Easier on Clothing--Wear and tear on clothing can cost a significant amount of money. When clothes last longer, consumers save money. The savings is even larger when expensive work clothes last through several seasons. Front-loading washing machines cause clothes to last longer by being gentler and reducing drying time.

In a traditional washing machine, the agitator beats clothes through the water. This results in stressed and twisted fabrics that quickly become worn. Horizontal-axis washers clean clothes by tumbling them in and out of the water, a much gentler action.

Time in the dryer also causes wear on clothing. Because clothes washed in a front-loading washing machine spend less time in the dryer, they become less worn.

Options--Front-loading washing machines are appliance manufacturers' luxury models. Consumers looking for the newest and best features will be able to find what they are looking for on front-loading washing machines. Some of the features and options to look for include:

• Sanitary cycles--Many high-end washing machines come with an option to wash clothes at temperatures high enough to kill bacteria and mildew.
• Stainless steel wash tubs--Porcelain-coated wash tubs can chip and rust, and are not able to spin as fast as stainless steel.
• Quiet operation--Modern floor plans often place laundry areas closer to the living areas of a house, making quiet washing machines desirable. Front-loading washers are quieter than top loading machines.
• Stackability--Many front-loading washing machines are stackable without giving up much washing capacity, a nice feature for people who live in compact homes.
• Larger capacity--Because front-loading washing machines do not contain a bulky agitator, models with super-large capacities are easy to find.