Best front load washers 2023

Choosing from the best front load washers isn’t always an easy task which is why we’ve ranked a selection of top-rated washers and we have plenty of advice on what to look for in your new appliance. 

Whether you’ve got your eye on a Samsung front load washer or you’d rather a model made in the US, such as a Maytag washer, you’ll be able to expect larger capacities and more efficient options than with the best top load washers (opens in new tab). Size will definitely matter, and for large households, we’d suggest choosing a front loading washing machine with at least a five cubic feet capacity. 

The overall design of your washer will also be important and many of the options in this guide can be paired with one of the best dryers (opens in new tab). Take a look at how many wash cycles each machine offers in our reviews below, and you’ll notice the best front load washers have speed wash settings as well as high spin speeds so your clothes aren’t soaking wet when the cycle has finished. 

The very best front load washers will operate quietly and will be more efficient than older models too but we’d recommend buying an Energy Star certified front load washing machine if your budget allows. That’s because these machines, although a little more expensive, will be more efficient and will be cheaper to run. 

Not sure these models are for you? Check out the best washer dryer combos (opens in new tab) instead. 

Best front load washer overall

For a relatively low-cost model, the Maytag MHW5630HW crams in a lot of great features. There's 10 wash settings including towel, quick wash, wrinkle free and even steam wash technology. Pair with the extra power button to tackle even the toughest stains. 

With 4.5 cu. ft. capacity, the Maytag MHW5630HW is a great family-sized washer that is stackable with the Maytag MED5630HW. With Energy Star certification, annual estimated running costs of only $9, and a stellar 10-year warranty, this is our top pick of front-load washers. 

Although the capacity of this washer is suitable for a family, there are large models available and if you want to ensure you can do loads of laundry at once, consider an option with a capacity of over five cubic feet.  

Best value front load washer

The Samsung WF42H5000AW is the least expensive washer we evaluated, and has a lot of features. The child lock and large capacity of this washer makes it a great option for a family. At 4.2 cubic feet, this washing machine will fit a king size comforter.

Maintenance of this machine is made easy by the self-cleaning cycle and the phone app diagnostics. The Samsung WF42H5000AW has only eight cycles which is less than most of the washing machines that we compared in this review. It still includes common cycles like normal, heavy duty, bedding, rinse, quick wash, and perm press. There is even a cycle specifically for active wear. There's no steam option, which is reasonable given the affordability of this option.

The Samsung WF42H5000AW is also Energy Star certified and has an impressive estimated annual running cost of $10. While it doesn’t come with one, there is the option to purchase a matching pedestal with this washer, and it can also be stacked with a matching dryer.  

Best small front load washer

Not everyone needs a large-capacity washer. If you're in a smaller household or have less space, it can be better to opt for a smaller model. The Samsung WW22K6800AW has a 2.2 cubic foot capacity, 12 preset cycles, and steam washing technology, proving that you don't need a large washer to pack a punch. This washer will do a full load in only 36 minutes, meaning that even if you're doing multiple loads you can have them done in a jiffy. 

The average running cost for a year is $11, which isn't bad by any means although it's not the lowest we've seen. At $900 when full-price, this is a mid-priced front-load washer which is justified by the number of features on offer.

There's app compatibility for Smart Care diagnosis and self-cleaning functions to save you time and effort. The Samsung WW22K6800AW is also stackable with a matching dryer, the Samsung DV22K6800EW, making it ideal for smaller spaces. There's the standard Samsung warranty of 10 years on the motor, 3 on the steel drum, and 1 on parts and labor. 

Best premium front load washer

LG consistently turns out the newest developments in kitchen appliances, which explains why you can usually expect to pay a bit more for these models. The LG WM9000HVA comes with 14 wash cycles including sanitary and allergen settings, and has steam wash capabilities. 

There's app compatibility which lets you download new cycles and monitor your machine, even when you're out of the house. You can also pair the LG WM9000HVA with the LG SideKick, which is a smaller 1cu. ft. washer that takes the place of a pedestal letting you run two washes at once or wash a few essentials without turning on the entire 5.2 cu. ft. machine. It's smart innovation like this that won the LG WM9000HVA Energy Star awards in 2018 and 2019 for efficiency and innovation.

The spacious capacity on the LG WM9000HVA is what sets it apart from other models, and it makes the steep price more understandable. 

Best smart front load washer

With 5cu. ft. capacity, extra-quiet running and a nifty AddWash door, this is a top pick for a big household that have the money to invest. The Samsung WF50K7500AW is above average in front load washer prices but it covers all the bases with a good warranty, ADA and Energy Star compliance, and low running costs.

Self Clean+ will ensure that your washer is running efficiently with minimal hassle, cleaning itself every 40 washes so you don't have to. Great for families or those with less time on their hands. Plus, nobody really likes cleaning their washer, do they? 

There’s an impressive number of cycle options, including ones specifically designed to tackle allergens. You’ll also be able to wash a full load in just 30 minutes - super handy if you’re in a rush. 

