We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Home Reviews Small Appliance Reviews The 5 Best Front-Loading Washers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Save energy and wash your clothes faster and more efficiently. By Nor'Adila Hepburn Nor'Adila Hepburn Nor'Adila Hepburn is a commerce writer who specializes in writing content for 6+ and 7+ figure commerce brands. She's been writing in-depth buying guides for Better Homes & Gardens since 2023. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on January 26, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line Our Testing Process Others We Tested What to Know Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are Better Homes & Gardens / Marcus Millan The differences between front-loading vs. top-loading washers may seem subtle—one allows you to load your laundry from the top of the machine, the other from the side—there are some big differences. For example, you can actually reduce energy consumption and save on your monthly electric bill by opting for a front-loading washer. “Front-loading washing machines offer key benefits and are especially attractive to sustainably minded consumers. They’re energy-efficient and eco-friendly,” says Justin Reinke, vice president of marketing at Beko Home Appliances. To find the best front-loading washers, we combined research and first-hand testing, evaluating the models in terms of dimensions, capacity, wash cycles, energy consumption, and other features. We also spoke to Reinke who gave us deeper insight and shopping advice. What We Tested Dimensions: The dimensions of each washer were recorded and compared to standard washer measurements. Capacity: To test the capacity of the models, we washed a large load that included towels and bedding and assessed how well it was cleaned.Wash Cycles: We washed at least two loads of clothing to test wash cycles. If a washer had any dry settings, we tested those as well. Stains were pre-treated beforehand.Energy Consumption: Front-loading washers are designed to use less energy than other types; we looked for Energy Star certifications to determine which models were most efficient, and looked at the impact the washer made on our bills if we used it at home.Other Features: All smart features, presets, and apps were tested where possible. Our Top Picks Best Overall: LG Stackable SMART Front Load Washer at Wayfair ($1,100) Jump to Review Best Budget: LG Large Capacity Front Load Washer at Wayfair ($900) Jump to Review Best Smart: LG Stackable Smart Front-Load Washer at Amazon ($1,099) Jump to Review Best Large Capacity: GE Smart Sapphire Blue Front Load Washer at Wayfair ($898) Jump to Review Best Stacked: LG Front Load WashTower at Wayfair ($2,500) Jump to Review Best Overall LG Stackable SMART Front Load Washer Wayfair View On Wayfair $1,100 View On Lowe's $898 View On Home Depot $898 Our Ratings Cleaning 5/5 Design 5/5 Noise Level 5/5 Efficiency 5/5 Value 5/5 Why You Should Get It The machine uses AI technology to sense load sizes, making laundry day more efficient and better for the environment. Keep in Mind The air drying function shrunk our clothes during testing. The best front-loading washer is the LG WM400000HWA Stackable Smart Front Load Washer. Its 4.5 cubic-foot capacity and advanced features save energy and time whenever you do laundry. We found that the settings were straightforward and it was easy to get the hang of using the machine without referring to the instruction manual. The washer is stackable with the matching dryer, allowing you to save space in your laundry room. The machine is packed with the latest technology and uses AI sensors to determine the right cycle for your load based on fabric and weight. In addition, it can be used with the LG ThinQ app to remotely set and monitor cycles on your phone. A turbo wash cycle supercharges wash time so that your laundry (especially large loads) is done faster. It also has a steam cycle that eliminates 95 percent of bacteria and other allergens from clothes, and is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Since it is a front-load washer, it uses less water and energy than the average top-load washer—so you can expect to save more money on your electricity bill. It also has an air-dry function, which we weren’t big fans of because it shrunk our clothes. Product Details: Dimensions: 39 x 27 x 30.25 inches | Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Energy Star Rated: Yes | Features: AI technology, WiFi, Turbo Wash, Steam Wash, Air Dry | Wash Cycles: Steam Cycle, Turbo Cycle, Speedwash Cycle Better Homes & Gardens / Ashley Craiger Better Homes & Gardens / Ashley Craiger Better Homes & Gardens / Ashley Craiger Better Homes & Gardens / Ashley Craiger Best Budget LG Large Capacity Front Load Washer Best Buy View On Wayfair $900 View On Lowe's $748 View On Home Depot $748 Why You Should Get It Anti-vibration technology and the ability to stack with a dryer make this a great pick for apartments. Keep in Mind It has a lengthy wash cycle. Besides being affordable, we love the LG WM3400CW because it washes clothes in cold water using six wash motions to clean fabric just as effectively as hot water. Like our top pick, it has a spacious 4.5 cubic foot capacity for clothes and bedding, plus customized settings. The washer is able to set water levels and wash times automatically based on the size of the load—a great smart feature also found on our top pick. The washer is stackable, though you’ll have to buy the stacking tool kit separately if you plan to arrange the washer and dryer like that. Anti-vibration technology reduces noise and shaking, making this a great choice for apartments and those with downstairs neighbors. Like most other LG washers, it has a speed wash that