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Front load washer buying guide: Choose capacity, fit and features
Shopping for a front load washer means keeping a few factors top of mind, including how much laundry your household generates each week, how much room you have to install your appliance and which features actually make laundry day easier. Read on to learn more about different types of front load washers, available capacities, features and more.
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Front load washer types and configurations
Front load washers are available in a few designs. You'll find standalone side-by-side pairs, stackable sets, laundry centers and all-in-one combos that wash and dry in one drum. The best fit usually comes down to the floor space in your laundry area and what layout you prefer.
Standard front load washers
A standard front load washer installs side by side with its matching dryer, giving you two full-size appliances at floor level. The washer has a door that’s in front of the unit and opens outward, toward you. This layout works well if your laundry room has enough width for both machines plus clearance in front, for the door to swing open.
If you’re not up for bending to load and unload a front load pair, laundry pedestals like these Whirlpool® models can often be used to add height to the units for easier unloading. Just be sure to check that your washer is compatible and that the extra height won’t cause overhead cabinets or shelving to get in the way.
Stackable front load washers
Stackable front load washers let you install the dryer directly on top of the washer with a compatible stacking kit, freeing up horizontal floor space without giving up capacity. Just confirm that both models are approved to be stacked together before you buy and that you have the vertical space necessary.
Not every washer and dryer pair can be stacked. The two models need to be compatible with each other and rated for stacking in general; mismatched pairs can risk the top appliance shifting or voiding the warranty. A stacked setup can also mean less counter or shelf space nearby, so plan your storage accordingly.
All-in-one washer and dryer combos
An all-in-one washer and dryer combo washes and dries laundry in the same drum, so there's no wet load to transfer partway through. It's a space-saving option worth considering if your laundry area only has room for a single appliance.
These units take on the job of both a washing machine and a dryer, running either function on its own or one after the other. Washer and dryer combos can come in vented or ventless options, but keep in mind that ventless combo models can take longer to fully dry a load than a vented dryer would.
Whirlpool® Washing Machines
Industry-first UV Clean Technology
Skip high temperatures and harsh chemicals to get improved laundry hygiene. UV Clean uses ultraviolet light to reduce bacteria in the wash without requiring high temperatures, harsh chemicals or risk of fading fabrics.
Laundry centers or towers
Unlike a stacked laundry setup, where the appliances are detachable and can stand on their own, laundry centers (sometimes called laundry towers) include a single combined unit with the dryer on top and the washer below. This acts as one single appliance that can't be separated and often fits easily into tight spaces.
Some laundry towers come equipped with features that help you maximize cleaning in each load. For instance, this Whirlpool® Front Load Laundry Tower features UV Clean Technology that reduces bacteria1 in the wash without requiring high temperatures or fading fabrics.
Types of front load washers comparison
Seeing your options side-by-side can help you gain clarity. Explore the chart below to learn more about how front load washer configurations compare.
| Type | Ideal for | Floor space needed | Dryer arrangement | Other factors to consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (side by side) | Larger laundry rooms with room to spare | Two full appliance footprints | Installed next to the washer | May want to add a pedestal to avoid bending |
| Stackable | Average laundry rooms with adequate ceiling height | One appliance footprint, stacked vertically | Installed on top of the washer with a compatible stacking kit | Confirm ceiling height and stacking kit compatibility first |
| All-in-one combo | Apartments and single-appliance spaces | One appliance footprint | Built into the same unit as the washer | Ventless models may take longer to fully dry a load |
| Laundry tower | Small spaces where a fixed footprint works | One appliance footprint, stacked vertically | Built as one unit; no stacking kit required | Ventless models may take longer to fully dry a load |
What front load washer capacity do you need?
Front load washer capacity generally ranges from a compact 1.5 cubic feet to a large 5.0 cubic feet. The right size for your home primarily depends on your household size and how often you run a load.
Use the following capacity information as a guide, then adjust based on your household's unique laundry habits:
| Household size | Suggested capacity | Load size* |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 people | 1.5-3.4 cu. ft. | Up to 9 full-sized bath towels |
| 2-3 people | 3.5-4.4 cu. ft. | 9-15 full-sized bath towels |
| 3+ people | 4.5+ cu. ft. | 11-21 full-sized bath towels |
*This is a general estimate. Models vary, depending on their size and the size of the towels.
