The best washing machines will keep your clothes sparkling and stain-free 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 kids are at home; muddy socks and sauce-stained t-shirts can only be handled by a machine 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 quick list
The best washing machine overall
The LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. Smart Front Load Washer improved Terri's laundry experience with its sleek design, efficient cycles, and impressive spin performance. It's easy to maintain.
The best washing machine on a budget
The Whirlpool 3.8-3.9 Cu. Ft. Top-Load Washer is effective, noisy, affordable, has an agitator, cleans well, and easily handles bulky items.
The best premium washing machine
The ASKO Steel Seal washing machine offers 22 versatile wash settings, a compact design, easy controls, and efficient performance, making it ideal for family laundry.
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The best large capacity washing machine
The Maytag Smart Top Load Washer cleans well but is loud. It has a spacious drum, 13 settings, and an app, but struggles with tough stains.
The best washer-dryer combo
The LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity All-in-One Washer/Dryer Combo is space-saving, efficient, and user-friendly. It features smart technology, a sleek design, and excellent cleaning performance.
The best washing machines we recommend in 2024
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
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 washing machine overall
The LG WM4000HBA 4.5 Cu. Ft. Smart Front Load Washer improved our reviewer Terri's laundry experience throughout testing. Its sleek finish made it stand out in her laundry room, unlike her previous white ones. In addition to looking great, it's scratch-resistant and has a tempered glass door. It's stackable, so you can use pedestals for easier access, and Terri added a drip pan underneath so it didn't leak.
AJ Madison did a great job with delivery and installation. Since Terri didn't remove her old washer/dryer set, the installation cost was $85 for the washer and $110 for the dryer. The LG ThinQ app didn't work for her due to some Wi-Fi problems, but she liked the touch controls.
After testing the washer for several months across various cycles such as steam, pre-wash, and delay options, Terri found the Speed Wash to be really handy for small loads. Using just 1/4 cup of detergent and vinegar can remove tough stains like grape jelly and coffee. The washer has multiple soil levels and temperature settings, so even cold washes work great.
The spin cycle is impressive, with great drainage and low noise levels—about 53.6 dB during regular cycles and 63.2 dB on spin. To maintain the LG WM4000HBA, Terri kept the door ajar, cleaned the seal after every use, and ran a Tub Clean cycle monthly to keep odors at bay.
"This LG WM4000HBA 4.5 Cu. Ft. Smart Front Load Washer is sleek and stylish, loaded with features, and performs well on various cycles. However, it takes a while to review all of the features."
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | straightforward, especially with professional assistance; design allows for flexible configurations, such as stacking or using pedestals | 8/10 |
| Washing Performance | variety of cycles; Speed Wash cycle particularly impressive for quick loads; effectively removes most stains | 9/10 |
| Rinsing Efficiency | options for extra rinses; ability to adjust rinse settings based on load type | 8/10 |
| Spin Cycle | powerful, extracting a significant amount of water and reducing drying time | 9/10 |
| Maintenance | straightforward, with regular tasks such as wiping down the door and seal, running a Tub Clean cycle, and cleaning the dispenser drawer | 8/10 |
The best washing machine on a budget
You can get the job done effectively with the Whirlpool 3.8-3.9 Cu. Ft. Top-Load Washer, even though it doesn't stand out for its aesthetics. Although there's no display and it's a little noisy, it's got a handy agitator for larger loads. It's also cheap.
Because of its size, the washer is usually delivered by couriers, and installation takes about half an hour. If you decide to install it yourself, make sure to level it properly; you might need a wrench for the adjustable feet.
This straightforward model measures 27 x 28 x 44 inches and features dials for setting soil level, temperature, and load type, plus a quick wash option. It has a self-cleaning cycle with Affresh, so it's easy to keep clean. Stainless steel drums come with removable plastic agitators, so you can wash bulky things. You'll need to add detergent, bleach, and fabric softener directly to the drum, though.
In terms of performance, the washer cleans effectively and leaves clothes smelling fresh. After a month of use, our reviewer, James, noticed that heavy-soiled clothes sometimes needed another wash. The 'whites' setting in warm water was enough to get out most stains, but some needed bleach and cold water to get out.
The lack of an agitator lets you wash large items like queen-size comforters or towels without any problems. While it operates at around 60 dB, making some noise, it's manageable for a mid-range washer. It spins out excess water efficiently, reducing dryer time. After powering on, it needs a second press to start the adjustments.
"The Whirlpool 3.8-3.9 Cu. Ft. Top-load washer is not going to turn heads, but it doesn’t have to. While light on features—it doesn’t even have a display—and loud in operation, it does a good job cleaning and comes with one very cool trick: a removable agitator that allows larger loads. Plus, the price isn’t bad."
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | process involves connecting inlet and drainage hoses and possibly adjusting the leveling feet with a wrench | 8/10 |
| Control Panel and Usability | basic but functional; robust dials for selecting soil level, wash temperature, and load type; absence of a display for cycle time is a drawback; start button requires two presses; removable agitator adds versatility | 7/10 |
| Washing Performance | performs competently, effectively cleaning most loads and leaving clothes smelling fresh; heavily soiled items may require a second wash; handles a variety of fabrics well | 7/10 |
| Rinsing Efficiency | rinse options, including an auto-sense choice, provide flexibility; does a good job of removing detergent and residues | 8/10 |
| Spin Cycle | effectively removes most of the water from clothes; operates at a moderate noise level (up to 60 dB) | 8/10 |
The best premium washing machine
The ASKO Steel Seal washing machine is an efficient, high-quality choice for modern laundry needs. With over 20 wash settings, it can handle a variety of laundry tasks, though its compact size might not work for larger families. Considering the price point, potential buyers should compare it to their needs.
Upon receiving the ASKO washing machine and tumble dryer on a pallet, we moved them easily into our laundry space with a hand truck. The compact design gave us a lot of space, and they included the tools and accessories to stack them. Installation was easy, but the instructions were a little unclear.
The front layout is clean, with easy-to-reach controls. The detergent drawer is compatible with powder, liquid, or pods. The power button and selection dial are easy to use, too. Unlike rubber seals, the stainless-steel seal around the door keeps dirt and odors out. The machine has 22 programs, allowing you to customize the washing mode, temperature, and spin speed. It also has prewash and super rinse features.
The ASKO washer is easy to use, thanks to its simple controls, a huge improvement over the last one. Safety features like the Child Lock ensure peace of mind, while the machine recommends how much detergent to use. Even with its size, it handles large loads effortlessly, accommodating up to eight towels.
The Universal Wash was consistently effective, with a shirt program that reduced wrinkles significantly. With a peak volume of 67.2 dB during the spin cycle, the ASKO Steel Seal washing machine is our top choice for family laundry.
The ASKO Steal Seal W4114CW washing machine is a quiet, efficient, high-quality washer for the modern age. With more than 20 different wash settings, it’s more than equipped to handle any washing you need. It’s not the most spacious washer, so it might not be the best option if you’ve got a big family. It’s also quite expensive, so you’ll have to decide if it’s worth the investment.
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | straightforward and can be completed without professional assistance; instructions could be clearer in some areas; flexible installation options, such as side-by-side or stacked configurations | 8/10 |
| Washing Performance | excellent washing performance, effectively handling various loads and stains; Universal Wash program performs well; steel seal design prevents dirt and odors | 9/10 |
| Rinsing Efficiency | good rinsing efficiency; options to customize cycles for extra rinsing if needed; allergy mode, which uses extra water and rinsing, is particularly beneficial | 8/10 |
| Spin Cycle | spin cycle is efficient and quiet; noise level during the spin cycle is low | 9/10 |
| Maintenance | periodic tasks like running a Drum Cleaning cycle and cleaning the filter and detergent drawer; steel seal reduces the need for frequent cleaning compared to rubber seals | 8/10 |
The best large capacity washing machine
Maytag's Smart Top Load Washer with Extra Power combines impressive cleaning power with modern features, but it's loud.
The delivery team arrived in under 20 minutes and set up the washer after arranging with J.B. Hunt. When our reviewer, Camryn's, partner paired it with their smartphone, they noticed a slight dent on the front panel, but it wasn't big enough to report.
This Maytag model has a glass top that lets you see what's going on inside. Its dimensions are 27 1/4 inches wide, 27 7/8 inches deep, and 42 7/8 inches tall. Camryn found it manageable despite its 139-pound weight. It has 13 wash settings and a 2.4-inch LCD screen, where you can adjust spin speed, water temperature, and so on. It's nice to have a pull-out detergent drawer, but it's a bit flimsy.
Over the course of a month, Camryn tested the washer with various items, from clothes to bedding. The spacious 5.2-cubic-foot drum easily accommodated up to eight full-size bath towels. The washer has five temperature settings, four water levels, and an Extra Power button to fight stubborn stains.
While the washer effectively cleaned and left laundry smelling fresh, it struggled with tougher stains like mustard and tomato sauce, so Camryn had to pre-treat them. Additionally, heavy items like bed blankets tended to go off balance during the spin cycle, and the machine operates at around 60 decibels. It also comes with an app, so you can monitor cycles and find stain guides.
"The Maytag Smart Top Load Washer with Extra Power offers solid cleaning performance and high-end features, but it is noisier than your average washer."
