Front Load Washer and Dryer Buyer’s Guide
Front load washer and dryer machines are high efficiency and most of them are Energy Star-compliant. They do not rely on an agitator to wash clothes, which increases their capacity by up to 35% and which makes them gentler on fabrics. They consume less water and energy enabling their owners to save on utility costs. They spin laundry faster, which saves time and energy on drying. Front load washer and dryer machines trump top load in the aesthetic department, as well.
However, front load washer and dryer machines are not God’s gift to laundry work. It’s a relatively involved process loading and unloading laundry from the front of these machines. They are considerably more expensive than top load units, though prices have gone down in recent years. Since a front load washer and dryer is a huge investment, shop around and consider the following before you make a purchase.
More Can Sometimes Be Less
Most of the new front load washer and dryer models have so many features that it can get pretty overwhelming. However, some experts state that some, if not most features, are not very useful to the average consumer. Useful features that are worth mentioning are moisture sensors in the dryer unit; automatic temperature controls; and auto-dispensers for detergent, bleach, and fabric softener.
Steam Cycles
Consider the model that has steam cycle options or one that uses steam instead of water for washing and drying. Steam washers remove tough stains from clothes better than water washers, and steam dryers reduce wrinkles in clothes. However, steam cycle options can add an average of $600 to the price of washers and dryers. Major brands that provide this feature are LG, Samsung, GE, Whirlpool, and Electrolux.
Bigger is Not Always Better
A large capacity front load washer and dryer machine is ideal for big families. Some even opt for side-by-side or front load washer and dryer sets that don’t skimp on space. However, even if you have a large home and space is not an issue, you should plan your purchase around your laundry needs. Buying a machine that is too big and that you won’t be able to maximize ultimately results in inefficient water and energy use.
Washer and Dryer Capacity
Unless you are short on space and you are partial to the aesthetics of a washer and dryer set, your front load washer and dryer do not have to match. If you are buying a separate washer and dryer, match the dimensions, including the capacity. Pick a dryer unit that has approximately twice your washer’s capacity. A 3.5 cu. ft. front load washer requires about 7 cu. ft of dryer capacity. Stackable washer and dryer units are designed to allow for this.
Gas over Electric Dryer
It costs about 15 to 20 cents to dry a typical laundry load if you use gas. Compare that to the 30 to 40 cents cost of drying clothes using electric power. Compounded over the long term, it makes sense to opt for a gas dryer. If your connections can accommodate a gas dryer, then opt for it. Otherwise, install the proper electrical outlets and connections. Choose a gas dryer unit similar to that found in the Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer.
Care and Cleaning
The front load washer design is prone to mold and mildew buildup due to the rubber boot between the washer’s frame and the wash drum, leaving moisture in the boot during washing. Further, ventless models such as those found in space-saving machines do not have ventilation. If you do end up buying a front load washer and dryer machine, remember to dry the boot using a dry cloth and to leave the door open when the washer unit is not in use.
These types of machines have many things going for them. However, they also have their downsides stemming from the front load design. Weigh these things carefully before you pick a front load washer and dryer.