Best front load washer for stain removal

The GE GFW450SSMWW offers a bunch of great functions including a tumble care function to keep washing wrinkle-free, and a sanitize setting that claims to remove 99.9% of bacteria. The inbuilt water heater enables high-power steam cleaning and the stain removal guide panel offers a no-nonsense approach to deep-cleaning your clothes.

The hangup is that the GE GFW450SSMWW has the worst warranty of the bunch with only a year's coverage. There's also been reports of the buttons wearing off, which can be a bit frustrating. 

Best front load washer for energy efficiency

The Electrolux EFLW317TIW is a straightforward washing machine that gets the job done quietly and reliably. And while it’s not the cheapest entry-level machine out there, with big-brand technology at the helm, you’re guaranteed an excellent performance, plus the roomy 4.3 cubic ft drum means it can cope with the loads too.

Operation is simple and the settings include hot, warm, and cold for heavy-duty, normal, delicates, and rinse & spin. But the real winning feature here is how energy efficient this machine is to run. Energy Star certified, you can expect much lower running costs than other models that do not have this certification.

Even though the Electrolux EFLW317TIW is decidedly no-frills for the price, with a ten-year warranty and guaranteed energy efficiency, it might just well pay for itself in the long run.

Best front load washer for short cycles

If you want to get your washing done and you want to get it done fast, the GE GFW550SSNWW is a great option for you. This machine can thoroughly clean a load of washing in just 35 minutes. There’s also a range of useful settings including a Sanitize mode. 

The standout feature with the GE GFW550SSNWW, though, is its UltraFresh Vent system - this clever feature gets rid of the excess moisture inside your washing machine so that odors don’t build up. It also means you won’t have to worry about leaving your washer door open to dry after using it. 

It’s disappointing to see the GE GFW550SSNWW doesn’t have a separate spin cycle, especially for those that don’t have a dryer and need to get as much water out of their laundry as possible. However, the GE GFW550SSNWW does offer up some other fantastic features such as the add-a-garment after the cycle has started function, and the Oxi cycle which is capable of removing up to 99.9% of bacteria. 

Best large front load washer

The LG WM9500HKA is one huge front load washer! This machine has a massive 5.8 cubic feet capacity, which makes it a great washer for family homes or busy households. 

Complete with smart features, which mean you can control this washing machine from your phone, the LG WM9500HKA adapts its washing mode depending on what’s inside the drum. Differing from the other models we’ve included, this machine’s controls are fitted on the door.

Because of the door design, the detergent drawer is actually accessed via the top of the LG WM9500HKA. This might sound good initially, but it does mean you won’t be able to stack this washing machine with a dryer, which is one of the advantages of other front load washers. 

Best front load washer for easy use

Standing out for its innovative detergent drawer design, the Electrolux EFLS627UIW has a specifically designed area where you can place detergent pods or use alternative washing detergents. What’s more, this washer pre-mixes detergent and water to tackle stains and dirt with more powerful cleaning. 

Ideal for allergy sufferers, the Electrolux EFLS627UIW has a sanitizing mode that kills up to 99% of bacteria and 95% of allergens. There’s also a steam function that causes steam to saturate through your laundry and give it a deeper clean. 

There’s also an internal light inside the washer drum on the Electrolux EFLS627UIW - a handy feature we love. Plus, this washing machine is incredibly efficient and is really affordable to run each year. Whilst it has a variety of spin settings, this machine doesn’t have the fastest spin speed around. 

How we evaluated front loaded washing machines

We purposely selected a variety of front-load washers from major retailers to compare, taking into account popularity with customers. We made detailed charts comparing features that matter for front-load washing machines, including annual operating costs, total capacity, water used per wash, dimensions, warranty and more. We gave better rankings to the units that have useful features like a wide variety of cycles, soil levels and water temperatures and presets.

How much does a front load washer cost?

There’s no doubt that getting a new washer for your home can be an expensive process, but luckily there’s a range of price options, so even if you’re on a tighter budget, you can find the right machine for you. Affordable models tend to start around the $700 mark, but will still be kitted out with the wash cycles you need to stay on top of your laundry. 

If you are prepared to spend a little more, then models around the $900 mark tend to come with advanced features, like steam cleaning and sanitize settings, that will make your life a little easier. Of course, everyone has a different budget when it comes to appliances, and at the top of the range, you can find smart enabled washers with innovative features, though these obviously aren’t essential for getting your clothes clean. They include being Wi-Fi enabled so you can have alerts sent on your washing progress to your phone, and the chance to access support from your manufacturer whenever you need it.

What to look for when buying a front-load washer

Here are the key features to look for when you're buying a front loading washing machine...

