When clothing instructions read "hand wash with care", you might put up your hands and leave it for another day. But maybe it’s time to upgrade your washer at home because some washing machines can actually solve that problem for you. The best kinds are quiet, stable and equipped with various fabric and dryer features.
Check out our picks from Amazon, based on advice from Tayyeb Hanif Malik, an engineer at FAJ Technical Services LLC (@fajtechnicalservicesl.l.c on instagram), which is an appliance and equipment servicing, and maintenance company that operates in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Bring home a front-load washing machine of your choice from trusted brands.
Why front-loaders? They're known to consume less water and energy than top-loading machines. To make it even easier on your wallet, some offer monthly instalment payments with certain banks. And others give you great value, like compatibility with Home Connect app, which lets you control your washer remotely from your smartphone.
And to be on the safer side, get a team of Amazon pros to install the appliance for you at a small fee. Prime subscription will deliver your new washing machine to you the very next day, and pocket savings right now.
1. Best Overall: Hoover Washing Machine Front Load Fully Automatic, 7KG
Pros
- 15 modes include sportswear, rapid, allergy-safe modes
- Doesn't shake
- Quieter than most machines, according to reviews
Cons
- Only 7kg load
- Looks outdated
If you're looking for a quick, no-fuss buy, check out Hoover's front-loader. Though its drum can only hold 7kgs of load, Hoover's automatic washing machine is quiet and stable on its legs, according to reviews. It takes care of your most immediate needs - from washing jeans and sports wear to sweaters and delicates - and lets you add another layer of protection by choosing the allergy safe mode. In this mode, the machine washes at a constant temperature to fight off germs and bacteria on your clothes, removing pollen and leftover detergent. Then there are days when a rapid wash will do (saving you water and energy) with the 15-minute rapid programme.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh86.55 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh86 and two years for Dh121.
2. Best for Coloured Clothes: Whirlpool 7kg Front Load Washing Machine
Pros
- Keeps coloured clothes from fading
- Laundry is kept fresh inside the drum
- Timer feature
Cons
- Can be a little noisy
- Only 7kg load
We’ve all accidentally forgotten wet laundry inside the drum, then having to run the cycle again to get rid of the odour. Whirlpool’s front-loading washing machine gently tumbles the washed load long after it’s done, even for several hours, to keep the laundry fresh. Another concern could be your bright clothing losing their colour after a few washes – the Colours 15°Plus mode protects the colours from fading and bleeding while washing at 15°C. You can even set your load to wash at a specific time using the Start Delay feature.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh88.92 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: The manufacturer offers one-year warranty on the product. Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh86 and two years for Dh121.
3. Best Smart Appliance: Bosch Serie 8 Washing Machine
Pros
- 9kg capacity
- Smartphone control
- Reload function
- i-DOS detergent saver system
Cons
- Expensive
Want to switch on your washer when you’re heading home from work so that it’s done just in time for you to put the clothes out to dry? It’s possible with the Home Connect app that this high-tech Bosch washer is equipped with! This washing machine is smart - it has two automatic programs for hard-wearing or sensitive fabrics, so you can ensure your clothes are washed at the right temperature for the right duration. And its reload functionality allows you to add missed socks or other articles of clothing, even in the middle of a wash cycle. Reviewers also appreciate its i-DOS detergent saver system, where they can fine-tune the detergent amount with millilitre-level precision for optimal water use.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh366.58 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh256 and two years for Dh363.
4. Best for Abayas: Panasonic 12kg Washer and 8kg Dryer
Pros
- Abaya wash feature
- Reload option to pause and add
- Several wash modes to pick from
- Quieter
Cons
- Requires professional installation
Have you ever wanted to stop a wash cycle to add more clothes? Panasonic’s front load washer lets you do just that with its ‘pause and add’ feature. It’s a washer and dryer in one, with a 12kg capacity limit for the former and 8kg for the latter. Among jeans-, wool- and sportswear-only modes, you can now take your abaya for a spin using the delicate mode, worry-free. If you’re in a hurry, your fresh laundry will be ready in 15 minutes on ‘quick wash’.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh233.80 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: The manufacturer offers one-year warranty on the product and a 10-year warranty on the motor. Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh150, two years for Dh189 and three years for Dh270.
