Whether you’re moving into a new home or your washer is starting to show its last signs of life, a top-performing washing machine is an investment that you won’t regret. Not only have the latest generations of washing machines become more efficient, effective and easy to use, but some are even smarter so they take the guesswork out of how much detergent to use or which wash cycle is best for your load.
1
Best Overall Front Loader
GE Profile UltraFresh Vent System Plus
Pros
- Option to dry machine and door to prevent musty smell
- Automatically adds the correct amount of detergent
- Can wash and dry a small load
- Door gasket, drawer, hose and other parts are treated to prevent mold growth
Cons
- Full vented cycle is very long
Because of the unique design of this machine, the musty smell of a front-loading washer may just be a thing of the past. It has a venting option that automatically dries the door seal and the inside of the machine when your laundry is done to prevent water from puddling inside.
Here’s how it works: The machine pulls in outside air to dry the interior while the drum spins intermittently. The door gasket, dispenser drawer and other internal components are also treated with Microban, an additive to help keep mold at bay. When we tested it, we were impressed that the drum and door seal were bone dry after a full vent cycle. On the downside, the full cycle takes eight hours, so it’s best to run this feature after your last load of the day or overnight.
Besides this unique technology, the washer is packed with other enviable features, including SmartDispense bulk detergent dispensing. All you do is select the cycle and the washer automatically adds the correct amount of detergent. (We found liquid detergent is a cinch to fill without spilling and it can hold up to 50 ounces of liquid at a time.) In addition, the machine has steam cycles, Wi-Fi connectivity and a one-step wash and dry option that washes and air dries a small load overnight.
In our tests of a previous, slightly smaller model, we found the wash cycles to be speedy and very effective, cleaning our cotton and polyester stain swatches in both warm and cold water. Even the quick-wash cycle removed a set-in stain in just 20 minutes.
| Model # | PFW870 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5 cubic feet |
| Dimensions | 28 x 39.75 x 34 inches |
| Warranty | One year |
2
Best Overall Top Loader
Maytag Smart Capable 5.2-cu ft Agitator Top-Load Washer
- Energy-saving
- PowerWash cycle to clean extra dirty loads
Cons
- Some reviewers say they have a hard time reaching the bottom
While we haven’t yet formally tested this particular washer, we did test a similar Maytag model in our Lab and can recommend this top-loading washing machine as a reliable and efficient option.
Even though it has a center agitator, you’ll never notice a compromise in capacity. It holds over 5 cubic feet of laundry — plenty for the average family. In fact, it’s so deep that some reviewers say it can be difficult to pluck out those last few items.
From an operational standpoint, though, we liked the clear control panel. It was easy to decipher and extremely responsive to touch. Not to mention, you can control your laundry from anywhere using the machine’s optional smart functionality.
The model is energy-saving and efficient, but you can add more water if you’d like to with the deep fill option — a feature that’s very helpful for extremely soiled clothes, like kids’ muddy sports gear. For extra dirty loads like these, there’s also a PowerWash cycle. Conversely, if you need an outfit quickly — say, a school uniform your kid forgot to launder — the RapidWash trims wash time to under 30 minutes.
| Model # | MVW7230HC |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5.2 cubic feet |
| Dimensions | 42.875 x 27.25 x 27.875 inches |
| Warranty | One year on parts and labor; 10-year limited on motor and wash basket |
3
Best Value
GE Appliances High Efficiency Top Load Washer
Pros
- Sanitize cycle
- Option to add more water for loads that need a deeper cleaning
- Dedicated section for detergent packs
Cons
- No steam cycle
In our GH Cleaning Lab tests, GE washers are always solid performers, and this machine has luxury features at a great price.
We like that it offers a sanitizing cycle that kills bacteria and that it can incorporate an oxi additive to help boost your detergent’s cleaning power. It also has all the key cycles we look for, including ones for washing workout wear and bulky items like comforters, down coats and sleeping bags. Unfortunately, there’s no steam cycle, but that’s expected at this price point.
We love that the dispenser has a dedicated section for detergent packs to help them dissolve better, and the handy stain guide option adjusts the cycle’s time and water temperature to better remove tough stains like tomato, wine, blood, grass and dirt. With the deep fill and deep rinse settings, you can also add more water to loads that need them for more thorough washing and rinsing.
| Model # | PTW600BSRWS |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4.8 cubic feet |
| Dimensions | 27 x 46 x 27 inches |
| Warranty | One year; 10-year limited on motor |
4
Best for Pet Owners
Maytag 4.7 cu. ft. Pet Pro Top Load Washer
Pros
- Safely removes pet hair from textiles
- Can accommodate very big loads
Cons
- Pet Pro cycle is a bit slow
These days, it seems like there really is the perfect laundry machine to suit every need. Now pet owners can look forward to hair-free clothes, thanks to this new top-loader from Maytag.
