-sized loads of laundry. Larger, family-sized washers have capacities that can exceed 6 cubic feet.
Unless you have an ultra-high-efficiency washer, a load of laundry in a full-capacity washer will take more time to clean than it would in a smaller washing machine.
Cycle Options
Most front-load washers have several wash cycle options that will clean your garments without damaging them. Express cycles are great for quick washes if you or a family member accidentally spills something on a garment or wants to do a load of laundry in a pinch.
Energy Consumption
The amount of electricity front-load washers consume is measured in watts. The best washing machines are Energy Star-certified and use relatively little electricity—as low as 400 kilowatts (kW).
Large-capacity front-load washers naturally use more energy to cycle through heavier loads of clothing; however, an energy-efficient model may use the same amount of energy for a large load as an outdated washer would for a small load.
Door Design
Because front-load washers don’t have a door that opens from the top of the machine, their door design is important to consider. Front-load washers usually have a door that opens from the right or left; they may also have a door with a reversible or dual-opening design. To determine the best door design for your washer, consider where you’re putting the machine and whether you’ll have enough clearance to fully open the door.
Detergent Dispensing Method
You may be accustomed to putting a certain amount of detergent inside your washer before or after loading clothes. However, some advanced front-load washers can hold a set amount of detergent and dispense the perfect amount for each load based on the cycle and settings you select. In addition to dispensing soap or laundry detergent, some front-load washers may also be able to dispense fabric softener.
Floor Space
Remember to measure the space where you intend to place your front-load washer before making a purchase. The larger the capacity or drum size of the washer, the more space it will take up in your laundry room or wash closet. Consider whether your washer will take up more space when it’s fully hooked up to your hot and cold water lines at home. Be sure to also measure your available vertical space if you plan to stack a front-load dryer on top of it.
Self-Clean Setting
All washers, including top-loaders, slowly develop some amount of mold by holding in old water. Front-load washers are more prone to mold and mildew buildup due to their front-facing design.
Look for a front-load washer with a simple self-clean mode. All you’ll have to do is press a few buttons, and in an hour or two, you’ll have a fresher-smelling washing machine.
Pedestals
Some, but not all, front-load washers are compatible with a separate pedestal add-on. A pedestal essentially acts as a pullout drawer, providing additional storage for tight or cramped laundry rooms.
How To Care For Your Front-Load Washer
Caring for your front-load washer is relatively simple. Here are some tips to help homeowners enjoy many years of solid, trouble-free performance:
- If you have a high-efficiency model, use laundry detergent specifically for HE machines.
- Leave the door open after each wash cycle to air out the drum.
- Use distilled vinegar and baking soda to clean the machine monthly.
- When in doubt, refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions.
- Keep an eye on your loads and immediately remove your clothing when it’s done in the washer.
- Don’t overload the machine. Instead, break up larger loads into multiple smaller loads.
Frequently Asked Questions About Front-Load Washers
What front-load washer brand is the most reliable?
The most reliable front-load washer brands include well-known appliance manufacturers such as Samsung, GE Appliances, and LG. Other appliance brands, such as Maytag, Whirlpool, and Electrolux, manufacture high-quality washing machines, including front-load models.
What is the best front-load washer for a large family?
The best front-load washer for a large family is any model with a capacity of more than 5 cubic feet. Oversized, family-friendly front-load washers can be up to 6 cubic feet or larger, meaning you can fit more clothes in each load. Busy families should also prioritize energy-efficient front-loading washing machines for their homes to save money on their water bills. Additionally, Wi-Fi-enabled front loaders let families remotely monitor and control their laundry.
Is there a front-load washer that doesn’t mold?
Unfortunately, due to their design, there are no front-load washers that don’t produce mold. However, simply propping the door open when your front-load washer isn’t in use allows the gaskets and seals to dry between loads, keeping mold and mildew at bay. Many front-load washers also have convenient self-cleaning cycles.
Do I need a front-load dryer if I’m using a front-load washer?
You don’t necessarily need a front-load dryer if you have a front-load washer. Though a matching dryer will look more aesthetically pleasing, there’s nothing wrong with using a washer and dryer from separate brands or different models from the same manufacturer. However, a stackable front-load washer-dryer combination will maximize space by occupying as little floor area as possible.
What are the most common problems associated with front-load washers?
The most common problem associated with front-load washers is rapid mold and mildew buildup. This is because the water inside the front loader can’t evaporate fast enough. Additionally, you can’t add clothes to a front-load washer during the wash cycle because the lid locks to prevent water from spilling out. The inconvenient loading height is another drawback. However, front-load washers may be more accessible for those in a wheelchair.
Our Rating Methodology
Our small team is committed to providing heavily researched recommendations and insight into the categories we cover. We seek to earn and keep your trust by practicing ongoing transparency about the process of our reviews and the factors we take into account.
Our 100-point rating system for washing machines accounts for seven key factors. We scored the laundry machines featured in this article in the following way:
- Features (up to 35 total points): This category accounts for the most commonly sought-after washer and dryer features, such as steam capabilities, multiple configurations, moisture sensors, Energy Star certification, and more.
- Finishes (up to 1 point): Products that came in more than one finish were rated higher than products with only one finish option.
- Average customer rating (up to 15 points): Each product received a score from zero to 15 depending on its average customer rating. We rounded up decimal ratings to the nearest whole number.
- Capacity (up to 10 points): Washer and dryers with a capacity of 4.4 cubic feet or more received more points than their smaller counterparts.
- Smart technology (up to 5 points): If a product included app integration or W-Fi compatibility, it received five points.
- Manufacturer’s warranty (up to 20 points): We researched each product’s manufacturer’s warranty and awarded each product 25 points if it came with any kind of warranty or guarantee.
- Customer service (up to 14 points): We researched the customer service options available to homeowners after they’ve purchased their item. Each product received points if its manufacturer offered phone, chat/text, or access to replacement parts.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.