There are plenty of worthwhile options and choices for people looking for new washing machines

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If the never ending quest for clean clothes has you in the market for a new washing machine, you've got some options -- which means you should have some questions.

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Consumers should consider a few things before making the big purchase, for example: How many times a week they do a wash, how much room they'll have in their home for such an appliance and how concerned they might be about energy and/or water consumption (whether it's for environmental reasons, financial reasons or both).

Regardless of what you answer to these questions, Joe Estey, a sales manager at the Leon's appliance store in Moncton, said the washing machines of today will do a great job at cleaning clothes, regardless of what type of machine purchased.

However, Estey has noted a developing trend in the market of washing machines with demand moving from top to front. More specifically, front load washers are emerging as the most popular type of washing machine over top load washers, the former stalwart.

"The majority of sales are now front load systems and the percentage is climbing," said Estey. "There are some considerable advantages of a front load washer and some all-in-one combos over top load, including increased capacity, water conservation, savings on energy costs and the use of a greener cleaning product," said Estey.

With the amount of water being used for loads in front load washers, Estey said less can mean more in the end.

"Top load washers use considerably more water. A typical top load washer can use as much as 33 gallons of water versus a front load using as little as 12 gallons for the same load," he said. "Your water savings are huge whether you're paying for it from the city or using it from a well."

Front load washers might offer another favorable advantage when it comes to keeping on top of mounting energy bills.

"These washers are quite a bit more energy efficient as well," said Estey. "Your energy savings can be as much as 60 per cent over top loads. The rapid spin rate of front load washers eliminates much of the water from the clothes and dry time is reduced."

By reducing the dry time of clothes, the savings can begin to add up on power bills because dryers are being used less.

Estey also added that clothes would theoretically last longer in a front load washer because the fabrics would be spinning in a small amount of water as opposed to a top load washer.

Depending on the model purchased, front load washers can also hold their own with exactly how much fabric can be washed in one load.

"Some models can wash a king size comforter or up to 16 pairs of jeans in one load," said Estey.

Other things for consumers to consider is whether the machine comes with an automatic laundry detergent dispensers, a steam setting and whether the operations are controlled by a turn style or touch pad control. Many of these decisions will simply come down to preference.

While Estey said front load washers are emerging as a consumer favourite, top load washers remain valid as they're generally the least costly option when bought off the showroom floor, although each brand and model varies in the final price tally. Estey said consumer should consider the total costs that would go along with their machine usage and how it could add up when water and energy consumption is factored in.