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2023's Top 5 Washing Machines
Rigorously Tested and Thoroughly Reviewed
In recent years, washing machines have undergone significant advancements, and it’s not just about how they load your laundry. Whether you prefer a front-loading or top-loading machine, today’s washers are more intelligent, gentler on your clothes, deliver superior cleaning, and offer overall ease of use. However, the challenge lies in navigating the multitude of options to find the absolute best washing machine, which can be overwhelming.
1. Speed Queen Top Load TR7 Washing Machine
Model#
TR7003WN
Capacity
3.2 cubic feet
Dimensions
25.63 x 42.75 x 28 inches
Warranty
Seven years
Pros
- Streamlined dimensions
- Effortlessly tackles sizable laundry loads
- Supported by an extensive seven-year warranty
Cons
- Limited volume
If you’re looking to fit a dependable and efficient washing machine into a limited space, consider this selection with a compact design that easily fits into tight areas.
Although it’s a top-loading washer, we found it straightforward to program, allowing you to choose your preferred temperature, soil level, and load size settings. Additionally, it offers eight specialized cycles, and you have the flexibility to personalize your own preset favorites that can be activated with a single button press. With a capacity of 3.2 cu. ft., this washer has a smaller size compared to some other models, so it may not accommodate extra-large loads. However, in our testing, it effectively cleaned a bulky queen-sized comforter, leaving it thoroughly cleansed without any interference from a center agitator.
This washing machine operates quietly, and its delay start feature enables you to do laundry at your convenience, even overnight. In summary, our experts at the testing lab affirm that this top-loader is a reliable choice, further supported by its seven-year warranty.
Model#
WTW8127LC
Capacity
5.2 cubic feet with agitator, 5.3 cubic feet without agitator
Dimensions
27.25 x 42.5 x 27.88 inches
Warranty
One year; two to five years limited on parts and labor
Pros
- Convenient stain-treating station
- Agitator can be detached
- Enables detergent addition for as many as 20 laundry cycles
Cons
- Reviewers note it's noisier than expected.
2. Whirlpool Top Load Washer with 2-in-1 Removable Agitator
If you’re torn between choosing a washing machine with or without an agitator, this innovative Whirlpool top load washer offers the best of both worlds. It grants you the flexibility to retain the agitator for regular loads or remove it when dealing with bulkier items like comforters. Our professionals were particularly pleased with the washer’s spacious interior when the agitator was removed. It’s so roomy that reaching the machine’s bottom can be a bit challenging, especially for individuals of shorter stature.
Additionally, our experts were impressed by the inclusion of a stain-treating station and the Load and Go dispenser, which allows for the bulk addition of detergent. Simply replenish it every 20 loads or so — a convenient feature, especially for those who prefer a quicker laundry routine.
3. Maytag Top Load 5.2 cu. ft. Capacity Agitator Washer
Model#
MVW7230HC
Capacity
5.2 cubic feet
Dimensions
42.875 x 27.25 x 27.875 inches
Warranty
1-year parts and labor warranty, 10-year limited warranty for motor and wash basket
Pros
- Energy-efficient
- PowerWash cleaning cycle for heavily soiled laundry
Cons
- Certain reviewers find it challenging to access the lower areas
While we haven’t conducted a formal evaluation of this specific washing machine, our extensive testing of a similar model in our laboratory leads us to confidently recommend this top-loading washer as a dependable and efficient choice. Despite featuring a center agitator, it maintains a generous capacity of over 5 cubic feet, more than adequate for the average family’s laundry needs. In fact, its considerable depth has led some reviewers to mention that retrieving items from the bottom can be a bit of a challenge.
From an operational perspective, our laboratory experts were impressed with the user-friendly control panel, which is both intuitive and highly responsive to touch commands. Additionally, the optional smart functionality allows you to manage your laundry remotely from anywhere.
This model is known for its energy efficiency, but it also offers the flexibility to add extra water using the deep fill option, which proves particularly useful for heavily soiled items such as children’s muddy sports attire. For exceptionally dirty loads, the PowerWash cycle comes to the rescue. Conversely, when time is of the essence, the RapidWash feature reduces the wash time to under 30 minutes, perfect for those last-minute laundry emergencies like forgotten school uniforms.
Model#
GFW850SPNRS
Capacity
5 cubic feet
Dimensions
28 x 39.75 x 34 inches
Warranty
One year
Pros
- Automatic drying to prevent musty odor
- Precise detergent dispensing
- Wash and dry small loads
- Treated parts to prevent germ growth
Cons
- Reviewers find it noisy.
- Lengthy venting cycle.
4. GE Appliances UltraFresh Front Load Washer with OdorBlock
Due to its innovative design, this washing machine effectively eliminates the musty odor often associated with front-loading washers. It offers a venting feature that automatically dries the machine’s interior and door seal after each laundry cycle, preventing the accumulation of moisture that leads to the unpleasant musty smell.
Here’s how it operates: The machine draws in external air to dry the interior while intermittently spinning the drum. Additionally, internal components like the door gasket and dispenser drawer are treated with Microban, an additive designed to inhibit mold growth. Our experts were particularly impressed with the complete dryness of the drum and door seal after a full vent cycle. However, it’s worth noting that the full cycle takes eight hours, making it ideal to run this feature after your last load of the day or overnight.
