Our favorite is the GE 5.0 cu. ft. Capacity Smart Front Load Steam Washer because it is powerful, has a unique ventilation system to eliminate odors, and has the ability to transform into a dryer for small loads. Whether you install a compact or high-capacity model in your house, you will need to get into a regular cleaning routine. Front-loaders can collect mildew and not-so-pleasant smells that can stick to your clothes. However, many models come with a self-cleaning cycle to help with this, and you can crack the swinging door to air the gaskets and seals out. Below, the best front load washers for an easy laundry day. This front-loading washer from GE stands out from the crowd for a few reasons: It is extremely sleek, but still has a spacious drum that can handle your bulkiest loads. Plus, its carefully designed features help solve common problems that people experience with front-load washers. For instance, mold and mildew growth is common in this style of washing machine, as moisture doesn’t drain as well, but the GE washer has a unique ventilation system that activates after the cycle, pulling out any leftover moisture to keep your washer fresh. Additionally, its seals are made from an antimicrobial material that prevents odor-causing bacteria. Besides these unique features, the GE Front Load Steam Washer is a powerhouse when it comes to cleaning your laundry. It has a 5-cubic-foot stainless steel drum and 12 wash cycles, including options for sanitizing, steaming, and more. Dynamic Balancing Technology helps to rebalance uneven loads to keep its operation as quiet as possible, and the machine even has a one-step wash and dry option that you can use on small loads. That’s not all, either. The washer has an automatic detergent dispenser, meaning you simply empty a bottle into it and it will automatically release the perfect amount of detergent for each load. It holds up to 32 loads worth of detergent, but keep in mind that there’s no way to empty the dispenser once you fill it up—not ideal if you’re trying out a new detergent and decide you don’t like it. The GE washing machine also has built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to start, stop, and monitor a cycle from your phone, and it has a reversible door so you can tailor it to your space. This washer retails for over $1,000, so it’s on the pricier side, but we think the smart (and thoughtful) features make it worth the price tag. This front load washer offers 10 different cleaning cycles, and the unique pattern on its stainless steel drum helps to extract more water during the spin cycle. While it does technically have Wi-Fi connectivity, the Samsung app is fairly limited in its abilities. You’re only able to troubleshoot problems from your smartphone, not control the appliance’s operation. So if you’re looking for a truly smart washing machine, this isn’t the best option. However, it’s a solid no-frills model for those who want to save some money. This high-end washing machine has a touchscreen that learns your habits and suggests custom cycles based on your past selections, and you can create and save up to 30 of your own custom cycles. The washer also offers a 15-minute quick wash cycle and a wash and dry option for small loads—ideal for those times you just need to refresh one outfit. Other notable features include a sanitize cycle that uses hot water to eliminate bacteria and a steam option to help lift out tough stains. Any smart appliance comes with a learning curve, and if you receive any error codes, there are several ways to troubleshoot your Whirlpool washer to get it back on track. This LG washer has 14 wash cycles, including a special “Allergiene” setting that promises to remove 95% of common household allergens, including dust mites and pet dander, from your fabrics. The machine has sensors that detect the weight of each load and adjust the water level and wash time accordingly, and it has six different washing motions for more cleaning power. An anti-vibration system helps to reduce washer noise, and steam technology helps to remove wrinkles, odors, and stains. While this appliance can be synced to your phone, its smart functionality is limited to troubleshooting problems—there’s no option to remotely control your machine. If you tend to put in a load of laundry before leaving for work, this machine has a “Fresh Hold” feature that provides intermittent tumbling for up to 12 hours, ensuring your clean clothes stay fresh until you transfer them to the dryer. Other noteworthy features include a 15-minute quick wash cycle, steam option to help remove stains, and add-a-garment feature for those times you spot a forgotten sock. The washer has a 10-year warranty on both its motor and wash basket, and it’s very reasonably priced for its size and features. The best part of this high-efficiency washing machine has to be its numerous settings, all of which will help get your clothes cleaner. For instance, it has a SmartBoost option that mixes water and detergent before the cycle for more efficient stain removal, and the Optic Whites cycle is designed to keep white clothing looking fresh without any bleach. The washer also features a Pure Rinse mode that removes more detergent and residue without using extra water, and there are also functions like a hand wash cycle, StainSoak option, and steam technology. This compact washing machine has 14 wash cycles, including a fast wash, eco-friendly, and delicate cycle. There’s even an option that will save your favorite settings. The appliance comes with the brand’s “second floor guarantee,” which promises smooth, quiet operation that won’t interrupt your daily routine, even if it’s near your bedroom. The only downside we could find is that the washer door can’t be reversed, which could pose a problem if you’re installing it in a tight space. This mid-size washer has a 4.3-cubic-foot stainless steel drum, and its closet-depth design is ideal for installation in smaller spaces. In addition to its regular wash settings, there’s also a quick wash cycle for small loads, a cold wash cycle that saves energy, and a presoak option for treating stains. The appliance is designed to release fabric softener at the perfect time for optimal results, and overall, this model is a great value for anyone who just wants a basic front-loading machine. This front load washer has five jets that spray clothing from all angles, and our tester found that it did a great job removing stains from clothing with its steam clean option. The machine is able to select the best wash motion and setting based on the load, and it can even automatically select a compatible drying cycle if you have the matching dryer. We thought the washer had a sleek appearance, but we didn’t like that there was no light in the drum and that the display isn’t backlit.
