At a Glance:
Front Load vs Top Load Washers
Pros & Cons of Front Load Washers
How to Choose a Front Load Washer
So, you’re in the market for a new washer? Whether your old washer has finally washed its last load or you just want to upgrade your laundry space, you now have to decide between a front load or a top load washer. There are significant differences between the two styles, including efficiency, washing performance, and more. Knowing what your preferences are and what each will offer you regarding washability, quality, convenience, and features will help you make the best choice. Today, we will cover the differences between front load washers and top load washers, the pros and cons of front load washers, and we will also share some of the best front loading washers on the market today.
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Shop All WashersFront Load vs Top Load Washers
Front load washers are easier to load and unload due to the door being on the front of the washer versus a top load which can be cumbersome to unload due to having to lean over and down to reach every piece of clothing inside. Front load washers typically have a larger capacity, which allows you to wash more items at a time, cutting down the number of loads required to complete your laundry each week. This also extends to more energy efficiency and water efficiency, along with less detergent required, ultimately creating savings for you and your family. The best front load washers are much gentler on your clothes because there is no agitator, unlike many top load washers, making the washing process much more gentle on your clothes, keeping the fabrics in great condition.
Explore Front Load Washers
Pros & Cons of Front Load Washers
If you’re conflicted about whether a front load washer is right for you, you may find this extensive list of pros and cons helpful. Even the best front load washers aren’t always right for every family, so let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks, allowing you to decipher if a front load washer is what you need to tackle every laundry day.
Pros:
✅ Washing Performance: The best rated front load washers offer amazing washing performance, leaving consumers with consistently clean clothing. Why is this? Front load washers can use more efficient tumbling actions and also offer faster spin speeds that extract more dirt and grime from our clothing.
✅ Energy Efficiency: Front load washers are notorious for being more energy efficient than top load washers because they use less water during each cycle, as well as less detergent, which can offer savings in two different areas.
✅ Space Savings: Do you have a small laundry space that can't accommodate the traditional “side-by-side” laundry pairs? Some of the best front load washers and dryers can be stacked together, creating a laundry tower that can save space in a laundry room.
✅ Innovative Features: Many front load washers offer modern technology and features that make every laundry experience better. From smart connection to customizable settings, the best front-load washers will take what you know about washing clothing to the next level.
Cons:
❌ Longer Wash Cycles: Though front load washers offer powerful washing performance, their wash cycles do tend to take longer than those of top-load washing machines.
❌ Maintenance: Due to the construction of front load washers, they are more susceptible to mold and mildew in the gasket dispensers. It’s important to regularly clean a front load washer to prevent odor-causing build-up.
❌ Loading & Unloading: Take into consideration the fact that you have to bend over to load and unload a front-load washer or dryer.
❌ Last-Minute Add-Ons: Front load washers do not allow consumers to add any forgotten items after the load has been running for a certain period. Some may find this frustrating and inconvenient.
It’s no surprise that front load washers offer many benefits that consumers love, while also posing potential drawbacks that many people need to consider. The best washer is the one that provides you with the utmost convenience and ease when doing laundry, so let that be your guide when deciding on a new washing machine.
→ Learn more: How Much Water Does a Washing Machine Use?
7 Best Front Load Washers
Do you find yourself asking “What are the best front load washers?” If so, this compiled list of the best front end load washers will introduce you to amazing brands like Miele, Speed Queen, LG, and more. Experience the features and convenience that all of the best front load washers can bring!
Miele W1 White Edition 2.3 Cu. Ft. Lotus White Front Load Washer
Shop this Miele Front Load Washer
Miele offers convenience, ease, and performance with every washing experience. With this 2.3 Cu. Ft. front load washer, you will find yourself enjoying laundry day, thanks to the convenient and efficient features. Intelligent washing senses each load size, automatically using the perfect amount of water, ensuring that your clothes are effectively clean, while not unnecessarily raising your electricity bill. Do you need a load done and ready for the dryer in under an hour? Then you’ll love the QuickIntenseWash feature, which powerfully cleans every piece of clothing in 49 minutes, getting your clothes to the dryer faster and cleaner.
