In just a short period of time, front load washers have become an emblem of the modern laundry room, prized for their sleek look and advancements in laundry care that often outrival top load models. It’s not wrong to say most front load washing machines are great performers, but that doesn’t mean each brand is equal.
To better understand the best front load washer brands and what each has to offer buyers, we’ve put our experts to the test in this evaluation of five leading brands. In the end, we’ve found each provides a unique value to a certain kind of buyer. To find out which front load washer fan you are, follow along in this buying guide.
How do They Compare? Top Load vs. Front Load Washers
At a Glance:
The Benefits of Front Load Washers
Our Best Front Load Washer Picks
The Best Front Load Washer Brands
Front Load Washers & Their Benefits
Make the switch from a top load washer to a front load washing machine and you can expect to experience savings in two valuable ways.
For starters, the tubs on these laundry appliances are reconfigured to sit on their sides rather than as a basin. This has two immediate effects on performance:
- Instead of agitation, clothes clean with gentle tumbling, increasing the lifespan of fabrics.
- Less water is needed to fully submerge clothes. This saves water usage, but it also cuts down on energy costs when it comes to heating the supply for hot-water washes.
Pretty impressive for such a simple redesign, right? But the benefits don’t stop there. For example, the front-facing tub also makes it easier to access the interior, and since it’s shallower than a deep tub, less bending is required when loading and unloading. Additionally, the design makeover opens the opportunity to maximize space efficiency by either stacking or paring with a pedestal for extra storage below the unit.
What You Should Know about Front Load Washers
That being said, front door washing machines do require more maintenance than their top load counterparts, particularly in the door. Although some newer models address the issue of mold and mildew buildup with antimicrobial linings, washers without the upgrade will benefit from keeping the door open after use, and a wipe-down never hurts, either.
Our Best Front Load Washer Picks
These models are in the front of the line when it comes to performance and user experience, making them some of the best in our catalog. Check them out!
Best Overall: GE® 5.0 Cu. Ft. White Smart Front Load Washer (GFW850SSNWW)
Care for your favorite garments on a whole new level using this GE front load washer with a nearly perfect tester rating and a 94-percent buyer recommendation. This model truly checks all the marks of a standout front loader, starting with the exclusive GE UltraFresh Vent System with Odor block paired with Microban antimicrobial lining for sanitary surfaces resistant to mold and bacteria. A total of 12 wash cycles provides a full range of tailored wardrobe care, and with PowerSteam and Allergen technology, stains are treated at a fiber level for powerful stain and germ removal all in one step.
Features:
- UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock
- Microban lining
- SmartDispense Technology
- PowerSteam
- One Step Wash + Dry
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Reversible door
- Energy Star rating
Best Value: Samsung 4.5 Cu. Ft. Brushed Black Front Load Washer (WF45A6400AV)
This cool Samsung front load washer in a fresh, brushed-black finish makes a statement in the laundry room, while its results on your clothes will make a statement wherever you go. On top of a roomy 4.5-cubic-foot interior, 24 wash cycles provide even more cleaning flexibility, making this pick a super value for its price. Plus, industry-leading innovation from Samsung means this smart front load washer comes equipped with exclusives like a Smart Dial that learns your wash habits and Wi-Fi connectivity for a virtually hands-free operation via a smart device.
Features:
- Smart Dial
- Steam setting
- Super Speed Wash
- Vibration Reduction Technology
- Energy Star Most Efficient rating
Best Luxury: Miele W1 White Edition 2.3 Cu. Ft. Lotus White Front Load Washer (WXR 860 WCS)
Miele invites you to downsize in luxury with this high-end compact front load washer that offers a powerful laundry solution for households with lighter laundry demands. While this pick has a capacity of just 2.3 cubic feet, its performance is nothing to downplay, with a minimum lifespan of 20 years. Enjoy quality engineering with features like QuickIntenseWash that finishes a load in 49 minutes, and Automatic Load Control that uses intelligent sensors for no-guess water and energy usage. And with CapDosing and Automatic detergent dispensing, the exact amount of cleaner is used to keep fabrics protected and to avoid soap waste.
Features:
- Automatic load control
- Automatic detergent dispenser
- QuickIntenseWash option
- Miele@home Wi-Fi connectivity
Best Large Capacity Front Load Washer: LG Signature 5.8 Cu. Ft. Black Stainless Steel Front Load Washer (WM9500HKA)
An LG front load washer like this model with 5.8 cubic feet of drum space is just what busy households need to efficiently handle mountains of laundry. Load up your biggest washes—even a complete king-size comforter and bedding set—and exclusive washer technology leaves your clothes with impressive results. Standouts on this large capacity front load washer include TurboWash that cuts cycles down 30 minutes, and ThinQ Technology for easy use remotely from a smart device.
