Not all washers are created equal. Choose between easy access top load washers, space saving All-in-One combos and energy efficient front load washers for powerful cleaning action.

Types

What is the difference between
top load and front load?

Size, capacity, configuration, design, speed and energy efficiency are all important factors to
consider when deciding between a front load washer and top load washer.

Top load washer

For those who value quick wash times, easy access, and a classic washer design, top load washers deliver everyday convenience.

Pros
• Faster wash cycles to help get laundry done quickly, with agitator or impeller options to suit different washing styles.
• The top-opening design allows for easy access without bending or crouching, making loading and unloading more comfortable.
• Dual pet hair filters with Pet Care Solution helps remove fur from clothing, keeping fabrics cleaner for homes with pets.
• Top load washers are typically available at a lower upfront price point than front load models, making them a budget-friendly option.
• Simpler, low maintenance design allows for less upkeep over time.
• Easily add in forgotten items items mid cycle, so you never have to wait until the next load.
• The spacious capacity of 5.5 cu.ft. handles larger loads than a front load washer, making it easier to wash everyday items and bulky essentials in fewer cycles — saving time and effort.

Considerations
• Slightly higher water and energy use per cycle compared to front load models.
• The traditional design is not stackable and requires more floor space, which can be a limitation in smaller laundry rooms.
• Fewer advanced cycle options mean less flexibility for delicate fabrics or specialized washing needs.
• The powerful cleaning action, especially with agitator models, can be tougher on clothing than front load washers, so delicate items may need extra care.

White top-load washer shown against a light blue gradient background, highlighting a classic top-load design with a rear control panel and lid on top. White top-load washer shown against a light blue gradient background, highlighting a classic top-load design with a rear control panel and lid on top.

Front load washer

If you’re looking for a washer that saves space, uses less energy and gentle, yet powerful cleaning, a front load washer might be the right fit for you.

Pros
• Energy and water efficient design helps save on utility costs while still delivering a powerful cleaning performance.
• Gentler wash cycles reduce wear and tear on fabrics, helping preserve the quality of clothes over time.
• Higher spin speeds remove more water from clothes, reducing drying time.
• A stackable design with a flat top makes the most of smaller spaces, offering both space saving installation and an extra surface for everyday laundry needs.
• The spacious 5.3 cu.ft. drum handles large loads, including bulky items despite it’s smaller size, so fewer cycles are needed for bigger laundry days.
• Over time, the combination of efficiency and fabric care makes front load washers more cost-effective despite a higher initial price.
• The lower door height makes loading and unloading more accessible for those who prefer or need to reach at a lower height.

Considerations
• The upfront cost is higher than top load models, which may not fit all budgets.
• Loading and unloading laundry involves bending, which can be less convenient for everyday use.
• Wash cycles are generally longer, so each load takes more time compared to top load washers.
• The door requires regular cleaning to prevent residue buildup.
• Laundry cannot be added once the cycle has started, so all items must be loaded beforehand.

White front-load washer shown with the door open against a light blue gradient background, revealing the stainless steel drum inside. White front-load washer shown with the door open against a light blue gradient background, revealing the stainless steel drum inside.
Lifestyle

Which household needs are best
suited for top load vs. front load washers?

Size, capacity, configuration, design, speed and energy efficiency are all important factors to
consider when deciding between a front load washer and top load washer.

Configuration

Smart laundry setups for any home

Take an in-depth look at Samsung top load and front load setups to see which style is best for your space.

Compare

Find your perfect laundry lineup

Compare specs across our laundry series to find the right washer for your home.

  • Overview

  • Dimensions

  • Capacity

  • AI Smart Dial

  • AI Optiwash™ Automatically adjusts settings as needed to deliver a better wash and dry.

  • Auto Dispense Automatically dispenses detergent and softener.

  • Super Speed Thoroughly wash a full load of laundry in just 28 minutes.

  • Colors

  • The industry's fastest and largest All-in-One Combo washer & dryer.§
  • 27" x 43.7" x 34.4"
  • 5.3 cu. ft.
  • N/A
  • ✓ (Flex Auto Dispense)
  • Brushed Black, Dark Steel, Ivory
  • Washes and dries clothes completely in one machine without transferring loads.
  • 27" x 43.7" x 34.4"
  • 5.3 cu. ft.
  • N/A
  • ✓ (Flex Auto Dispense)
  • Brushed Black, Dark Steel, Ivory
  • A smart, space-saving solution in one single machine.
  • 27" x 74.4" x 31.3"
  • 4.6-7.6 cu. ft.
  • √ (Flex Auto Dispense)
  • Brushed Black, White
  • Innovation meets convenience to make laundry less of a chore.
  • 27" x 38.7" x 34.4"
  • 5.3 cu. ft.
  • N/A
  • ✓ (Flex Auto Dispense)
  • Dark Steel, Ivory
  • Gentle stain removal without time-consuming pretreatments.
  • 27" x 38.7" x 33.5"
  • 5.0 cu. ft.
  • -
  • -
  • -
  • Brushed Black, Ivory
  • Super Speed – Thoroughly wash a full load in just
    28 minutes.(")'
  • 27" x 38.7" x 31.3"
  • 4.5 cu. ft.
  • -
  • -
  • -
  • Platinum, White
  • Reduces noise and vibration for quiet washing.
  • 27" x 38.7" x 31.3"
  • 4.5 cu. ft.
  • -
  • -
  • -
  • White
  • Overview

