When buying a washing machine, you don't want to spend a lot of money on something that will break down as often as it works. Durability and reliability are crucial factors in appliance selection. That's why we've compiled a list of the most reliable front load washers of 2021.
Miele WWB020WCS
Miele is known for making durable, German-engineered appliances, and the 24-in. WWB020WCS (part of the Classic Series) is a fine example of this. In addition to the high-end features we've come to expect from them, such as control and monitoring over Wi-Fi with the Miele@Home app and a unique 2.26 cu. ft. honeycomb drum, they've paid a lot of attention to making their machines last as long as possible. The enameled front resists corrosion, scratches, acids, and bases, and it's colorfast. Meanwhile, the washer itself has been tested to work for more than 10,000 hours — that's 5,000 loads, or up to 20 years of use. As if this unit was not reliable enough, the integrated CapDosing system automatically dispenses fabric conditioner automatically at the perfect time during the wash process.
Bosch WAT28400UC
Part of their 300 Series, Bosch's 24-in. WAT20400UC has a 2.2 cu. ft. capacity. Its anti-vibration circular side walls add to its durability while also reducing noise and movement. The EcoSilence motor provides strength while still conserving energy, adding to the washer's lifetime, and it uses ActiveWater technology to monitor the load in real-time and use only the amount of water and energy that's truly needed to finish a load. The drum is wave-shaped to keep your clothes moving as much as possible without damaging them. You can even select between 15 wash cycles, including an allergen-reducing cycle that heats the water up to 145 degrees F, removing dust mites and killing germs. And with SpeedPerfect™, you can get your clothes clean 40% faster than other cycles. Bosch even won an Energy Star™ Partner of the Year award recently, so you know any washer from them will save you money on your utilities as well as lasting a long time.
LG WM3600HWA
At 27 in. wide and with 4.5 cu. ft. of capacity, the LG WM3600HWA is one of the most spacious washing machines on this list. It also has many of the smart-technology features LG has come to be known for, including Wi-Fi control using the ThinQ® app and proactive customer care that sends you maintenance alerts before problems occur. The stainless steel tub will remain smooth for the entire lifespan of the appliance. You can even wash two loads at once using the LG SideKick™ Pedestal Washer. It has 10 wash programs to choose from, including a Speed Wash function and an Allergiene™ cycle that reduces pet dander by up to 95 percent, and the direct drive motor is super-quiet as well as super-reliable. It even has a Cold Wash™ function that gets the same deep, penetrating results of warm water washing with the energy savings of cold water washing.
Whirlpool WFW5620HW
The Whirlpool WFW5620HW is a 27-in. washer with a 4.5 cu. ft. capacity. It's Energy Star™ certified, saving money on both electricity and water while also reducing waste. It has a 1,200 RPM spin cycle, driven by a powerful, quiet Direct Drive motor, and 14 different wash cycles (including a steam clean option, and a Quick Wash cycle for smaller loads that finishes in 15 minutes). The Load & Go™ dispenser allows you to store up to 20 detergent cartridges at once, so you don't have to remember to put in detergent with every load. It even has a Sanitize cycle that kills 99.9% of bacteria on your clothes.
Samsung WF45T6000AW
The 27-in. Samsung WF45T6000AW is the most budget-friendly option on this list, while still boasting a 4.5 cu. ft. capacity and 10 different wash cycles. Its vibration reduction technology extends the life span of the appliance while simultaneously reducing noise. Its Ice-Blue LED display is easy to read, even from a distance, so you always know how much time is remaining in each load. The Swirl+ Drum is super-wide, allowing for a closet-depth fit. And you can even diagnose and troubleshoot issues using the Smart Care app on your smartphone, saving you time and money on service calls.
Related Questions
Are front load washers better than top load?
The choice between front load and top load washers is a difficult one, and the answer is based entirely on your needs. Do you have trouble reaching inside a top load washer? Do you want to stack your washer with a dryer? If so, a front load washer may be a good choice for you.
How long should a front load washer last?
Most washing machines last about 10 years, though durable designs with good cleaning and maintenance can last even longer than that.
Debra Zimmerman