At a Glance:
How Do High-Efficiency Washers Work?
Types of High-Efficiency Washers
Benefits of Owning a High Efficiency Washer
Things to Consider when Buying a High Efficiency Washer
High Efficiency Washer Recommendations
A little more than a decade ago, buyers were asking themselves, “What is a high efficiency washer?”
Fast-forward to the present and buyers have moved past getting familiar with HE washer models and are now asking themselves if they’re ready to own one for themselves.
Bottom line: We strongly believe every household should have a high efficiency washer, but that doesn’t mean just any model will do. We explain what you need to know about HE washers in this guide, where we cover the basics and benefits, and review top washers from the best brands around.
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Shop WashersHow Do High-Efficiency Washers Work?
Considering traditional washers use around 25 gallons of water per load and annual CO2 emissions for washing machines tip in at a whopping 62 million tons, both consumers and manufacturers have joined the cause for more sustainable laundry methods.
But the rise of HE washers isn’t looking to change how people do laundry—just the impact of laundry. To do that, manufacturers needed to rethink how washers work.
How HE Washers Work
So, how do high efficiency washers work exactly? Whereas traditional washers use a deep tub together with a spindle to agitate clothes, newer HE washer models work by either using:
- A tub that sits perpendicular to the machine, creating a shallow pool of water for clothes to tumble in.
- A deep wash tub with no spindle (called an impeller) creates more space for clothes to move around in while using less water.
HE front load washers use substantially less water than conventional top-loaders, requiring an average of 14 gallons per load. Of course, using the right detergent is part of the equation.
HE laundry detergent is designed to work better in cold water—which reduces the energy needed to warm water, which is the highest source of energy used on a washer. But to create suds, there needs to be enough agitation.
Front load HE washers achieve the right level of suds by pushing clothes through a small reservoir of water, drawing in air each time clothes tumble through the water. Top load HE washers with immersion agitators work similarly, drawing in air as clothes move through a vortex created by the “spindle”.
Why It Matters
On top of using less energy and water, HE washers are better at cleaning clothes than traditional washing machines.
And since high-efficiency washing machines are also designed to spin faster, they’re dryer by the end of a wash, which helps reduce drying time, further cutting down on energy.
→ Learn More: About LG Top Load Washers
Types of High-Efficiency Washers
Since going green has become vogue, the demand for HE washers is higher than ever.
As a result, buyers have a wider variety to select from while still enjoying the benefits of a high efficiency washing machine. Here’s a quick comparison of the styles buyers can choose from.
Top Load HE Washer
These HE washers are the truest to the original washer experience with a deep tub, a back panel with controls, and a lid that opens up. These are spacious and often more affordable than high efficiency front load washers.
Top Load HE Washer with Agitator
While most HE top load washing machines use an impeller, there is a limited selection of top load HE washer with agitator models on the market. However, with limited capacities, we generally recommended HE impeller washers over high efficiency agitator washers.
Front Load HE Washer
These are the poster children of HE washers, known for their side swing door and turned-over tubs. On top of providing easier access to clothes, front load HE washers are the gentlest on clothes yet the most efficient at cleaning. Plus, they use the least amount of water—although all these benefits come at a higher price point.
Benefits of Owning a High Efficiency Washer
Numbers don’t lie when comparing high efficiency washer vs regular washer models. On average, the typical HE washer owner can expect to use up to 80 percent less water and 65 percent less energy per load.
According to ENERGY STAR, that equates to about $550 in savings over the course of an HE washer’s lifetime. As if saving money wasn’t a great perk itself, there are a few other incentives to going green in the laundry room.
✅ Run Fewer Loads: HE washers are thoughtfully made to be around 40 percent larger than traditional washing machines. That means HE washer owners can run larger loads and cut down on the total number of washes to do (which also helps save money!).
✅ Save More with Rebates: Did you know some areas offer rebates for households with energy efficient appliances, including an HE laundry machine? You can find out if your household qualifies using the rebate finder on the ENERGY STAR website.
→ Learn More: About Maytag Top Load Washers
Things to Consider when Buying a High Efficiency Washer
If you’re interested in a high efficiency washer and dryer setup for your laundry room, it’s time to review a few final considerations. After weighing the pros and cons, here’s what our experts say you need to know:
❗ HE Washers Are Larger: With bigger builds that hold larger loads so users can do fewer loads of laundry, HE washers might be too big for smaller laundry rooms. All in all, the difference in size is typically a few inches of extra depth or width, so measure your laundry room and compare those measurements with the washer dimensions of the model you like to ensure it fits in your space.
❗ HE Washers Cost More: With prices starting around $800, HE washers cost more upfront versus traditional top load washers. If you’re looking for a washer under $1,000, a non-HE washer is a more affordable choice.
❗ HE Washers Have Longer Cycles: Lower water consumption comes with one major tradeoff: HE washers take longer to wash a load. They’re still more efficient both in energy and water usage, but if a speedy laundry day is more your pace, an HE washer can be an impediment.
High Efficiency Washer Recommendations
Luckily, there are plenty of HE washers to suit the needs of every homeowner in today’s market. We’ve put together HE washer reviews for our top models from top brands below.