A large capacity front load washer at 4.5 cubic feet or above should comfortably fit king-size duvets and comforters, which can help you skip a trip to the laundromat for oversized items. Keep in mind that a matching dryer is generally sized a bit larger than its washer, since dryers need extra room for a full load to tumble freely.
Front load washer features to consider
Beyond capacity, consider features that can make a difference in your laundry routine, from specialized wash cycles and water and energy use to convenient features designed to simplify weekly routines. Explore possible washer features below and learn more about the features available on select Whirlpool® Front Load Washers.
Wash cycles for everyday fabrics
Most front load washers offer a range of cycles, from a gentle Delicates setting to a Bulky Items cycle for comforters, along with faster options for lightly soiled laundry. Matching the cycle to your garment’s care label can help you provide the best care possible for your clothes.
You may look for features like the Quick Wash Cycle on select Whirlpool® models, for example, that can clean a small, lightly soiled load in as little as 30 minutes.2 Some Whirlpool® Washers also include features like the Sanitize Cycle, which uses increased water temperature to eliminate 99.9% of common household bacteria.3
Energy and water use
When you’re shopping for a new washer, you can learn more about water and energy usage by referencing the washer’s EnergyGuide label. This label is yellow, located on or inside the appliance, and tells you what it may cost to run your appliance for a year with an electric or gas water heater, how much energy it’s likely to use and if the appliance is ENERGY STAR® certified.
ENERGY STAR® certified washers generally use about 20% less energy and 30% less water than regular washers. In practical terms, an ENERGY STAR® certified washer uses an average of 14 gallons of water per load, compared with about 20 gallons for a standard machine.4
Freshness options for delayed transfers
If you tend to forget your laundry loads and clothes sit in the washer for a while, some washers have freshness features that can help laundry stay fresh. The FanFresh® Option, available on select Whirlpool® models, tackles this exact issue.
The FanFresh® Option uses a built-in fan and periodic tumbling to keep your just-washed clothes fresh until they're ready for the dryer, using less energy than you would re-washing your clothes.5
Other considerations when choosing a front load washer
Features can be fun to shop for, but keeping practical considerations—like dimensions and supply lines—top of mind will help you avoid headaches come installation day. A few more practical details are worth checking before you buy. Be sure to:
Measure doorways, hallways and your laundry room's entry points to confirm the dimensions of your space for delivery access, not just the final installation spot.
Check that your water supply lines, drain and outlet match what the washer requires before installation day.
Make sure the washer sits level on its feet, since an unlevel machine can vibrate and run louder than it should.
Check the height and storage-drawer options first if you’re planning to add a pedestal. Washer and dryer pedestals typically run 10 to 16 inches tall.
How to choose the ideal front load washer for your home
Whether you’re washing sports uniforms before the next game or freshening up your favorite outfit for a Friday night out, the ideal washer for your home is one that keeps up with your family’s day-to-day routine. Discover various Whirlpool® Front Load Washers for unique living situations below.
What are great washers for large families?
Large families generally do well with a large capacity front load washer that can take on multiple loads of clothes, towels and bedding without running the machine constantly, every day. A roomy drum paired with a variety of cycles and options generally gets the job done.
Whirlpool® Large Capacity Front Load Washers are built with big and busy households in mind, offering enough room for bulky loads alongside convenient features on select models like the Load & Go™ Dispenser, which automatically senses your laundry load size and adds the right amount of detergent.
Shop Whirlpool® Large Capacity Front Load Washers
What are great washers for apartments and small laundry rooms?
Apartments and small laundry rooms may benefit from a stackable front load washer or laundry tower that gets the job done without demanding much floor space. But, a compact footprint doesn't have to mean a smaller wash load.
Front load washers come in a range of capacities and dimensions well-suited to tight spaces. Whirlpool® Stackable Front Load Washers pair with a compatible dryer and stacking kit to make the most of a laundry space. Plus, you’ll find 5.0 cubic foot stackable washers that pair with 7.4 cubic foot dryers so there's no need to sacrifice capacity for a small footprint.
What are great washers for homes with pets?
Homes with pets often deal with hair, dander and the occasional muddy mess, making a front load washer with sanitizing cycles and flexible options a valuable addition to the laundry room. Features like hot water temperature selection and a Sanitize cycle can help tackle everyday pet messes, while unique offerings like UV Clean Technology, available on certain Whirlpool® Laundry Towers, can help improve laundry hygiene.