  • Dimensions

  • Capacity

  • Super Speed Wash

  • Active WaterJet

  • Pet Care

  • Vibration Reduction Technology+

  • Colors

  • Conveniently stores and dispenses up to 12 loads of detergent and softener.
  • 27.5" x 45.8" x 29.4"
  • 5.5 cu. ft
  • -
  • Ivory
  • Remove more pet hair from their bedding and your clothing with Pet Care.
  • 27.5" x 45.8" x 29.4"
  • 5.4 cu. ft
  • Brushed Navy
  • Powerfully cleans a full load of laundry in just 28 minutes.+
  • 27.5" x 45.8" x 29.4"
  • 5.5 cu. ft
  • -
  • Brushed Black, White
  • Fewer loads and less time in the laundry room.
  • 27.5" x 44.6" x 29.4"
  • 5.2 cu. ft
  • -
  • White
  • Active WaterJet provides a built-in water faucet for easy pre-treating.
  • 27" x 45" x 29.3"
  • 4.7 cu. ft
  • -
  • -
  • Brushed Black, White
  • Soft-Close Lid closes safely, gently and quietly.
  • 27" x 44" x 29.3"
  • 4.0 cu. ft.
  • -
  • -
  • -
  • White
Resources

How do I install my washer and laundry accessories?

Compare specs across our laundry series to find the right washer for your home.

Find your ideal
washing machine

Learn what laundry solution best suits your individual needs and lifestyle preferences.

Have more questions?

  • How do front load washers work?

    A front load washer cleans clothes by rotating a horizontal drum that lifts and drops laundry through a small amount of water and detergent. Instead of using an agitator, the front load washing machine relies on a tumbling motion, which means clothes repeatedly fall into the water to help remove dirt. After washing and rinsing, the drum spins at a high speed to move water out of the fabric and into the drain.

    Learn more
  • A top load washer cleans clothes in a vertical drum that you load from the top. The top load washing machine fills with water and moves laundry using either an agitator or an impeller. An agitator is a central post that twists back and forth to move clothes through water, while an impeller is a low-profile plate that creates water motion to circulate items around the drum. After washing and rinsing, the drum spins to remove water before the cycle ends.

    Learn more
  • Front load washers use a horizontal drum to tumble clothes through a small amount of water and detergent, which is gentle on fabrics. A front load washing machine is more water and energy efficient, spins faster to remove more water for shorter drying times, can be a stackable washer to save space, and offer customizable wash cycles for different fabrics and soil levels.
  • Top load washers are easy to load and unload without bending down, and you can add clothes mid-cycle. Top load washing machines usually have shorter wash cycles and a simple design that is familiar to many users. Adjustable water levels and customizable wash motions make them flexible for different fabrics and everyday laundry needs.
  • Front load washers usually have longer wash cycles than top load washers because they use a tumbling action that gently moves clothes through water and detergent. Top load washing machines often have shorter cycles and a simpler design, which can make them faster for small or everyday loads. The total time also depends on the wash program, load size, and fabric type, so some front load cycles may take longer but are designed for thorough cleaning while being gentle on fabrics.
  • Front load washers are generally more energy efficient and water efficient than top load washers because they use less water and rely on a tumbling motion to clean clothes. Using less water means the washer heats less water, which can save energy. They also spin faster to remove more water from clothes, which can reduce drying time. Efficiency can vary by cycle, load size, and fabric type.
  • Top load washers are usually less expensive than front load washers because they have a simpler design and fewer components. They use a vertical drum with an agitator or impeller to move clothes, which is easier to manufacture than the horizontal tumbling system in a front load washing machine. Their design also generally requires less engineering for water and energy efficiency features, which can make them more affordable for everyday laundry needs.
  • Front load washers often clean more thoroughly because their tumbling motion moves clothes through water and detergent evenly. Top load washers clean effectively too but can be less even on large or heavily soiled loads, making a front load washing machine a common choice for tougher stains and varied fabrics.

