Earlier this year my old washer gave out and I was faced with an unwelcome expense, I needed a new washing machine! I had seen the front load washing machines advertised in the newspaper practically every week. So I began my research – should I purchase a front loading washing machine or a conventional top loading washing machine?

I bought an LG Electronics Front Loading Washing Machine… I’ll tell you why I picked LG a bit further down… keep reading.

Choosing a front loading washer was not an easy decision as there are quite a few differences between them besides just the higher cost. Top loaders are generally cheaper when you match feature to feature.

The Benefits of Front Loading Washing Machines

Less water is used during a cycle. So much less that at first you actually wonder how your clothes can get clean with such a small amount of water? The secret of course is the old dirty water is expelled and fresh clean water replaces it. Not true with a conventional machine where the same load uses the same water until it it drained before the rinse cycle.

Lower Power Consumption – amazing how little power a front loader will use; they do not have to move all that water!

Much Quieter – if properly installed and leveled front loading washing machines can be extremely quiet!

High Spin Speeds – simply stated more water is spun out of your clothes so there is less work for the dryer to do and they dry faster.

Easy on clothes – the agitator arm in a conventional washing machine will sometimes grab loose clothing and twist and/or tear it. This doesn’t happen in a Front loader because the clothes just fall from the force of gravity which is more gentle on your clothing.

More Capacity per sq. ft. – because there is no agitator in the center of the front loader machine you can put in more clothes per wash saving time. There are a few top loading washing machines that do not have an agitator bar, but the reviews I read about them were not that great and they cost as much as front loaders in the same class.

Energy Company Rebates – You may be eligible for Federal, State, Local or Power Company rebates! This is a good deal so ask your retailer!

Less Detergent – This is a plus and a minus. Good for the environment, and should save you money except the recommended He Detergents generally cost more*

The Downside to Front Loading Washing Machines

Vibration – because of the high spin speeds your washer needs to be installed on a flat level surface. If you do not have a flat level surface your machine may “walk” and cause all kinds of problems. Generally a concrete floor is best.

Dropping Clothes – It’s easy to drop clean clothes on the floor as you pull them out of your washing machine.

Mold, Mildew, Bacteria in Seals. While researching the brand of front loading washing machine you want to purchase make sure you find out about water collecting in the seals. You need to wipe the seals and keep the door open so that they inside of your washing machine can dry out. If your washer is in a high traffic area (between the garage and your kitchen for example) a front loader may not be a good choice because people will walk into the open doors. This might be the biggest downside to front loading machines. You also need to follow the manufacturer’s directions on cleaning the interior of your washer.

Cost – Yes, they generally cost more.

*He detergents are specially formulated for use in Front Loading machines. The He detergent does two things:

1. It is low suds which is necessary for the amount of water
2. It is “High Efficiency” … meaning a small amount is formulated to work with low water levels for maximum cleaning.

You do not want to use non He detergents in your front loading washer because they may over suds and you clothes will not rinse properly. Think of it like this… a front loader is like a car that needs premium fuel (He Detergent) where as a conventional washing machine runs on regular unleaded (Regular Detergent). Make sense?

I Own an LG Front Loader...

Model: LG Electronics WM2016W

This is the most popular front Loading LG Electronics manufactures for good reason – a lot of features for the money. It was also at the time I purchased it one of the Top 10 Front Loading Washing Machines reviewed by Consumer Reports.

LG WM2016W Benefits: Stackable, Direct Drive, SenseClean Technology automatically adjusts water levels based on load size and weight, very simple operatation, LoDecibel Quiet Operation, 3.6 cu.l ft., Energy Star Complaint, Front Controls, NeverRust Stainless Steel Drum.

I couldn’t see any reason to spend any more as this washer has it all except for a steam setting.