Which Front Loading Washing Machine & Dryer Is the Best?

Steam Washers

• The “best” front-loading washers share several characteristics, including energy efficiency, quiet and quick operation, large capacity and a variety of features. As their name suggests, steam front-loaders offer steaming features that add a boost to cleaning cycles and can be used to clean and freshen items that can’t be washed in a normal load, such as woolens, drapes, pillows, stuffed toys or bedspreads. Consumer Search listed the LG Steam Washer WM3875HWCA as the best front-loading steam washer. With features including a 4.2 cubic-foot-capacity, 14 cycle options and a maximum spin rate of 1,400 rpm, this washer ranked highly among users who rated the machine’s gentleness, noise, vibration and efficiency. Other highly-ranked steam front-loading washers include the Frigidaire Affinity FAFS4474LR, Samsung WF520ABP and Whirlpool Duet WFW97HEXW, which "Good Housekeeping" describes as the best choice for fine washables.

Non-Steam Washers

• Top-rated front-loading washers without steam include the Samsung WF330ANW/XAA. This 3.7-cubic-foot washer has a stainless steel tub, nine cycle options, four temperature settings and a self-cleaning function. The Samsung is Energy Star-compliant, as is the highly-rated Kenmore 4027. This washer has a 3.5-cubic-foot tub, eight wash cycle options, five temperature settings and a choice of four washing motions, depending on which fabric you’re washing. Other highly-rated front-loaders include the Haier HWF5300AW, which was effective at removing ink stains, "Good Housekeeping" reports.

Steam Dryers

• Many highly rated front-loading dryers offer a wrinkle-removing, freshening steam option. Dryers ranked the “best” by sources such as Consumer Search and "Good Housekeeping" include the LG DLEX5101W. An electric dryer with a 7.3-cubic-foot capacity, this front-loader offers 14 settings at five temperatures and a moisture sensor. Reviews laud the dryer’s wrinkle-removing ability, capacity and quiet operations. For a less expensive option, Consumer Research also recommends the Maytag 5000 Series Steam MEDE500VW . The Maytag’s steam options sanitize, freshen clothes and remove wrinkles; the dryer also features a moisture sensor, 7.2-cubic-feet of space and a locking function. Other highly rated dryers include the Frigidaire FASG7074LR and the Samsung DV520AEP/XAA.

Non-Steam Dryers

• Not all experts agree on the need for a steam function, according to Consumer Search. Highly rated dryers without steam include the Amana NED7300 WW; "Good Housekeeping" noted that this dryer dried both 6- and 12-pound loads of clothes most quickly during their testing process. "Good Housekeeping" also recommends the Miele T9802, praising its drying rack and large, easy-access opening. Other highly rated, non-steam dryers include the Kenmore 6800, which features a sanitizing cycle and 7.5 cubic-foot capacity, and the Samsung DV210AEW/XAA, which has a 7.3-cubic-foot capacity, an LED panel and a moisture sensor.