How to Buy a Front-Load Washer

Front-load washers have evolved since the last time you purchased laundry.

In this article, you’ll learn what to avoid and the best features you should definitely look for.

In the end, you’ll know the most reliable front-load washers based on 40,000+ service calls logged by a service department just last year. The results will surprise you.

So will our take on extended warranties for washers. In one word, don’t. We’ll explain why later.

There’s a lot to cover, including a simple but effective tip on preventing water damage in your home.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Front Load Washers to Avoid

Although you can buy washers up to six cubic feet in capacity from Samsung or LG, that’s not what we recommend because the cost becomes prohibitive after five cubic feet in capacity.

Larger machines also have fewer features. For example, megasized LG at 5.8 cubic feet is listed at $1,799, which is $700 more than a GE at 4.8 cubic feet.

That’s $700 more for only one cubic foot of space.

The smaller machine also has better features, like an auto dispenser and more cycles.

The larger machines won’t fit in your hallways, doors or laundry rooms. The average exterior depth of a front-load washer is 30.25 inches to 34.5 inches.

So measure your space before you buy and stay within 4.5-5 cubic feet for the best value.

Problems

Mold and mildew have been cited as problems in front load washers. Mold is a byproduct of standing water and can develop in the gasket or the dispenser.

GE has microban antimicrobial surfaces on their gasket, hoses, dispensers, as well as a fan inside the machine to dry excess moisture after the cycle.

You have clean tub cycles and many washers to run a high heat wash to kill mold as well.

The best way to prevent mold is to dry the gasket and dispenser and leave the door slightly open to allow air in.

Standard Features

Our parents, washers had three cycles, two speeds and three wash and rinse combinations.

The basic front load now has eight cycles with eight options so that you can wash pretty much any fabric.

Spin speeds are similar at 1,160 to 1,300 rpm, with GE, LG and Samsung being the fastest.

A faster speed helps to predry the clothes for less time spent in the dryer.

All front-loads are stackable except for Speed Queen.

These basic front-load washers are about $799 to $899. The next better unit will have more cycles and perhaps an added temperature, plus the cycles we already mentioned.

Almost every brand can wash a small load in 15 to 20 minutes.

For example, LG’s Turbo 360 can turn any cycle into a 30 minute cycle by employing five high-pressure wash jets in the front.

Steam loosens tough stains like wine, grass and blood. Steam used to be a premium feature, but now it’s available in every brand.

Speed and steam cycles will be found in most washers from about $1,000 to $1,200.

Premium Features

You probably don’t need 10 to 14 cycles with 14 options, but automatic dispensers are not a gimmick.

Auto dispensers solve two problems.

First, you have the convenience of filling them once for every 8 to 40 cycles without reloading. More importantly, autodispensers add the exact amount of detergent needed at the right time. You only need a cap full. Too much detergent creates foam.

Over time, this excess detergent foam will eventually seize the machine for an expensive and unnecessary repair.

For the smart or WiFi enabled models, you can see how much detergent is left in the dispenser.

GE and Whirlpool have auto dispensers from 20 to 40 loads for between $1,000 to $1,200.

LG and Maytag have similar dispensers for about eight loads, but are more expensive at $1,299 to $1,499.

WiFi hasn’t reached its potential yet in many appliances, but it’s a convenience in laundry, and it’s worth considering.

WiFi sends you push notifications when the cycle is over, so you don’t have to trudge to your basement and wait until the cycle is done.

You can also turn the machine on and off from an app on your phone.

Some brands have smart cycles that use advanced sensors to adjust the cycle time while washing or drying.

Some of these washers can even communicate with paired dryers to determine the proper program for the ideal drying cycle after the wash.

Reliability

We calculate appliance reliability by dividing the products serviced by the products we sold.

Front-load washers are better than average, with a 6.3% service rate within the first year versus a 9.6% service rate for appliances in general.

The most reliable front-load washers from December 2020 to October of 2021 are GE, LG and Samsung, and they’re all excellent, with LG being the best at 3.3%.

You want a reliable front-load washer, especially now, because parts to fix anything and skilled labor are scarce.

Extended Warranties

From a percentage standpoint, you don’t need a warranty. However, front-load washers are incredibly hard to fix, especially the direct drive motors.

If you buy a Yale extended warranty, it’s less expensive for us and less time consuming for you to replace the machine, rather than buying all the parts to fix it.

You should only buy a warranty from a company with an actual service department. Most brands and stores do not operate their own service, so you’re better off saving your money and not buying a warranty.

However, it’s worth your time to Google the best service available in your area.

Crucial Tip

My friend lives in a highrise condo and was recently bathed by a water leak from her upstairs neighbor.

Water leaks are a problem, especially with the mold issues that can arise later.

Most water damage is caused by poor insulation of older fittings in older buildings.

The real problem is slow leaks. Before you discover the source of that mold, it’s probably too late.

We use specially laminated paper and place it under the machine after installing it in your home.
If you see any water on it within 24 hours, then we can return and repair it before the issues arise.

It would be best if you did the same for your washer or dishwasher.