Beyond this unique technology, the washer boasts an array of desirable features, including SmartDispense for dispensing bulk detergent with automatic dosage adjustment. You simply select the cycle, and the washer adds the appropriate amount of detergent automatically. (We found that liquid detergent can be easily poured without spills, with the capability to accommodate up to 50 ounces of liquid at a time.) Additionally, it offers steam cycles, WiFi connectivity, and a one-step wash and dry option for small loads that wash and air dry overnight. Our tests revealed speedy and highly effective wash cycles, successfully cleaning cotton and polyester stain swatches in warm and cold water. Even the quick wash cycle effectively removed a set-in stain in just 20 minutes. It’s worth mentioning that some reviewers have noted that this washer is louder than their preference.
5. Samsung Smart Dial Front Load Washer with Opti-Wash
Model#
WE50A8800AV
Capacity
5.0 cubic feet
Dimensions
27 x 38.75 x 33.2 inches
Warranty
One year
Pros
- Auto-adjusts for soil level
- User-friendly app
- Quiet operation
- Stacked control for dryer
Cons
- Limited to a brushed black color
This Samsung washing machine simplifies laundry tasks with its array of intelligent features. For instance, the Opti-Wash function automatically senses soil levels and adjusts the wash duration or detergent quantity as necessary, ensuring consistently clean laundry.
Moreover, this smart front-loader can seamlessly sync with a user-friendly app. We found this app highly convenient, enabling remote wash start/stop, wash cycle scheduling, cycle completion alerts, and more. Remarkably, after a few uses, the washer intuitively learned our preferred settings without any manual programming. Beyond its efficient cleaning performance, this washer operates quietly. Additionally, its drum features an antimicrobial treatment for a prolonged fresh scent, and the Self Clean+ feature notifies you when it’s time for maintenance.
It’s worth mentioning that the matching dryer can be installed either stacked or side by side. When stacked, you can control the dryer directly from the washer’s control panel, eliminating the need for a step stool.
Our Washing Machine Testing Process
Our Thorough Evaluation Approach
In our quest to assess washing machines thoroughly, we employ a meticulous approach. To gauge their cleaning prowess across various loads – from regular to heavy-duty and delicate – we strategically place pre-stained fabric strips, each adorned with six different stains. After the cycle concludes and the strips have air-dried, we meticulously measure each stain, totaling an impressive 288 measurements per load. This rigorous process extends to over 860 measurements after just three cycles on each machine. Furthermore, we subject any specialty cycles, like bulky bedding or speed wash, to scrutiny, ensuring they meet our performance expectations. We also verify that sanitizing cycles attain and maintain the required temperature and duration to effectively eliminate germs from fabrics.
Gentleness is another aspect under our scrutiny, assessed by washing cotton swatches featuring five pre-cut holes. Post-wash, the extent of fraying in these holes serves as an indicator of cycle-induced damage, with our recent examination involving over 1,000 frayed threads across 12 washers.
Our evaluation extends beyond cleaning performance. We delve into water and energy consumption, evaluating the user-friendliness of each machine. This includes assessing the responsiveness and intuitiveness of the control panel, ease of loading a predefined laundry amount, and the convenience of opening and closing the machine door. In addition to performance, we meticulously scrutinize owner’s manuals for their clarity, comprehensiveness, and user-friendliness.
Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washing Machines
Choosing the Right Washing Machine for Your Needs
When it comes to the perennial debate of front-load versus top-load washing machines, our tests reveal that front loaders do exhibit slightly superior performance. However, the cleaning results are so excellent for both types that the difference is often imperceptible in your laundry. Ultimately, the choice between the two boils down to personal preference.
Front-Load Washers: Front-loading washing machines stand out as the most energy-efficient option on the market. They use minimal water in each cycle, relying on a small pool of water added by the machine after sensing the load’s weight and type. Front-loaders excel at handling bulky items like comforters and sleeping bags but require bending to load and unload the drum. To alleviate strain, many manufacturers offer pedestal drawers to elevate the appliances from the floor.
In cases where space is limited, front-load washers can be stacked with matching dryers and placed in narrow areas with water, electrical connections, and venting available. Some newer non-venting dryers also provide comparable performance to vented models. However, front loaders tend to accumulate water in the door gasket, dispensers, and the drum, potentially leading to mold growth and odors. Regular cleaning of the gasket and dispenser, along with leaving the door ajar or ensuring the drum dries out, is crucial to prevent this issue. Fortunately, specially designed models are available to address this concern.
Top-Load Washers: Top-loading washing machines are favored by those who prefer a traditional configuration. These machines drain water down and out, reducing the likelihood of mold and odors compared to front-loaders. However, it’s advisable to clean the tub and dispensers of all washing machines approximately once a month.
Newer high-efficiency top-loaders deliver excellent cleaning performance while remaining energy-efficient, even though they use more water than front loaders. Top loaders may come with or without a center agitator. Agitator-free models offer spacious tubs for extra-large loads and gently move clothing under a shower of water. However, their depth can pose a challenge for shorter individuals when reaching the bottom of the drum. Newer models allow for additional water if deep washes and rinses are desired.
Agitator-equipped top loaders may be less expensive but potentially less gentle on fabrics, although advancements are improving their performance. They clean clothes by agitating them in a pool of water, ensuring thorough rinsing. These machines are particularly adept at dissolving detergents, including single-dose packs. However, top loaders with agitators typically feature smaller tubs and tend to consume more water compared to other washer styles.
Why trust Wash Saver Guides?
You can trust Wash Saver Guides for several reasons. We offer unbiased reviews, relying solely on a product’s performance and features. Our team of experts conducts thorough research and testing, ensuring you get accurate and up-to-date information. Transparency is central to our approach, and we prioritize your needs. We consider real user feedback, and your trust is our top priority. Wash Saver Guides is your dedicated partner in finding the perfect washing machine, saving you time and hassle in the process. Count on us for trustworthy reviews and guidance.
