The 6 Best Front-Load Washers for Cleaner Clothes Using Less Water

Every washing machine that comes into Reviewed’s labs gets put through the same testing regimen, which addresses both performance and user-friendliness. We test for stain removal power, wear and tear on clothes, water retention and the spin cycle, and cycle duration. The best washers have solid stain removal abilities, do not damage your clothes, retain little water, and have short cycle times.

The Best Front-load Washers of 2023

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Electrolux ELFW7637AT

This excellent washer tops our best list, and it should top yours. It boasts remarkable cleaning prowess, and is easy to use and see. Read More

Pros

• Extraordinary cleaning power
• Has its own internal heater
• Easy-to-read controls

Cons

• A few slow cycles
• Occasionally smelly gasket

Maytag MHW6630HC

While not the gentlest washer, its Normal and Heavy cycles have very strong cleaning performances and its Quick cycle finishes in 13 minutes. Read More

Pros

• Streamlined interface
• Strong cleaning performance
• Fast Quick cycle

Cons

• HIgher than average wear and tear on Normal and Delicates cycles

Samsung WF53BB8700AT

The Samsung WF53BB8700AT looks great, washes well, has a gigantic 6.1-cubic-foot wash drum, and comes with a ton of other features. Read More

Pros

• Fast, effective wash cycles
• Large wash drum
• Steam, stackable, other features

Cons

• On-board controls can be difficult to read
• Loud chime has no volume controls, just on and off

Maytag MHW8630HC

The Maytag MHW8630HC is a powerful washer that lets you do laundry on your terms. It’s 5.0-cu.-ft. drum can handle just about anything. Read More

Pros

• Power Heavy Duty cycle
• High number of features
• Streamlined controls

Cons

LG WM4500HBA

If you need to get through tons of laundry, this is the washer for you. It also has some nice smart features, like remote start and notifications. Read More

Pros

• Large capacity drum
• Fast cycle times
• Smart features

Cons

Written by Mark Brezinski, Jonathan Chan, and Julia MacDougall

Updated November 8, 2023

While top-load washers might have a nostalgia factor for some consumers, others have embraced the “new-fangled” front-load washer. It’s true that front-loaders have come a long way since their inception: Modern models run more efficiently and get clothes cleaner when compared to top-loaders. Most front-load washers embrace both form and function, and often have neat features and beautiful finishes to complement their strong cleaning performance.

Once you’ve decided to buy (or replace) a front-load washer, your next step is to actually pick one out. The process of selecting a front-loader can be daunting since every major appliance manufacturer makes at least one front-load washer.

This is where we come in: We’ve compiled a list of the best front-load washers available on the market today.

Our current favorite front-load washer is the Electrolux ELFW7637AT (available at Electrolux) because of its incredible cleaning performance and stain removal, a sprinting speed cycle, and a nifty detergent pod dispenser.

Due to supply chain challenges and soaring demand, there is widespread unavailability of home appliances and long wait times for delivery of backordered product. If you’re a consumer in need of a washer or dryer, here are the best places to buy in-stock appliances right now.

The front-loading ELFW7637AT has excellent stain removal performance, a detergent pod dispenser, and a 15-minute Fast wash.

• Dimensions: 38″ x 27″ x 32″ (H x W x D)
• Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft.
• Finishes: Titanium, white ($100 cheaper)
• Special Features: Steam, Allergen, Extended Refresh
• Energy Star rated: Yes
• Matching Dryer: Electrolux ELFE7637AT

The Electrolux ELFW7637AT checks all the right boxes. First and foremost, it’s a great washing machine. During testing, we found that it can deal with various stains, from protein to oil. The internal water heater also adds a lot of versatility, allowing you to sanitize clothing of common diseases, like E. coli, get rid of allergens, and help keep your whites as bright as can be.

Secondly, the ELFW7637AT comes equipped with plenty of features that just make life better. For example, instead of tossing Tide pods in the drum where soap won’t get evenly distributed, this washer has a special spot for them in the detergent drawer. There are also options like Extended Refresh that will tumble laundry after a cleaning cycle is finished to keep it from getting musty.

Finally, this Electrolux just has a great fit and finish. You can tell that the manufacturing is well done by the clean text on the control panel and the satisfying click on the dial.

After all our testing, we also think the Electrolux ELFW7637AT is perfect for most families. It has the drum capacity, cleaning performance, and features to cover all the major laundry bases. That’s why it takes the top spot in our washing machine rankings.

Pros

• Extraordinary cleaning power
• Has its own internal heater
• Easy-to-read controls

Cons

• A few slow cycles
• Occasionally smelly gasket

• Dimensions: 38.62 in. x 27 in. x 32.94 in. (H x W x D)
• Capacity: 4.8 cu. ft.
• Finishes: White, Metallic Slate
• Special Features: Steam
• Energy Star rated: Yes
• Matching Dryer: Maytag MED6630HC

Long-time fans of Maytag washing machines won’t be disappointed with the Maytag MHW6630HC. In addition to the Normal and Heavy cycles, which both have very strong cleaning performances, this washer also has a speedy, highly effective 13-minute-long Quick cycle.

While our testing indicates that this washer is less gentle with clothes than we’d hoped, we think that the MHW6630HC makes up for it with some neat features. You can’t go wrong with a steam option, an extended tumble cycle to keep post-wash clothes from clumping and wrinkling, and the “Extra Power” button, which can help get tough stains out of family-sized loads of laundry. If you need tough stains removed in a short time span, check out the Maytag MHW6630HC front-load washer.

Pros

• Streamlined interface
• Strong cleaning performance
• Fast Quick cycle

Cons

• HIgher than average wear and tear on Normal and Delicates cycles

• Dimensions: 38.7” x 27” x 34.4” (H x W x D)
• Capacity: 6.1 cu. ft.
• Finishes: Brushed black, silver steel
• Special features: Modern Bespoke design, high-capacity drum, 28-minute Super Speed 2.0 wash, Smart Dial, steam wash, Self Clean+, VRT Plus noise and vibration reduction, drum light, 20-year warranty for inverter motor, MultiControl, Samsung SmartThings app support
• Dispensers: No
• Matching dryer:Samsung DVE53BB8700T
• Energy Star rated:Yes

The Samsung WF53BB8700AT brings the popular Bespoke line of appliances to your laundry room, to impressive results.

Not only does the WF53BB8700AT have faster cycles that scrub out more stains, you’ll also get the Bespoke line’s attention to aesthetic detail, with a clean, modern look and intuitive controls.

Where the Samsung WF53BB8700AT distinguishes itself is with its feature set, which starts with a huge 6.1-cubic-foot drum. This giant wash drum is about 33% larger than the average washer’s drum, which means you’ll need to run fewer wash cycles each week—those with larger families stand to gain the most benefit here.

The WF53BB8700AT also has a ton of other features to help sweeten the deal, from a full set of steam cycles to help sanitize your laundry and remove wrinkles, an interior LED for easier loading in dim laundry rooms, a self-cleaning mode to cut down on odors, and quiet cycles.

Those with limited space will love its ability to stack up with its paired dryer and still be able to fit inside a laundry closet.

Pros

• Fast, effective wash cycles
• Large wash drum
• Steam, stackable, other features

Cons

• On-board controls can be difficult to read
• Loud chime has no volume controls, just on and off

Other Front-load Washers We Tested

• Dimensions: 32.94” x 38.63” x 27” (D x H x W)
• Capacity: 5 cu. ft.
• Finishes: Metallic slate
• Special Features: Fresh Hold
• Energy Star rated: Yes
• Matching Dryer: Maytag MED8630HC

Combining excellent stain removal ability, a massive drum, and a plethora of features, the Maytag MHW8630HC is one of the best washers from the company that we’ve tested to date. The Heavy Duty cycle aced our cleaning tests, dealing with everything from red wine to oil. We also appreciated the MHW8630HC’s internal water heater. With it, the Sanitize cycle achieved temperatures of around 130°F, allowing you to easily eliminate the most common illness-causing bacteria.

