Front loader washer and dryer

Front-Load Washer Review

Front-loading washers are becoming increasingly popular compared with the traditional top-loading washers that consumers have used for decades. Beyond the novelty of fresh design options, front-loading washers are energy efficient, and they offer attractive features and advantages over traditional top-loaders, such as additional specialty cycles and options like steaming, stain treating and allergen cycles.

Every model in our complete lineup of front-loading washers is Energy Star-rated, and nearly all of them include energy-saving options that make them extra green, which translates into lower operation costs and energy consumption. Most front-loading models also have an optional pedestal drawer to raise the door to a more convenient height for loading and unloading. The pedestal drawer also provides some extra laundry room storage.

Front-Loading Washer: What to Look For

The best front-loading washers have many wash cycle, temperature and other options to choose from for each load. You&rsquo,ll also enjoy a handful of different wash and rinse temperatures, and soil levels, like sanitary mode for deep cleaning and steam cleaning for delicate clothing items that traditionally need dry cleaning. Furthermore, front-loading washers are far less expensive to run than traditional top-loading washers are. The energy savings you get from front-loading washers are significant, making their yearly operating costs substantially less than a top loader. The tub capacity of each washer ranges, and over time, you may need to do more washes if you opt for a smaller tub. With a larger tub capacity, check for a small-wash feature to use with loads that don&rsquo,t fill the tub.

Consider which features are useful for you and which might just add to a washer&rsquo,s cost. Vibration control is probably a no-brainer, and nearly every front-loading machine has it. The same goes for child-safety locks. If your washes include a very varied selection of clothes and soil levels, look for specialty cycles and stain-treating options. An allergen-cycle option targets dust and pet dander. Front-loading washers come with optional machine-cleaning cycles that help to maintain the washer from mildew build-up, which extends the life of the appliance. You should look for washers with steam wash cycles if you have a large amount of delicate clothes you want to wash, and washers that include a freshwater rinse are good if you are allergic or sensitive to laundry soaps.

Appearance

In general, most front-loading washers have around the same dimensions, but the best front-load washers have a stainless steel drum, offer a variety of color choices and include an optional pedestal drawer that you can purchase to go with the appliance.

Help &, Support

The warranty of a front-loading washer varies slightly with each manufacturer. In general, a lengthy warranty for the motor and tub of the appliance is the most important coverage. Most front-loading washers come with a standard one-year warranty for the parts and labor on the appliance, and some include lengthier coverage for the motor and tub &ndash, up to 10 years on the motor and lifetime coverage for the tub.

The ability to get help and support for your front-load washing machine when you need it is important. Look for a washer from a manufacturer that offers at least a couple of different contact methods, such as phone and email. Additionally, the ability to view the user manual, product-specific FAQs and tutorials online are a plus.

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