Generally speaking, we normally don’t recommend laundering items covered in pet hair, because it can present a clog risk. Maytag’s new washer — a machine we liked so much it earned a 2023 Best Cleaning & Organizing Award — eliminates this concern. It’s equipped with a special Pet Pro cycle, which uses a combination of water and agitation to loosen hair and then capture it in a filter located in the center agitator. Simply remove and clean the filter once the load is complete.
In our tests, this washer effectively tackled the tough mess of stuck-on pet hair but was gentle on clothes — a tall order. We were also impressed by the 4.7-cubic-foot tub’s ability to handle big loads like hair-covered bedding, even if the cycle was a bit slow. Perhaps most importantly, the Pet Pro lived up to manufacturer claims and removed all remnants of hair we spread onto test sweaters. Pet owners, rejoice!
| Model # | MVW6500MBK |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4.7 cu. ft. |
| Dimensions | 27.5 x 42 x 27.5 inches |
| Warranty | One year |
5
Most Innovative
GE Appliances Profile 4.8 cu. ft. UltraFast Combo Washer & Dryer
Pros
- Easy to use
- Performed well in cleaning and tangling tests
- Helpful app
Cons
- Expensive
We awarded GE’s washer and dryer combo a 2023 Cleaning & Organizing Award for its innovative two-in-one design that revolutionizes the way you do laundry. In about two hours, you can wash, transfer and dry a load of laundry, all in the same machine. Our pros found it easy to use and it performed well in our Lab’s cleaning and tangling tests where we washed a large load and counted how many tangled items came out at the end of the cycle.
The washer and dryer combo is full of great features, including a helpful app that sends you cycle updates and even dispenses the right amount of detergent for a load. Similar to our other favorite washers, the machine is also equipped with Microban technology and has a sizable load capacity (although not the largest).
While it is one of the pricier machines on this list, keep in mind that you are, in a way, paying for both the washer and the dryer — and its space-saving design may just be worth it if you don’t have much room in your home.
| Model # | PFQ97HSPVDS |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4.8 cubic feet |
| Dimensions | 46.7 x 28 x 32 inches |
| Warranty | One year; 10-year limited on motor; five-year limited on drying sealed system |
6
Longest Warranty
Speed Queen TR7 Heavy Duty Top Load Washer
Pros
- Compact profile
- Comes with a seven year warranty
- Easily handles standard to large loads
Cons
- Smaller capacity than some others at 3.2 cu. ft
If you’re trying to squeeze a reliable and efficient laundry machine into a tight space, take note of this pick’s compact profile that can easily slide into cramped quarters.
Yes, it’s a top loader, but we found it easy to program with your choice of temperature, soil level and load size selections. It’s also equipped with eight special cycles, and you can customize your own pre-set favorites that you can repeat with just the press of one button. At 3.2 cubic feet, this washer does have a smaller capacity than some other washers, so it won’t handle extra-large loads. But in our tests, it was able to effectively wash a bulky queen-sized comforter — which came out clean and well-rinsed — without the center agitator interfering.
This machine is super quiet, and the delay start setting lets you program it to wash when it suits you — even overnight. Overall, we think this top-loader is a solid pick, and the seven-year warranty reinforces that.
| Model # | TR7003WN |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3.2 cu. ft. |
| Dimensions | 25.63 x 42.75 x 28 inches |
| Warranty | Seven years |
7
Best for Large Families
LG Signature 5.8 cu.ft. High Efficiency Steam Cycle Smart Front-Load Washer
Pros
- Can be used with a pedestal washer for even greater capacity
- 14 wash programs
Cons
- Expensive
- Have to buy pedestal separately
Our cleaning pros have tested enough LG washers and similar machines in the Lab to confidently recommend this front loader. Combined with LG’s 1 cu. ft. top-load pedestal washer — which we have tested in our Labs — the machine totals a jumbo 6.8 cubic feet of washing capacity. It’s a size that’s hard to top and one that will reduce the amount of loads large families have to do each week — a convenience, but also an energy-saver.
The Mega Capacity Washer has a whopping 14 wash programs too. Choose from pre-sets like normal, perm press, delicates, speed wash, heavy-duty, towels and more. It also has 13 additional features, including a child lock, remote start and Wi-Fi connectivity, plus four spin speeds ranging from no spin to extra high, as well as five soil levels. According to the manufacturer, the machine has sensors that detect the size and weight of your load to adjust the wash time and water level for optimal results.