Cleaning alone does not make a great washer. This Maytag also makes the chore of doing laundry easier. It has an automatic detergent dispenser that holds soap for up to eight loads so you don’t need to keep busting out the bottle. In addition, the MHW8630HC comes with Fresh Hold and Overnight Wash and Dry. Both these features tumble the drum after a wash has finished, which means that for full-sized loads, it keeps a musty odor from developing or can wash and dry a shirt or two.

Pros

• Power Heavy Duty cycle
• High number of features
• Streamlined controls

Cons

• Dimensions: 39″ x 27″ x 33 1/4″(H x W x D)
• Capacity: 5.0 cu. ft.
• Finishes: Black steel
• Special features: Steam, Allergiene, LG ThinQ app support
• Dispensers: detergent and fabric softener (18-load reservoir)
• Matching dryer:LG DLEX4500B (electric), LG DLGX4501B (gas)
• Energy Star rated:Yes

If you need to get through tons of laundry, the LG WM4500HBA should be your go-to front-loader. Its huge 5-cubic-foot drum will help you tumble through piles of dirty clothes, and its automatic detergent and fabric softener dispensers only need to be refilled every 18 cycles. It also has some nice smart features, like remote start and notifications, which can help with accessibility (or for those of us who set a cycle going and then completely forget about it).

The WM4500HBA has average cleaning performance, which is more than enough for lightly-soiled laundry, but it might struggle with scrubbing out significant stains. Still, we believe this machine succeeds at what it’s trying to do, which is clean lots of laundry very quickly. As such, we’d mainly recommend this washer for large families, those who pile up their beds with king-size comforters or warm blankets, or anyone who has trouble keeping up with the sheer volume of their laundry.

Pros

• Large capacity drum
• Fast cycle times
• Smart features

Cons

• Dimensions: 38.75” x 27” x 31.4” (H x W x D)
• Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft.
• Finishes: White; black stainless steel (costs about $100 more)
• Special Features: Steam, Self Clean, Pre Soak
• Energy Star rated: Yes
• Matching Dryer: Samsung DVE45R6100W

There’s a lot to like about the Samsung WF45R6100AW washer. Not only does it have an amazing number of cycle options (water temperature, load dirtiness, number of rinses, etc.), but its Heavy cycle is near-perfect, and one of the best stain removing cycles we’ve ever seen during lab testing. While we found that this washer was a little harder, wear-and-tear-wise, on clothes than we usually prefer, we think that the trade-off with its amazing stain removal ability is worth it.

Like all of the more recent Samsung front-load washers, the WF45R6100AW has one additional feature that you’ll really appreciate: instead of having one or two specific steam cycles, this washer uses steam cleaning in half of the available cycles, including Normal, Heavy, and Sanitize. If you need a washer to tackle your toughest, dirtiest laundry, the WF45R6100AW won’t let you down.

Pros

• Great cleaning performance
• Intuitive controls

Cons

• Dimensions: 34” x 39.75” x 28” (D x H x W)
• Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft.
• Finishes: Sapphire Blue, Diamond Gray, White
• Special Features: UltraFresh vent system with OdorBlock, Microban antimicrobial gasket, steam washer with SmartDispense, smart connectivity
• Energy Star rated: Yes
• Matching Dryer: GE GFD85ESPNRS

The GE GFW850SPNRS is a feature-packed, high-performing washing machine that won’t break the bank. This washer debuts GE’s take on the smelly washing machine problem, which involves a door gasket that incorporates Microban antibacterial materials and a through-door vent system that doubles as a dryer for small laundry loads. With built-in WiFi connectivity, a reversible door, a stunning sapphire blue finish, automatic detergent dispensing, and a steam cycle, this washer is really pushing the envelope when it comes to useful features.

