Best Overall
LG Stackable SMART Front Load Washer
- Cleaning5/5
- Design5/5
- Noise Level5/5
- Efficiency5/5
- Value5/5
- The machine uses AI technology to sense load sizes, making laundry day more efficient and better for the environment.
The machine uses AI technology to sense load sizes, making laundry day more efficient and better for the environment.
- The air drying function shrunk our clothes during testing.
The air drying function shrunk our clothes during testing.
We picked the LG WM400000HWA Stackable Smart Front Load Washer for the top honors thanks to its 4.5 cubic-foot capacity and advanced features save energy and time whenever you do laundry.
We found that the settings were straightforward and it was easy to get the hang of using the machine without referring to the instruction manual. The washer is stackable with the matching dryer, allowing you to save space in your laundry room.
The machine is packed with the latest technology and uses AI sensors to determine the right cycle for your load based on fabric and weight. In addition, it can be used with the LG ThinQ app to remotely set and monitor cycles on your phone.
A turbo wash cycle supercharges wash time so that your laundry (especially large loads) is done faster. It also has a steam cycle that eliminates 95 percent of bacteria and other allergens from clothes, and is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Since it is a front-load washer, it uses less water and energy than the average top-load washer—so you can expect to save more money on your electricity bill. It also has an air-dry function, which we weren’t big fans of because it shrunk our clothes.
Product Details: Dimensions: 39 x 27 x 30.25 inches | Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Energy Star Rated: Yes | Features: AI technology, WiFi, Turbo Wash, Steam Wash, Air Dry | Wash Cycles: Steam Cycle, Turbo Cycle, Speedwash Cycle
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ASHLEY CRAIGER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ASHLEY CRAIGER
Best Budget
LG Large Capacity Front Load Washer
- Anti-vibration technology and the ability to stack with a dryer make this a great pick for apartments.
Anti-vibration technology and the ability to stack with a dryer make this a great pick for apartments.
- It has a lengthy wash cycle.
It has a lengthy wash cycle.
Besides being affordable, we love the LG WM3400CW because it washes clothes in cold water using six wash motions to clean fabric just as effectively as hot water. Like our top pick, it has a spacious 4.5 cubic foot capacity for clothes and bedding, plus customized settings.
The washer is able to set water levels and wash times automatically based on the size of the load—a great smart feature also found on our top pick. The washer is stackable, though you’ll have to buy the stacking tool kit separately if you plan to arrange the washer and dryer like that.
Anti-vibration technology reduces noise and shaking, making this a great choice for apartments and those with downstairs neighbors. Like most other LG washers, it has a speed wash that cleans clothes in 15 minutes and a cycle that cleans the washing machine.
The washer doesn’t have the steam wash and allergen cycles found on more expensive LG models. Our other gripe is we felt the loads took longer on average than other washers.
Product Details: Dimensions:39 x27 x 30.25 inches | Capacity:4.5 Cubic Feet | Energy Star Rated: Yes | Features: Anti-Vibration Technology, 6 Wash Motions, Cold Water Wash, Stackable | Wash Cycles: Speed Wash, Tub Clean Cycle
Best Large Capacity
GE Smart Sapphire Blue Front Load Washer
- Cleaning5/5
- Design5/5
- Noise Level4/5
- Efficiency5/5
- Value4/5
- It’s a combination 2-in-1 washer and dryer with a reversible door that can open to the left or right.
It’s a combination 2-in-1 washer and dryer with a reversible door that can open to the left or right.
- The spin cycle is very loud.
The spin cycle is very loud.
For families with children, there’s no such thing as a light laundry day. With 5 cubic feet compared to the standard 4.5 cubic feet, the GE GFW850SPNRS earns top marks for its large capacity.
It’s a 2-in-1 washer and dryer, so chances are that it will save you some time, too. In addition to the regular wash cycles, there’s a sanitizing hot water cycle that kills 99 percent of bacteria and mites, and a quick wash cycle that completes a load in 20 minutes.
We also like that the washer has antimicrobial technology that prevents odor-causing bacteria from forming and a moisture venting system. You can monitor the wash cycle with your smartphone via the app.
Despite the washer’s advanced settings, we found it easy to operate and customize to our preferred settings. We also loved the color, a deep sapphire blue that stood out from more basic washers.
Another beneficial feature for those with limited space is the reversible door that can be made to open on either side. Our only complaint is the spin cycle is considerably loud, so we always had to make sure our laundry room door was closed when the washing machine was running.
Product Details: Dimensions: 39.75 x 28 x 34 inches | Capacity: 5.0 cubic feet | Energy Star Rated? Yes | Features: Sanitize and Allergen Cycle, Reversible Door, WiFi, 2-1 Washer-Dryer Function | Wash Cycles: Quick Wash, Power Clean, Sanitize + Allergen
Best Stacked
LG Front Load WashTower
- Cleaning5/5
- Drying5/5
- Design5/5
- Noise Level5/5
- Efficiency5/5
- It’s powerful enough to handle large loads—we never had to redo a cycle—yet saves space.
It’s powerful enough to handle large loads—we never had to redo a cycle—yet saves space.
- Mold tends to build up near the front of the washer.
Mold tends to build up near the front of the washer.
A stacked washer like the LG WKGX201HWA WashTower is the best front-loading washer for small spaces because it allows you to store both machines vertically rather than horizontally. We were impressed by how intuitive and easy the unit was to operate.
The washer uses AI to choose the best cycles for your load, whether you’re washing your sheets or lightweight summer clothes. As with our other LG picks, it’s compatible with the ThinQ app for remote operation.
The machine has indicator lights that alert you when it’s time to clean the ducts and lint filter. It has the steam cycle and is certified by the AAFA like the other LG units we’ve mentioned. The washer has a capacity of 4.5 cubic feet and the dryer’s is 7.4 cubic feet.
Overall, we found this washer extremely effective: our clothes always came out clean and dry, and we never had to redo a cycle, even when washing a large load. We also saw how efficient it was, both energy and time-wise, and we were able to wash loads multiple times in a day.
Our favorite feature by far is the music at the end of the cycle. It plays a soothing melody instead of obnoxious beeps. Though there’s nothing we would change about this washer, we noticed that mold tended to build at the front of the machine.
Product Details: Dimensions: 74.38 x 27 x 30.38 inches | Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Energy Star Rated: Yes | Features: Center Control Panel, AI Technology, WiFi, Washer-Dryer Functions, Speed Wash, Steam Cycle | Wash Cycles: Speed Wash Cycle