Front Load Washing Machines in Olympia, WA

A front load washing machine cleans with a horizontal drum that tumbles laundry through a shallow pool of water, so it uses less water and energy than a top loader while still powering through large or bulky loads. McKinney's Appliance stocks front load washers at our two Olympia showrooms as part of our full laundry selection, with sizes for busy family mudrooms, tight apartment closets, and everything in between across Lacey, Tumwater, and the South Sound.

Front loaders are known for strong, gentle cleaning and high spin speeds that pull out more water so loads dry faster. Many also stack with a matching dryer to save floor space, and our sales consultants can walk you through capacity, cycle options, and hookups in person before you decide.

Is a Front Load Washer Right for Your Laundry Room?

The choice between a front loader and a top loader usually comes down to efficiency, capacity, and how you like to load laundry. Front load washing machines tend to use less water, spin faster, and fit under a counter or beneath a stacked dryer, while top load models offer a taller opening and a lower upfront price. If you are weighing the two, our guide on front load vs top load washers breaks down the tradeoffs in plain terms.

For most Olympia homes, a front loader makes sense when you run frequent or oversized loads, want lower utility bills over time, or need a stackable pair for a compact space. A top loader can still be the better call if you would rather not bend to load or you want the lowest sticker price.

Shop Front Load Washing Machines by Brand

McKinney's carries front load washers from the laundry brands homeowners ask for by name.

• LG: A popular choice for large-capacity cleaning, an LG front load washing machine pairs high spin speeds with steam cycles and quiet operation for everyday family laundry.
• Electrolux: Known for gentle fabric care and even, thorough washing, with features that help release wrinkles and keep finished loads fresh.
• Whirlpool: A dependable, well-rounded option, a front loading washing machine from Whirlpool balances roomy capacity with straightforward controls for busy households.
• Maytag: Built around durability and long-lasting performance, with heavy-duty cycles made for families that do a lot of washing.
• Speed Queen: Commercial-grade construction meant for years of steady use, a favorite among shoppers who put longevity first.
• GE Appliances and GE Profile: Reliable front loaders with modern cycles and smart features, from practical everyday models to upscale GE Profile designs.

What to Look for in a Front Load Washer

A washer is a long-term purchase, so a few practical details are worth sorting out before you settle on a model. These three tend to matter most for front loaders.

• Capacity: Drum size is measured in cubic feet, and a bigger drum washes more in one go, which helps large families and anyone laundering comforters or bulky bedding. A 4.5 cu ft drum suits most households, while 5.0 cu ft and up handle heavy laundry days.
• Stacking and Space: Some front loaders can pair with a matching dryer using a stacking kit, freeing up floor space in a closet or apartment. Measure your opening, including clearance for the door to swing open, before you buy.
• Wash Features: Steam cycles loosen tough stains, a sanitize setting handles bedding and towels, and a quick wash speeds through small loads. Higher spin speeds remove more water, so clothes spend less time in the dryer.
• Efficiency: Front load models are often Energy Star rated or high efficiency, which adds up on utility bills over the life of the machine. Many also include a cycle that helps keep the drum fresh between washes.

Visit McKinney's Appliance in Olympia for a New Front Load Washer

The right front loader comes down to your space, your laundry habits, and the brands you trust, and it is easiest to judge side by side. McKinney's has sold and delivered appliances across Thurston County since 1972, so stop by one of our two Olympia appliance showrooms to compare capacities and finishes with an appliance expert. Take one home with fast local delivery or in-store pickup, complete the set with a matching dryer, and contact us with any questions on sizing or a stackable pair.

 

Frequently Asked Questions: Front Load Washers

Which is better: front or top load washing machines?

Neither wins for everyone. Front loaders lead on water and energy efficiency, cleaning performance, and the ability to stack a dryer on top, while top loaders lead on upfront price and loading height. A front load washing machine is usually the better pick for frequent or large loads and long-term utility savings, and a top loader can be smarter if you want the lowest cost or prefer not to reach into a front door.

Do front load washers develop mold or a musty smell?

They can if moisture and detergent residue build up around the door gasket, but a little routine care keeps that from happening. Leave the door ajar between washes, wipe the gasket dry, use the right amount of high-efficiency detergent, and run a monthly cleaning cycle. Our guide on how to clean a washing machine walks through the full routine.

Can I stack a front load washer with a dryer?

Yes. Many front load washing machines are built to stack with a matching front load dryer using the manufacturer's stacking kit, a popular setup for closets, apartments, and small laundry rooms. Confirm the washer and dryer share the same width, usually 27 inches, and leave clearance for the doors to open. Our sales consultants can help you put together a stackable pair that fits your space.

Do I need a pedestal for a front load washing machine?

Laundry pedestals are optional, but they raise the washer by 10 to 15 inches, making it much easier to load and unload without bending over. Many pedestals also double as built-in storage drawers for detergent and laundry supplies. Just keep in mind that pedestals cannot be used if you plan to stack your washer and dryer.

Why do front load washers take longer to complete a cycle

Front load washers use significantly less water and rely on gentle tumbling action rather than aggressive agitation to clean clothes. Because they use a fraction of the water, they run longer cycles to let the detergent break down dirt effectively. However, their ultra-high spin speeds pull out much more water, so clothes spend considerably less time in the dryer.