Our pick
The LG WM4000H is a quick and gentle front-loader with excellent stain-removing capabilities. It is known for its reliability but may have some customer service issues.
This matching electric dryer can stack with our pick. It’s also available in a gas version.
After testing multiple models, we found that the LG WM4000H offers a great balance of speed and cleaning power, boasting some of the quickest and most effective cleaning cycles. It excels in rapidly removing stains while also taking gentle care of fabrics. Additionally, it provides a wide range of wash and temperature settings. The Energy Star–certified WM4000H operates quietly, includes an interior light, and features a magnetic door-prop to prevent mildew and manage odor.
This Wi-Fi–enabled model can be connected to LG’s ThinQ app, allowing users to monitor cycles, receive maintenance alerts, and start the machine remotely. Despite its strong reliability track record, LG’s customer service may not be as satisfactory compared to other recommended appliance brands.
The matching LG DLEX4000 dryer, which comes in both electric and gas versions, performed exceptionally well in our testing, being one of the fastest and most thorough dryers. Both the WM4000H washer and DLEX4000 dryer are stackable for convenience.
Runner-up
This high-performing front-loader removes stains very well and has an array of specific and useful settings. But it doesn’t have as good of a reputation for reliability as our pick does.
This electric dryer is designed to prevent overheating and handle fabric carefully. It’s stackable with our runner-up washer.
The Electrolux ELFW7637A impressed us with its top-notch stain-removal power and ability to handle fabrics as gently as our top pick. Its wide array of specific settings allows for a higher level of customization, although its wash cycles are slightly longer than those of our top pick.
Unlike our top pick, the ELFW7637A has a reversible door, bright control panel featuring a digital dial, and an advanced detergent dispenser. The ELFW7637A is Energy Star certified but not Wi-Fi enabled. Although Electrolux’s reliability track record is not as strong as LG’s, this model has received excellent overall online reviews.
The ELFW7637A’s matching dryer, the Electrolux ELFE7637AT, performed well in our testing, consistently delivering dry laundry. The ELFW7637A washer and ELFE7637AT dryer are stackable for convenience.
Also great
A thorough cleaner, this model manages mold better than the other front-loaders we recommend. But it has longer cycles than our top pick and is potentially less reliable.
The cycles on this matching electric dryer are a bit longer than those of other machines we tested, but our clothing emerged fully dry every time. It is also available in a gas version.
The GE GFW655 cleans well and is gentle on fabrics, offering a variety of wash programs. However, it operates at a slower pace, taking about 20 minutes longer than our top pick to wash a load on a “normal” cycle. Unlike our other picks, it has an option for auto-dispensing detergent.
The GFW655 addresses mold, mildew, and odor concerns with a gasket, detergent tray, and drain hose all treated with antimicrobial Microban and a vent system to manage moisture. The GFW655 is Energy Star certified and Wi-Fi enabled, connecting to the GE SmartHQ app. The matching GFD65 dryer, performed similarly to our top-pick dryer but took about 10 minutes longer to dry a load on a “normal” cycle. The GFW655 washer and GFD65 dryer are stackable for convenience.
Also great
This top-loader with an agitator cleans well, offers multiple fill options, and has a few useful energy-saving features. But some cycles are tough on clothing.
This matching electric dryer offers dampness sensors, a variety of cycles, and an interior light.
If you are interested in a top-loader or looking to save on a washing machine, the GE GTW585BSVWS is a solid choice that performs well in stain-removal tests. It offers multiple fill options and has several energy-saving features, but it may be harsh on clothing during some cycles.
Top-loaders are generally less efficient than front-loaders, and the GTW585SVWS stands out in terms of energy-saving features, including a cold-water cycle and a sensor-based setting to use the least amount of water possible. The matching GE GTD58EBSVWS dryer also performed well and has dampness sensors and a variety of cycles.
