Laundry can be a tedious task. All that sorting, loading, fluffing, and folding can be a drag. But when it comes to the dirty work—the actual cleaning—an efficient washing machine can lighten your load for years to come.
Modern washers look sleek and high-tech, but not all are created equal. Some clean clothes better, some wash clothes more gently, some save energy, and some are more likely to last. The most eco-friendly washers, which earn our Green Choice designation, are the most energy-efficient and have the smallest environmental footprint.
Washers sell for $500 to $2,500, depending on the type, capacity, efficiency, and features. But most fall in a price range $500 to $1,400. In addition to basic models, you’ll now find smart washers that respond to Alexa voice commands or "talk" to their matching dryer; you’ll even see washer-dryer combos that perform both functions in the same appliance, eliminating the need to transfer loads from one machine to the other. Some washers even deploy downloadable software fixes or offer remote access, so you can control your washer with your smartphone.
Buying a matching washer and dryer set with compatible settings on each machine is popular and convenient.
No matter which washer model you choose, follow our maintenance tips to keep it running smoothly. Most of the full-sized machines we’ve tested come with a 1-year warranty on parts and labor. Speed Queen, however, offers warranties ranging from 3 to 7 years. You’ll see warranty information in our washing machine ratings. If your washer does break down, check our Repair or Replace Tool for practical advice to help you decide whether it’s financially feasible to repair or replace your machine. Our tests also reveal the laundry products that waste loads of money.
How We Test Washing Machines
To test how good a washing machine is at cleaning clothes, CR’s testers use fabric swatches stained with red wine, cocoa, carbon (which is similar to soot), and other hard-to-remove stains. They analyze each swatch with a spectrocolorimeterbefore and after washing. The lighter the stain after laundering, the higher the machine scores in washing performance.
We also evaluate how gentle a washer is on fabrics, and record the amount of water and energy each machine uses. We also record the energy needed to dry the laundry we just washed: Washers that extract more water shorten dryer time and score higher in our energy-efficiency tests.Water- and energy-efficiency scores are among the factors we use to determine the Green Choice designation for washers.
Our testers also measure how much vibration the washer transmits to a wood floor, and our panelists judge the washer’s noise levels during the fill, agitate/tumble, drain, and spin cycles.
In addition to the lab test results, we incorporate each washer brand’s reliability and owner satisfaction scores from CR’s member survey into the Overall Score for each washer.
Washing Machine Types
Do you prefer loading laundry from the top of a washing machine rather than bending to load a front-loader? Or do you prefer a large-capacity front-loader for laundering large blankets or comforters at home? Every type of washing machine has its advantages and drawbacks.
The pros and cons below refer to the washer types as a group, based on our testing. There are exceptions, which you’ll see in our washing machine ratings.
Agitator Top-Loaders
Pros
• They’re usually the least expensive option, starting around $425.
• Cycle times are typically shorter than other types, often 35to 65minutes using the normal wash/heavy soil setting, and faster using the normal soil setting.
• These machines often earn midlevel and above ratings for washing performance. (They have a tougher time with heavy stains or soil, though, so you may have to pretreat your laundry.)
Cons
• Many are tough on fabrics.
• They typically use a lot more water than other types.
• Dryer times are often longer. (The washer’s tub can’t spin as fast as other washer types, so less water is extracted.)
• Most are noisy.
To learn more, see “5 Things to Know About Top-Load Agitator Washing Machines.”
Top-Load Agitator Washers Ratings
High-Efficiency (HE) Top-Loaders
Pros
• These machines often earn a very good or excellent rating for cleaning performance in our tests.
• Capacities are bigger than those of most agitator top-loaders.
• They use less water than many agitator washers and extract more of it, shortening dryer time.
Cons
• Wash times are long, often 70to 105minutes using the normal wash/heavy soil setting. (You can save time by using the normal soil setting.)
• Most aren’t gentle on fabrics.
• Laundry can tangle because of the low water level, longer wash time, and higher spin speed.
• Higher-capacity models may have deep tubs, which can make it difficult to reach the bottom.
Find out more by reading “5Things to Know About High-Efficiency Top-Loaders.”
Top-Load HE Washers Ratings
Front-Loaders
Pros
• These machines typically earn an excellent or very good score for cleaning performance in our tests.
• Many are gentler on fabrics.
• Front-loaders use less water and extract more of it, thereby saving energy and shortening dryer time.
• Most can be stacked with their matching dryer to save space.
• They’re available in a wide range of capacity, features, and prices, from $530 to $2,200
Cons
• Wash times are long, often 65to 120minutes using the normal wash/heavy soil setting.
• Some transmit vibrations to the floor. (That can be a concern with wood floors but not concrete ones.)
• Mold can be a problem with any type of washer, but in CR’s member survey, 14 percent of front-loader owners said theirs had mold or mildew, compared with 3 percent of HE top-loader owners and 1 percent of top-load agitator owners.
• Front-loaders are generally more difficult to load than top-loaders. A pedestal boosts a front-loader’s height—making loading easier—but you’ll pay $250 or more for the convenience.
For more information on front-loaders, see “5Things to Know About Front-Load Washers.”
Front-load washers Ratings
Compact Front-Loaders
Pros
• Their 24-inch width makes them an option when space is tight. Height and depth vary, as you’ll see in ourcompact washing machine ratings.
