Not too long ago, front loaders were the new kids on the block, and with their debut came a trail of skepticism. But with perks like unbeatable water and energy efficiency, unique features like steam, and gentler fabric care, front load washers quickly swayed the vote, proving new concepts can be the answer to outstanding results. For that reason, front load washers have become a laundry room staple. In this list of our best front load washer reviews, our product experts highlight six standout models for every type of buyer, household, and lifestyle.
See How They Compare: Top Load vs. Front Load Washers
At a Glance:
Best Overall: LG 5.0 Cu. Ft. White Mega Capacity Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer-WM4200HWA
Best Value: Samsung 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer-WF45T6200AW
Best Luxury: LG 5.2 Cu. Ft. Graphite Steel Front Load Washer-WM8100HVA
Best Samsung Front Load: Samsung 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer-WF45R6300AW
Best Samsung 5.0 Front Load Washer: Samsung 5.0 Cu. Ft. Brushed Black Front Load Washer-WF50A8600AV
When front load washers were first introduced for domestic use, they opened a whole new door to the way at-home laundry is done — literally. The unique door design is aesthetically appealing with a look that harmonizes with a dryer, but the design also serves a major purpose: It allows the washer to use a tub that sits on its side rather than a deep tub. This grants easier access to the inside of the washer, requires less water per cycle, and uses tumbling to clean clothes more gently than top load washers with agitators.
Front load washers are also more versatile than top load models since they can be stacked to save on floorspace. This makes them ideal for laundry closets or just about any tight space with enough vertical clearance. Keep in mind, though, that also means the dials for the dryer (which is placed on top since it’s lighter) can be a challenge to reach for some users when units are stacked.
All in all, front load washers are the more energy-efficient washer type, and while they are priced more up front compared to top load models, users will save on both water and energy costs with each wash.
So, a great washing machine that looks stylish and saves you money. What’s the catch? Thankfully, front load washers are reliable machines; with a little care and understanding, not much is required to make the most of these appliances. All in all, here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind:
- The biggest drawback front load washers face is possible mold and mildew buildup in the door. But don’t worry too much — some newer models use antimicrobial materials that repel bacteria and smells, and leaving the door open after a wash can help air-dry the surface.
- Make sure you have all the items in your wash ready to go when using a front load washer. Some models let you stop mid-wash, but that requires draining the entire tub, which is wasteful, not to mention inconvenient.
- Reversible doors aren’t available on every model, so make sure to scope your laundry space to avoid buying a unit with a door that bangs into a nearby wall or cabinetry. Even more cramped for room? We recommend these best laundry appliances for small spaces.
Become a Pro: Our Guide to Shopping for Laundry Appliances Online
Our Top Front Load Washer Picks
When it comes to performance, these front load washers are no fluff and won’t fold when it comes to frequency. Here’s what our appliance experts recommend.
Best Overall: LG 5.0 Cu. Ft. White Mega Capacity Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer-WM4200HWA
Like your favorite pair of jeans, the perfect fit matters. That also counts in your laundry room, which is why the counter depth design of this Samsung 5.0 front load washer is a smart choice for laundry closets and tight spaces. But when it comes to features, this Energy Star front load washer splurges, offering LG TurboWash 360 capable of 30-minute cycles, Allergiene Technology with steam that eliminates over 95 percent of irritants, and ColdWash that delivers warm-water results without the cost. AI fabric sensors with optimized performance and Smart Pairing compatible with LG smart dryers are the final touches of genius that make this pick our overall favorite.
Best Value: Samsung 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer-WF45T6200AW
Your limited budget doesn’t have to be limited to basic wash performance, proof by this affordable Samsung front load washer. With less than one grand, you can enjoy great features, including Super Speed technology with 30-minute wash times and the boost of steam with dual-purpose stain-fighting and allergy eliminating results. Stack this smart front load washer or enjoy its counter depth fit for better workflow in your laundry room, all while having access to an ultra-large 4.5 wash capacity that handles the largest loads efficiently.
Best Luxury: LG 5.2 Cu. Ft. Graphite Steel Front Load Washer-WM8100HVA
So, you want to go all out for the best fabric care your clothes deserve? Upgrade to this luxury LG front load washer that has all the bells and whistles to streamline your washing routine. Featuring one of the largest washer capacities on the market at 5.2 cubic feet, this mega-capacity front load washer has the brawn to handle heavy-duty cycles such as bedding, denim, and towels, so you can enjoy doing less loads altogether.
While this model earned the Energy Star Most Efficient award, performance abounds with 12 wash programs and TurboWash Technology that runs a complete cycle in 30 minutes. Additional exclusives like ColdWash Technology, Allergiene hypoallergenic performance, steam, and smart washer technology make this high-end washer an all-in-one package of power designed to withstand the heaviest of workloads.
Best Samsung Front Load: Samsung 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer-WF45R6300AW
Whether it’s saving washes for a big load or keeping up with the steady stream of family laundry, this Samsung 4.5 front load washer provides the capacity to handle it all. Intelligent design gives this front load washer the power to finish a full load in 30 minutes, plus the convenience of Wi-Fi connectivity to know the exact moment it’s done. Do even more with deep-penetrating steam that saves your favorite garment from stains, along with a counter-depth design and Energy Star rating that save on floorspace and in your wallet.
Best Samsung 5.0 Front Load Washer: Samsung 5.0 Cu. Ft. Brushed Black Front Load Washer-WF50A8600AV
The extra-large capacity of this Samsung 5.0 front load washer is just the beginning of what makes it so impressive. A staggering total of 24 unique wash cycles provides a full repertoire of cleaning options for quick work of full hampers, including powerful wash features like steam and a Super Speed cycle capable of 28-minute washes. Despite its workhorse build, this front load washing machine is all about efficiency with Energy Star rated performance, plus Wi-Fi connectivity for on-the-go management and monitoring via your personal smart device.
Best LG Front Load Washer: LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Ultra Large Capacity Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer-WM4000HWA
How much can the extra-large tub of this LG 4.5 front load washer handle? Up to 20 pounds of laundry — or four pairs of jeans, a pair of towels, button-ups, and shorts each, plus six tees along with socks and undergarments, making short work of heavy-duty laundry days. And when coupled with an LG SideKick pedestal washer, you can enjoy even more room to wash clothes with even greater flexibility.
Powerful features like TurboWash 360 with five spray jets tackle loads in 30 minutes, and you can even run the ColdWash cycle to save money while still getting the results of a warm-water wash. Think less and let the AI fabric sensors do the work for you instead by scanning fabrics and determining the optimum wash before using smart pairing to wirelessly send a customized drying setting to a compatible dryer.
Shop Front Load Washers at Albert Lee Appliance
Laundry day might not be everyone’s favorite household job, but with a reliable front load washer as part of the routine, the task is definitely a little easier. The best place to find a new front load washer for your home is at Albert Lee, the Puget Sound’s leading supplier of quality appliances for the entire home.
To explore our entire catalog, shop online or visit one our Seattle-area appliance showrooms near you today!