- Model: WXR 860 WCS
- Dimensions: 33.50” H x 23.5” W x 25.38” D
- Total Capacity: 2.3 Cu. Ft.
Speed Queen® FF7 3.5 Cu. Ft. Matte Black Front Load Washer
Shop this Speed Queen® Front Load Washer
Speed Queen is known for their American-made quality, unmatched reliability, and longevity of every laundry appliance. With the Speed Queen FF7 front load washer, you’ll see the best features offered by Speed Queen, bringing life back into dreary laundry days. The new Stain Boost feature tackles every stain, no matter the difficulty or necessary water temperature. Do you have pets that are prone to fleas? You’ll love the industry-exclusive flea removal cycle, which has been proven to remove fleas and bring clothing back to life.
- Model: FF7009BN
- Dimensions: 40.44” H x 26.88” W x 27.75” D
- Total Capacity: 3.5 Cu. Ft.
Electrolux 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Shop this Electrolux Front Load Washer
Fall in love with laundry day, thanks to this affordable, yet efficient front load washer by Electrolux. The extra large capacity makes it easy to fit even your largest loads of laundry, including king-sized sheets or comforters. With the Perfect Balance System, you can ensure that every load will run smoothly, with no rearranging needed for off-balance loads, while also enjoying a quiet household during the wash cycle. The Perfect Steam cycle can tackle any stain, from caked-on muddy uniforms to hard-to-get food splatters by using steam to lift and extract stains from clothing fibers. Overall cleaning and efficiency are improved with Electrolux’s LuxCare Plus Wash System, giving you confidence with improved wash actions, temperature control, and smart assistance.
- Model: ELFW7537AW
- Dimensions: 38” H x 27” W x 32” D
- Total Capacity: 4.5 Cu. Ft.
Bosch® 300 Series 2.2 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Shop this Bosch® Front Load Washer
Bosch takes washing laundry to the next level with incredible features that transforms clothing back to their original, intended state. The SpeedPerfect feature takes care of your fabrics while giving you a quick and efficient load that you can count on. The EcoSilence motor ensures that every washing cycle is quiet and efficient, leaving you a peaceful, uninterrupted laundry day. This 2.2 Cu. Ft. washer offers a compact size with full-sized performance, making this washer a great option for households short on space, who also don’t want to compromise on features and performance. When looking for a new front load washer, you can never go wrong with this reliable, powerful option by Bosch.
- Model: WGA12400UC
- Dimensions: 33.25” H x 23.5” W x 25” D
- Total Capacity: 2.2 Cu. Ft.
Samsung Bespoke 8700 Series 5.3 Cu. Ft. Silver Steel Front Load Washer
Shop this Samsung Bespoke Front Load Washer
You can never go wrong with Samsung front load washers, and that fact holds true with the Samsung Bespoke 8700 Series 5.3 Cu. Ft. Silver Steel Front Load Washer. The steel finish offers a modern twist on your laundry experience, maintaining a clean and eye-catching aesthetic that makes it easy to enjoy your laundry room. Never worry about a smelly washer again, thanks to the built-in antimicrobial technology, which keeps the gasket free of odor-causing bacteria, ensuring every load of laundry smells fresh and clean, just like it’s meant to be. With an ultra capacity, this washer ensures large households spend less time doing laundry, and more time doing the things they love, fitting more into each load than ever before. When it’s all said and done, use the SelfClean feature to keep your washer in pristine condition.
- Model: WF53BB8700AT
- Dimensions: 38.75” H x 27” W x 34.5” D
- Total Capacity: 5.3 Cu. Ft.
→ Learn more: 5 Laundry Room Ideas with a Blue Washer and Dryer
GE® 4.8 Cu. Ft. White Smart Front Load Washer
Shop this GE® Front Load Washer
Are you worried about your front load washer having a bad smell that won’t go away? Fear no more, thanks to GE’s first and only UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock. This front load washer’s features take the fear out of odor-causing bacteria, the Vent System and OdorBlock eliminate any excess moisture left over after the wash cycle, creating a clean, dry environment to help your washer stay fresh and clean. The sanitize option takes special care to remove up to 99% of bacteria, ensuring every piece of clothing is safe and clean to wear. A reversible door makes it easy to transition into any laundry space, giving you the option to install it the way that works for you.