While the features are nice, what you really need in a washer is performance, and this washing machine doesn’t disappoint. Its stain removal abilities were strong across the board for the four cycles we tested (Normal, PowerWash, Quick Wash, and Delicates), and it exhibited relatively low wear and tear on our test laundry. Its 21-minute-long Quick Wash cycle will get your laundry clean in the blink of an eye. For a washing machine that’s tough on stains and that you won’t mind showing off to visitors, check out the GE GFW850SPNRS.

Pros

• Good stain removal
• Venting system controls odors
• Excellent sanitize feature

Cons

• Poor Quick Dry and Bulky/Bedding cycle
• Expensive

• Dimensions: 38.625” x 27.0” x 33.25” (H x W x D)
• Capacity: 5.0 cu. ft.
• Finishes: White, Chrome Shadow ($100 extra), Black Shadow ($150 extra)
• Special Features: Steam, sanitize, Fan Fresh
• Energy Star rated: No
• Matching Dryer: Whirlpool WED9620HC

Younger, tech-savvy families will definitely appreciate the Whirlpool WFW9620HC washer. With its automatic detergent dispenser, touchscreen control panel, and large 5.0-cu.-ft. capacity, you’ll be able to get a lot of laundry done in very little time. Additionally, for those who want to be able to monitor your laundry without checking on it manually, you can easily start, stop, and track the cycles for this smart washer in the Whirlpool app.

For the most bang for your buck, use the Normal cycle, which did a good job of cleaning our test load, and only took about 40 minutes to finish. While the Quick cycle didn’t do as well cleaning-wise, it clocked in at a shockingly short 13 minutes; if you only need to wash a couple of lightly-soiled outfits, this washer will get you out the door in record time. While it still left the clothes a bit damper than we were expecting at the end of the cycle, well, that’s what a dryer is for. If you want a washer that does its best to solve common laundry pain points, the Whirlpool WFW9620HC may be the right washer for you.

Pros

Cons

• Cycles finish with very wet laundry
• Not very gentle
• Expensive

How We Tested Front-load Washers

The Testers

Hi there! We’re Reviewed’s appliance testing team. Between us, we’ve spent many years testing major appliances including washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers. We have plenty of experience testing these products in the lab, but we’ve also used them like normal people would in the course of their daily lives, which means that we have a great sense for what appliances are bargains at their price points, and which appliances have really useful extra features (as opposed to the kitchen-sink approach to features).

The Tests

Unlike a top-load washer, a front-load washer does not have to fill a tub with water.

Every washing machine that comes into Reviewed’s labs gets put through the same testing regimen, which addresses both performance and user-friendliness. We test for stain removal power, wear and tear on clothes, water retention and the spin cycle, and cycle duration. The best washers have solid stain removal abilities, do not damage your clothes, retain little water, and have short cycle times.

Beyond these performance tests, we also assess the usability of each washing machine. Our main goal is to get the answer to one question: How easy is it to actually use this washing machine?

By combining the performance data with our own observations, we can make solid recommendations for someone looking for any type of washing machine at any price point.

What You Should Know About Buying Front-load Washers

Front-load washers are exactly what they sound like—instead of lifting up your washer’s lid and arranging your clothes in a circle around a pole agitator or impeller, the door opens from the front, and you put your laundry in from the side of the machine.

Where you put your laundry may not seem like a big deal, but it really makes a difference in terms of the appliance’s engineering. Additionally, front-loaders tend to outpace top-loaders when it comes to cleaning performance and efficiency.

Are front-load washers better cleaners than top-load washers?

Some studies, including our own, indicate that front-loaders may do a better job at cleaning dirty laundry than top-load washers do. This may have to do with the dynamics of a horizontally-oriented washer drum: in a top-loader, stains are removed from clothes by being in contact with the pole agitator (the big spiral column in the middle), the outside of the washer drum, or rubbing against other nearby laundry.

In a front-loader, the stain removal happens when clothing interacts with the wash drum and when it spins to the top of the wash drum and then falls down onto the laundry at the bottom of the drum. Because each piece of laundry will go through this process multiple times, there’s an increased likelihood that stains will be removed from all of your laundry.

