Laundry day is a chore, but the right machines can make it a little less laborious. Whereas an unreliable washer can leave you with clothes that are damp or pilled, the best washing machines get your clothes clean in a safe and timely manner. Our top pick for most households is the high-efficiency LG Turbowash Front-Load Washer, a smart and spacious model that can capture allergens and tackle smaller loads in just 15 minutes. If you’d prefer a top-load model or perhaps something that’s a little more budget-friendly, though, there are plenty of other great washing machines that can help make laundry day a breeze.
Some of the best washing machines come from LG, Maytag and Miele.
“When you’re in the market for a washing machine, it’s ultimately important to find one that best fits your lifestyle,” says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. To help ensure you bring home one that makes sense for your household, start by considering the model’s capacity and wash cycles, both of which can make a difference in how seamless laundry day is for you. Additionally, smart features like the ability to control your washer from your phone might appeal to you if you’re often on the go; if you tend to be home often and can easily access your machine when the need strikes, those extra features might be an unnecessary cost. While doing laundry will likely never be your favorite day, investing in a high-quality washing machine (and a top-notch electric dryer) can help make it slightly more enjoyable. Ahead, here are the best models on the market right now.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team home team consists of three seasoned editors who have extensive backgrounds in researching, testing and reviewing products, from toaster ovens to portable air conditioners. We also make sure to consult relevant experts whenever we’re researching a category. For this story, we reached out to Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi, and JustAnswer home and appliance pro Aaron Wilson. Lastly, we regularly revisit this story to review product choices and update pricing; it was last updated in February 2024.
How We Chose The Best Washing Machines
To determine the best washing machines on the market, we started by speaking with two appliance experts for their input on what separates a high-quality washer from one that’s unreliable. We then tracked down the most popular models on the market and narrowed the field based on features like capacity, cycle settings and value. One washing machine, the Maytag Smart Top-Load Washer, was tested by one of our contributors. Lastly, we took customer reviews into consideration to see how these washers have held up for a wide variety of users.
What To Look For In A Washing Machine
The best washing machine for your household ultimately depends on your personal needs, space allotment, budget and preference of features. Keep these in mind during your search.
Capacity
A washer’s capacity is the amount of laundry it can hold in one load, and it’s measured in cubic feet. Many washers are around 4.5 cubic feet, which is a great size for most families. However, larger households may want to consider a washer with a capacity that’s 5 cubic feet or larger. If you have a smaller household or don’t mind doing several loads, a washer that’s 2.5 or so cubic feet can still handle your needs without hogging a lot of your designated laundry area.
Features
Today’s washers tend to have plenty of features their older counterparts never had. Those include options like steam cleaning to really lift away stubborn dirt, reversible doors and smart technology to help sense how dirty your clothes actually are. Some washers even have WiFi connectivity to allow you to monitor and control your loads from your phone. Keep in mind that, in most circumstances, the more features a washer has, the higher the cost. So if you don’t think you’ll need or use them, it may be better to opt for a product with fewer features.
Cycles
Wash cycles give you options beyond just getting your clothes clean. Most washers have the standard normal, permanent press, heavy duty and delicates cycles, but some washing machines offer additional elements that appeal to a certain user. Consider sanitizing cycles to get rid of bacteria that may be lurking on your wardrobe along with allergen removal to specially weed out pollen and other triggers that could be embedded in your clothes. Some models also feature steam cycles to help get a deeper clean and lift away stains.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency can make a difference in your utility bill. Washers that are energy efficient are designed to use less water than others (and heat less water), requiring less energy in the process. In fact, Energy Star–certified products use about 20% less energy and 30% less water, according to the program (which is run by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy). Consider that when shopping for a new machine—it may be worth it to raise your budget slightly to ensure you get savings over time.
Which Is The Most Reliable Washing Machine Brand?
There are a lot of washing machine brands that are reliable, and they’re generally the home appliance companies that you’re already familiar with. For example, LG, GE, Samsung, Miele and Electrolux are known for delivering quality washers that last. Our top pick is the LG Turbowash Front-Load Washer, which is packed with features with a price tag that isn’t overwhelming. However, there are a range of reliable washers on our list to consider, too.
Are Front Loading Washing Machines Better Than Top Loading Machines?
One isn’t necessarily better than the other—it just depends on your needs. Still, front load washing machines are increasingly popular, and for a few reasons. “They are gentler on your clothes and bedding, so they will last longer,” says JustAnswer home and appliance expert Aaron Wilson. “Front load washers use less water as well. Also, they are great for people with disabilities since you don’t have to reach down inside the unit from the top.” A downside, though, is that they tend to cost more than top loaders. “Top loaders are typically cheaper than front load washers and the newer style of top load washers that don’t have the conventional agitator in the middle of the tub are much gentler on the clothes and bedding than previous top loaders,” Wilson says. “Top loaders also have an advantage for taller people as you don’t have to bend down as you do with a front loader.”
What Are Some Of The Essential Features To Look For In A Washing Machine?
It depends on what is important to you. “I recommend considering a washing machine’s capacity as well as some of the upgraded features newer models have like pre-treating options, load weight sensing and balancing,” Micetich says. Wilson also suggests looking for advance cycles like sanitizing wash, steam clean and ones targeted for activewear. “Also, a great cycle to look for is a clean cycle—that way you can use washing machine cleaner tablets to keep your unit clean and running well,” he says. No matter what machine you buy, Wilson shares this important advice: “Always have a surge protector for your washing machine. Today’s washing machines rely heavily on electronic control boards and drive boards. You can protect them with a surge protector.”
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