5. Best for Saving Energy: Samsung 8kg Front Load Washing Machine
Pros
- Energy-saving cold water
- Lathers detergent in cool temperatures
- Stain-soaking feature
- Smart troubleshooting
Cons
- On the louder side
- Some cycles take a long time
Samsung’s 8kg front loader is smarter than most washers. It uses eco-bubble technology to lather the detergent, penetrate fabric and remove dirt, all while saving energy. Another feature targets stubborn stains by soaking clothes in active bubbles, with just a touch of a button. You can even troubleshoot the machine by using your smartphone. Apart from these functions, the washer uses digital inverter technology for quieter, more powerful performance that consumes less energy than a universal motor.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh99.57 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty on the product. Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh114 and two years for Dh162.
6. Best Washer and Dryer: LG 10kg Washer and 7kg Dryer
Pros
- Large 10kg load capacity
- Fast cycle
- Smart features
- Quiet
Cons
- Interface can initially be confusing
A brand recommended by our expert, LG uses artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise washing motion and protect fabric as it cleans. This washer-dryer combination has a number of useful features that make it a great buy. With ThinQ technology, you can operate the washing machine remotely through your smartphone, even using voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant to run the washer. The washing machine is built with a tempered glass door, and a hygienic stainless lifter that makes the drum more hygienic. It also uses LG Steam technology to eliminate 99.9 per cent of allergens, like dust mites, from clothes, leaving them fresh and clean. Reviewers like the enormous 10kg drum capacity, and the fact that it's a quiet appliance, but say the digital interface took a while to get used to.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh241.58 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh171 and two years for Dh242.
7. Best Budget: Midea 6kg Front-Load Washing Machine
Pros
- Value for money
- Child lock feature
- Delay start feature
- Select from 15 wash programs
Cons
- May wobble at high spin speed
Midea keeps it simple and straightforward with its budget-friendly front-loader. For a relatively affordable rate, you get to enjoy all the basic features of a modern washing machine like child lock, delayed start timer, 15-minute quick wash cycle, and up to 15 washing programmes. It can wash up to six kilograms of laundry in one go and has a stylish, intuitive lunar dial for a seamless user experience.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent installments and pay Dh49.83 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: Amazon offers one-year extended warranty for Dh57 and two-year extended warranty for Dh81.
Why buy a front-load washing machine?
Front-load washers have a lot going for them, according to our expert, Tayyeb Hanif Malik, engineer at FAJ Technical Services LLC. He said these kinds of washing machines can usually handle bigger laundry loads than their top-load counterparts, and are generally more energy-efficient. They tend to consume around one-third the amount of water as top-load washers.
An added advantage is that front-load washing machines usually have a higher spin speed – an average of 1,500rpm, as compared to around 600rpm in top-load washers. This means they are able to extract water out of clothes and dry them more efficiently. They are also quieter.
The drawbacks to consider with such machines is that since the door is at a lower level, people with knee problems or parents with young children will need to be extra careful when using the washer. Malik added that front-load devices also may take longer to complete a wash cycle – about an hour, as compared to top-load washers, which usually take roughly 20 to 35 minutes.
What features should I look for when buying a front-load washer?
Our expert highlighted some key areas to take note of, when purchasing a washing machine:
- Capacity: The capacity of the washing machine should be suitable for your household needs. People with larger families could consider purchasing a machine with a larger load capacity.
- Wash cycles: Malik advised: “A good washing machine should have a variety of wash cycles to suit different fabric types and washing needs. Examples of wash cycles include normal, delicate, heavy-duty, and quick wash.”
- Energy efficiency: Look for washing machines that have high energy efficiency ratings. Malik said: “Such machines consume less electricity and water, which helps to save on utility bills and conserve resources.”
- Spin speed: A faster spin speed helps to remove more water from clothes, which means they will dry faster, so opt for machines with higher spin speeds.
- Noise level: A good washing machine should operate quietly to avoid causing noise pollution in your home.
- Water usage: A washing machine that uses less water will help to save on water bills and conserve resources.
- Durability: A good washing machine should be built to last and withstand regular use without breaking down frequently.
- Price: Lastly, it all comes down to price. Malik said: “Consider your budget when purchasing a washing machine. While more expensive models may have more advanced features, there are also affordable options that still offer good performance.”
Once you buy your preferred washing machine, take good care of it so that it lasts for a long time and performs at peak efficiency. Malik said it’s important to deep-clean your washing machine every three to four months. It’s also a good idea to clean the filter and rubber gasket, along with the detergent and fabric softener compartments. Don’t forget embrace best practices, as well, like never leaving laundry inside the machine for too long, and making sure the washer door is left open after a wash cycle so that the drum dries out.
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