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | manageable weight and included instructions; delivery service was efficient and well-coordinated | 8/10 |
| Control Panel and Usability | user-friendly, featuring a large dial and LCD screen for easy selection of wash settings; ability to customize cycles with various options, such as spin speed and water temperature; need to hold the start button for a few seconds | 8/10 |
| Washing Performance | delivers strong washing performance, effectively handling a variety of loads and removing common stains; Extra Power button; pre-treatment may still be necessary for tougher stains; spacious drum accommodates large loads | 8/10 |
| Rinsing Efficiency | minimal water left in garments after the spin cycle | 8/10 |
| Spin Cycle | effective in reducing moisture content, though it may struggle with balancing heavy items like blankets; noise level during operation is higher than some users might prefer | 7/10 |
The best washer dryer combo
This LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo eliminates these problems by streamlining the laundry process, while not taking up a lot of space. In addition to saving space, it's got smart technology, so you can wash and dry in two hours. LG's smartphone app lets you monitor and control the machine remotely, which makes it ideal for people with limited space or who just want a more convenient laundry solution.
Despite the snow, our reviewer, Paige, was able to move the machine up three stairs thanks to a friend's help. It arrived in excellent condition, well-protected by heavy-duty packaging.
It features a sleek design and is available in black steel and graphite. At 27 x 14 1/8 x 30 3/4 inches and 246.9 lbs, it easily fits standard spaces. Thanks to a detailed checklist and included tools, it's easy to install. Clear controls and dual touchscreens make it easy to use. The ventless design means there's no dryer vent, so it's super easy to set up.
The user-friendly features continue inside, with an interior light and responsive touchscreen controls. The power and start/pause buttons need to be pushed harder. It cleans well, but it had some trouble with pet hair. In general, it handles large loads, runs quietly, and works better than my previous GE top loader, especially on fresh stains.
"Traditional washers and dryers take up much space, and switching loads over is inconvenient. The LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo streamlines the laundry process, saves space, and includes plenty of smart features for good measure. It's efficient, with the ability to automatically wash and dry laundry in two hours. Plus, when paired with LG’s smartphone app, you can monitor and even control the machine without being in the house. As a result, this washer-dryer combo is an appealing option for anyone with limited space, wants more precise control over their laundry, or just wants an easier option than a separate washer and dryer."
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | straightforward with the included tools and detailed instructions; machine's weight and size make it challenging to move without assistance; ability to use existing water hoses | 7/10 |
| Washing Performance | strong washing performance, effectively handling various loads and stains; range of modes for different fabric types and washing needs; capacity is impressive, accommodating large loads and items like comforters | 8/10 |
| Rinsing Efficiency | provides good rinsing efficiency, removing most stains and dirt effectively; heavily soiled items may require additional cycles for complete cleaning; ability to adjust detergent dispensing | 8/10 |
| Spin Cycle | efficient, reducing moisture content significantly and preparing clothes for drying; design minimizes movement during operation | 8/10 |
| Maintenance | straightforward, with tasks such as cleaning the lint trap, wiping the door and seal, and running the Tub Clean cycle; design facilitates easy access to components; Smart Diagnosis feature | 8/10 |
How to choose the best washing machine for you
We spoke to cleaning expert Laura Mountford, aka Laura Cleanaholic, author of the new book Live, Laugh, Laundry: A Calming Guide to Keeping Your Clothes Clean—and You Happy.
“When 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."
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," she continued. "My advice when buying a washing machine is that you don’t need to spend a fortune. Try to get the best quality machine you can for your money.
“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 worthwhile.”
Drum size
Mountford says: “When choosing a new washing machine, it’s important to consider the drum size suitable for your household and lifestyle. A machine with a larger capacity may use more energy to run. Still, having a larger drum size could save you energy because you can wash more in one load, reducing the number of times you 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.
“Many models now have fantastic additional features, like smart technology that allows you to remotely control your machine using your phone, 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 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 are great for space, but in my experience, they are less effective than standalone washers and dryers. With more functions, the likelihood of something going wrong also seems much higher.
“Regarding 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.”
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. Impellers are disc-shaped devices that spin clothes in a circular motion within the main body of the machine.
Impeller washers tend to wash clothes better than agitator washers. 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 agitator vs. impeller washing machine guide.
Do washing machines use a lot of electricity?
On average, washing machines use around 0.5 to 1.5 kWh per load, and costs can range between 15 and 45c per load within this range.
The amount of electricity a washing machine uses will depend on the model and cycle you use most often. However, front-load washers generally tend to be more energy-efficient than their top-load counterparts, using less water and less energy in 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?
Palmer-Smith warns that leather goods shouldn't be machine washed—the structure will be damaged. However, any zips, buckles, or other attachments could damage the drum and any part of the machine they encounter.
"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?
Palmer-Smith says each type has pros and cons, 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 the machine's location 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 percent less water than top loaders, saving money on bills."