Steam function
A steam function helps tackle stains, grime, and wrinkles in your clothes. In some models, it’s automatically selected with your cycle, say, if you choose an activewear or allergen cycle that’s more gentle. The function works by adding steam into the drum of your washer throughout the cycle, which then seeps into the fabric of your clothes. The steam carries your detergent further into the fabrics and delicately loosens grime. Now, a steam function is very popular in washers, but it’s not a guarantee, which is why it’s important to consider when buying.
Door design
Front load washers can have a right-swinging, left-swinging, reversible, or dual-opening door. The best design for you entirely depends on your lifestyle and the layout of your home. If you’re installing a front-loading washer in a closet or tight mudroom, you may need the door to swing in a particular direction so that it doesn’t collide with a door or cabinet. A reversible door gives you the flexibility to open the door in either direction, which is convenient if you have an unusual laundry layout or plan on re-decorating your space. A dual-opening door swings and opens hamper-style. This design keeps your clean clothes from falling on the floor, but is a rare find.
Standout Features
Self-clean setting
It’s common for front-loading washers to have mildew and mold buildup in their drum, since their design is less suitable for draining. This can cause your clean clothes to have an odor or lingering allergens after a cycle. A self-clean setting in front-load washers can be run every so often to keep bacteria from collecting in the machine and is especially effective when paired with a stainless steel drum.
Pedestal
A laundry pedestal, which can be installed under a compatible front-loading washer and/or dryer, is a great solution for households that have limited storage space. This piece is usually sold separately (or you can DIY one), and it acts like a pull-out drawer once installed. Use it to store containers of fabric softener, detergent, or dryer sheets (if you have a home without little kids who can easily access it).
Why Trust The Spruce?
Having tested and researched dozens of laundry machines, we looked at functionality, efficiency, and overall value when recommending the best front load washers. We considered capacity, cycle options, and door design, in addition to each unit’s maintenance level, vent system, and helpful smart features. For insight, we spoke with: Brittney Castro, certified financial planner for Mint; Marilee Nelson, certified building biologist and environmental consultant, and co-founder of Branch Basics; and Tiffany Aliche, The Budgetnista and author of Get Good with Money. The verdict: one type is not undeniably better than the other, and the best type for you comes down to personal preference and your budget. To make a decision, check out our full top load versus front load washer comparison guide. Marisa Casciano is the large appliance expert for The Spruce, and has researched the ins and outs of air purifiers, dishwashers, and more in the home space. While she loves her top-loading washer, she’s very open to the perks of a front load washer and sees the value in owning this type of appliance. For this piece, she read through dozens of user manuals, product listings, and cleaning guides. Plus, she scoured verified customer reviews on multiple major retailers’ websites and checked out the models in-person to get a feel for their size, finish, and practicality. This article was updated by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. She spent several hours researching the most popular and top-rated front load washing machines available today, and she’s personally used the GE 5.0 cu. ft. Smart Front Load Steam Washer, which is our Best Overall pick.
