
Most front-loader drums range from 4.2 to 5 cubic feet (with the odd sub-4-cubic-foot exception from GE and some 5-plus-cubic-foot exceptions from LG and Samsung). You'll also find subtle drum size differences when you compare front- and top-load washers. Of course, as a washing machine drum gets closer to 5 cubic feet, the more easily it can handle larger loads. That's a great range for a typical 8-pound load. Excluding compact units, most of which have a drum somewhere in the 2-cubic-foot range, the majority of standard-size front- and top-load washer drums today range from roughly 4 to 5 cubic feet. In addition to a washer's external dimensions, you will also want to think about the size of the washing drum inside the unit. Note: Not all front-load washers are stackable, so make sure to double-check the specs either online or on the unit's packaging before making a purchase.
#FRONT LOAD WASHER INSTALL#
For top-loaders a side-by-side install is (perhaps obviously) your only option. If you find a stackable front-load washer and dryer you like, it's also common to install them side-by-side. In that case, the decision was easy - it was either a compact front-load stacked laundry pair or nothing.īut that doesn't mean front-load washers are only suitable for tight spaces. The last place I lived had a closet set aside for the water heater, the HVAC system and a small washer and dryer. Stacking is ideal when you have limited square footage for your laundry pair, since you can take advantage of vertical space. That's because front-load models have front-mounted displays (much like a slide-in front-control range) and top-load models have back-mounted displays (much like a freestanding back-control range).īecause of this design difference, many front-loaders have optional stacking kits so you can literally install your matching front-load dryer over your washer (always stack the dryer on top of the washer because it weighs less). While the majority of traditional front- and top-load washers measure roughly 27 or 28 inches wide and 30 to 35 inches deep, their height dimensions are quite different. Think of this article as your laundry spirit guide, leading you to the perfect washing machine for your home. From washers with built-in sinks to dual units with two cleaning tubs, laundry really doesn't look like it used to. You pick a budget, find something in that price range and hope for the best.īut a lot of factors come into play in today's appliance market. How do you sift through all of the options to find something that works? For most people, the answer is: you guess. With so many varied styles to choose from, settling the right machine is daunting. There are traditional top-loaders, sleek front-loaders, even compact, all-in-one designs. This sizable group contains products with all sorts of shapes, sizes, features and capabilities. Our latest count has the number of different clothes washers sold in the US at about 176 distinct models. If you're searching for a good washing machine, you have your work cut out for you.