    Learn more
  • Front load washers usually have longer wash cycles and require regular cleaning around the door seal to prevent odors. They can be heavier, harder to move, and a stackable washer may need extra space for installation. They also generally cost more upfront than top load washers.

    Learn more
  • Top load washers can use more water compared with front load washers, and models with an agitator may be rougher on some fabrics. They usually offer fewer cycle options than a front load washing machine, which can make them less flexible for different laundry needs.

Explore more buying guides

What is an all-in-one washer/dryer?

Samsung All-in-One Washer Dryer Combos tackle laundry loads in one machine with no load transfers. Compact, efficient, and easy to use, the All-in-One Washer Dryer Combos are the ideal way to wash and dry laundry while taking up less space.
Black All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo Black All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo

Find the best washer and dryer

Front load or top load? All-in-one or separate? Need to add articles after cycle starts? No matter what you're looking for in your laundry room, Samsung has the right washer for you.
Person with laundry basket walking into laundry room with side-by-side washer and dryer Person with laundry basket walking into laundry room with side-by-side washer and dryer

What’s the difference between agitator and impeller?

Agitators provide heavy-duty washing power, while impellers have more capacity. Both give you the same outstanding results you expect from Samsung.
A front load black washer with a diagram showing a side-by-side comparison of an agitator and an impeller. A front load black washer with a diagram showing a side-by-side comparison of an agitator and an impeller.

How to remove pet hair from your laundry

Specifically designed with dynamic water currents and dual filters, Samsung Pet Care washers and dryers help you remove pet hair from bedding and clothing.∞
Dog and cat in laundry room with pet care washer and dryer in Brushed Navy. Dog and cat in laundry room with pet care washer and dryer in Brushed Navy.

Gas vs. electric dryers: Which is better for you?

From drying performance to energy efficiency, we’ll help you choose the best dryer to fit your household needs.
A split image showing a gas hookup and an electrical plug A split image showing a gas hookup and an electrical plug

Only with Samsung

Hassle-free installation

Delivered, installed, and leveled by trained professionals, your appliances will be ready to go from day one.
Hand holds a yellow level at an angle on top of Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ in Dark Steel Hand holds a yellow level at an angle on top of Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ in Dark Steel

Samsung Care+ is here for you

Experience convenient, at-home repairs with the award-winning Beyond Boundaries program. 
Samsung employee stands outside in front of white Samsung-branded service vehicle Samsung employee stands outside in front of white Samsung-branded service vehicle

Upgrade with Samsung Trade-In

Get instant credit when you trade in an eligible appliance. It’s easy, sustainable and a smart way to save on your upgrade.
Black Samsung front load washer with blue swirl leading to Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ in Brushed Black Black Samsung front load washer with blue swirl leading to Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ in Brushed Black

Save with Samsung Offer Programs

Save up to 30% through exclusive savings for students, teachers, government, military and corporate employees.
Top down view of person sitting at a desk with an open laptop and newspaper while looking at a smartphone Top down view of person sitting at a desk with an open laptop and newspaper while looking at a smartphone

Benefits on Samsung.com

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Convenient shipping

Schedule your delivery and installation and enjoy next-day delivery in select area codes.

Extended returns

Expert help

Have questions? Our Samsung support team is just a click or call away, 24/7.

Payments made easy

Payments made easy

Enjoy greater flexibility with $0 down and convenient financing terms for most items.†,σ

Your rate for pay-over-time plans will be 0-36% APR. Affirm Pay in 4 payment option is 0% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check and may not be available everywhere. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. For example, at a purchase price of $800 you could pay a down payment of $160 today, followed by 12 monthly payments of $57.77 at 15% APR or 4 interest-free payments of $200 every 2 weeks.
Payment options through Affirm are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. For licenses and disclosures, including information for New Mexico residents, see affirm.com/licenses. CA residents: Loans by Affirm Loan Services, LLC are made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license.

σPayment options are offered by Affirm, are subject to an eligibility check, and may not be available in all states. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. California residents: Affirm Loan Services, LLC is licensed by the Department of Business Oversight. Loans are made or arranged pursuant to California Financing Law license 60DBO-111681.

*Based on Circana Specialty Laundry Machines category through 2025.

1Based on 27” combos. Based on using Super Speed cycle only with an 10 lb. DOE load (cotton 50% + polyester 50%). Individual results may vary based on actual load content. Vented 68 minute Wash + Dry cycle, Ventless: 98 min Wash + Dry cycle.

^Energy Star® Most Efficient 2025

WA7150C using the Pet Care Wash cycle and Pet Hair Filter compared to WA7700A using Normal cycle.