Front-loading Washers Rule the Energy-Efficiency Race, But Affordable Top-loaders are Regaining Lost GroundClothes Call

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Kenmore's Laundry Plus+ includes vertical storage units, laundry work surfaces, and an ironing station that allows for hanging wet clothes and minimizing laundry-room clutter.

Most manufacturers of front-loading washers also make matching pedestals that raise the height of the washer and dryer from 12 to 15 inches so users don't have to bend over to load the machines.

Kenmore. The Laundry Plus+ ironing station includes a cordless iron and charging dock with a swing-out ironing board for convenient, touch-up ironing of items as they come out of the dryer. The unit features easy-glide drawers and is part of a group of accessories, including work surfaces and vertical storage units. 800-469-4663. www.kenmore.com.

Bosch. The Nexxt line of front-loading washers and dryers features an energy-saving setting that doesn't affect the cleaning and drying results. The EcoAction program decreases the temperature and amount of energy used during the wash cycle by up to 20 percent, while the dryer's EcoSensor feature uses less energy than conventional dryers by adjusting the temperature based on the moisture level of the contents, the company says. The 800 series features settings designed to remove tough stains and remove up to 99.99 percent of bacteria. 800-921-9622. www.boschappliances.com.

Kenmore. The Elite Oasis washer and SteamCare dryer combine powerful cleaning in a top-load washer with steam function in the dryer. The front-loading dryer has a TimedOxi option for oxygen-based stain fighting and eliminates up to 99.9 percent of certain bacteria, according to the manufacturer. The dryer uses a 35 percent larger blower to increase airflow, drying a load of laundry more quickly than it takes to wash one, the maker says. 800-469-4663. www.kenmore.com.

Miele. The W 3000 series front- and top-loading washing machines automate the temperature, spin, and mechanical action by clothing type, says the firm. Homeowners can customize wash options using six spin and six heat settings. The washer uses MasterCare technology, a program with more than 18 settings for cleaning items like beach towels, table linens, and outerwear, as well as silks, wools, and delicates. The dryer's Touchtronic microprocessor monitors moisture levels and drying temperatures and makes adjustments as needed to prevent over-drying and overheating, the manufacturer says. 800-843-7231. www.miele.com.

GE. Profile front-loading washers and dryers use SmartDispense, a system that stores and automatically dispenses detergent and fabric softener based on each load's size, soil level, water hardness, and fabric or cycle type, according to the company. The washer features a stain-removal system that treats more than 40 combinations of stains and fabric types, including wine, grass, blood, and chocolate, the manufacturer says. 800-626-2005. www.geappliances.com.

LG. The front-loading SteamWasher is the first washing machine proven to reduce allergens, according to the manufacturer. The Allergiene cycle uses real steam to help wash clothes at the appropriate temperature necessary to break down and wash out more than 95 percent of allergens without harming fabrics, the company says. The SteamDryer features settings that freshen clothing, eliminate odors, and reduce wrinkles and static. The SteamLaundry pair is available in stainless steel, blue, red, and white. 800-243-0000. www.lgusa.com.

KitchenAid. The Pro Line series features a stainless steel washer and dryer pair with a sound insulation system and optional pedestal drawers. The front-loading washer has 11 settings ranging from heavy duty to hand wash with adjustable cycle times, water temperature, and spin speed controls, the company says. The dryer features six temperature settings and five pre-set programs, including an extra-care option to minimize wrinkles. 800-422-1230. www.kitchenaid.com.

Whirlpool. Laundry is going green, literally, with this brand's Aspen Green Duet Steam front-loading washer and dryer. The washer uses up to 73 percent less water and 77 percent less energy compared to traditional top-loading washers, according to the manufacturer. The dryer features a Sanitize cycle that removes up to 99.9 percent of bacteria from items such as stuffed animals, towels, bedding, and sleeping bags, the company says. 800-253-3977. www.whirlpool.com.

Fisher & Paykel. The AquaSmart top-loading washer can clean clothes in high efficiency or traditional wash mode. This washer also has an automatic water-level sensor that detects the size of the load and adjusts water use accordingly. The AeroSmart top-loading dryer has 18 settings, including an allergy cycle and a blanket-drying cycle. A self-cleaning lint filter continuously removes buildup and deposits it into a lint bucket that doesn't have to be emptied for up to 15 cycles, the manufacturer says. 888-936-7872. www.fisherpaykel.com.