Frigidaire 4.1 Cu. Ft. Classic White Top Load Washer
Shop Frigidaire 4.1 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
For a washer experience that doesn’t deviate too far from the original routine, consider this Frigidaire top load washer.
Designed with high-efficiency performance, this setup offers 12 wash options with over 4 cubic feet of tub space to easily handle large loads of laundry.
When efficiency is less of a priority, opt for MaxFill feature for a classic cleaning experience made to handle heavy-duty clothes stains and messes.
⭐Featured Frigidaire FFTW4120SW Review:
";Love the large capacity, ease of operation, and quiet nature of this top-loading washing machine. Does a great job on every load type and I especially appreciate the super-efficient spin cycle. Items come out with very little moisture present."
LG 5.0 Cu. Ft. Middle Black Front Load Washer
Shop LG 5.0 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer
The latest in washing machine technology meets the ultimate in convenience with this top-rated HE LG front load washer.
For starters, 5 cubic feet of capacity provides plenty of room for bedding, towels, jeans, and other heavy loads. What’s more, with smart features like 6Motion Technology and its advanced tumbling and Cold Wash Technology that keep operation costs low, this model is efficient no matter the kind of wash.
You’ll hardly hear it at work with True Balance anti-vibration technology, but with Wi-Fi compatibility at your command, you’ll know every moment of every wash.
⭐Featured LG WM3470CM Review:
"This is the first front loader I have ever used and it has been the best washer I have ever used and believe me I have used many brands over the years. I especially noticed how soft our bath towels have been and how much cleaner our clothes are. As for quiet you can hardly hear it running. I absolutely love this machine."
Amana 3.8 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop Amana 3.8 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
Simple yet efficient, this Amana top load washer features a special agitator that enhances wash results. It also comes with a special Cold Wash Cycle to help cut down on energy use.
At just under 4 cubic feet of capacity, this is a modest HE washer designed for the needs of smaller households. If you occasionally do laundry, live alone, or are coupled, this affordable washer provides the efficiency you need without breaking the bank.
⭐Featured Amana NTW4519JW Review:
"We are so happy with our new clothes washer. It is quiet and the large capacity allows fewer overall loads needing to be washed as more clothes can be washed at once. The washer cleans clothes very well."
Samsung 5.4 Cu. Ft. Brushed Navy Top Load Washer
Shop Samsung 5.4 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
On the other end of the spectrum is this spacious Samsung HE washer with a whopping 5.4 cubic feet of capacity (the most on our list!).
Featuring an impeller rather than an agitator, the deep tub provides an abundance of room to wash the biggest loads.
Highlights include the Pet Care Wash Cycle with the power to remove up to 6X more pet fur and a built-in water faucet that’s perfect for pre-treating clothes. This is a must-see for full-size households that go through piles of laundry throughout the week!
⭐Featured Samsung WA54CG7150AD Review:
"We have now done many loads in this washer and I am AMAZED. The capacity is fantastic (huge space) and I like the deep fill and presoak feature to really get clothes soaked and fully washed. My front loader could never clean like this. Highly recommend this product."
GE 4.2 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
With more than 27,000 perfect ratings, this is hands-down one of the best HE washer models on the market.
Its design proves simple and can be better, providing all the essentials for an efficient laundry routine. The full setup includes a heavy-duty agitator, over 4 cubic feet of capacity, and a deep clean cycle for when you need an extra oomph of performance.
⭐Featured GE GTW335ASNWW Review:
"This washer not only looks good, it cleans as good as it looks. There are plenty of options from water level, presoak etc. Clothes are not a tangled mess when the cycle ends as happens in some other brands. I'm very pleased with the purchase."
Embrace Efficiency with HE Washers at Spencer's TV & Appliance
Efficiency is the new trend, and with all the benefits HE washers provide, we support it!
If you like to save money while helping save the environment, an HE washer is a must in your home, and Spencer’s has the selection you’re looking for. Browse our entire stock of reliable HE washing machines online or visit us in-store today!
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about high efficiency washers.
How do I know if I have a high efficiency washer?
There are a few ways to verify if your washer is an HE model. Usually, the front has an HE sticker, although some models have the sticker on the agitator, inside the door near the serial number, or on the back. When in double, search your washer’s model number online and review the owner’s manual.
What happens if you use regular detergent in an HE washer?
The reason it’s important to use high efficiency washer detergent is because they create fewer suds. HE washers have special sensors that gauge detergent levels in the water. When regular detergent is used, more suds are created, causing the washer to run an additional rinse cycle, which adds time to the wash and about 10 gallons of water per rinse.
What is the downside to a high efficiency washer?
Overall, high efficiency washers are highly recommended, but there are a few drawbacks. For starters, they cost more than regular washers. They also take longer to wash, and in most cases, they’re larger than traditional washing machines.
Do HE washers have agitators?
While they’re less common than impeller or front load washers, there are HE washers with agitators available on the market.
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Shop High Efficiency Washers at Spencers
At Spencers TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop laundry appliances online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you explore the latest high efficiency washer models. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
→ Learn More: A Guide to GE Profile Washers