Buying Guide
Best High-Efficiency Washing Machines for Your Home
Choosing the best high-efficiency (HE) washer for your home can help reduce the amount of water and energy you use and lower your utility bills. This guide will help you understand the benefits and features of an HE washing machine.
What Is a High-Efficiency Washer and How Does It Work?
What Are the Benefits of High-Efficiency Washing Machines?
Comparisons Between HE Front-Load Washers vs. HE Top-Load Washers
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Description | Space-saving, stackable HE models are available with stacking kits (sold separately). | Top-load HE washers are not stackable. An HE washer and dryer can be placed side-by-side. |
Style/Customization | An optional pedestal can be purchased to raise the machine higher. | No pedestal is needed. Many have larger capacities than front-loaders. |
Other Considerations | Wash time for a normal cycle takes 75 to 120 minutes. They typically clean better than top-load washers due to the tumbling action. Users must bend over to add or remove clothes from machines without a pedestal. | Wash time for a normal cycle takes 60 to 80 minutes, but can vary widely by brand. They are usually less expensive than HE front-loaders. |
What are Some Comparisons Between High-Efficiency Front-Load and Top-Load Washers?
How Do I Care for an HE Washer?
How is an HE Washer Installed?
The best high-efficiency washing machine for your home depends on your budget and laundry habits. Front-load HE washers require you to bend over to add or remove laundry, but stackable models can save space if you use a compatible dryer and stacking kit. They take longer to wash than top-loaders.
Top-load HE washers seldom have mold or mildew problems and wash faster than most front-load HE washers. Also, they usually have larger capacities and may be able to accommodate an item as big as a king-sized comforter. They wash faster than front-loaders and are typically less expensive.
Ready to select your new HE washing machine? The Home Depot delivers online orders where and when you need them.