How to Shop for a Front Load Washer

Washing machines and laundry appliances are a necessity in many households. Sam's Club will help you navigate the many features of front-loading washing machines so that you can buy the best option for you.

How to Buy a New Front Load Washer

Front load washing machines are available in many styles and loaded with hi-tech features.

How do I choose a front load washer?

The type of front load washer you choose is a matter of personal preference. The best front load washer that meets your needs is the right machine for you and your family.

What should I know when shopping for a front load washer?

Front-loading washers are generally more efficient and more expensive than traditional top-loading washing machines. Front load washers are generally larger than top loaders as well.

What is the advantage of a front loading washing machine?

Due to the absence of an agitator, front load machines are more efficient at cleaning clothes while using less water. They are generally more energy efficient and offer additional features such as a steam cycle, a self-cleaning cycle, reversible washer doors for fully customizable laundry rooms.

What front load washing machine features should I consider?

Front load washers are available with many features. Here are some features you should consider when shopping:

• Capacity
• Spin speed (super speed)
• Quick wash
• Noise level
• Energy rating
• Free-standing or integrated
• Finish (stainless steel, black stainless steel or color)

How much space do I need for a front load washer?

Front-loading washers average about 27 inches wide. Heights of front-load washers will vary by brand, and if you plan to purchase a pedestal with the washer, that will add to the overall height of the washing machine.

All washers need an additional clearance space of at least one inch around a washer or dryer to allow for proper air circulation.

How much does a front load washer cost?

At Sam's Club, front-load washing machine prices range from under $700 to under $1,500.

When to buy a new front load washer?

If your front-load washing machine is over 8 years old and exhibiting wear and tear, then it's time to consider purchasing a new machine.

What Capacity Front Load Washer Do I Need?

The best capacity washer depends on your laundry needs. If you have a large family or wash bulky items like comforters on a regular basis, then you will need a washing machine with a large capacity. For couples with lighter laundry needs, a compact washer will suffice.

What are common washer drum capacities?

Common drum capacities are:

• Small: 1-2.9 cu ft.
• Regular: 3.0-3.8 cu ft.
• Large: 3.9-6 cu ft.

What are the exterior dimensions of common front load washers?

Common exterior dimensions of front-load washers range from 36 to 41-1/2 inches high and 25-1/4 to 34-3/8 inches deep.

How big of a front load washer should I buy?

How large of a washing machine you purchase will depend on your laundry needs. On average, front load washing machines will hold more laundry than a top-load washer due to not having a center agitator. Large families will benefit from a large capacity washing machine.

Front load washer sizes and who they're ideal for.

There are several size options available for front load washers.

• Small Capacity or Compact: good for single homeowners or couples.
• Large, Mega or Heavy Duty Capacity Washers: good for those who need to wash large items like blankets, sheets and bulky towels on a regular basis.
• Stackable: good from small spaces.

How heavy are front load washers?

Weight will vary depending on factors such as the machine's size, capacity or type. Mid-sized front-loaders average around 200 to 250 pounds.

Front Load Washers vs. Top Load Washers - Pros and Cons

The choice between a top load washer and front load washer is a personal choice. Here's a look at the pros and cons of each:

Front Load Washers

Pros:

• More energy efficient: uses less water and energy per load.
• Faster spin cycle: results in less drying time.
• More space inside the drum.
• Wider range of wash action: more than just hot, warm or cold wash options. Wash options include: sanitize, deep clean, turbo wash and wi-fi connectivity.
• Modern look.

Cons:

• Comfort: you have to bend to take clothes in and out of a front loader, to raise the height you'll need to purchase a pedestal.
• Needs special detergent.
• Mold can buildup around the door's rubber gasket.
• More expensive.

Top Load Washers

Pros:

• Less expensive to purchase and repair.
• Easy to reach: no pedestal required.
• You can add clothes mid-cycle.
• Agitators clean clothes faster.
• Traditional look.

Cons:

• Less energy efficient.
• Not as many wash options.

Which is better? Top load or front load washing machine?

The major difference between the two types of washers is in the way you load/unload clothes. Front load is usually more efficient, more stackable and can be more comfortable if you add a pedestal. Top load with an agitator cleans clothes faster and you can add clothes mid-cycle.

Which washing machine is best?

The best washing machine will meet your top needs: style, price and features.

Price ranges on front load and top load washing machines.

Front load washing machine prices at Sam's Club range from under $700 to under $1,400. Top load washing machine prices range from under $700 to under $1,100.

What Front Load Washer Features Should I Consider?

The best thing about front load washers is the variety of hi-tech features. Some features include sanitize cycle, steam cycle and flexwash.

Can you stack front load washer and dryer?

Consult with the owner's guide or manufacturer's website to see which models are stackable. Generally, they should at least be made by the same manufacturer. It's best to get matching units that are specifically designed to fit together with a stacking kit.

Auto Dispenser

This allows you to fill a reservoir with detergent or fabric softener, and the machine can figure out exactly how much detergent is needed each time and dispense it from the tank.

Anti-swaying Kits

These usually consist of anti-vibration and anti-walk pads to reduce machine wobble and vibration.

Multiple Washer Tubs

Also called flexwash, this allows you to wash two loads of laundry simultaneously in two separate bins, which is ideal for separating colors and fabrics or smaller loads.

Giant Capacity

Wash very large loads of clothes or bulky items.

Wifi / Smartphone App

Connect to your machine to start your wash load remotely, monitor wash time and perform quick diagnosis from a convenient smartphone app.

Noise

Washers with Vibration Reduction Technology lets you enjoy a quieter wash cycle while cleaning your clothes.

Energy efficiency

Energy Star certified clothes washers use about 25% less energy and 33% less water than regular washers.

Brands of Front Load Washers at Sam's Club

Sam's Club carries the latest styles of washers from major appliance brands.

• LG: brings great wash performance, time-saving, and-energy-saving innovation.
• Samsung: known for their innovative and time-saving features.
• Galaxy: known for their combo washer-dryer unit that washes and dries in the same machine.

FAQ - Front Load Washers

Where can I buy front load washer cleaner?

Specially formulated cleaners and detergents for washing machines can be purchased at most major retailers in the detergent aisle.

How do I find an energy efficient front load washer?

A washing machine with an Energy Star certified label is energy efficient.

What does the "HE" logo mean?

The high-efficiency (HE) logo means that a washer has met certain guidelines with regard to water, electricity, and detergent use. It's recommended that you use HE cleaners and detergent in your laundry loads with a HE machine.

Does Sam's Club deliver front load washers?

Sam's Club offers home delivery service which includes basic installation to set up your new appliance as well as haul-away of your old appliance.

Where can I find dryers?

Sam's Club carries the latest styles of brand name electric dryers and gas dryers at member's only prices.