Is a front-load washer efficient?

Unlike a top-load washer, a front-load washer does not have to fill a tub with water. Because the drum is oriented horizontally, the washer relies on the fact that your load of laundry is going to be mingling with all of the other laundry a lot, whether they’re spun on the drum together or whether they’re squished together when wet laundry falls from the top of the wash drum.

Front-loaders use water much more efficiently than top-loaders, because all they have to do is spray water while spinning the drum. This gets all of the clothes wet in two ways: firstly, most of the clothes will get wet because of the water spray, and secondly, those that don’t get hit with the initial spray will absorb water from other wet clothes during the spinning-and-falling process.

By using less water in each wash cycle, front-loaders are typically more efficient (i.e. they cost less to operate on a per cycle and per year basis) than top-load washers.

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Meet the testers

Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.

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Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it’s likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company’s efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he’s a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he’s plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.

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The 6 Best Front-Load Washers for Cleaner Clothes Using Less Water

While top-load washing machines were once the norm, more people have switched over to front-load washers in recent years as they offer several notable benefits—they’re easier to load and empty, saving you from having to stand on your tiptoes to reach the bottom of the drum; they’re better for stain removal; and they use less energy and water than top-loaders.

Because of front-load washers’ rise in popularity, there is a wide range available at affordable price points. You can find compact, stackable models, oversized appliances designed to do family-sized loads of laundry, and even all-in-one washer-dryer combos. The best option for you depends on how you plan to use the machine and how much you’re willing to spend.

For more great additions to your laundry routine, check out our picks for the best laundry stain removers, laundry baskets, and clothes drying racks.

The Best Front-Load Washers

Best Overall

GE UltraFresh 5-Cubic-Foot Smart Front-Load Washer

Best Compact

GE Appliances 2.4-Cubic-Foot High-Efficiency Front-Load Washer

Best Value

LG 4.5-Cubic-Foot Stackable Front-Load Washer

Best for Hot Cycles

Maytag 4.5-Cubic-Foot High-Efficiency Front-Load Washer

Best Extra-Large Capacity

LG SIGNATURE TWINWash Smart 5.8-Cubic-Foot Front-Load Washer

Best Washer-Dryer Combo

GE 2.4-Cubic-Foot Ventless All-in-One Washer Dryer

What to Consider

Capacity

As you compare different front-load washers, the first thing to look at is capacity, or how much laundry it can hold at one time. Front-load washers often fit more clothes per cycle than top-load models—a standard one with a 3- to 4.5-cubic foot capacity can accommodate around 12 to 16 pounds of laundry at once.

If you have a large household or frequently wash bulky items like blankets, you may want to look for a large-capacity washer—typically 4.5 cubic feet or more—that can clean up to 20 pounds of laundry at a time.

Cycles

When shopping for any washing machine, check out the various wash cycles available. Most of today’s washers have settings for bedding, towels, and delicates, but depending on your household’s needs, you may want to look for a unit that offers special cycles for athletic wear, sanitizing, or steam cleaning.

Ventilation

Because front-load machines are prone to developing mildew, mold, and odors in the drum, you may want to look for a model that has an antimicrobial finish or some type of ventilation system to alleviate moisture build-up.

Features

There are lots of added features you may want to look for in a washing machine. Popular options include automatic detergent dispensers that hold a whole bottle of cleaning solution, Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you control the appliance from your phone, and optional pedestals with storage and easy access to the washer’s drum.

How We Selected

To find the best front-load washers for every type of household, we looked at dozens of models from brands we trust, like GE, Samsung, Whirlpool, LG, and more. We selected washers with positive reviews from both consumers and professional critics, aiming to provide a wide range of options in terms of size, budget, and features. We included smart machines and several stackable options, prioritizing models that are backed by solid warranties and good customer service, making it easier for you to find the best front-load washing machine to suit your needs.