Although purchasing both the washer and pedestal amounts to a rather steep price tag, the additional capacity makes it worth the splurge for a large family.
| Model # | WM9500HKA |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5.8 cu. ft. |
| Dimensions | 29.63 x 41.19 x 33.06 inches |
| Warranty | One year on parts and labor; 10 years on motor, lifetime on drum |
8
Best Smart Washing Machine
Samsung Bespoke 5.3 cu. ft. Ultra-Capacity Smart Front Load Washer
Pros
- Automatically detects soil level and adjusts the wash
- Easy-to-use app
- Can control the dryer from the washer when stacked
Cons
- Not available in white or black
This latest Samsung washer is a larger, updated version of a previous model we’ve tested, with many of the same smart features and top-notch performance that earn it a spot on this list. One such feature is Opti-Wash, which automatically detects the soil levels on your clothes and adjusts to add more time or detergent if needed.
The smart front-loader can also be paired with an app that we found easy to use with features like remotely starting and stopping the wash, scheduling wash cycles, receiving alerts when the cycle is done and more. In our tests, we were impressed that after using the washer a few times, it learned our favorite wash cycle settings — no programming required. Not only did the washing machine do a great job cleaning, but it was quiet as well. Not to mention, the drum is treated with an antimicrobial to help keep the washing machine smelling fresher longer. The Self Clean+ feature will also alert you when it’s time for a cleaning.
Also worth noting, the matching dryer can be installed stacked or side by side. If you do stack them, you can set the dryer right from the washer’s control panel, so you don’t have to take out a stool. And as part of Samsung’s top-of-the-line Bespoke appliances, it comes in the high-fashion colors of forest green, brushed navy and silver steel. You won’t find it, however, in basic black or white.
| Model # | WF53BB8900ATUS |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5.3 cu. ft. |
| Dimensions | 27 x 38.75 x 34.5 inches |
| Warranty | One year |
9
Best Stackable Washer and Dryer
LG WashTower Laundry Center
Pros
- Controls for both washer and dryer are in center for easy access
- Built-in sensors can customize cycle
- Can control laundry remotely with app
- Speedy yet gentle cycles
Cons
- Pricey
- Can’t replace the washer or dryer independently
Though all front-load washers and dryers can be stacked, the LG WashTower makes the controls easy to reach by placing them in the middle for both appliances, so petite folks no longer have to stretch to see and set the dryer cycles.
LG didn’t stop with the innovation there; built-in sensors use AI technology to detect fabric texture and load size to customize the washing and drying cycles for better fabric care. When using the LG ThinQ app, you can set and monitor the washer and dryer and even alert the dryer to the load type coming its way. This particular pick comes with an electric dryer, but the unit is also available with a gas dryer for $100 more. But unlike two separately stacked appliances, the WashTower is one unit, so if either the washer or dryer needs replacing, the whole thing has to go.
In our GH Cleaning Lab tests, we found this unit incredibly easy to use and load and unload, especially for our 5-foot-and-under testers. We liked the speedy, yet gentle and effective cycles, and nice extras, like steam, allowed us to freshen gently worn items for another wear. Plus, the machines conveniently learn your most frequently used cycles and automatically choose the correct options when you turn them on.
| Model # | WKEX200HBA |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4.5 cubic feet (washer), 7.4 cubic feet (dryer) |
| Dimensions | 27 x 74.34 x 30.34 inches |
| Warranty | One year; 10 years on drum and motor |
10
Best Compact
Miele 24 Inch Smart Front Load Washer
Pros
- Saves space
- Automatically dispenses the correct amount of detergent
- Offers many specialty care cycles
Cons
- Cannot handle overly large loads
At just 24-inches wide, this is one of the most compact washing machines on our list. The 2.26 cubic-foot capacity makes it a great choice for small homes and apartments or as a second washing machine installed in a closet or bathroom. While it’s small, the drum is roomy enough to handle large, but not jumbo loads.
We love the unique TwinDos system that automatically dispenses the correct amount of detergent. There are a wide array of cycles to choose from, including silks, handwash, express and more.
In our tests of a previous but virtually identical model, the QuickIntenseWash cycle whitened cotton test swatches, and we were impressed that it removed tough stains in under an hour. It’s also Wi-Fi-enabled so you can monitor and control your wash cycles via your smartphone.
| Model # | WXI860WCS |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2.26 cubic feet |
| Dimensions | 23.5 x 33.5 x 25.3 inches |
| Warranty | Up to two years |