• Most can be stacked with their matching electric dryer to save floor space.
Cons
• Most compacts sold are front-loaders, not top-loaders, limiting your options.
• Matching compact dryers are electric (vented or ventless). Gas models are not available at this time.
• They’re small but expensive; prices typically range from $600 to $2,100.
• Cycle times are long for washer and dryer, especially if the dryer is a ventless model.
• They tend to vibrate, some more than others.
For more information, see “Best Matching Compact Washers and Dryers.”
Compact Washers Ratings
Choosing the Best Washer for Your Space
Measure the space you have to work with, allowing at least 6 inches behind the washer for water hookups, and about an inch between the washer and dryer. Measure the doors to your home to make sure a new washer can fit through them. Full-size washing machines are generally 27 inches wide; compact washers are typically 24 inches wide.
An extra-large washer-dryer combo machine may be harder to squeeze through door frames, but these ventless machines can be set up anywhere near a water hookup. That might be ideal if you live in an apartment or condo, or if you lack space for two appliances. Check dimensions in our washing machine ratings, and note which front-loaders can be stacked with a matching dryer. If space is tight, also consider the compact washers we’ve tested.
If your machine will be located near a living area, consider a washer that earns a very good or excellent score in our noise tests. And while most manufacturers have reduced the vibrations that full-sized front-loaders transmit to the floor, take a close look at vibration scores in our washing machine ratings to avoid that nuisance.
All About Washing Machines
For more information on washing machine capacity, types, and dimensions, watch our video below.
Picking the Right Washer Capacity
You’ll want to make sure the washing machine you buy is large enough to handle a typical-sized load for your household. For reference, a large washing machine with a 6.2-cubic-foot-capacity can hold 17 thick, full-sized bath towels, while compact washers, which typically have a claimed capacity of around 2.3 cubic feet, can fit about six of these towels. Washers with a capacity of more than 4.5 cubic feet fit a king-size comforter in our tests. In our ratings, you’ll find you’ll find washers with capacities ranging from 1.9 to 5.8 cubic feet.
Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports
Helpful Washing Machine Features
The more features, the higher the price.So, narrow your options to high-performing washers that fit your budget, then consider features that add convenience or save time. Here are five to look for.
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Automatic Dispensers
This feature is designed to dispense detergent, bleach, and fabric softener at the right time. Some washing machines can hold several months’ worth of detergent.
PHOTO: LG
Automatic Temperature Control
Rather than simply mixing hot and cold water in preset proportions, auto temperature control adjusts the water to the optimal temperature for the selected setting.
PHOTO: SAMSUNG
Extra Rinse Cycle
Most new washers that CR tests have an extra rinse cycle. It can helpif your skin is sensitive to detergent residue, and can help wash awaypet hairand other stubborn messes—that said, we recommend removing as much pet hair as possible from fabrics before throwing them into the washer.
PHOTO: SAMSUNG
Stainless Steel Tub
Most washers that CR tests now have a stainless tub. It can withstand higher spin speeds than plastic, extracting more water and cutting dryer time.
PHOTO: MAYTAG
End-of-Cycle Signal
A snappy tune or string of beeps alerts you that it’s time to move your clean laundry from the washing machine to the dryer.
PHOTO: KENMORE
Automatic Dispensers
This feature is designed to dispense detergent, bleach, and fabric softener at the right time. Some washing machines can hold several months’ worth of detergent.
PHOTO: LG
Brands in CR's Ratings
Here’s a look at the brands currently in our ratings. We test year-round and continue to add brands to ourwashing machine ratings.
Amana, which is owned by Whirlpool, makes lower-priced washers.
Bosch currently makes higher-end compact laundry appliances.
Electrolux is the parent company and makes midpriced to high-end full-sized and compact laundry appliances under the Electrolux brand. Frigidaire full-sized laundry appliances are in the low-priced to midpriced range. Frigidaire no longer makes front-loading washers.
This manufacturer makes full-sized and compact laundry appliances on the higher end of the price scale.
GE Appliances, majority owned by Haier, makes full-sized and compact laundry appliances at a wide range of prices.
Haier makes compact washers and electric dryers that are sold at major retailers and independent appliance dealers.
Hotpoint is a lower-priced appliance brand from GE Appliances, which is mostly owned by Haier.
Insignia is Best Buy’s house brand. Its full-sized laundry appliances sell for around $700 or less.
This brand offers full-sized washers at all prices, with the Kenmore Elite models on the higher end. Kenmore also has compact laundry appliances. Kenmore appliances are sold through Sears and other outlets.
LG makes full-sized and compact washers in the midpriced to high-end range.
Maytag is a Whirlpool brand and makes midpriced to high-end full-sized laundry appliances.
You’ll see this high-end brand in our ratings of compact laundry appliances.
Samsung makes midpriced and high-end full-sized and compact laundry appliances. Samsung does not make agitator top-loaders.
This manufacturer offers a narrow line of agitator top-loaders and front-loaders that are in the higher price range. Speed Queen’s warranties, however, are among the longest we’ve seen, from 3 to 7 years.
A manufacturer of full-sized and compact laundry appliances, Whirlpool makes models in a wide range of prices.
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