These Washing Machines Make Laundry Day a Breeze

washing machine
The Best Washing Machines You Can Buy Right Now


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If your home has enough space for a full-size washing machine, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment. There are gas or electric models in a range of capacities—some large enough to handle bulky items like comforters, saving you a trip to the dry cleaner. These days, most washing machines are also high-efficiency or Energy Star-certified (or both) and use less power to help lower your electric bill.

For budget-conscious shoppers, there are no-frills washing machines with basic settings, some priced as low as $500. Spend a bit more for things like a stainless steel drum, detergent dispenser, or digital display. Higher-end washing machines upwards of $1,000 often have Wi-Fi connectivity so you can check on the cycle using your phone, and more variety in wash cycles.

There’s a lot to consider before settling on the right washing machine for your home. That’s why we put together a lineup of the best washing machines out there, along with shopping advice to guide you through the buying process.

For more of the best tools for your laundry room, check out our picks for the best dryers, best washer-dryer combos, and best laundry stain removers.

The Best Washing Machines

What to Consider

Style

The first step is to decide whether you want a top- or front-load unit. For a machine that’s less expensive, requires less space, and needs less maintenance, consider a top-load washing machine. They’re also easier to repair, but the tradeoff is they’re often louder and tougher on fabrics, especially if you select a model with an agitator.

Front-load washers are generally better at stain removal, use less water, and often come with more features. However, their wash cycles are longer, sometimes up to two hours, and they’re more prone to mold and mildew around the door seals. Some models have special ventilation systems or antimicrobial finishes, but you can also leave the washer door open so the interior can dry out after the cycle.

Capacity

Washing machine capacity is measured in cubic feet. Machines with a capacity of 4 cubic feet or less are ideal for two- to three-person households, as they can typically hold around 12 to 16 pounds of laundry. For larger households, look for a machine with a more spacious drum—ideally 5 cubic feet or more—to hold 20 or more pounds of laundry. Larger machines are also big enough to wash king-size bedding.

Wash Cycles

Washing machines can have anywhere from six to 20 or more cycle options, and standard settings found on virtually all machines include normal, heavy duty, delicates, permanent press, and quick wash. Below, we’ve listed a few other common cycle settings found in the best washing machines.

Allergens

If you have allergies, allergen cycles generally have a longer wash time and higher temperature, and they may also include an extra rinse cycle. Some brands also use steam in this setting.

Steam

Not to be confused with steam settings on dryers, which help prevent wrinkles, steam cycles on your washing machines may help to loosen dirt and stains on soiled clothing.

Sanitize

If you’re concerned about bacteria on your clothing, sanitize cycles use hot water or high-temperature steam to kill 99.9 percent of germs during the wash cycle.

Wool

Designated wool cycles typically use less agitation and lower spin speeds to prevent damage to the fabric. However, they should only be used with washer-safe wool garments.

High Efficiency Washing Machines

To be labeled as “high-efficiency,” washing machines must meet strict guidelines concerning water, electricity, and detergent use. These appliances have larger drum capacity, use three times less water, and use 65 percent less energy per cycle.

High-efficiency washers require high-efficiency detergent, often designated by an “HE” on the label. These detergents create fewer suds and don’t require as much rinsing—if you accidentally use a standard detergent in an HE washer, clothes often come out with soap residue on them.

How We Selected

When selecting models for this list, we looked for both top- and front-loading washers in a range of sizes, prioritizing products from brands that we personally use and trust. I own the GE UltraFresh Front-Load Washer we cover below, which has a spacious drum and special vent system that helps prevent mold and mildew growth. In each category, we selected the appliance that provides the best cleaning performance, features, and overall value. We also highlighted products with useful and sought-after features, including ones that can be used with detergent pods, remove pet hair, and can be stacked with matching dryers.

UltraFresh Smart 4.8-cu.-ft. Front-Load Washing Machine

This front-load washer from GE has an impressive lineup of useful features, all for a reasonable price. It’s large enough for bulky items like comforters yet just as convenient for smaller loads, with a quick-wash cycle that takes just 35 minutes. The sleekly designed machine is also stackable and has built-in Wi-Fi.

The washing machine features an intelligent detergent dispenser that holds up to 32 loads worth of detergent, and it even has a sanitizing steam setting. Plus, special sensors in the drum detect when it’s off-balance to prevent banging during the spin cycle.

Other highlights include a venting system to prevent excess moisture, as well as an antimicrobial gasket and draining system. Overall, it’s a solid package for the price. The main drawback is that it isn’t a high-efficiency model.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lowes.com%2Fpd%2F--%2F1002550414&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popularmechanics.com%2Fhome%2Fg36064995%2Fbest-washing-machines%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>UltraFresh Smart 4.8-cu.-ft. Front-Load Washing Machine</p><p>lowes.com</p><p>$778.00</p>

White 5.4-cu.-ft. Top-Load Energy Star Washer

For a top-load washing machine that can handle large loads of laundry, this model from Samsung is worth a look. The high-efficiency machine has a 5.4-cubic-foot capacity with an impeller that’s more gentle on clothing than traditional agitators. It also features a stainless steel drum with a pattern on the walls that helps extract more water from laundry at the end of the cycle.

