Washer's capacity is listed in cubic feet. One cubic feet is 12in x 12in x 12in. A regular washer is between 3.1 and 4.0 cubic feet and will hold 12 to 16 lbs. of laundry. A large capacity washer is between 4.2 and 4.5 cubic feet and will hold up to 20 lbs. of laundry.^[9] You can fit about 25 to 50 bath towels in a 4.5 cubic feet washer.^[5] To accommodate a king-sized comforter, a washer capacity of 3.8 cubic feet or more is required. For a queen-sized comforter, approximately 3.1 cubic feet or more is needed.^[6]

The capacity of washing machines used to be measured by two different agencies, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).^[10] Most manufacturers listed capacities of front load washers using "IEC equivalent" volume. Front load washers have smaller capacity drums as compared to that of top load washers. However, since the front load washers do not have agitator their usable space is equivalent to that of a higher capacity top load washer with agitator. For example, a front load washer with drum size of 3.2 cubic feet was given a rating of 3.7 cubic feet by IEC, since this washer had capacity equivalent of 3.7 cubic feet top load washer with agitator.^[10]

Starting April, 2011, manufacturers of clothes washers have independently determined that they will voluntarily communicate capacity to consumers using only the DOE clothes washer test procedure for drum volume calculations, including the most recent guidance on measuring drum volume, released by DOE during the summer of 2010. These manufacturers, will also not reference an "IEC equivalent" volume.^[11]

Decide on the capacity of washer based on your family size. Overtaxing your washer by cramming it beyond the recommended capacity can add wear and tear to your clothes and shorten the washer's lifespan.^[1]

Manufacturers use different adjectives to describe the washer capacity but there is no official industry standard. One brand's "Super Capacity" or "Super Capacity Plus" might be equivalent to another brand's "King-size capacity".^[1] When comparing washer capacities be careful to compare the drum capacity specified as DOE or DOE Equivalent capacity.

An average American family washes 300 to 400 loads of laundry every year, using about 40 gallons of water per full load.^[12][13] Washing laundry accounts for 15% to 40% of the overall water consumption in a typical four persons household.^[14] Energy Star certified clothes washers use about 20% less energy and 35% less water than regular washers. On average, new Energy Star certified clothes washers use 270 KWh of electricity and cost $85 to run, each year.^[12]

Front load washers use 40-75% less water and 30-85% less energy than typical top load washers.^[15] Front load washers can save over $100 per year in energy and water costs.^[8][15] You can also use "Laundry Cost Calculator" available on michaelbluejay.com to compare cost of operating Top Load and Front Load washers.^[15]

Today washers come with many features. Carefully select the features that are important for your family. Here is a list of some useful features:

Wash Cycles: Most standard washers come with basic cycles like quick wash, normal, permanent press, delicate, and heavy duty.^[5][1] Some washers also offer an extra rinse cycle. This is helpful to clean detergent residue.^[2] Some advanced models offer preset cycles options for specific needs laundering like towels, beddings, baby clothes, woolen clothes, Wash Now Dry Later, etc. The number of wash cycles offered in front load washers range from 3 to 92, with most washers offering wash cycles ranging between 10 and 15.

Automatic Temperature Control: Standard washers mix hot and cold water in preset proportions.^[2] Some advanced washers use thermostats to ensure that the water temperature is proper. Detergents require a minimum water temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit to activate cleaning enzymes.^[6] Many front loading washers have internal electrical heating elements to heat the wash water beyond what the household water heaters can.^[1] Higher temperature washing uses more energy, and many fabrics are damaged at higher temperatures.^[16]

Steam Cleaning: Steam washers push extra hot steam into the clothes for deeper cleaning. Steam can penetrate through fabric better than water, resulting in a deeper, more effective cleaning.^[6] Steam helps in killing bacteria, allergens (especially dust mites), remove stains and prevents wrinkles.^{[17][2][5][1]} Most steam washers are at higher end of the price scale.^[2][17] Before paying extra for the steam feature check on the efficiency of steam cleaning since this will vary between washers.^[17]

Noise Reduction: If your laundry room is near your living area you may want to consider the noise reduction feature. Many washer models feature treatments and technologies to dampen vibration and significantly reduce washer noise.^[1] Higher end washers use better suspension systems, shock absorbers, insulation and motor design in an attempt to ensure silent operation.^[6] Front load washers tend to operate more quietly than top load washers because the door seal helps contain noise, and because there is less of a tendency to imbalance.^[16]

Mid-cycle Loading: Front load washers use a flexible seal on the front door to prevent water spilling during the wash cycle. Now a days many front load washers use so little water that they can be stopped mid-cycle for addition or removal of laundry, while keeping the water level in the horizontal tub below the door level.^[16]

Washers come in various sizes. Front Load washers, depending on the brand and model, usually run from 23 to 29 inches wide, 33 to 43 inches high and 20 to 33 inches deep. The average dimensions are 27 inches wide, 36 inches high and 27 inches deep.^[4]

Some high efficiency clothes washers qualify for rebates through state and utility programs. California's Rebate Program has selected three residential appliances categories to be eligible to receive rebates: clothes washers (rebate $100), refrigerators (rebate $200), and room/window air conditioners (rebate $50).^[19] These rebates are in addition to existing rebates offered by California's utilities or appliance manufacturers. For e.g., clothes washers that are Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) Tier 3 Model qualify for $50 rebate from PG&E.^[20] Energy Star partners also occasionally sponsor special offers, such as sales tax exemptions or credits, or rebates on qualified products. Find special offers and rebates on Energy Star Rebate Locator website by entering your Zip Code.^[21]

Electronics (including appliances) reliability stats show low rate of failure during the first four years of ownership.^[22] According to December 2010 issue of Consumer Reports, extended warranties on electronics, appliances and other products are unnecessary waste of your money. You can also check the reliability statistics for different brands of Front Loading Washing Machines on the Internet. For e.g., the repair rate of Front Loading Washing Machines from Frigidaire and Whirlpool is 11%, and the repair rate of Maytag and GE washers is 13%.^[23] However, according to SquareTrade, an extended warranty company, the repair rate for 3 to 4 year old Front Load Washers is 29%.^[24]

Most manufacturers offer one year limited warranty on their washers. However, if you decide on getting an extended warranty, compare warranties offered by third-party providers and your local stores. Some popular third-party warranty providers are SquareTrade.com and ElectronicWarranty.com. If you own an American Express credit card, you can double the original manufacturer's warranty on any product that you purchase with it.^[25]