cleans clothes in 15 minutes and a cycle that cleans the washing machine. The washer doesn’t have the steam wash and allergen cycles found on more expensive LG models, like the best front-loading washer overall. Our other gripe is we felt the loads took longer on average than other washers. Product Details: Dimensions:39 x27 x 30.25 inches | Capacity:4.5 Cubic Feet | Energy Star Rated: Yes | Features: Anti-Vibration Technology, 6 Wash Motions, Cold Water Wash, Stackable | Wash Cycles: Speed Wash, Tub Clean Cycle Best Smart LG Stackable Smart Front-Load Washer Best Buy View On Amazon $1,099 View On Wayfair $1,100 View On Lowe's $898 Why You Should Get It The turbo wash cycle cleans loads in less than half an hour. Keep in Mind The presets make it complicated to use. Smart washers are the best front–loading washers for busy people who want to supercharge their laundry routine. The LG WM4000HBA washer uses AI technology and the ThinQ app to set wash settings, monitor wash cycles, and receive notifications about when the load is done. Like most of our top picks, it has a 4.5 cubic-foot capacity that fits up to 20 pounds. The washer also has a turbo wash cycle with five high-powered water jets that clean laundry loads in 30 minutes or less. It also has a speed wash cycle that takes around 15 minutes. The machine runs quietly and doesn’t vibrate too much, so you might get away with washing clothes in the middle of the night without disturbing others. We observed that the amount of presets made the washer more complicated to use than other LGs—it was hard for us to find the wash and dry button in manual mode. But, we still thought it was an impressive machine that could handle our heavy loads. While the preset settings are convenient, being able to set washing and drying cycles manually would make this washer more user-friendly. Product Details: Dimensions: 39 x 27 x 30.25 inches | Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Energy Star Rated: Yes | Features: Speed Wash, Turbo Wash, Anti-Vibration Technology | Wash Cycles: Steam Wash Cycle, Turbo Wash Cycle, Speed Wash Cycle Best Large Capacity GE Smart Sapphire Blue Front Load Washer The Home Depot View On Wayfair $898 View On Lowe's $898 View On Home Depot $898 Our Ratings Cleaning 5/5 Design 5/5 Noise Level 4/5 Efficiency 5/5 Value 4/5 Why You Should Get It It’s a combination 2-in-1 washer and dryer with a reversible door that can open to the left or right. Keep in Mind The spin cycle is very loud. For families with children, there’s no such thing as a light laundry day. The GE GFW850SPNRS is the best front-loading washer with a large capacity (5 cubic feet compared to the standard 4.5 cubic feet). It’s a 2-in-1 washer and dryer, so chances are that it will save you some time, too. In addition to the regular wash cycles, there’s a sanitizing hot water cycle that kills 99 percent of bacteria and mites, and a quick wash cycle that completes a load in 20 minutes. We also like that the washer has antimicrobial technology that prevents odor-causing bacteria from forming and a moisture venting system. You can monitor the wash cycle with your smartphone via the app. Despite the washer’s advanced settings, we found it easy to operate and customize to our preferred settings. We also loved the color, a deep sapphire blue that stood out from more basic washers. Another beneficial feature for those with limited space is the reversible door that can be made to open on either side. Our only complaint is the spin cycle is considerably loud, so we always had to make sure our laundry room door was closed when the washing machine was running. Product Details: Dimensions: 39.75 x 28 x 34 inches | Capacity: 5.0 cubic feet | Energy Star Rated? Yes | Features: Sanitize & Allergen Cycle, Reversible Door, WiFi, 2-1 Washer-Dryer Function | Wash Cycles: Quick Wash, Power Clean, Sanitize + Allergen Best Stacked LG Front Load WashTower Wayfair View On Wayfair $2,500 View On Lowe's $1,898 View On Home Depot $1,898 Our Ratings Cleaning 5/5 Drying 5/5 Design 5/5 Noise Level 5/5 Efficiency 5/5 Why You Should Get It It’s powerful enough to handle large loads—we never had to redo a cycle—yet saves space. Keep in Mind Mold tends to build up near the front of the washer. A stacked washer like the LG WKGX201HWA WashTower is the best front-loading washer for small spaces because it allows you to store both machines vertically rather than horizontally. We were impressed by how intuitive and easy the unit was to operate. The washer uses AI to choose the best cycles for your load, whether you’re washing your sheets or lightweight summer clothes. As with our other LG picks, it’s compatible with the ThinQ app for remote operation. The machine has indicator lights that alert you when it’s time to clean the ducts and lint filter. It has the steam cycle and is certified by the AAFA like the other LG units we’ve mentioned. The washer has a capacity of 4.5 cubic feet and the dryer’s is 7.4 cubic feet. Overall, we found this washer extremely effective: our clothes always came out clean and dry, and we never had to redo a cycle, even when washing a large load. We also saw how efficient it was, both energy and time-wise, and we were able to wash loads multiple times in a day. Our favorite feature by far is the music at the end of the cycle. It plays a soothing melody instead of obnoxious beeps. Though there’s nothing we would change about this washer, we noticed that mold tended to build at the front of the machine. Product Details: Dimensions: 74.38 x 27 x 30.38 inches | Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Energy Star Rated: Yes | Features: Center Control Panel, AI Technology, WiFi, Washer-Dryer Functions, Speed Wash, Steam Cycle | Wash Cycles: Speed Wash Cycle The Bottom Line The best