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Mar 31, 2023

6 Best Front

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Get the deepest clean.

Whether you're installing your washer and dryer under a countertop or want to stack your machines for a compact laundry room setup, there are endless options when it comes to front-loading washing machines. To help you shop for one that will improve laundry days, we tested 12 of the latest washing machines in our most recent Lab evaluations. Not only are front-loaders some of the most energy-efficient washing machines on the market thanks to their reduced water consumption, but these machines have stood out for their optimal performance and innovative features in our Lab tests.

Experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab have been rigorously testing washing machines and cleaning appliances for decades. Whether you're looking for a new dryer, garment steamer or clothing iron, you can rest assured that we have the best picks for your home. When testing the best front-loading washing machines, we evaluated each machine's ability to remove stains and its overall cleaning performance, ease of use and gentleness by running dozens of washing cycles in the Lab.

After you’ve checked out our recommendations, keep scrolling to find more info on how we test, whether a front-loading or top-loading washing machine is best for you, as well as tips on what to look for when shopping.

This front-loader has a massive 5.8 cubic feet capacity that was made for anyone with lots of laundry. You can increase that capacity further by an extra cubic foot (totaling a whopping 6.8 cubic feet) with the addition of the LG SideKick top load pedestal washer that's purchased separately. But what we like most are the machine's many features, such as remote operation and monitoring via the app, compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa, a child lock and Senseclean technology that automatically adjusts the water levels and wash time of each load to optimize performance.

In addition to its sleek, intuitive control panel that's integrated into the door, this front-loading washer has 14 wash programs, including but not limited to delicates, speed wash, perm press and more. You'll also have the choice of five soil levels and four spin cycles so you can customize each cycle to your needs. While we haven't reviewed this exact model in the Lab, LG washers have performed well in previous Lab tests and its predecessor was used for years in the Lab without a hiccup.

This front-load washing machine not only aced our Lab tests, but it comes with all the bells and whistles you'll find handy on laundry days. We found wash cycles to be both speedy and effective, cleaning stain swatches thoroughly in both warm and cold water. The SmartDispense bulk detergent dispenser holds up to 32 loads of detergent and automatically dispenses the right amount based on your cycle selection. And thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, you can take advantage of smart features like starting or stopping your laundry from the comfort of your couch. We also love the wash-and-dry feature that enables you to both wash and air dry smaller loads in your washer without having to transfer them to the dryer.

Best of all, gone are the days of that lingering musty smell you'd get from water puddling inside. Once you've completed a load, a venting option automatically dries the machine's interior and door seal. Though this cycle takes 8 hours, we found the drum and door seal were completely moisture-free after a full vent cycle. Though some reviewers wish the washer was a bit quieter, its features make up for it.

Quiet performance and effective cleaning aren't the only things this front-loader has going for it. In Lab tests, we were impressed by its extensive smart features like Opti-Wash, which detects soil levels and adjusts accordingly to either add more time or detergent to the load if needed. We found the accompanying Samsung SmartThings app easy to use, enabling you to schedule wash cycles, receive handy alerts when the laundry is complete and remotely stop or start the wash.

We also noticed that after a few uses, the machine remembered our favorite wash cycles. Its large capacity was also a stand-out and we liked the auto-dispense system that holds up to 20 loads of detergent and softener and automatically measures and dispenses it for you. If you don't have much space, consider stacking the matching dryer on top. Once it's set up, you'll be able to operate the dryer from the washer's control panel so you don't have to reach. If you change your mind or move, the dryer can be installed side-by-side as well.

Looking for a front-load washer and dryer set? Look no further than this WashTower from LG. Though most front-loading washing machines can be stacked, we like that this model is one unit so the control panel is conveniently located in the middle where it's easy to reach. It comes with rich smart features that you can access via the ThinQ app, and it's built with AI technology that uses sensors to customize washing and drying cycles based on the fabric texture and load size detected.

The unit was super easy to use when it came to loading and unloading clothing in our Lab tests. Cycles were speedy, gentle and effective, and the machine offers useful extras like steam cycles — which is a great way to freshen up gently worn items. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to monitor your laundry's status and download additional specialty cycles. And after almost two years of regular use, we've never experienced a musty odor, and the dryer's performance is just as stellar. The 4.5-cubic-foot washer capacity should also be enough for most families. One downside is that if either the washer or dryer fails and can't be repaired, both have to be replaced.

This model is so innovative that it won a 2023 Sustainable Innovation Award for its washtub that's manufactured from 60 recycled water bottles. With 15 unique cycles like pet care, a steam function and app connectivity, this washer is comparable to larger models in the options it provides. In Lab tests, we found the display's controls easy to navigate and neither cleaning performance nor fabric care was compromised by the tub's unique materials.

For days when you're in a hurry, we love that this front loader features a quick wash cycle that will clean your clothing in cold water in just 28 minutes. According to our pros, this combination is the best way to be sustainable while doing laundry. Just keep in mind that the washer's capacity is only 2.3 cubic feet, making it most suitable for small families and small spaces. But thanks to its more petite capacity, it can also be a great choice for large families looking to install a second laundry machine in their homes.