- Model: GFW550SSNWW
- Dimensions: 39.75” H x 28” W x 32” D
- Total Capacity: 4.8 Cu. Ft.
LG 5.2 Cu. Ft. Black Steel Front Load Washer
Shop this LG Front Load Washer
Among some of the best LG front load washers, this black front load washer is ideal for large families, or those who find themselves consistently tackling oversized loads of laundry. Convenience is essential to mastering every aspect of your home, including your laundry. Thanks to LG’s ThinQ App, you have complete control over every load, getting notifications about cycle updates, maintenance requirements, usage, and much more. If you desire greater loading flexibility, pair this front load washer with a compatible LG SideKick Pedestal Washer, and wash two loads at one time. Do you have a large load that you need to complete before heading out the door? LG’s TurboWash gets large loads perfectly clean in just thirty minutes.
- Model: WM8900HBA
- Dimensions: 40.75” H x 29” W x 33” D
- Total Capacity: 5.2 Cu. Ft.
→ Learn more: LG Front Load Washers Reviewed: Top Picks
How to Choose a Front Load Washer
Now that you know you want a front load washer, there are some considerations to take on your next shopping trip. Let’s take a look at what you need to know before you invest in a front load washer.
- Capacity: Consider how much laundry is done in your household, and let that be your guide to choosing a front-load washer with a capacity that will accommodate your needs.
- Features: Make a list of must-have features and pick a washer that fits your desires. Do you want customizable washing cycles? Smart features? Steam Clean? Compile your favorite features, and be sure to stick with what you know you want.
- Budget: Create a budget that works for you, and stick with it. Knowing how much you can spend will save you from overspending while shopping.
- Measure: Be sure to measure your laundry space. Knowing the dimensions of your laundry room and where you will be placing your washer and dryer is essential in purchasing the right washer for you.
→ Learn more: 8 Best New Features to Look for in Front Loading Washers
FAQs: Front Load Washers
Are front load washers better?
Front load washers are preferred by many households, but that does not necessarily make them better than top-load washers. Each style of washer has its pros and cons, so it’s important to understand the difference between the two and compare them to your laundry needs before deciding which style is best for your household.
How to clean front load washers?
Clean the drum of your washer by adding 1-2 cups of bleach into the drum and running the longest, hottest cycle. Be sure to remove any clothing or linens beforehand. Once the load is finished, clean the gasket with a clean cloth and vinegar, wiping out any debris and excess water. Clean the dispenser by removing it from the washer and allowing it to soak in hot, soapy water, then wipe clean. Clean the exterior with distilled vinegar and a clean cloth. Once this is finished, run an additional rinse and drain cycle to clear out any remaining dirt or cleaning products, and then leave the door and dispenser open to allow them to fully dry before using again.
Do front load washers clean better?
Front load washers are known for cleaning better than top load washers because they have longer cycle times and faster spinning speeds.
Do front load washers use less water?
Yes, front load washers are known for using less water than top load washers.
Are front load washers better than top load?
Laundry needs vary from household to household, so it’s important to do your research on the differences between front-load and top-load washers to decide which style is best for your household’s laundry needs.
Where to buy a front load washer near me?
If you live in or around Pleasant Hill, CA, then you have the best option for front load washers with Friedmans Appliance. A wide array of front load washers means you’ll find the best washer for you, while a friendly and knowledgeable staff is there and ready to answer any questions you may have. Be sure to visit Friedmans in-store or online today!
→ Learn more: Why Does My Washer Smell Like Mildew?
Why Trust Friedmans Appliance?
Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!
Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we’re the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dishwasher or laundry appliance you need for cleanup.
Shop Front Load Washers at Friedmans
See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop front load washers online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you find the best front load washer, whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!
→ Learn more: 5 Luxury Washer and Dryer Bundles Worth the Investment