Most people are used to top load washers (traditional washers), because they grew up with them and believe in their reliability.
Traditional top load washers last between 10-12 years, so the need to update was really only because the ole’ washer finally gave up. And it is this reliability that keeps people loyal to top load washers.
The GE Washers we offer are HE, or High Efficiency washers. But what exactly is High Efficiency? High Efficiency is a certification, similar to an Energy Star certification. To be touted as a high-efficiency (HE) laundry appliance, a washer must meet certain criteria and guidelines with regard to water, electricity and detergent use. In short, it must use less (than a traditional washer) water, energy, and detergent in order to be called an HE washer.
Since a high-efficiency washer uses less water, low-sudsing HE detergent must be used in these washers in order for cycles including the rinsing action to work as designed.
HE Detergents can be easily distinguished as they carry the HE certification logo on the bottle. The most common issue when using detergents that aren’t meant for high-efficiency washers are that clothes remain soapy, and must be rinse again, thus defeating the purpose of high-efficiency.
High-efficiency washers are also Energy Star compliant. Since an HE washer already meets stringent energy guidelines which are higher for high-efficiency, it has already met the (lower than HE) targets to carry the Energy Star compliance seal.
Source: https://www.geappliances.com/ge/washer/washer-buyers-guide.htm
Source: https://www.thespruce.com/high-efficiency-washer-versus-traditional-washer-1908401