World of Washers

If determining the capacity in top load washers that is right for you is confusing, then doing the same for frontload washers will make your head explode.

Okay, maybe it's not that bad, but there is definitely a different methodology to measuring the capacity of a drum on a frontload washer. Why is that? Because there is no agitator to foul things up.

For instance, capacity of washing machines is measured by two different agencies, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Most top load washers, with the exception of high-efficiency units such as the Oasis / Cabrio / Bravos and the GE Profile Harmony, tout capacities as measured by the Department of Energy. Most high-efficiency washer capacities are as stated by the IEC.

For example, a few years ago I was working for HH Gregg, and one of the most popular top load washers we sold was made by Whirlpool and featured a 3.2 cubic-foot capacity wash basket, as measured by the DOE. We also sold a whole lot of Whirlpool Duet frontload washers. These washers touted a capacity of 3.7 cubic-feet, as rated by the IEC. However, the wash basket itself was only 3.2 cubic-feet, the exact same as that $349 washer we sold like crazy. The difference was in the lack of the agitator taking up space. So even though it was only a 3.2 cubic-foot drum, the usable space was equivalent to that of a 3.7 cubic-foot drum with an agitator.

So you've got two different methods of measuring, and that is why the manufacturers make it clear when they are using an IEC measurement.

The largest IEC-capacity frontload washer on the market is made by Electrolux. These washers offer a 4.7 cubic-foot IEC capacity. The DOE capacity on these washers are 4.05 cubic-feet. The DOE also lists these washers as having the largest capacity of frontload washers currently available.

So, how big a drum do you need in your frontload washer? Obviously, the larger the drum, the more you can fit into a load at once, thereby reducing the total amount of loads you need to do. You can also wash larger, bulky items in a bigger drum, such as comforters, and eliminate the needs to make the trip to the laundromat.

That doesn't mean you absolutely have to have a 4.7 cubic-foot washer, or even a 4.2, which is offered Bosch and GE Profile. If you have have read some of my older posts, you'll see that I used to own a Maytag Neptune (built by Samsung) washer. This washer was rated at 3.8 cubic-feet, and I could do all of my bedding in one load. That was a comforter, two sheets, and four pillowcases. One load.

Following are the capacities of the most common frontload washers available, sorted alphabetically by manufacturer. Not all models are reflected; rather, I have simply listed a range from within the manufacturer's product lines. Also, this list is not all-inclusive as some niche brands and Euro-style washers are not included.

Amana: 3.5cf IEC, 2.9cf DOE
Asko: 3.8cf IEC, 3.29cf DOE
Bosch / Siemens: 4.2cf IEC, 3.31cf DOE
Electrolux: 4.7cf IEC, 4.05cf DOE
Frigidaire: 3.5cf to 3.1cf IEC, 3.0 to 2.65cf DOE
GE / GE Profile: 4.2cf to 3.5cf IEC, 3.61cf to 3.0cf DOE
LG: 4.5cf to 3.6cf IEC, 3.87cf to 3.2cf DOE
Miele: 4.0cf IEC, 3.07cf DOE
Samsung: 4.5cf to 3.8cf IEC, 3.86cf to 3.21cf DOE
Whirlpool / Maytag: 4.4cf to 3.4cf IEC, 3.79cf to 3.1cf DOE