Features:
- TurboWash Technology
- ThinQ Technology
- Inverted Direct Drive Motor
- Ultra-large capacity
- Energy Star rated
Best Compact Front Load Washer: Bosch 300 2.2 Cu. Ft. Series White Compact Front Load Washer (WAT28400UC)
While petite, this compact front load washer from Bosch is a force to reckon, capable of cleaning up to 16 towels inside its 2.2-cubic-foot drum. And with 15 wash cycles, this washer provides a specific wash setting for a variety of fabric types, with specialty cycles like Allergen and programs such as SpeedPerfect and PreWash for even more efficiency.
Features:
- SpeedPerfect setting
- EcoSilence motor
- Compatible with storage pedestal
- Energy Star rated
Our Selection Process
Front load washers come from a diverse category of appliances that continues to innovate with each new generation. But at the core of any great front loader are intelligent efficiency and thoughtful utility. We explain below.
Efficiency
Arguably the biggest incentive of a front load washer is its efficiency, yet not every model is labeled as energy efficient. For us, an Energy Star-certified rating was standard for our roundup of best front load washers, one for the savings it provides users, but also a way to account for the higher price point compared to top loaders. In other words, while Energy Star-rated front load washers might cost more up front, the savings over the lifetime are worth the investment.
Utility
Whether your household is smaller or full, a washer gets its fair share of use, which is why utility and design are important details not to overlook.
All in all, more capacity means less loads of laundry that need to be done overall, but small-capacity front loaders that wash with equal efficiency as full-size models are a handy option for buyers with lighter laundry demands.
Other considerations include flexible configurations, like reversible doors and the ability to stack, as well as compatibility with laundry pedestals, and Wi-Fi connectivity for an even simpler user experience.
Performance
At the end of the day, how well a washer performs is the number one priority to buying a new washing machine. As a reminder, front load washing machines offer a gentler tumbling action that is easier on fabrics than top loaders, so high-performance cleaning is important for a wash that’s comparable to traditional washer results.
For our evaluation, that included standout features like steam, speedy wash settings, sanitizing cycles, and more, all of which ensure the efficiency you get from a front loaders doesn’t come with a compromised clean.
Top Front Load Washer Brands
We’ve done the research, and at the of the day, these three brands are the front load washers we highly suggest buyers consider for their next front load washer purchase.
LG
Boasting some of the front load capacities on the market, LG has become a formidable force for the laundry room. To top it off, LG equips every model with state-of-the-art technology, like which TurboWash 360, Allergen with steam power, and Cold Wash technology, for an experience that goes beyond basic. It’s also worth mentioning the smart functions on many LG front load models, which learn user habits, can be synced with compatible smart dryers, and are programmable anywhere in the home via a smart device.
Price: $849–$1,999
Samsung
According to a recent J.D. Power survey, Samsung front load washers rank at the top of the list in terms of customer satisfaction. Users credit that to Samsung’s hallmark blend of the latest technology with powerful wash features that handle laundry duty with a breeze. If functions like Seam washing, intelligent dirt sensors, and AI controls that pick up on your wash patterns sound like your kind of laundry experience, consider Samsung a strong contender.
Price: $949–$1,199
GE
Don’t just take our word for it. With multiple GE front load washer models recommended by Good Housekeeping, this lineup proves to be a smart option for the common household. Budget models come with the essential washer functions at an affordable price, while upgraded models show off just what makes the brand so great. Intelligent odor and mold protection, smart detergent dispensing, steam function, and all-in-one wash and dry functions are all perks you can find across the lineup of mid-to high-end GE front load washers. And best of all, these models come with a 10-year limited warranty.
Price: $899–$1,299
Why Trust Us?
It wasn’t easy, but we’re proud the be able to say we’re Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer. The secret to our success? Unlike big-box stores, Albert Lee Appliance counts on something even big money can’t afford: time and experience. While the other guys can count on maybe 60 years in the business, our family-owned company spans over 80 years (and going strong), adding new and valuable insight to our day-to-day operations with each new generation.
In other words, we don’t just supply home appliances. We deliver, install, and even service what we sell, allowing us to confidently recommend the right products for our buyers’ needs. Our presence in the Puget Sound area since 1939 has also made us neighbors in your communities, meaning we’re committed to providing the best deals around with quality service on a person-to-person level.
Our product reviews are always conducted with you in mind, so whether you’re shopping on a budget, are seeking the latest in innovation, are all about style, or just want something reliable, we hold true to the qualities our shoppers value in order to recommend on the top-performing appliances in our catalog.
Shop Front Load Washers at Albert Lee
Albert Lee Appliance is your one-stop showroom for everything home appliances, including the best front load washers from trusted brands. Choose from a variety of styles from a wide option of price points for every kind of buyer.
Shop today online or at one of our appliance showrooms across the Puget Sound area, including locations in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Lynnwood.