The best washing machines will keep your clothes sparkling and stain-free – all while saving you time, money, and energy. There are a few types of washers to choose from – freestanding (front/top load), integrated (smaller to fit behind a cupboard door), semi-integrated, and combi washer-dryers.
A washing machine is one of the most essential household appliances; without one, you won't be able to clean the laundry efficiently and effectively. This is especially prudent when there are kids at home; muddy socks and sauce-stained t-shirts can only be handled by a machine that is up for the task.
Read on to find out what we rate as the best washing machine. And if you can’t find your perfect washer here, why not check out our guides to the best top load washers and best front load washers for more great options?
The best washing machines we recommend in 2024
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Top Ten Reviews is on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality—or where this isn't possible—some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.
While we haven't been able to test any of the units in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your home, all for the best price.
The best front load washer overall
The Samsung WF42H5000AW is a no-frills washer with a large capacity and budget-friendly price that families will love.
Reviewers on Best Buy gave the Samsung WF42H5000AW 4.5 out of 5 stars, with 69% awarding it the full five stars. Positive reviews praised the machine for its cleaning quality and low noise level. One reviewer said: “I really like this washer. I use the extra spin setting, and my clothes come out almost dry, saving me time and money drying my clothes.” Negative reviews cited issues with the machine being noisy during a spin cycle, as well as developing a mildew odor over time.
It comes with a ton of smart features, including self-cleaning tech and app compatibility, but is lacking in the steam function that many front-loading best washing machines have.
Affordable and Energy Star certified, it has eight wash cycles, four spin speeds, and four different temperature settings. It also comes with a child lock, so children can’t accidentally start the washer when they’re out of the room. One big pull of the Samsung WF42H5000AW is its VRT tech, which reduces vibration by balancing the drum, even at high speeds, to stop any noise created by fast spins or heavy loads. The Self Clean+ technology also helps prevent dirt from accumulating and notifies you every 40 cycles when it needs a clean.
Smart care tech via the app monitors and diagnoses errors, in theory, saving you money on repairs. And with its Energy Star, it’s incredibly economical. The huge 4.2 cu. The sq. capacity is big enough to wash a king-size comforter – plus it’s stackable, in case you want to buy the matching Samsung dryer.
The best top load washing machine overall
Stylish and sleek, the all-black Samsung WA55A7700AV regularly tops the list of best washing machines, and for good reason.
The Samsung WA55A7700AV scored an average of 4.5 out of five stars on Best Buy. Users praise the large capacity and excellent cleaning quality, with one user saying: “All my clothes have been coming out spectacularly clean and fresh. The additional pro is the auto dispense feature, which doses just the right amount of detergent and softener for each load, is amazing and saves so much product over time.” Negative reviews cited issues with reaching the bottom of the washer, including one who said they needed a step to reach the insides.
With 12 cycles, a huge 5.5 cu. Ft. capacity and app-controlled features, including Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, help take the stress out of laundry. We love the auto dispense system – which accurately dispenses the right amount of detergent every wash, reducing waste. And you can finish a full wash in just 28 minutes. Get end-of-cycle alerts via the app, and remotely start or stop your wash and pretreat stained items using the in-built water faucet.
The Samsung WA55A7700AV comes with a 20-year warranty on the digital inverter motor, plus anti-vibration tech to reduce noise. It’s also incredibly eco-friendly and is Energy Star certified, saving you money without sacrificing performance. The washer has audio assistance and braille on the control panel, making it a good choice for the visually and hearing impaired.
The best budget washing machine
If you're looking for a washing machine that offers great value for money, the LG top-load agitator washer is definitely worth considering.
With its 4-way agitator, TurboDrum technology, and 6Motion technology, this washer provides a thorough cleaning that's still gentle on your clothes. Plus, it's ultra-large 4.1 cu.ft. capacity means you can do more laundry in fewer loads, making it a time-saver. And when you're in a real rush, the SpeedWash Cycle gets small, lightly soiled loads refreshed in just 15 minutes.
One of the top things about the washer is its Deep Fill option. You can select the maximum water level to ensure your clothes get ultra-clean or switch back to high-efficiency water levels for your next load. The SlamProof Glass Lid allows you to watch your washer in action, while the True Balance Anti-Vibration and LoDecibel Quiet Operation make it a must-have for main- or second-floor laundry rooms.
The best washing machine for ease of use
The Electrolux ELFW7637AW is a reliable and efficient washing machine that can help you with your laundry needs. Despite not having the largest capacity out of all of the washers in the market, it is still a great option for those who are looking for an easy-to-use and stackable machine. Its Energy Star Certification also makes it an environmentally-friendly option.
One of the things we love about this washer is its wide variety of cycles and settings. With 11 cycles to choose from and added features like allergen mode, delay, and steam, you can customize your washing experience according to your needs. The Optic White cycle can help keep your whites bright, while the Sanitize setting can remove up to 99% of bacteria. Plus, the dispensers for bleach and PODs add more cleaning options.
