The 8 Best Front Load Washers of 2020

Best Overall: LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. Ultra-Large Smart Wi-Fi-Enabled Front Load Washer

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Frequently recommended by reviewers is the popular LG Ultra-Large Smart Wi-Fi-Enabled Front Load Washer. This model offers 4.5 cubic feet of drum space, a stackable design, and LG’s LoDecibel technology which minimizes noise. There are 12 different wash programs, plus 11 more wash options to further customize the cycle. With six different washing motions of the drum—rolling, tumbling, stepping, scrubbing, swinging, and filtration—reviewers report that this front load washer cleans clothes, towels, and even thicker blankets more thoroughly. 

Despite being roomy enough to handle average-to-large loads of laundry, this model has a depth of only 30 inches and is sized just right to fit into small laundry rooms or closets. Stack the matching dryer on top to save even more space. The touch-button control panel is the most frequent issue that users have with this front load washer—it can be hard to read and may require you to use an overhead or auxiliary light to properly read the options for the many wash cycles and features of this machine. Aside from that, though, reviews are largely glowing.

Best Budget: Samsung 4.2 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Front Load Washer in White

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A front load washer doesn’t need to be a budget buster; instead, shop for an affordable and efficient model like the Samsung 4.2 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer. This high-efficiency washer offers the convenience of a front-loading design and has 4.2 cubic feet of space inside. It’s also stackable, giving you more options for arranging your laundry room. 

For under $600, this is a top-selling model. It includes eight wash programs and you can use the keypad to select from additional options for temperature, soil level, and spin speed. While this budget front load washer omits some popular features, like a steam cycle or Wi-Fi alerts when the cycle finishes, it still is a capable machine at a great price point.

Best Splurge: GE 5.0 Cu. Ft. Capacity Smart Front Load ENERGY STAR Steam Washer

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For the ultimate front load washer on the market now, it’s hard to beat this well-equipped and innovative model from GE. The GE GFW850SPNDG features a unique UltraFresh Vent System that is designed to greatly reduce the chances of mold and unpleasant odors. Many front load washing machines require you to thoroughly dry the door gasket and leave the door to the drum open. This minor annoyance can turn into a major gripe over time. However, this model from GE includes an in-door vent system that helps to dry the machine in between washes. Key parts that retain moisture and are subject to mold, like the gasket, detergent dispenser, and drain, have also been made with antimicrobial materials.  

This machine isn't just great when it comes to beating bad odors. This washer also does an impressive job cleaning your clothes and it includes user-friendly features that make laundry more intuitive and convenient. For example, the Wi-Fi-enabled washer syncs with its matching dryer to automatically transfer cycle settings. Just move the laundry over into the dryer drum and the machine is ready to go. For small loads of 2 pounds or less, you have an even quicker option—leave the load in the washer and it’ll use an internal fan to tumble the clothes dry. Remove your washed and ready-to-wear items from the drum and skip the dryer altogether. The unique features and benefits of the GE GFW850SPNDG make it an expensive option but a big upgrade for your laundry room.

Best Stackable: Maytag 4.8 Cu. ft. Stackable White Front Load Washing Machine with Steam

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All stackable washers and dryers are front loaders, but not all front loaders are stackable. Make sure you choose a model that is stackable with its matching dryer and a stacking kit if you’re looking to save space in your laundry area. The Maytag 4.8 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer is a stackable option that makes the most of your space with a combination of features and cycles that meet the mark for most reviewers. 

This stackable front load washer has a roomy 4.8-cubic-foot drum and includes 11 wash cycles, plus a self-cleaning option for the drum. An "Extra Power" button lets you increase the power of any load and, in addition, a control pad gives you additional options for the spin speed, temperature selections, and soil level. You can also enable the "Fresh Hold" mode which keeps clothes from becoming musty for up to 16 hours after the wash cycle has completed.

Best High Capacity: LG Signature 5.8 Cu. Ft. Large Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer WM9500HKA

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Supersize your laundry routine with the LG Signature Large Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer. This high-capacity front load washer offers nearly 6 cubic feet of drum space and boasts the ability to wash a King-size comforter and sheets in one single load. Smart design features—like a door that is 15-percent larger than competitors' and a 10-degree angled drum—make it easier to load and unload the large model. Suffice to say, this washer is the go-to option for anyone that wants the convenience of a front load washer but the ability to do regular extra-large loads. 

The LG WM9500HKA is a great option for families and includes features that streamline the never-ending laundry routine. The machine has a TurboWash setting that shortens cycles up to 30 minutes without sacrificing cleaning quality. Use the LG app to keep tabs on the progress of a cycle and start or stop any cycle remotely.

Best Smart: Samsung 5.0 Cu. Ft. Smart Front Load Washer with Super Speed

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This smart washing machine from Samsung gives you the latest in laundry tech combined with the convenience of a high-efficiency washer. The Samsung 5.0 Cu. Ft. Smart Front Load Washer uses the brand’s Bixby assistant to deliver cycle notifications and keep you in the loop on laundry day. In addition, you can use Samsung’s app to schedule cycle start times, start a load remotely, and receive diagnostic help if something goes awry with your machine. 

While this smart front-loading washer is popular for its tech specs, you’ll also be interested to know that the drum is generously-sized at 5 cubic feet. There are a dozen different wash cycles, plus the ability to customize each cycle based on water temperature, soil level, and spin speed. This machine is also equipped with a steam setting and quick wash option.

Best Compact: Bosch 500 Series Compact Washer

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Bosch manages to pack tremendous cleaning power into a compact front load washer with the Bosch 500. Measuring just under 24 inches wide and 25 inches deep, you can fit this washer in even the smallest of laundry rooms or closets. Despite its petite proportions, this washer doesn’t come up short in the cleaning department. The 2.2-cubic-foot stainless steel drum can accommodate up to 18 bath towels. Specialty cycles, like Handwash/Wool and Jeans, along with a high-temperature sanitizing cycle, also make this an impressively efficient machine.

Bosch is known for manufacturing quiet and powerful appliances, and this front load model lives up to the brand's reputation. Reviewers agree that the Bosch 500 is quiet enough for use in apartments, condos, or in any area of your home where a washing machine might be a noise nuisance. Just keep in mind that this compact front load washer does require a 240V outlet.