The best washing machines of 2014
It’s that time of the year, time to take a break from the holiday fun, the parties, and the good food and make best and worst lists. Best movies, best books, and yes, best washing machines. So here’s a look at the best from Consumer Reports’ tests, and the best for your budget.
Top-loaders with agitators
They’re popular because they’re usually cheaper and faster than high-efficiency top-loaders and front-loaders. Most agitator washers we’ve tested cost less than $600 and do a normal wash in 40 to 50 minutes (using the normal wash heavy-soil setting). Vibration isn’t a problem, but noise is and most agitator washers have smaller capacities and aren't so gentle on fabrics.
Consider these top picks: Whirlpool WTW4850BW, $580, and the GE GTWN5650FWS, $700.
High-efficiency top-loaders
Most wash better and hold more laundry (17 to 28 pounds) than agitator top-loaders. Some have deeper tubs, and some washers are also taller now, making it difficult for shorter people to retrieve laundry at the bottom of the tub. The higher spin speed reduces dryer time and energy use by extracting more water, but this high spin can tangle and wrinkle clothing.
Consider these top picks: LG WT5680HVA, $1,200, Samsung WA56H9000AP, $1,500, LG WT1701CV, $950, and LG WT1001CW, $650.
Less expensive models to consider: Samsung WA45H7000AW, $700, Kenmore 28102, $700, Whirlpool Cabrio WTW5800BW, $700.
Front-loaders
The best generally clean better and more efficiently than the best high-efficiency top-loaders. Most front-loaders can handle roughly 17 to 28-pound loads and spin even faster than high-efficiency top-loaders—more water is extracted, reducing drying time and energy use. Front-loaders tend to be very quiet, and many can be stacked with a dryer to save floor space.
But they’re often expensive. A front-loader's high spin speeds might vibrate too much for the machine to be placed near living areas. While most manufacturers have reduced the vibrations, keep in mind that concrete floors can absorb vibrations well, unlike wood-framed floors.
Some top picks to consider: LG WM8500HVA, $1,450, Kenmore Elite 41073, $1,450, Maytag Maxima MHW8100DC, $1,300, and Maytag Maxima MHW5100DC, $950.
Less expensive models to consider: Kenmore Elite 41472, $700, Maytag Maxima MHW3100DW, $810.
Our washing machine ratings tell the whole story. You’ll see dozens of washers and be sure to check the brand reliability information and the compare-model tool to help you decide.
—Kimberly Janeway
2014 washing machine highlights
The best matching washers and dryers
Washers than can handle loads and loads of laundry
The best washing machines for $800 or less
Doing laundry in cold water will save you loads
How to rid your workout clothes of 'permastink'
More from Consumer Reports:
Best cookware from Consumer Reports’ tests
You can remodel your kitchen for as little as $5,000
Most and least reliable refrigerator brands
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