Top 5 Front Load Washing Machines
The average U.S. family household washes between four and five hundred loads of laundry every year. New washing machines are expected to keep that pace but also surpass it and last up to fourteen years. At eight to ten loads per week, the American preference for convenient top load machines made sense until 1992 when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) put new standards and regulations for energy conservation and efficiency into effect. Energy efficient, European-style front load washing machines were introduced and quickly surged in popularity with U.S. consumers.
What are the best front load washing machines today? What are some important reasons to buy a front load washing machine for your household? Read on for a breakdown of the top 5 front load washing machines on the market today.
Reasons to Buy Front Load Washing Machines
There are multiple benefits to using a front load washing machine. Front load machines are stackable on top of compatible dryers. Configuring your laundry machines in this way conserves much needed space in your family home. Stacking your machines in a closet or pantry-type area keeps them hidden when not in use.
Front load washing machines also have more effective spin cycles, meaning your clothes require less time in the dryer to fully dry. This conserves energy and money alike. It also reduces green house gases, which is one the main purposes of the Energy Star program as created by the EPA and DOE. Additional reasons to buy front load washing machines include:
- Reduced hot water costs.
- Significantly cleaner laundry than in top load machines.
- Require less water & soap to clean your clothing.
- Less mold & mildew issues than top load machines.
- Washing/tumbling process is gentler on your laundry due to horizontal-axis agitation.
- Front load washing machines are aesthetically pleasing.
The Top 5 Front Load Washing Machines of 2021
Many front load washing machines are available in 2021. Some stand out above others on the market. The top 5 front load washing machines of 2021 are:
- GE GFW850SPNRS.
- Samsung WF50K7500AW.
- LG WM9000HVA.
- Kenmore Elite 41983.
- Whirlpool WFW6620HW.
1. GE GFW850SPNRS
The GE UltraFresh Vent System 5-cu ft. Stackable Steam Cycle Front-Load Washer (Model #GFW850SPNRS) is one of the most popular machines on the market. The primary reason behind its popularity is its optional OdorBlock venting feature, which keeps bot the door and the machine’s interior clean and dry. Numerous internal parts and mechanisms are also coated with Microban, which reduces and/or prevents mold and mildew buildups. The quick wash cycle is surprisingly powerful and removes even stubborn stains. All the wash cycles on the $1,199 (MSRP) GE GFW850SPNRS are fast and efficient. The machine is Wi-Fi enabled for remote monitoring and control. SmartDispense automatically dispenses detergent only as needed. The machine also washes and dries your laundry in consecutive cycles. Additional reasons to buy the GE GFW850SPNRS include its extra quiet wash cycles, reversible door for spacing flexibility and allergen sanitization features.
2. Samsung WF50K7500AW
The Samsung AddWash 5-cu ft. High Efficiency Stackable Steam Cycle Front-Load Washer (Model
#WF50K7500AW) is a high quality machine with numerous compelling features. The most popular reason to purchase the Samsung AddWash is its proprietary AddWash feature, which provides an additional door on the front of the machine allowing users to add more laundry after the wash cycle has already begun. The most compelling features of this machine include its thirty-minute wash cycle and ability to remove minor/major stains during Normal and Heavy cycles respectively. There is also an Eco Cold cycle designed to save energy and money. Additional reasons to buy the $1,299 MSRP Samsung AddWash include multiple customizable options and its ability to clean larger loads of laundry for the entire family better than its competitors.
3. LG WM9000HVA
The LG 5.2 Cu. Ft. 14-Cycle Front-Loading Smart Wi-Fi Washer w/TurboWash & Steam (Model #WM9000HVA) has a reduced MSRP of $1,199 at Best Buy. This machine is capable of handling large loads, which include items such as comforters, sleeping bags and washable quilts. The WM9000HVA is capable of more than cleaning large loads of laundry. There is an additional water heater included to make sure proper temperatures are achieved for sterilization purposes. The TurboWash feature sprays water and detergent evenly into the machine during washing cycles. For an additional $499, the LG WD100CV Sidekick is stackable with the WM9000HVA for dual action washing styles. The WM9000HVA handles the heavy loads, while the Sidekick simultaneously washes the delicates, thus saving you time.
4. Kenmore Elite 41982
The Kenmore Elite 41982 5.2 cu ft. Smart Front Load Washer w/Accela Wash Technology (Model #41982) uses “elite,” in its name and as a perfect descriptor of its performance quality and customer satisfaction. Its Normal wash cycle takes thirty minutes. Its Quick cycle lasts only eighteen minutes. The Elite 41892 cleans as good as or better than any of it current competitors. An additional reason to buy the $1,899 MSRP Kenmore Elite 41892 is its Stay Fresh feature, which tumbles your load for up to nineteen hours on a gentle cycle to prevent wrinkling.
5. Whirlpool WFW6620HW
The Whirlpool 4.5 cu. ft. High Efficiency White Stackable Front Load Washing Machine with Load & Go XL Dispenser (Model # WFW6620HW) is Energy Star rated and affordably priced at a $999 MSRP. The WFW6620HW is capable of washing three laundry baskets worth of clothing in one load. Another convenient feature is the LOAD & GO XL dispenser, which allows forty loads of laundry to be washed before requiring a detergent refill. The super fast Quick Wash cycle also takes only fifteen minutes to complete. Additional reasons to buy the Whirlpool WFW6620HW include Steam Clean, Sanitize and Cold Wash cycles for extensive levels of care.