Select Whirlpool® Front Load Laundry Towers with industry-first UV Clean Technology let you skip high temperatures and harsh chemicals to get improved laundry hygiene. UV Clean uses ultraviolet light to reduce bacteria in the wash without requiring high temperatures, harsh chemicals or risk of fading fabrics.
What are great washers for bedding and bulky loads?
If comforters, pillows and other bulky items are a regular part of your laundry routine, look for a front load washer with a dedicated Bulky Items or Bedding cycle (the cycle name may vary by manufacturer) and enough capacity to avoid overstuffing the drum. A washer around 4.6 cubic feet or above is generally a safe bet for king-size bedding.
Select smart Whirlpool® Front Load Washers let you design a Custom Cycle that fits your needs and saves them directly to your machine.6 Or, simplify your laundry routine with Intelligent Wash technology on select Whirlpool® models. This feature uses sensors to detect load size and fabric type, then automatically adjusts water levels, temperature and wash actions for ideal fabric care and effective cleaning performance.
What are great washers for busy schedules?
Busy schedules benefit from a front load washer that saves you time wherever it can, whether that's a quick cycle, smart features or dispensers that you don’t have to keep reloading. Select Whirlpool® Washers, for instance, have Quick Wash Cycles, Delay-Start Options or convenient options like the FanFresh® Option for the load you can't get back to right away.
Select Whirlpool® Front Load Washers feature Quick Wash & Dry, letting you finish laundry in less than 1 hour by pairing the 25 minute Quick Wash cycle with the 30 minute timed dry.7 Experience the ultimate time-saving duo for hassle-free laundry days.
How to find the ideal matching front load dryer
Pairing your front load washer with a matching dryer isn't just about looks; capacity and installation need to line up so your laundry routine actually works together. Read on to learn more about finding the right dryer for your front load washer.
Match washer and dryer capacity
A dryer generally needs a bit more room than its matching washer, so a full load has space to tumble and dry evenly. For instance, a matched pair can include a 4.5 or 5 cu. ft. washer with a 7.4 cu. ft. dryer. Pairing capacity categories, rather than trying to match exact cubic feet, is often the simplest way to get this right.
Confirm installation compatibility
Before you buy, confirm your washer and dryer are compatible for stacking, if that’s your plan, and double-check that the stacking kit you choose is designed specifically for those two models. Stacking appliances that aren't a verified match can risk instability or void the warranty, so it's worth checking model numbers against the stacking kit before installation day.
Choose between gas and electric dryers
Your home's existing hookups typically influence whether you go with an electric or gas dryer. Gas dryers need a gas line plus a standard outlet, while electric dryers only need a single 240-volt outlet. If you already have a gas hookup, it's worth considering a gas model since it tends to cost less to run over time, though your actual savings will depend on local energy rates.
Front load washer buying FAQs
Before choosing a front load washer, learn more about what day-to-day use is really like, including maintenance, loading and more.
Yes, in most cases. Front load washers typically allow a brief window to pause the cycle and add a forgotten item before the tub fills with water. Once the water reaches a certain level, the door locks and won't reopen until the cycle finishes.
No, a smart front load washer runs its standard wash cycles the same way with or without a Wi-Fi connection. For select smart Whirlpool® Washers, Wi-Fi and the Whirlpool® App are required for remote features, like starting a cycle from your phone or downloading specialty cycles.
Front load washers do benefit from a little upkeep, mainly around the rubber door gasket, which can trap moisture and lead to issues if it isn't cleaned regularly. Leaving the door ajar between loads and routine maintenance, like running an occasional cleaning cycle, helps prevent buildup.
For help keeping your appliance fresh, select Whirlpool® Front Load Washers feature an Antimicrobial Rubber Seal that helps prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
1. Available on select cycles. Bacteria tested include Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
2. When using a 30 min timed dry cycle on medium, and a 10-lb load Quick Wash Cycle
3. Bacteria tested were K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus
4. https://www.energystar.gov/products/appliances/clothes_washers
5. Based on rewashing an 8 lb load on Normal cycle
6. U.S. only. WiFi & App Required. Details & privacy info at whirlpool.com/connect. Appliance must be set to remote enable
7. Based on a 10-lb load when paired with a traditional vented dryer on medium heat
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