The machine is equipped with a built-in faucet that lets you pretreat stained clothes, as well as a soft-close lid and self-cleaning setting. Built-in Wi-Fi is another highlight, and with Samsung’s user-friendly SmartThings app, you can keep tabs on energy usage.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.homedepot.com%2Fp%2FSamsung-5-4-cu-ft-Extra-Large-Capacity-Smart-Top-Load-Washer-with-ActiveWave-Agitator-and-Super-Speed-Wash-in-White-WA54CG7105AW%2F325807872&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popularmechanics.com%2Fhome%2Fg36064995%2Fbest-washing-machines%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>White 5.4-cu.-ft. Top-Load Energy Star Washer</p><p>homedepot.com</p><p>$748.00</p>

3.5-cu.-ft. Agitator Top Load Washing Machine

This affordable top-load washer from Whirlpool is easy to operate thanks to its control dials, and because it doesn’t have complicated electronic components, it’s easier to repair than more high-tech models. It has a central agitator to spin clothing, which is one of the most efficient options for scrubbing out stains—though not ideal for washing delicate garments. Many wash drums are made from stainless steel, but this model has a smooth-sided porcelain drum instead to prevent clothes from snagging on its walls.

Because it’s a budget-friendly model, this Whirlpool washer doesn’t have quite as many features as others. However, it does have sensors that automatically adjust the water level, as well as an add-a-garment feature, which lets you toss in forgotten items after the cycle has started.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lowes.com%2Fpd%2F--%2F1000064061&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popularmechanics.com%2Fhome%2Fg36064995%2Fbest-washing-machines%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>3.5-cu.-ft. Agitator Top Load Washing Machine</p><p>lowes.com</p><p>$649.00</p>

Home Connect 800 2.2-cu.-ft. Smart Front-Load Washing Machine

Bosch washing machines may be pricier than other brands, but you get what you pay for. They’re known for reliability and quieter-than-average operation, and this model has several features that prove useful if you do smaller loads of laundry on a frequent basis.

The compact, stackable unit has a large selection of wash options, including a speed cycle that washes clothing 40 percent faster without compromising cleanliness. There are also four optional stain settings that automatically adjust the washing temperature, drum movement, and soaking time to help remove the residue.

This washer connects to your home’s Wi-Fi for remote operation via your smartphone, and it even has sensors that detect if there’s ever a leak, automatically stopping the machine to prevent water damage.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lowes.com%2Fpd%2F--%2F1000655819&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popularmechanics.com%2Fhome%2Fg36064995%2Fbest-washing-machines%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Home Connect 800 2.2-cu.-ft. Smart Front-Load Washing Machine</p><p>lowes.com</p><p>$1649.00</p>

6-cu.-ft. Smart Front-Load Washer

This oversized washing machine from Samsung can plow through loads of laundry faster thanks to its extra-large capacity. The main drum can fit large loads of bulky items, and there’s also a secondary 1-cubic-foot washing compartment on top of the machine that’s designed for washing smaller loads like delicates or baby clothes. Both drums can be run simultaneously on different settings for maximum efficiency.

If you like having a wide range of wash options, this appliance has a total of 24 settings—more than any other model on this list. Popular settings include a quick wash that takes less than 30 minutes and a steam cycle to help with stain removal.

This washer is a particularly high-tech option, as well. In addition to standard smart features, it has an AI-powered control panel that actually learns your preferred wash cycles and settings, and if you have the matching dryer, it can automatically select optimal drying settings, too.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lowes.com%2Fpd%2F--%2F5003025093&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popularmechanics.com%2Fhome%2Fg36064995%2Fbest-washing-machines%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>6-cu.-ft. Smart Front-Load Washer</p><p>lowes.com</p><p>$1999.00</p>

Smartboost 4.5-cu.-ft. High Efficiency Front-Load Washer

This front-loader washer from Electrolux can be stacked with its matching dryer, making it possible to install the set in a closet or other small laundry space. (A stacking kit is required for safe installation, though.)

Despite its moderate price point, the washer has many convenient features often reserved for more expensive models. There’s a sanitization setting to kill bacteria on your laundry (useful for healthcare workers or even teachers), and an allergen cycle that more effectively removes pollen and other particles. The machine also mixes detergent with water before dispensing it into the drum for better stain treatment, and it has a special setting for detergent pods, too.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lowes.com%2Fpd%2F--%2F5005390507&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popularmechanics.com%2Fhome%2Fg36064995%2Fbest-washing-machines%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Smartboost 4.5-cu.-ft. High Efficiency Front-Load Washer</p><p>lowes.com</p><p>$998.00</p>

Pet Pro 4.7-cu.-ft. Top Load Washer

Standard washing machines don’t have any method of removing pet hair during the wash cycle, but the Maytag Pet Pro has a special filter that captures hair as it cleans. During the wash cycle pet hair that comes off your laundry is pulled into the central agitator, where it gathers in a clump for easy emptying between uses.

This top-loading washer has a built-in water faucet for pre-treating stains, and its slow-close glass lid won’t slam shut when dropped. The one downside, however, is that the lid is sloped, which can be inconvenient if you like to stack and fold clothing on it.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lowes.com%2Fpd%2F--%2F5013606553&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popularmechanics.com%2Fhome%2Fg36064995%2Fbest-washing-machines%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Pet Pro 4.7-cu.-ft. Top Load Washer</p><p>lowes.com</p><p>$848.00</p>

4.8-cu.-ft. High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer

If you’re partial to detergent pods, this GE washing machine has a specific pod compartment. There’s a dedicated water jet that pops the pod and showers it with water to activate the detergent before dispensing the cleaning solution into the drum, resulting in optimal cleaning.

The top-load washer has a stainless steel drum with an impeller for gentle handling of clothes. It also features balancing technology that results in reduced vibration for a quieter cycle, and there are preset modifications available on each wash cycle to help remove common stains.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lowes.com%2Fpd%2F--%2F5002182231&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popularmechanics.com%2Fhome%2Fg36064995%2Fbest-washing-machines%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>4.8-cu.-ft. High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer</p><p>lowes.com</p><p>$678.00</p>

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