Front load washing machines have established themselves truly as the top kid on the block. As the world becomes increasingly aware of human impact on the environment, more and more consumers are looking for "greener" appliances. Washing machines are notoriously known to suck up the energy, driving up utility bills and wasting water. Well, there's a new sheriff in town and washing machines are getting a "greener" facelift. Front loading washing machines are leading the pack. Many are emerging onto the market with a new attitude that is energy efficient and use less water. They have a higher load capacity and the wash much better. One thing is for sure: this isn't your mother's washing machine!

There is a lot to be said for front loading washing machines. When compared to top loaders, they consistently come out ahead in terms of best washing and largest capacity. When you put them head to head against top loaders, you will see that the front loaders have many appealing features. Their high spin speeds cut down drying time significantly. And if you have ever had to battle a top loader with an unbalanced load, you know how frustrating it can be. Are you tired of pulling soggy, wet, half washed clothes out of an unbalanced top loader in an effort to balance it out? Well, with top loaders there is no risk of the load becoming unbalanced.

Now, you may not yet be convinced that front loading washing machines are best, but there are more attractive qualities. Top loaders tend to be rather noisy, but a front loading washer is gentler and much quieter than their top loading counterparts. Another boon for front loaders is that they are often stackable. This is good news if you have limited space in your laundry room.

With all the good things about front loaders, however, there is a flip side to everything. The cons of the front load washing machine are few, but can have an impact on your ability or desire to purchase one. The price, for one, may be somewhat inhibitive, ranging from $800 to $1,800 (although some higher efficiency top loaders are equal in cost). Front loading washers often require special detergents as well. While the large capacity that can be as much as 4 cubic feet or 20 pounds is convenient, getting the clothes out of the washer can be tough on the back because you have to bend over to unload it. There are pedestals available that raise the washers, but they are an extra cost of about $150. What's more, a front loading washing machine tends to have longer cycles that can be as much as two hours.

Consumer reviews are consistently favorable for front loading washing machines. The cons that actual front loader machines have are actually minor. One front loader owner found the price a little high, but stated that it was "well worth it." Another con was that the door could not be changed to open the other way (the way the door opened got in the way of her putting clothes from the washer into the dryer), but she simply purchased a stacking kit to compensate. All reviews listed cleaner clothes and that the machines are much quieter. One customer, however, had purchased the pedestal and was no longer to fold clothes on top of the machines so if this is something that you do, you may want to opt for not getting the pedestal or for getting a laundry folding table.

Many of the front loading washers also offer many different cycles from which to choose. The all offer great cleaning and the vibration and noise are very much kept at a minimum. When you are looking to pick up a new washing machine, considering a front loading washing machine would be a wise move. Purchasing one would be just plain smart.