front-loading washer is the LG WM40000HWA 4.5 Cu. Ft. Stackable SMART Front Load Washer because it fits clothes and bedding, plus has advanced features such as Wifi and AI technology to make wash day faster. If you need something less expensive, we suggest the LG WM3400CW 4.5 Cu. Ft. Stackable Front Load Washer. It costs under $1000 but comes with many of the same features as our top pick, such as speed wash and anti-vibration technology. Our Testing Process To find the best front-loading washers, we tested several models at our testing lab in Birmingham, Alabama using a predetermined methodology, and considered responses from an internal survey. We evaluated the machines based on dimensions, capacity, wash cycles, energy consumption, and other features. First, we washed at least two loads of clothing using preset wash and dry cycles on the washer. The clothes were inspected for stains and pre-treated with detergent if necessary. While using the washer, we noted standout features with both preset and manual settings. We also observed noise levels and how effective the machines were in removing stains. Next, we did a large load of laundry including bedding and towels. This was important for evaluating the washer’s capacity and seeing whether it could handle a large load. Additionally, assessed if the washer could clean and dry a single load in one cycle or if more time was needed. We also looked at smart features. Was the app user-friendly and helpful? What features did it have? How easy was it to set up? Finally, we looked at the energy consumption of all tested models to see if they used more or less energy compared to the ones we used in the past. Other Front Loading Washers We Tested Samsung WF53BB8900AD Bespoke 5.3 cu. ft. Ultra-Capacity Smart Front Load Washer This machine stood out for its sleek design and easy-to-use touchscreen buttons. But the washer’s surface easily scratches, which isn’t ideal for aesthetics. But it is a solid choice with an extra-large 5.3 cubic feet capacity. What to Know About Front-Loading Washers Before Shopping Dimensions and Capacity Reinke says that front-loading washers are usually 27 to 30 inches in width, 30 to 35 inches in height, and 29 to 33 inches in depth, which should be compact enough to fit in a laundry room or in a small space. There are stackable models that allow you to place the washer or dryer on top of one another, saving even more space. Most front-loading washers have standard capacities ranging from 2.5 cubic feet, which is ideal for small loads, to 5.5 cubic feet for larger loads. Energy Consumption Most front-loading washers are Energy Star certified, which means that they use less energy and water than top-loading washers. To find out if you’re buying an efficient front-loading washer, look for the Energy Star symbol on the retailer’s website or on the washer itself. Features The best front-loading washers tend to have smart features such as WiFi connectivity, which allows you to control the washer with your smartphone, and AI technology that determines the best settings to wash your clothes based on fabric and load weight Other common features are steam cycles that kill harmful bacteria and speed wash cycles that can wash clothes in just a few minutes. Some units, like our Best Large Capacity pick, the GE GFW850SPNRS, are combo washer/dryers. Front-loading washers are typically stackable, allowing you to create a vertical tower with both of your laundry machines, decreasing the footprint of your set-up. Wash Cycles While the types and number of wash cycles vary depending on brand and model, front-load washers generally offer 12-16 cycles, according to Reinke. Common wash cycles you’ll find are steam wash cycles and speed wash cycles, which most of the best front-loading washers have. Your Questions, Answered What are the benefits of a front-loading washer? Although front-loading washers are just as effective as top-loaders, they are a more environmentally friendly option because they use less water and energy due to how they are designed. “Front-load washers are best at washing large loads and are thought to clean clothes better due to their higher spin speeds and drum motion,” Reinke says. “The range of front-load washer sizes and their ability to stack with dryers makes them perfect for homeowners with space limitations.” What size washer will wash a king-size comforter? According to Reinke, you can wash a king-size comforter in a front-loading washer that has at least 4.5 cubic feet of drum capacity. “Homeowners with smaller washers may need to use a larger-capacity washer at a local laundry mat for this item only,” he says. Luckily, this is a pretty standard size washer. All of the best front-loading washers on our list are this size or larger. Do front-loading washers get moldy? It’s easy for mold to form behind the rubber gasket located behind the door of a front-loading washer. However, you can be proactive and take steps to prevent it. Reinke recommends thoroughly scrubbing the drum and door with a cloth or toothbrush at least once a month, or when you spot mold or mildew forming. “Mold can also form in the drainage pipes, detergent and fabric softener dispensers, and lint filters of any washer, so it’s best to run your washer empty on normal cycle with hot water and chlorine bleach at least once a month,” he says. Who We Are Nor'Adila Hepburn is a freelance writer who specializes in writing in-depth buying guides for Better Homes & Gardens. To find the best front-loading washers she evaluated a range of front-loading washers from various brands and used research and insights from our lab tests. She also spoke to Justin Reinke, Vice President of Marketing, Beko Home Appliances US. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit