You know you're spoiled for choice when you walk onto an appliance showroom floor and see washing machines the color of cranberries and the Mediterranean Sea. There are machines to fit every budget and preference. At one end, the conventional, no-frills top-loading washer with knobs; on the other, a massive front-loading washer with chrome-rimmed swinger doors, digital displays and more cycles than you'll ever use. It's easy to be dazzled, but remember: the average machine lasts 10 years and will clean 40,000 loads of laundry. Resist an impulse buy and do your homework first.
If energy efficiency is your main concern, the front loader may be your best choice. Most machines are Energy Star-qualified, using up to 30 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than conventional machines. Slow and steady is the cleaning strategy: a vertical drum fills partially with water and clothes are gently tumbled in and out of the water at the bottom of the tub. The drum capacity of some models will accommodate a king-size comforter. Washing cycles are longer; the average is 60 to 90 minutes. Study customer reviews and washing performance comparisons; you'll see high ratings from both sources. When it comes to stylish design, or the newest bells and whistles ("Sanitary Cycle," steam washing or delayed start timers), you're likely to find them in front-loader models. The cost ranges from $600 to $2,000.
These models come with a thick rubber interior seal, which is designed to prevent leakage, but often this can trap dirt, water and detergent instead, leading to mold and mildew. Wipe the seal dry after use and leave the door open to avoid this. Some higher-end machines have a "Tub Clean" feature, and the owner's manuals will also detail preventative maintenance. New rubber seals have also been formulated to deal with this issue. You also need to use a low-sudsing HE detergent, and if repairs are needed, parts and repair professionals may be harder to come by.
Top-loading washing machines have the advantage of convenience -- no stooping or bending to load or unload. The cycles are shorter, averaging 30 to 50 minutes. If an out-of-warranty repair is needed, parts and repair professionals are easier to find. Some manufacturers are now producing high-energy top-loaders, which are attractive to consumers who prefer top-loaders but are looking for an Energy Star-qualified appliance with better performance. This style of washer tends to cost $350 to $700 for a standard model, and $550 to $1,100 for a high-efficiency model.
These models can't be stacked, because of where the doors are located. They are less energy efficient, using about 40 gallons of water per load. The agitator in center of tub churns clothes clean, which means there is less capacity for bulkier items, and subsequently, the performance ratings are lower for these models.