1. Energy Efficiency

All the washing machines we reviewed are Energy Star certified by the U.S. Department of Energy. That means they are at least 20 percent more energy efficient than the minimum required federal standard. Many of these machines go far beyond the Energy Star level. If you want a machine with a low running cost , you should pay attention to other energy stats as well, including the estimated annual operating cost, power cost, water costs and water usage. The DOE also provides information about average water used per wash and the water factor (WF), which is the number of gallons per cycle, per cubic foot. The lower the WF, the better.

A fair amount of energy efficiency is determined by the size of the machine – if the washer has a smaller wash drum, it will use less water and power. As such, it is definitely worth buying the smallest machine that accommodates your needs. However, the correlation is not always exact. We saw many machines of roughly the same capacity that have quite different energy efficiency numbers. See our energy scores for more information, and check out the DOE's site (opens in new tab) for specifics about energy efficient machines.

2. Wash Cycles & Options

Washing machines with a great amount of cycles are generally better, but look at the types of wash options, too. If you plan to use cloth diapers for your baby, for instance, you will want a sanitize cycle. If you have athletes in your household, you may want a heavy-duty cycle that can power through stains. We gave higher scores to machines that have NSF (opens in new tab)-certified cycles. This means they can reduce 99.9 percent of microorganisms without carryover to future loads.

Some machines also have allergen cycles for anyone who has more sensitive needs and must have their washing machine reflect this. For anyone in a rush, Quick cycles which can be completed in just 30 minutes will be a godsend, as they allow you to get through your mountain of clothes a lot quicker, and don’t compromise on washing power. 

Another new and popular feature is machines that can automatically dispense detergent for you. All you need to do in order to get up to 40 excellent washes is inset your detergent once, and your machine will use the weight of your load to determine exactly how much detergent it needs. Many users have said this feature saves them time and also a lot of money, as they aren’t overusing laundry products anymore, and repurchase them less frequently. 

3. Design & Dimensions

Before shopping, measure the space you have available for your washer. Even if you have a tiny laundry room, you can find innovative features on a compact unit. The best compact washers offer design features so you won't feel like you have to sacrifice functionality for size.

You may also want to consider a front-load washer with a reversible door so that you can cater your machine to your laundry room, or for anyone with disabilities who needs improved access.  

4. Warranty

A washing machine represents a significant investment, so look for one with strong coverage from the manufacturer, especially on the motor. You should be able to count on the most expensive part of the washing machine for years to come.

What size washer do I need for a king-size comforter?

Maybe your old machine didn't fit your comforter, which meant a trip to the laundromat when it was time to wash it. One of the most common answers we found to this question online is you need about 3.8 cubic feet to fit a king-size comforter, but that might be a little too small, according to our research. Lots of cleaning experts also list 4.5 cubic feet and larger as the proper size for cleaning a king-size comforter. However, even that may be too small.

The question is not just can you fit it in but also can you clean it properly. The testing that we do is around actually cleaning the comforter in different capacities.

Any machine over 4.5 cubic feet in capacity can properly clean a queen-size bedding set – comforter, sheets and pillow cases. A washing machine over 5.2 cubic feet can clean a king-size set. Machines over 4.5 cubic feet can fit a king-size comforter, but they might not clean it quite as thoroughly.

The answer may depend on the type of comforter you have, too. A really bulky one might not have enough room to get clean in a 4.5-cubic-foot model, but a thinner one might be just fine. Consider what type of bedding you have. We recommend you buy a machine with at least 4.5 cubic feet of space for any king-size comforter, with more space for bulkier comforters.

Proper maintenance for front-load washers

Front-load washers are notorious for smelling like mold and mildew. It may even deter you from buying a front load style of washer. But there are ways to keep the smells in check. It really is as simple as airing things out, maybe more than you are used to with a top-loading machine. Some washers offer self-cleaning functions but you'll still need to manually clean from time to time. There are three things that really need attention between uses.

• The Gasket: The seal around the machine's door has folds in it that need to be cleaned out on a regular basis or gross things will start to grow. Wipe it down with a paper towel or a rag often.
• The Door: Keep it open when you are not using the machine. This allows the tub to air out and helps keep it dry. Less moisture in general is a good thing for these machines.
• The Detergent Tray: Keep the air circulating around the detergent tray, too. Pull it out so air circulates through it, and remove it for a thorough cleaning regularly.

How full should a front-load washer be?

The answer to almost any question you have about your washing machine is to follow manufacturer instructions. However, many of the manuals we looked at don't actually address the overfill question directly – they simply list loading laundry and closing the door as steps in the process. A few of the manuals warn against overfilling your washer but have nothing about how much laundry it would take to do that. We also spoke with several manufacturers' customer service departments to get a feel for the prevailing wisdom. We were told to leave room at the top, though no one got very specific.

Some washers have a fill line, but for those without one, we recommend you fill the drum no more than 80 percent full. There has to be adequate room to move water through the clothing. If you stuff the wash basin too full, there won't be room for proper agitation and clothing will not come clean. Overloading your washer not only leads to rewashing loads that didn’t get clean, but it can also cause undue stress and wear on the motor.

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