Archive > May 2010

Best Front Load Washer and Dryer

If you are considering buying a new front load washer and dryer for your home, you might be wondering which is the best front load washer and dryer.  How do you decide between the different manufacturers and the wide array of features.  Which features are “must haves” and which simply add to the bill?

According to the Good Housekeeping Research Institute (Yes . . . there is such a thing,) the best set for overall performance is the LG SteamWasher and SteamDryer set.  While some washers lose temperature with larger loads, LG scored points for an even temperature regardless of load size.  Additionally, the model features an “Allergiene” mode which washes away common allergens at multiple points in the wash cycle and boasts a certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

The SteamDryer will be a favorite with conservationists as it took the least amount of energy to dry the clothes.  The eco-friendly front load steam dryer also has an airflow sensor that will alert the user to problems with duct flow.

While the LG Steam Front Load Washer and Dryer set earned the overall top marks, the Samsung Steam Washer had a competitive showing as well.

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Front Load Washer and Dryer Combo

One popular option for those choosing a front load washer and dryer is to go for a front load washer and dryer combo.   In a small apartment, home, or any living area with limited laundry space, saving floor space by stacking the washer and dryer on top of each other is a welcome feature.

GE space maker washer and dryer

Find the best buy on the GE Spacemaker washer and dryer stack pack

Stacking a washer and dryer on top of each other is not a new innovation.  Apartment models, sometimes known as “stack packs,” have been available for years.  However, the washer itself would be a top loading unit with the dryer being held on a rack directly above the washer.  Both the washer and dryer were much smaller than a standard size unit.

However, with the advent of front loading washers and dryers for residential use, there are now two options for a front load washer and dryer combo.  The first is to buy a standard front loading set and simply buy a washer and dryer stacking kit and put one on the other. With both units being front loading, almost any washer and dryer set will be stackable.

Click here to find the best buy on a front load washer and dryer combo.

The second option is to buy a washer and dryer combination model.  Rather than having to buy two separate appliances, it is an all in one unit.  While each complete wash and dry cycle takes quite a bit longer (most take approximately two and a half hours,) it is truly the epitome of a space saving unit.  Owners also appreciate the convenience of not having to move the clothes from the washer to the dryer.  Pop the clothes in, start the unit, and come back to a clean load that has already been washed and dried.

If your home is short on laundry space, consider a front load washer and dryer combo unit.  Not only will you reap the standard front load washer and dryer benefits of saving on energy and water, but you will also save valuable floor space in your home.

Click here to find the best buy on a front load washer and dryer combo.

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Front Load Washer and Dryer Ratings

When buying a front load washer and dryer, it is often helpful to view ratings from other buyers of the products.   In years past, this was a difficult process.  One either had to pay a subscription to a periodical like Consumer Reports or poll friends and family in person to get the real scoop on products.

The advent of the internet has made finding ratings on appliances a snap.  No longer do you have to manually cull the opinions, the information is now literally at your finger tips.  A search for “front load washer and dryer ratings” will bring up a wealth of information.  Blogs where the author either praises or complains about their new purchase.  Forums where visitors discuss at length the pros and cons of the different models, and where is the best place to buy the product.

Numerous comparison shopping sites abound with not only ratings by actual customers on the product themselves, but also on the store which they bought it from.  In addition, many online stores now allow buyers to rate and review their purchase to give feedback to future customers.

One of the largest online marketplaces is Amazon.com where buyers can build a reputation for ratings and reviews of not only books, but a wide variety of products as well.

However, if you are thinking about purchasing a front load washer and dryer, you don’t necessarily want to become a research expert just because you are buying a home appliance.  This is why we have gathered offerings from a wide range of manufacturers and compiled them in one place along with the front load washer and dryer ratings available.

If you have purchased one of the washer and dryers listed on the site, please give your feedback to aid future purchasers in their search.