Samsung WF448AAW

April 2009. The Samsung WF448AAW is among the most highly rated front-loading washers in professional tests, and owners appear to be equally impressed with this washing machine's performance. It has a very large 4.5-cubic-foot capacity and includes an assortment of features including steam washing, vibration-reduction technology and sound dampening. It also includes Samsung's SilverCare technology, which the manufacturer claims kills 99.9 percent of odor-causing bacteria by dispersing silver ions into the rinse water. Experts say the SilverCare technology does reduce odor, and we saw no complaints about mold and mildew growth in this Samsung washing machine. However, some environmental groups have expressed concern that silver ions in wastewater kill benign bacteria and disrupt the ecosystem of ponds and lakes. Samsung is currently conducting tests in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency to determine whether the technology poses any risks. If you want a front-loader but don't want to spend so much, consider the Amana NFW7200TW (*est. $650), a smaller, less expensive washer.

The Samsung WF448AAW is included in professional tests by Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping magazine. We also read owner comments on this model at BestBuy.com and Sears.com.