Today, there are many Energy Star rated washing machines.
The Energy Star rating means the washing machine inherently uses less electricity.
That would make it a cost efficient laundry washer.
You are presented with two Energy Star rated washing machine though and that is the front load washer and top load washer.
Gone are the days when top loaders are wasteful in water and energy.
Today, there are top load washers called "high efficiency".
My best bet for the best cost efficient laundry washer is still a front load washing machine.
Construction-wise, its horizontal tub system needs less energy and water consumption so you can really save up to 60% of water and electricity compared to top loaders.
Also, most companies today have been besting each other when it comes to the features that will make it more energy and water efficient.
For one thing, most front loaders have been equipped with sensors.
These sensors will detect if there is still moisture and suds in your clothes.
In this way, it can detect on its own how much heat or how much drying time your clothes need.
They also require less detergent.
You only need a high efficiency detergent and a few parts of that will go a long way in each washing cycle.
Top loaders, the high efficiency ones that is, are also good.
They still require more water than front loaders because of its vertical tub but compared to traditional top loaders, they are a far cry.
They consume less water because the agitator no longer produces the spinning cycle.
The wash plate does all the work and this is better in infusing more moisture in your clothes.
They also use less energy as the spinning cycle is already a workhorse.
Detergent consumption is also significantly lessened.
This type of top loader requires the use of only HE detergents.
They give front loaders a run for their money.
In fact, some of the high efficiency top loaders have tub capacity that surpasses the capacity of top loaders.
These washers cost more than a typical washing machine though so you will have to shell out an arm and a leg to get one.
But the merits of using it do undermine the cost.
Rather than buy a less efficient washer and pay more on your bills, choose a high efficiency one, invest in it and benefit from it months and years after.