The pros and cons of high efficiency washers is something that you should consider before buying this type of washing machine.
Yes, there are a lot of considerations when it comes to choosing the right washing machine for your daily needs given that there are many models to choose from.
However, big chances are that you’re probably confused whether to choose a high efficiency washers or a more traditional regular washer.
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High efficiency washers, hence its name, have gained more popularity among households as people seek to save energy and cut on electricity bills.
On the other hand, the regular washers are way cheaper and easier to maintain. So, here are some of the pros and cons of high efficiency washers that we’ve summarized for your consideration!
Table of Contents
Pros and Cons of High Efficiency Washers

1. Pros
- Use less water and less detergent: HE washers are designed to use less water (only around 20 gallons per wash cycle) and don’t fill up entirely like traditional washers (which uses more than half than the HE washers). Other than that, HE washers also use less detergent that’ll cut the cost overtime
- Lower energy bills: HE washers are also well known to have lower energy consumption than standard washers. This is because HE washers use less water. With that being said, the less water usage means that the less water is heated with each load. Therefore, the overall operational costs of HE washers are less compared to regular washers.
- Bigger capacity: HE washers didn’t use an agitator like regular washers, that means that you can clean more clothes at once as the drum will have more space due to the absence of an agitator. And in addition to that, they can also accommodate larger items due to their bigger capacity.
- More gentle on clothes: Again, because of the absence of an agitator, the HE washers are more gentle on your clothes compared to regular washers. They use a tumbling motion to clean your clothes. And instead of getting cleaned with an agitator, your clothes will be clean due to the friction between clothes, thus also providing more optimal cleaning results.
2. Cons of High Efficiency Washers
But, the HE washers also have some disadvantages to consider before you buy one:
- Longer washing times: HE washers have stronger spin cycles, but the washing cycles took more time compared to regular washers. While a regular washing machine will clean your clothes in about 50-60 minutes, a high efficiency washer takes around 75 to 90 minutes.
- Expensive: Some of the well known cons of the high efficiency washers is their costly upfront cost. HE machines are significantly more expensive than regular washers. However, this cost is canceled out over time due to their energy saving capabilities. And in addition to that, HE machines will most likely be harder and more expensive to repair in case a problem occurs.
- Odors: Some people are complaining that their HE washers produce faulty odors. This is most likely due to the water that’s trapped in the washer that’ll cause mold and bad odor to happen. You can prevent this by leaving the door open between and after the washing cycles to ensure that the remaining water evaporates completely. And in addition to that, most HE washers are equipped with a cleaning cycle that you can run at least once a month to ensure that the drum is clean.
So there you have it! The pros and cons of high efficiency washers for your consideration!
In conclusion, when deciding whether to invest in a high efficiency (HE) washer, it’s important to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages.
On the positive side, HE washers offer significant benefits such as reduced water and detergent usage, lower energy bills, a larger capacity, and a more gentle washing action, all of which contribute to long-term cost savings and more efficient laundry care.
However, these benefits come at a higher initial cost, and the longer wash cycles, as well as potential issues with odors or mold, may be drawbacks for some users.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on your household’s priorities—whether you value energy efficiency, larger load capacity, and lower operational costs enough to offset the higher upfront price and maintenance considerations.












