Washing machine vs. front-load washer: running cost
A front-load washer is cheaper to run: about $28 a year versus $58 for a washing machine at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $29 difference.
| Washing machine | Front-load washer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 500 W | 300 W |
| Watt range | 300–1,000 W | 150–1,200 W |
| Typical use | 6 loads a week | 6 loads a week |
| Energy per year | 322 kWh | 158 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 18¢ | 8.1¢ |
| Cost per day | 16¢ | 7.8¢ |
| Cost per month | $4.82 | $2.37 |
| Cost per year | $58 | $28 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $140 | $69 |
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What drives the difference
- Washing machine: A top-load washer's motor uses only about 0.1-0.3 kWh per load; the rest of the roughly 1 kWh per load is the electric water heater warming the wash water. Cold-water loads cost a fraction as much.
- Front-load washer: Front loaders tumble clothes through a small amount of water, using about 0.3-0.6 kWh per load including water heating. Sanitize cycles with internal heaters can use 2-3 kWh.
Ways to cut either cost
Pairs with a front loader to cut drying energy by about half.
See options on AmazonUses about 25% less energy and 33% less water and spins more water out before drying.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a washing machine or a front-load washer?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a washing machine costs about $58 a year versus $28 for a front-load washer. That's $29 more, or 2.0× as much.
How many watts do washing machine and front-load washer use?
A washing machine typically draws 500 W (range 300–1,000 W). A front-load washer draws 300 W (range 150–1,200 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.