These top-tested models make laundry days a whole lot easier, better and more efficient.
By Carolyn Forté Updated: Aug 29, 2024 Jump to Products Save Article
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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.
Our product analysts and cleaning experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab have been testing washing machines for more than a century. To evaluate the best washing machines, we assess everything from cleaning performance to the machine’s gentleness, water and energy usage, specialty cycles and much more. These are the best washing machines you can buy right now, according to our extensive testing data. After our reviews, continue scrolling to learn whether a front-loading or top-loading washing machine is right for you and what other factors to consider before making a purchase.
Best Overall Front Loader
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing washing machines for 117 years (since the first model was commercially sold in 1907). We base our tests on the industry standards developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).
To evaluate the cleaning performance of each washer we include carefully placed pre-stained strips of fabric with six stains on each. At the end of the cycle, once the strips have air dried, we take measurements on each stain (for a total of 288 measurements per load) to calculate a total stain removal index for the cycle.
For just three cycles on each machine, that's over 860 measurements. We also test any specialty cycles, such as bulky bedding or speed wash, to see if they perform up to our expectations, and we confirm any sanitizing cycle can reach a high enough temperature for the required amount of time to adequately kill germs on fabrics.
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Next, we test gentleness by washing cotton swatches with five pre-cut holes. When they come out of the machine, the holes are frayed: The more fraying, the more damaging the cycle. For our last test of 12 washers, we counted over 1,000 frayed threads.
We also check the water and energy usage of each machine and score how easy the washing machine is to use, including if the control panel is responsive and intuitive, ease of loading with a set amount of laundry and how easy it is to open and close the door. And on top of performance testing, we evaluate the owner's manual for how thorough, clear and complete it is.
Though our tests show that front loaders do perform a bit better, both types clean so well that you likely will not notice a difference in your clothing. Ultimately, the type of washing machine you choose is a matter of personal preference.
✔️ A front-loading washing machine is the most energy-efficient option. It uses the least amount of water in each load. Clothes get cleaned when they tumble in a small pool of water that’s added by the machine once it senses the weight and type of load. Front-loaders can easily handle big, bulky items, like comforters and sleeping bags, but do require bending to load and unload the tub. Most manufacturers sell pedestal drawers to raise the appliances off the floor to save some strain on your back.
If space is tight, a front-load washer can be stacked with its matching dryer and placed in a closet, bathroom or any narrow area where water, electrical connections and venting are available. (Non-venting dryers are becoming more widely available for installation in spaces where outside venting is not an option, and our tests show their performance rivals that of vented models.)
Keep in mind that water often puddles in the door gasket, dispensers and even the drum itself at the end of the cycle which can lead to mold growth and odors. If you choose a front loader, you’ll need to be diligent about cleaning the gasket and dispenser and leaving the door ajar or drying the machine so odors don’t develop. Today, there are some machines — like our top overall front-loader — that are specially designed to address this issue.
✔️ A top-loading washing machine is a good choice if you like a more traditional configuration. Because the water in top-loaders drains down and out, they are less likely to develop mold and odors than front-loaders, and that's the reason many consumers prefer them. However, it’s a good idea to clean the tub and dispensers of all washing machines about once per month. Newer, high-efficiency top-loading models provide excellent cleaning and are still energy efficient even though they use more water than front loaders.
Top loaders may or may not have a center agitator. Those without agitators have huge tubs for extra-large loads and gently bounce clothing under a shower of water. Some are so deep that reaching into the bottom to grab the last sock can be challenging for short consumers. And new models offer the option of adding water for deep washes and rinses, if desired, for more thorough cleaning. Agitator models may be less expensive but may be a little less gentle on fabrics, though they too, are improving. They clean clothes by moving them through a pool of water so fabrics are well rinsed. Detergents, especially single-dose packs, are more likely to dissolve completely in them. Top loaders with agitators may have smaller tubs and generally use the most water of any style washer.