This Good Housekeeping Seal-holder is the most compact on this list, making it ideal for apartments, tight spaces or smaller families with average-sized laundry loads. Though extra-jumbo loads will be difficult to squeeze inside, the drum should be roomy enough to handle large and maybe even extra-large loads.

In Lab tests, we were impressed by how effectively the machine removed stains in under an hour and how it whitened cotton swatches during the QuickIntenseWash cycle. We also love the TwinDos systems that dispense the right amount of detergent for your load automatically. Various cycle options include everything from delicates to handwash and silks to water-repellent items like jackets and ski pants. With its companion dryer, it makes the perfect laundry set for installation in a bedroom area.

The experts and analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab have been testing washing machines and home appliances since 1907, basing tests on industry standards set by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). Twelve washing machines were tested for performance, gentleness, ease of use and more in our most recent evaluation.

To test the cleaning performance of washing machines, we use fabric strips pre-stained with six common stains and then place those strips in each load. Once the cycle is complete and the strips have air-dried, we measure each stain's reflectance to assess how much of the stain was removed to calculate an overall cleaning score. We then repeat this process to collect data for three cycles per machine. In our last test, this resulted in over 850 measurements. We additionally evaluate specialty cycles such as delicate, heavy-duty, quick wash and sanitizing.

Next, we assess a washing machine's gentleness by placing cotton swatches with five pre-cut holes, running the cycle and checking for any fraying once the cycle is complete.

To evaluate the ease of use, our experts score each washer's control panel and general intuitiveness, as well as the ease of loading and unloading and the ease of opening and closing the door and how easy or complicated the control panel is to navigate. Lastly, we review energy claims and water usage specs and check for clear instructions in the owner's manual.

Both front-loaders and top-loaders are excellent choices, so the ultimate decision of which one is right for you will come down to your personal preference and what works best in your home. Though front-load washing machines have performed marginally better in our Lab tests, we stand by both styles. Here are some of the differences that set these two types of machines apart:

Front-loading washing machines are some of the most efficient when it comes to water consumption. Because clothing tumbles in a small pool of water (as opposed to filling the machine), these machines require less water overall to effectively clean a load of laundry. They're also a wonderful choice for anyone that might be tight on space in their home since they can usually be stacked with a dryer, saving you precious floor space. Just keep in mind that bending can't be avoided when loading your machine. If you're worried about back strain, check whether your manufacturer sells a pedestal drawer, which raises the appliance off the floor and makes it easier to access.

Like many top-loading washing machines, front-loaders can handle bulky items such as sleeping bags, blankets and duvets as they don't have an agitator or central post that might get in the way. Front-loading washing machines, however, do tend to require more maintenance overall because water can puddle in the door gasket, dispenser and drum itself leading to funky smells and mold growth. When you've completed a load, always make sure to leave the door ajar so the drum dries properly and pesky odors don't develop. You should also take the time to clean the gasket and dispenser of your machine for the best results.

✔️ Capacity: Some drums are smaller and more compact, while others have ample room to handle jumbo loads. Standard capacity is around 3 to 4 cubic feet and should comfortably fit a Queen-sized comfortable, while an extra large capacity is about 5 cubic feet or more and should be able to fit multiple comforters, pillows or sleeping bags. Before purchasing, double-check the maximum capacity of your washing machine so you don't end up with a washer that's too small for the average size of your loads.

✔️ Ease of use: Front-loading washing machines require you to bend down to load and unload the washer. To avoid back strain, consider adding a pedestal that may be sold by your washer's manufacturer. This will raise the machine to make it easier to reach and provide additional storage space for laundry products. ✔️ Smart features: Many washing machines these days have Wi-Fi built in so they're able to connect to compatible apps. This enables you to access handy features via the app like being able to start or stop the washer from afar as well as receive notifications like when your load is ready.✔️ Cycles: Do you own clothing that's handwash-only? Silks? Bulky items? Look for a washing machine that offers a variety of cycles as well as customization options when it comes to spin and temperature so you get the best cleaning performance for your fabrics.✔️ Detergent dispensing: Some front-load washing machines have built-in detergent dispensers that do the math for you, automatically measuring the right amount of detergent to use for your particular load. You can also find machines with dispensers that hold several loads' worth of detergent so you don't have to refill each time.

Carolyn Forté has been testing washers, dryers and other laundry room essentials, like laundry detergents and stain removers, for more than 40 years in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Products Lab. She often consults with the appliance industry, especially washing machine manufacturers, about appliance testing protocols and consumer laundry habits, researches and writes our laundry how-tos and personally tests or oversees all of the testing done for all of the Cleaning Lab's product guides.

GH Institute analyst Olivia Lipski closely collaborated with Forté to write this guide based on our Cleaning Lab's extensive testing data.

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master's degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.

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