While you cannot control the machine via a smartphone, the Electrolux ELFW7637AW has a helpful interior light that allows you to spot any garments left behind. Users have given it an average score of 4.8 out of 5 on the Home Depot website, praising its design and good looks in their laundry room. However, some reviewers have noted that children’s clothes and socks can get stuck in the rubber gasket of the machine.
At $1,549 for the Titanium model and $100 less for the white version, the Electrolux ELFW7637AW may seem expensive. However, its high-end features, steam setting, and good capacity make it worth the investment. The 10-year motor warranty and a lifetime warranty on the tub are also added bonuses that can give you peace of mind when purchasing this washer.
The best washing machine for households with pets
The Maytag MVW6500MBK is a family friendly washer with its giant 4.7 cu. ft. capacity and deep fill option.
Reviewers on Best Buy gave the Maytag MVW6500MBK machine 4.6 out of 5 stars, with 91% saying they would recommend it. One happy user said: “I love this machine! Its tub is huge! It makes laundry so much easier, and it removes so much hair. Our Rottweiler sheds so much it's been a great tool.” Negative reviews cited issues with the machine being too noisy, and one user said: “The only drawback I have is there is no visible timer to see how much time is left on the wash cycles.”
But even more of a pull, especially for any cat or dog owner, is its trademark Pet Pro system, which is amazing at removing hairs from your clothes. It claims to remove five times as much pet hair as a traditional washer, but note it also uses more water to submerge and lift the hairs from fabric. The pet hair filter is easy to remove from the machine and empty after a wash.
Aside from its pet hair removal capabilities, the Maytag MVW6500MBK offers a fairly decent cleaning performance, although we found the spin cycle left clothes a little damp, and the ‘Delicates’ cycle was rather overzealous. One feature we loved was the built-in faucet – this means you can pre-treat stains in the washing tub, reducing water waste.
The best large capacity washing machine
The LG WM9500HKA smart-enabled washing machine is a high achiever in every aspect – stylish and sleek with a huge 5.8 cu. Ft. capacity, it’s a win-win for families and laundry lovers alike.
The LG WM9500KHA scored an average of 4.5 out of five stars on Best Buy. Users praise the quality and design, with one saying: “My clothes come out better than they ever have with any washer and dryer that I’ve ever owned.” Users also comment on how quietly the machine operates, with the anti-vibration technology doing a great job at noise reduction. However, one user said: “The sliding door on the top that covers the soap dispenser takes a bit of folding space, and it would be nice to have a persistent light/indicator that the lid was finished on the washer itself.”
The front-loading washer can be controlled via your phone or smart speakers and, as you’d expect, is packed with fancy functions. The large capacity and multiple features mean this machine is on the pricey side, but tech nerds will love that you can program a wash remotely via the app.
There are a ton of cycles to run, though, from specialist settings to steam clean and for allergens. Probably the most impressive part of the LG WM9500HKA, however, is its 6Motion tech, which detects what is in the drum and sets an appropriate mode of washing. For example, heavily stained clothes will activate a scrubbing motion for a vigorous cleaning. It also has anti-vibration technology to reduce noise levels. The machine is also incredibly energy efficient and Energy Star certified.
The best value washing machine
The Maytag MVW6200KW is a mid-range front-load washing machine with a decent load capacity that makes light work of laundry.
The Maytag MVW6200KW gets 4 out of 5 stars on Best Buy. Positive reviews praise its large capacity and cleaning performance. One user said: “I love this deep-filling washer. Cleans large, bulky bed covers with ease.” Negative reviews complained about how noisy the washer was during a spin, and one user said they had to wash things twice if they were soiled.
The deep fill option adds extra water for more robust washing, while you can get a quick wash done in just 30 minutes.
Shock absorbers help reduce vibration and noise, and the auto-sensing feature adjusts the water level for each load for a more energy-efficient clean. It has ten different cycles, including a wrinkle-busting one, as well as fast spins of up to 750 rpm to help remove water from clothes and reduce drying time.
The stainless steel wash basket is designed for longevity and backed by a 10-year limited parts warranty.
The best washing machine for smart features
The LG WT7400CV is an outstanding washing machine that offers many features to justify its high price. Its 5.5 cu. ft. capacity is among the largest in its class, making it a great choice for families with large laundry loads. This washer also has many specialized technologies that work together to give you the cleanest, freshest laundry possible.
The TurboWash3D Technology and 6Motion Technology will give you a deep, powerful clean in only 29 minutes, making it perfect for when you are short on time and need crisp, spotless laundry. The 6Motion Technology also has up to six different wash motions to help clean your clothes more cleverly. The Smart Pairing feature also ensures that your LG dryer selects the correct drying cycle for the laundry that you are doing, making your laundry experience even more seamless.
Even better, the LG WT7400CV has built-in ThinQ technology that allows you to access your smart appliances in real-time, giving you smart notifications on everything from usage statistics to maintenance alerts and even early diagnosis of potential problems, helping you prevent any faults before they happen. However, some users report balancing issues and excessive noise, which could be a concern for some.
