Front-loading washers then fill to just below the door opening. The items tumble in and out of the water to be cleaned. The items are spun to remove the detergent and water, rinsed and spun dry. Front-loaders allow a dryer to be stacked above the washer. Ask the sales person to explain the cycles or read the machine's use and care book for explanations.
People primarily use regular, permanent press and delicate cycles.
Select a washer with only the cycles you will use. Most washers will provide for a hot, warm or cold water wash and a cold rinse. A hot water wash cleans whites and heavily soiled items better. It also uses more energy. If it does have a hot water wash, it may only have a cool water rinse.