Washing Machines With Stainless Steel Drums

Front Loader

• Front-loading washing machines are units with a door on the front side of the unit. Most front loader units have horizontally placed stainless steel drums for cycling clothes, rather than a tub with a central agitator. According to an Environmental Protection Agency study, front loader washing machines use approximately 50 percent less energy than other washing machines. One type of front loader is a washer/dryer combination unit, capable of both washing and drying clothes. Using a washer/dryer combination unit offers more space in a laundry room because homeowners do not have to buy separate washer and dryer units.

High-Efficiency Top Loader

• A high-efficiency top loader washer allows you to put clothes into the washing machine through a door on the top of the unit. Regular top loaders use agitators to move the washers' tubs, but many high-efficiency models use stainless steel drums for the washing cycles. High-efficiency top loaders use less water than regular top loaders and spin at higher speeds; this also reduces the amount of time clothes need for drying. The Whirlpool Cabrio WTW6200VW is an example of a high-efficiency top loader with a stainless steel drum.

Space Saver

• Some manufacturers produce washing machines in compact sizes -- known as space saving or compact washing machines -- to reduce the amount of space they occupy. Most space saver models have a width of 24 inches or less; the majority of standard washing machines have widths of at least 27 inches. Samsung's 4.0-cubic-foot washer and Bosch's Axxis models are two examples of space saving washing machines with stainless steel drums. Space saving washers usually feature front-loading doors.

Industrial

• Also known as commercial washers, industrial washers are for washing large loads of clothes and linens. Some industrial washers can clean up to 250 pounds of clothing during one cycle. These types of washers usually are found only in hotels and hospitals. Industrial washers also do stone washing, fabric bleaching and dyeing. Continental Girbau manufactures its E-Series line of commercial washers, all of which are front loaders and have stainless steel drums. The EH 255 washer does loads of up to 255 pounds.