How to choose the best washing machine for you
Cleaning expert Laura Mountford says there are a few criteria to focus on when investing in one of the best washing machines. These include drum size, design features, number of cycles, front vs top load, energy efficiency, warranty, price, and smart features.
Drum size
Mountford says: “When choosing a new washing machine, it’s important to consider the drum size that is suitable for your household and lifestyle. A machine with a larger capacity may use more energy to run, but if you have a larger drum size, this could actually save you energy because you can wash more in one load, therefore reducing the number of times you have to use your machine each week.”
Design features
“Top load or front load washing machines are both options, depending on where they will be situated and personal preference,” says Mountford.
“Lots of models now have some fantastic additional features like smart technology that allow you to remotely control your machine using your phone, as well as noise reduction, and various programs to make it as convenient as possible to select the correct temperature and spin speed you need for your wash.
“These additional features may or may not be important to you. Whatever machine you have, getting to know your own washing machine will make your life so much easier.”
Energy efficiency
“In my opinion, capacity, and efficiency are the most important factors when buying a washing machine: appliances are given an energy rating on a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient product of its class and G being the least efficient. Capacity ranges from 6kg – perfect for a single person household to 12 kg+ for an extra large household,” says Mountford.
“Combo washer dryers available are great for space, but in my experience, they are not as effective as standalone washers and dryers. As there are more functions, the likelihood of something going wrong with them also seems to be much higher.
“When it comes to recommendations, I have a smart washing machine - the Hoover HWash 500, and it’s brilliant - the highest energy efficiency, and you can control it via your phone. It also has a virtual wardrobe function, so you simply scan the garment label, and it selects the correct cycle.”
“When it comes to investing in a new washing machine, the drum size you need for your household and the energy efficiency rating (capacity and efficiency) are the most important factors, says cleaning expert Laura Mountford, aka Laura Cleanaholic and author of the new book Live, Laugh, Laundry: A Calming Guide to Keeping Your Clothes Clean – And You Happy.
Budget will also dictate what type of washing machine you can afford - unless you find a great washing machine deal - but Mountford advises not to overspend for the sake of it. “There are so many different washing machines on the market, but fundamentally, they all wash our clothes. My advice when buying a washing machine is that you don’t need to spend a fortune. Try to get the best quality machine that you can for your money.”
But she adds: “Your washing machine will be one of the most used appliances in your home, and if you can invest in a quality product, then it should last longer and cost you less in breakdowns. So, doing your research is definitely worthwhile.”
Washing machine FAQs
Are washing machines with agitators better?
Agitators are central columns that twist and turn during a wash cycle and are usually found within top load washers, while impellers are disc-shaped devices that work to spin your clothes in a circular motion within the main body of the machine.
Impeller washers tend to wash clothes better than agitator washers, as they turn clothes in a circular motion, constantly spinning and rubbing against each other for a thorough clean. Impeller washers also use less water and detergent and are more energy-efficient than agitator washers.
While agitator washers can cause damage to clothes due to the roughness of some agitators, top-load washers are still popular and usually cheaper than front-load washers.
You can read a more in-depth comparison in our guide to agitator vs impeller washing machines.
Are washing machine cleaners worth it?
Using a washing machine cleaner can be worth it in the long run if you want a machine that continues to run smoothly throughout its lifespan. Over time, things like detergent, fabric softener, and dirty can build up, leading to odors, mold, and a generally reduced cleaning performance. Dedicated cleaners sanitize the machine and kill bacteria.
Of course, there are a few different options, which we go through in our guide on how to clean your washing machine.
Do washing machines use a lot of electricity?
On average, washing machines tend to use around 0.5 to 1.5 kWh per load, and costs can range anywhere between 15 to 45c per load within this range.
The amount of electricity that a washing machine uses will depend on the model and cycle you use most often. However, in general, front-load washers tend to be more energy-efficient than their top-load counterparts, using less water and needing less energy on spin mode. Newer models are also much more energy-conscious, so do your research to ensure you're making the best long-term investment.
What should you avoid washing in a machine?
Leather goods shouldn't be machine washed - the structure will be damaged, but any zips, buckles or other attachments could damage the drum and any part of the machine they encounter, warns Palmer-Smith.
"In general, metal and washing machines don't mix well! Similarly, it's not a good idea to machine wash anything rubber - the heat will most likely cause items to melt or fall apart."
Can you put different items in a top loader and front loader?
There’s pros and cons for each type, says Palmer-Smith, but the biggest thing to consider when caring for your clothes is the cleaning action. He says: "Top-loaders can be more aggressive which can cause fabrics to wear more quickly, so delicate items won't fare well over the long-term.
"Other than that, the choice will depend on where the machine will be and user preferences. Top-loaders are slimmer and can fit into smaller spaces, however you wouldn’t be able to stack a dryer on top. They also have a shorter cycle time because side loaders tend to have more complex wash cycles and water draining systems.
"Side loaders have larger washing capacity than top loaders because they don’t have agitators, which in turn makes them quieter and causes less vibration. In addition, front loading washing machines can use up to 40 per cent less water than top loaders, saving money on bills."
