Best and Worst Front-Load Washers From Consumer Reports' Tests
Front-loaders save water and energy, but some work better than others at getting clothes clean
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Unless you have a bad back and find it uncomfortable to bend down, itās easy to be seduced by front-load washers. Theyāre spacious and easy to load, and their sleek appearance can spruce up even the dullest laundry room.
The best front-loaders clean better and gentler than high-efficiency top-loaders and top-load agitators while using less water (averaging 10 gallons compared with 13 gallons for top-load HEs and 20 gallons for agitators). And they adjust the water to the size of the load youāre washing, so theyāre efficient even for small loads.
Front-Loader Flaws
Front-loaders represent about 29 percent of the washing machine market, according to Mark Allwood, a CR senior market analyst. They also make up the majority of Green Choice washers in our ratings, the most eco-friendly machines designated by a green leaf icon.
One of the major reasons front-loaders arenāt more popular is that some consumers are turned off by their tendency to develop mold, mildew, and odors. In our most recent member survey, 15 percent of all front-load washer owners experienced the problem with their machines.
Cleaning and airing out your front-loader regularly can help. To clean the drum and gaskets, CRās laundry experts recommend running the tub-clean feature or a hot water cycle with bleach but no laundry. Itās also a good idea to leave the door open after each wash. But if you have adventurous toddlers who could possibly climb inside, keep it closed.
Front-load washing machines also require bending down to load and unload clothes, so they may not be the best option for someone with physical restrictions unless the washer is placed on a pedestal.
Stacked Pairs
Most front-loaders can be stacked with a matching dryer. But check the features and specifications listed in our ratings to make sure that the pair youāre considering can be stacked. Some washer-dryer pairs canāt be stacked for a variety of reasons, perhaps because of a washer-top detergent dispenser or a washer and dryer of different sizes.
Our ratings include more than 50 front-loaders from brands such as Electrolux, GE, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Speed Queen, Whirlpool, and others. LG is the only front-load brand weāve tested that receives top marks for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in our latest member survey.
As youāre shopping, double-check the dimensions in our ratings to make sure you can fit the new machine into your space (and through doorways). For more on what to look for in a washer, see our washing machine buying guide. Below, CR members can read our reviews of five impressive front-loaders as well as two we donāt recommend.