The 11 Best Front Load Washers of 2023

Best Overall

LG WM4000HWA Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer & DLEX4000W Stackable Electric Dryer

5

View On Wayfair View On Home Depot View On Walmart

While some front-load washing machine designs can be a pain to keep clean, we’re big fans of this efficient and high-capacity model from LG. We’ve had plenty of opportunities to test the LG WM4000HWA 4.5-cubic-feet Ultra Large Capacity Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer. In a home setting, we found the washing machine to be a game changer for never-ending laundry piles, thanks to the 15-minute Speedwash Cycle.

Unlike top-load washers, this washing machine’s drum is free from an agitator, making it ideal for throwing in multiple bedding sets without any fuss over unwashed items or a tangled mess. This came in handy during our many rounds of sheet testing in The Lab, where washing over a dozen sets of sheets became quite the task. Plus, if you forget about your washing load, we found that this machine will tumble your wet clothes periodically in a FreshCare tumble cycle to prevent any unwanted smells from developing.

Price at time of publish: $1,149

_{Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Cycles: 12 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes}

Best Overall, Runner-Up

GE Smart Front Load EnergyStar Steam Washer

4.7

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Wayfair

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. 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.

Price at time of publish: $1,221

_{Capacity: 5.0 cubic feet | Cycles: 12 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes}

Best Budget

Samsung 4.5 cu. ft. Front Load Washer with Vibration Reduction Technology+

View On Amazon View On Home Depot View On Lowe's

Front-loading washing machines are more expensive than top-loading washers, but one of your most affordable options is this model from Samsung. Despite being budget-friendly, it’s still packed with a variety of useful features, including vibration reduction technology and a self-clean cycle that promises to eliminate 99% of bacteria in the drum, thus helping to control odors. Plus, its closet-depth design allows you to tuck it into shallower spaces—you can even stack it with a compatible dryer. 

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.

Price at time of publish: $833

_{Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Cycles: 10 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes}

Best Splurge

Whirlpool WFW9620HC 5.0 cu. ft. High Efficiency Smart Stackable Front Load Washing Machine

View On Walmart View On Ajmadison.com View On Appliancesconnection.com

If you’re looking for an appliance that’s just as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional, you can’t go wrong with this sleek high-efficiency model from Whirlpool. It has a modern design that comes in three finishes, and it also boasts a large 5-cubic-foot drum with a variety of high-end features. The washer’s automatic detergent dispenser can hold enough soap for up to 40 loads, and it also has a compartment for fabric softener. Not to mention the machine is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to set, start, and stop the appliance right from your phone or via a digital assistant like Amazon Alexa. 

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.

Price at time of publish: $1,699

_{Capacity: 5.0 cubic feet | Cycles: 35 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: No}

Best High-Capacity

LG 5.2 cu. ft. HE Mega Capacity Front Load Washing Machine with Steam and TurboWash

View On Best Buy

King-size comforter? A week’s worth of clothes? No problem! This extra-large washing machine from LG can accommodate your family’s largest loads of laundry in its 5.2-cubic-foot stainless steel drum. Plus, the brand’s TurboWash technology features powerful jets that help to shave time off the cleaning cycle, allowing the machine to wash large loads faster without compromising on performance.

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.

Price at time of publish: $1,399

_{Capacity: 5.2 cubic feet | Cycles: 14 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes}

Best Stackable

Maytag 4.5 cu. ft. Stackable Front Load Washing Machine with 12-Hour Fresh Spin

View On Home Depot View On Walmart View On Abt.com

You can save space in your home by stacking the Maytag Front Load Washing Machine and a compatible dryer. (A stacking kit is required, naturally!) This model is mid-sized with a 4.5-cubic-foot interior, and it offers 10 wash cycles and a variety of advanced operation features. You’ll get your clothes sparkling clean with the help of the machine’s Extra Power button, which helps remove stains with a dual-temperature wash, and the machine even has a built-in water heater for loads requiring increased temperatures. 

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.

Price at time of publish: $999

_{Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Cycles: 10 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: Yes}

Best High-Efficiency

Electrolux ELFW7637AT 4.5 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Stackable Front Load Washer with SmartBoost

4.4

View On Wayfair View On Wayfair View On Home Depot

High-efficiency washing machines use less water, detergent, and energy to clean your laundry, and this front-loading model from Electrolux is a top choice if you’re trying to be more eco-conscious. The unit has a 4.5-cubic-foot capacity, and it’s also Energy Star-certified, so it won’t drive up your energy bill as much as traditional units. Plus, it features the brand’s unique adaptive dispenser, which allows you to use any style of detergent, including pods.

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.

Price at time of publish: $1,349

_{Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Cycles: 11 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: Yes}

Best Compact

Electrolux IQ Touch 24 in. 2.4 cu. ft. High Efficiency Front Load Washing Machine

View On Walmart View On Ajmadison.com View On Appliancesconnection.com

If you’re looking for a compact washing machine that delivers all the same benefits as a full-size model, this option from Electrolux is the way to go. The washer is just 24 inches wide with a 2.4-cubic-foot capacity, making it ideal for smaller homes, apartments, or households with just one or two people. It can be stacked with a matching dryer, if desired. It doesn’t skimp on features, either—this front load washer has a steam cycle, sanitizing cycle, delay start, and more. 

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.

Price at time of publish: $1,199

_{Capacity: 2.4 cubic feet | Cycles: 14 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: Yes}

Best Basic

Amana 4.3-cu ft High Efficiency Stackable Front-Load Washer

View On Lowe's View On Ajmadison.com View On Appliancesconnection.com

If you don’t like (or don’t need) all the bells and whistles of today’s high-end washing machines, you’ll like this high-efficiency unit from Amana, which sticks to the basics. The unit forgoes any smart functionality—instead, it has a simple control panel where you can select the cycle you want, water temperature, and soil level. From there, you just hit start, and it will get to work!

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.

Price at time of publish: $949

_{Capacity: 4.3 cubic feet | Cycles: 14 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: Yes}

Best for Energy Savings

LG Electronics WM4000HWA 4.5 cu. ft. Ultra Large Capacity Front Load Washer with TurboWash 360 Steam

5

View On Wayfair View On Wayfair View On Home Depot

You can minimize your energy bills with an appliance like this LG washer, which is both high-efficiency and Energy Star certified. The unit has a 4.5-cubic-foot interior and a wide range of wash settings, including a 15-minute speed wash option and a cold wash setting that saves energy without compromising cleanliness. Plus, the machine’s “Allergiene” cycle is certified by the AAFA to remove over 95% of pet dander and dust from fabric—ideal for anyone who has bad allergies. 

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.

Price at time of publish: $1,099

_{Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Cycles: 13 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes}