We've Tested and Vetted Washing Machines for Five Years—These 6 Stand Out (original) (raw)

If you're looking to buy a washing machine, you'll be met with tons of options. It's no longer as simple as considering a front-loading machine versus a top-loading machine. Nowadays, there are washers with specialized settings for every item in your closet (activewear and hand-wash only items), and all kinds of features that'll make your machine more long-lasting, reliable, and efficient to use.

For five years, we have researched dozens of washing machines—from traditional to high-efficiency models that use less energy and water with every load. We have also been testing models at home and in The Lab, to see how some of the latest and greatest designs stand up to everyday stains and baskets of dirty clothes.

With so many options, we think it's key to consider your average load, the types of garments that you regular wash, and your typical laundry routine in order to find the right machine. A larger family may need a washing machine with a generously sized, stainless steel drum—top-loaders offer the most room, in that case. An apartment or condo dweller might need a stackable washer and dryer to save floor space. There are also washer-dryer combos and laundry centers, but we consider the former a last resort since they're often not reliable and have many quirks.

Our top picks check off a lot of boxes that we outline in our What to Look for in a Washing Machine section below, and have a few standout features that may not be totally necessary but are nice to have.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

While front-load washers get a lot of hype for their gentle clothes care and easy-to-access drums, we fell in love with this top-load washing machine from Whirlpool after testing it at home. The capacity of the Whirlpool WTW8127LW cut the number of times we needed to do laundry in a week in half, freeing up a bunch of time for other tasks (like folding all that laundry).

Our favorite thing about this washer is that it features a removable central agitator; you don’t need to choose between a central agitator or an impeller plate, which can be a key consideration when shopping for a washing machine. We loved having the option to pop out the agitator to fit more laundry inside (like big comforters and multiple pairs of sheets), and then put it back when we needed some additional cleaning power. With or without the agitator, this machine has the largest capacity of any model we recommend.

Impeller Plate vs. Central Agitator

A central agitator cleans exceptionally but takes up space in your washer's drum. It looks like a pole with fins that's situated in the center of the drum. An impeller plate offers more space for large or bulky loads, since it's located at the base of the drum. It can also be more gentle on fabrics. Notably, neither are present in a front-load washing machine since the drum rotates and shifts to wash your clothes instead.

We also got a lot of use out of the built-in faucet for targeted rinsing. It’s perfect for rinsing heavily stained clothes prior to adding the rest of the load, especially if you don’t have a utility sink. When it's time to start a load, this washer has a load-and-go internal storage and dispensing system for both detergent and fabric softener.

We only used it occasionally at first, since we had a lot of laundry pods to use up. We eventually transitioned to using the internal dispenser after a few months of using the washer, and came to love its convenience and precision. While pods are easy to use, the load-and-go system automatically dispenses the right amount of detergent for your load size, so you're never using too little or too much detergent.

The Spruce Home / Dena Ogden

The huge variety of settings also took a while for us to get used to, and that learning curve is one of the only negative things we have to say about this washer. We had trouble figuring out the pre-soak cycle (you have to close the lid to let the basin fill), and stuck to the normal wash settings at first, but started to regularly use the quick-wash, bulk, and pre-soak settings after we got more comfortable with the machine.

All this said, this washing machine is in high demand, so we see it backordered a lot. We think it’s worth the wait though, and it warrants an immediate purchase if you find it in stock and ready to ship. It even has some useful smart features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with both Alexa and Google Home, if you want to manage your cycles and troubleshoot any issues from your smartphone.

Capacity: 5.3 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Agitator or impeller | Cycles: 36 | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Front-load washing machines are popular for their cleaning ability and user-friendly design features. We were impressed with the LG WM4000HWA's cycle options (there are 12 total; including a 15-minute speed wash and allergen setting) and efficiency when testing it at home. Notably, the washer can accommodate laundry loads up to 20 pounds (which is about a dozen large bath towels) and has a stainless steel drum that's also gentler on your clothes and more durable over time.

Despite having a decent amount of space for your clothes, it maintains a trim profile though, that works well in smaller laundry areas. It is also stackable when paired with its matching dryer, so you can install it in a vertical configuration with the help of a separate stacking kit.

The center dial makes it easy to select a pre-configured cycle, plus the digital control panel allows you to edit aspects like water temperature, spin speed, and more before starting your load. The digital buttons aren’t lit, which made it challenging for us to use the buttons in low-light conditions, though.

The Spruce / Ashley Craiger

With the LG ThinQ app, you can check cycle status, receive notifications, and even start the washer remotely. A big caveat to remotely starting a cycle is the fact that the washing machine must be turned on for this feature to work, so the app isn't always as convenient as it seems.

Regardless, it can be handy to monitor your machine via the app, especially if you have a laundry area in the basement or if you frequently forget to retrieve freshly washed clothes from the washer. Ultimately, this pick tops our list because it's feature-packed, intuitive, and reliable. LG is one of the best brands for washers, and this particular front-loading model offers efficiency and quality at a very reasonable price.

Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 12 | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes

What We Like

What We Don't Like

When we installed this stackable washer-and-dryer set from Equator at home, we were immediately impressed with the user-friendly controls that let us select the precise cycle we needed without any confusion or time-consuming learning curve. We were also struck by how compact this set is. It's just 2 feet wide and less than 2 feet deep. However, the compact design does limit its overall capacity, so we think this washer (and set) is best for smaller households that don’t go through a ton of laundry.

We love the controls of this washing machine (and its matching dryer), which are placed front-and-center like a laundry tower. The color-coded LED display was easy to read and understand, and Equator also provides a QR code to access a digital version of the manual if you ever have any questions.

We used this washer with laundry pods, and found that it removed stains and odors from our laundry with a single cycle and pod. It also has a compartment for detergent and fabric softener, which we used specifically for delicate items like silk sheets, which came out great. (Just keep in mind: the limited capacity means that one king-sized sheet is about all it can handle at once.)

While we were initially concerned that this washing machine would be too small, our load sizes were ultimately manageable. We did complete more loads per week, but each load came out cleaner than it would with our old washer, and we preferred running and folding several small loads compared to one (very daunting) mountain of laundry.

The small size of this washing machine is also a big benefit if you have a limited amount of space, which is the main reason why you may opt for a stackable set in the first place. We think this is a great option for apartment dwellers and anyone who doesn’t have a huge laundry room. It’s perfect for a laundry closet, or you could even install it in your kitchen. It’s so compact and quiet that it doesn’t really need a dedicated room.

Capacity: 1.6 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 12 | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No

What We Like

What We Don't Like

While there are now several washing machines on the market that have built-in faucets for pre-treating stains (including our best overall), or other features to wash even your most-stained items, we were blown away by the Electrolux ELFW7637AT in testing.

For over a year, we put this machine through its paces in our home by washing soiled cloth diapers and spit-up-covered swaddles. It successfully removed stains and odors from them, and we didn't notice any major odor accumulating in the washing machine afterwards, which is often typical in front-load models.

This washing machine offered great energy savings as well, and was efficient with its water usage, which was very helpful for our never-ending pile of newborn laundry. The 15-minute fast-wash and heavy-duty settings were some of the most effective cycles we used, but other cycles specifically designed for white clothing items and steam-compatible items make it a well-rounded option.

The Spruce / Laura Miller

Plus, SmartBoost technology helps pre-mix whatever your preferred detergent type is (powder, pods, or liquid) with the water, before rinsing your fabric for a powerful stain-removing process. We also loved that this whole machine was straightforward to operate. It also has memory settings; you don’t have to always reset your wash temperatures and preferred cycle.

Despite all the appeal of this machine, there are a few minor drawbacks. For starters, we tested the titanium finish, which easily scratches. If you typically like to store your laundry basket or drying rack on top of your machine, you may want to rethink your storage if you purchase one of the darker finishes of this washer.

Additionally, we had a hard time reversing the door. The screws seemed to be too short. We had to make a trip to a hardware store for longer screws. If you opt for professional installation, we recommend asking them to switch the door to save yourself the trouble and frustration.

Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 11 | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: Yes

What We Like

What We Don't Like

When we replaced an aging washing machine with this top-loading Maytag model, we immediately upgraded. It has a huge variety of useful features, including presets for specific items like jeans and towels. It also includes a powerful "pet pro" option and a pet hair collector, which is why we think it’s a great option for pet owners.

The "pet pro" option really sets this washer apart from its competition. When you activate it, it deploys extra water and a deep rinse to provide extra cleaning power to dog beds, sweaters covered in cat hair, and more. Along with a filter that lifts and captures pet hair, it's hard to beat. We noticed that in addition to pet hair, the filter also captures lint as an added bonus.

Even without this pet-centered option active, we were impressed with how well this washing machine handles stain removal. We used a stain remover spray on stains, along with a liquid detergent, and our clothes came out perfectly clean and stain-free. The see-through lid lets you see exactly what’s going on during a cycle. We were even able to pause and pop the lid open to add extra items mid-cycle, which comes in handy if you have a habit of forgetting items or dropping them on the way to the washing machine.

This washer has a large capacity (enough to fit about 19 towels at once), but you might want to check out the Whirlpool WTW8127LW (our best overall recommendation) if you need the extra space afforded by a removable agitator. The agitator isn’t removable in this washer, but it didn’t give us any problems either. We were used to our delicates getting twisted around the agitator in our older washer; the agitator in the Maytag pick seems a lot gentler, since nothing ever got tangled and we didn’t notice any fraying of our clothes.

Our only complaint with this washing machine is that there’s no audible alert when it’s done with a cycle. And it doesn’t provide a timer, so you just have to get used to how long different cycles take. The basin also felt pretty deep, which we could see being an issue for some shorter individuals.

If that’s a concern, our best stackable pick is a compact, front-loading. stackable set that makes easy work of reaching your clothes.

Capacity: 4.7 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Agitator | Cycles: 10 | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No

What We Like

What We Don't Like

We haven’t had a chance to test the Speed Queen TR7 yet, but its reliability, performance, and flexible "perfect wash" system has absolutely caught our eye. This machine is also built with the same commercial-grade and top-notch construction of all Speed Queen washers, so you know it’s made to last. It has a lot of useful modern features that you may not expect to see from this brand, too, which is why we have our eye on it.

This top-load washer has a smaller capacity than most of the competition, which is one of the only concerns we have with this model. Part of that is due to the use of an agitator instead of an impeller, but it also features an advanced out-of-balance management system that we think makes up for the lower capacity.

Speed Queen’s "perfect wash" system lets you customize wash cycles for different types of fabric. You can pick individual settings for specific fabrics, soil levels, and water temperatures. The result is effective cleaning and stain removal, with appropriate wash actions to avoid damaging more delicate items.

While this washer has a lot of advanced options you may not expect to see from Speed Queen (which is known more for reliability than cutting-edge features), it doesn’t have any smart connectivity. Smart features aren't absolutely necessary in a washing machine though; the option to check in on cycle progress from your phone is just nice. If you need a larger-capacity model that's smart home compatible, the Whirlpool WTW8127LW (our best overall recommendation) may be better for you.

Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Agitator | Cycles: 16 | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No

Final Verdict

With a huge capacity, removable agitator, and wealth of useful features that includes a built-in faucet for targeted rinsing, the Whirlpool WTW8127HW 5.3-cubic-foot High-Efficiency Top Load Washer is our recommendation for the best overall washing machine. If you have limited space, the Equator Advanced Applianced Stacked Laundry Center (our best stackable pick) packs a lot of cleaning power into a remarkably small footprint.

The Spruce / Deanna McCormack

Due to the space and time required to test appliances, we get creative and selective when testing washing machines. Some of these models were tested in our own homes for over a year, and we've been using others regularly in The Lab.

No matter the type or brand of washing machine we test—or where we test it—we consider cleaning effectiveness by monitoring how well the machine lifts stains, and whether or not we had to run an additional cycle. Your laundry detergent and stain removers play a big part in cleaning power, but we want to know if our clothes feel, smell, and look fresh after just one cycle, and how specialty cycles play a part in our fabrics' overall care.

We also look at the design of the washing machine. We note smart features and standouts like a bulk dispenser that really does work and help you save time, energy, and resources. Noise level is another major factor in our ratings, as we want to be sure the models we recommend are suitable for large or small living spaces, where a washing machine may be running in a more common area.

While efficiency is a tricky category to measure, we do review our electricity bills (for those models tested in our own homes) to see if they drop in cost, noting other factors that may be contributing, too. We also look at the efficiency ratings associated with each model.

Lastly, we consider the overall value of each washing machine by revisiting our ratings for each of those attributes and considering how long we think the machine will last, whether we would change anything about its performance, and whether we'd purchase it ourselves. These insights, along with those from our rigorous research process, define our list for the best washing machines.

What to Look for in a Washing Machine

The Type of Washing Machine

The best type of washing machine for your household is determined by the layout of your laundry room or space, your lifestyle, and your preferences.

If your home doesn't have a dedicated laundry room, consider a stackable set that will save floor space or even potentially fit in a closet. While many of the machines in our roundup are stackable, our best stackable pick is one of the most compact options available.

From there, you'll want to pick between a front-loading or top-loading design.

In addition to these two designs, there are portable washing machines and washer-dryer combos on the market that you can choose from. You won't find these two types of washing machines in our list at the moment, as they're quite different from a standard washer. Both can be great if you're limited on space, though they have a lot of quirks and limitations.

When you do pick a machine, you'll want to consider if your machine is a high-efficiency model or not. A high-efficiency (HE) washer is typically thoughtful with its water and energy usage, helping you to save money on your energy bills. However, it does require a compatible HE laundry detergent.

The Drum Size

The interior of your washer is measured in cubic feet and can range from as little as 1.6 cubic feet to nearly 6.0 cubic feet. The more space you have, the more laundry you can tackle at once—and the more flexibility you have to wash items like pool towels, comforters, or blankets.

Those who live in a small space or that only have to do laundry once per week can typically pick a washer with between 1.6 and 4.0 cubic feet of space, like our best stackable pick. Large households should opt for a high-capacity washer with between 4.5 and 6.0 cubic feet of interior space, like our best overall recommendation. Notably, our best overall pick cut the amount of loads we did per week in half.

Plenty of Helpful Cycle Options

Although most washers will have primary cycles like whites, delicates, and permanent press, it's essential to consider what other settings your household could benefit from. Other cycle options include towels, heavy-duty, speed-wash, activewear, allergen, and sanitize. Some front-loading washers have a self-clean option, which makes maintaining the drum much easier.

How much you want to spend on a new washing machine ultimately determines how many cycle options you have. Higher-end machines typically have more settings, and let you customize and save your own.

The Spruce / Deanna McCormack

Standout Features

A Bulk Dispenser

A bulk dispenser is commonly found in high-capacity washers and allows you to fill a dispenser once with detergent and fabric softener. It will automatically dispense what you add for 20 to 40 loads; it'll also sometimes sense the size of your load to ensure its dispensing the proper amount. If you fill up and run your washer at least four or five times per week, this can save you time and energy.

Our best for stain removal pick has a bulk dispenser. Its SmartBoost technology allows the detergent to be mixed with water before rinsing your clothes, too, for a more effective stain removal process. In addition, our best overall pick has a bulk dispenser.

An Allergen Cycle

Dust, pollen, and dander can easily latch onto clothes, no matter the fabric type. Although water inactivates pollen, an allergen cycle is made to specifically target these messes and gently release them from every fabric type using steam.

This newer setting is typically found in high-end models and is ideal if you live in an area with a high pollen count or have someone in your home who suffers from allergies or asthma. Our best value pick has an allergen cycle that's also certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to remove up to 95 percent of common allergens.

The Spruce / Deanna McCormack

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Washing Machine on Sale?

While there are many washing machine models available on the market at a variety of price points, you can generally expect to spend around 1,000foranewmodel.Top−loadwasherstypicallycostbetween1,000 for a new model. Top-load washers typically cost between 1,000foranewmodel.Top−loadwasherstypicallycostbetween500 and 1,300,dependingonsizeandtype(standardorhigh−efficiency).Front−loadersstartataround1,300, depending on size and type (standard or high-efficiency). Front-loaders start at around 1,300,dependingonsizeandtype(standardorhigh−efficiency).Front−loadersstartataround800 and go up to $3,000, depending on size and features.

For the best price, we recommend waiting until major sale weekends to a buy a new washer, if at all possible. Of course, your current washer can leave you in a pickle if it quits unexpectedly.

For sale weekends, it's best to wait until Labor Day, Memorial Day, or Black Friday weekend. That being said, some months often see lower washing machine prices, since new models are about to roll out or were just rolled out. You can save on the "older" model in January, February, September, and October.

Finally, washing machines, like many large appliances, can often be bundled with other appliances for a larger purchase and deal. If you need a new dryer, look into bundling options. The best places to buy a washer and dryer, or even local appliance shops, will often offer bundling—plus a payment plan option.

One More Thing

If you care for your washing machine properly, it should last for at least 10 years. You can maintain it by using the right detergent—since some washers aren't compatible with detergent pods or require an HE detergent—and cleaning the drum periodically. In addition, don't overload your washer with clothes and towels, and make sure your machine is balanced at all times.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Jeremy Laukkonen is an updates writer for The Spruce with over 10 years of experience writing about appliances like stackable washers and dryers, and other big ticket home items like induction ranges. He currently uses a Samsung washer that he loves for the variety of cycles and loud alerts, but can’t recommend it because it’s no longer available.

For this story, Laukkonen researched the latest models from top manufacturers like LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, Electrolux, and Speed Queen to learn all about the current features and options, and then relied on our testing data to select the best options for different types of laundry needs.

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