Need a New Washer? These 8 Are Our Top Finds (2024)

Front-load washing machines are popular for their cleaning ability, generous capacity, and user-friendly design features. The LG WM4000HWA checks all of these boxes, and we think it's a total game-changer after testing it at home.

We were impressed with the cycle options (there are 12; including a 15-minute speed wash and Allergiene setting) and cleaning efficiency. Notably, the washer can accommodate laundry loads up to 20 pounds (which is about a dozen large bath towels), thanks to the 4.5-cubic-foot stainless steel drum.

But, it maintains a trim profile that works well in smaller laundry areas. It is also stackable when paired with its matching dryer, so you can install it in a vertical configuration.

The center dial makes it easy to select a pre-configured cycle, plus the digital control panel allows you to modify aspects like water temperature, spin speed, and more. The digital display buttons aren’t lit, which made it challenging for us to use the buttons in low-light conditions.

With the LG ThinQ app, you can check cycle status, receive notifications, and even start the washer remotely. A big caveat to remotely starting a cycle is the fact that the washing machine must be turned on for this feature to work.

Regardless, it can be handy to monitor your machine via the app, especially if you have a laundry area in the basem*nt or if you frequently forget to retrieve freshly washed clothes from the washer.Ultimately, this pick tops our list because it's feature-packed, intuitive, and reliable. LG is one of the best brands for washers, and this particular front-loading model offers efficiency and quality at a reasonable price.

_{Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 12 | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes}

The Whirlpool 5.3-cubic-foot top load washer is our recommendation for a top-loading washer, thanks to its innovative design. Typically, when purchasing a top-loading washing machine you have to decide between a central agitator or an impeller plate, but this model gives you the best of both worlds.

Aside from its unique washing mechanism, this Whirlpool top-load washer is popular for its built-in faucet. It's helpful to pre-treating laundry stains, and there's a scrub brush included to gently agitate any soiled spots.

The options for treating your clothes aren't skimpy, either. This machine has 11 preset cycles, and with the options available, there are 36 unique combinations to clean everything from school uniforms to delicates. The wash basket is constructed of smooth, rust-proof stainless steel for years of worry-free use.

Unfortunately, this 2-in-1 top load washer is one-of-a-kind, so finding this appliance in stock may be the most difficult part of this purchase. If you do buy and install it, know that, like our best overall, front-loading pick, it has smart capabilities for a more streamlined laundry routine.

_{Capacity: 5.3 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Agitator or impeller | Cycles: 36 | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes}

The GE GTW465ASNWW is an under-$800, easy-to-use washing machine that's great for anyone looking to buy their first washing machine. This high-efficiency, top-load pick has a dual-action central agitator, a tried-and-true method of removing dirt and grime from clothes.

Choosing a wash cycle, rinse and water temperature options couldn’t be more straightforward thanks to electromechanical knobs for cycle selections, rather than a digital display.

Despite being a basic washing machine, this GE washer isn’t a total step back in time. It offers straightforward operation with convenient features, like a status indicator bar and auto-sensing technology to optimize water fill levels.

For heavily soiled loads, you can opt for deep fill or auto-soak. First-time users of the high-efficiency washer are sometimes surprised by the loud sounds associated with the auto-sensing, but it’s a minor adjustment for most people.

Notably, this pick does have a stainless steel drum for years of reliable use, which isn't always a common find in more low-priced options. However, it helps the machine rival our top options. This GE washing machine is very much lacking an Energy Star certification and smart capabilities, but smart features aren't totally necessary for your laundry routine.

_{Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Agitator | Cycles: 14 | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No}

Stackable washing machines can be a major upgrade if you're trying do more laundry with less space. This particular model from Maytag is especially innovative thanks to its compact, counter-depth size and 10 cycles.

If you choose not to stack a dryer on top of this unit, you can also purchase a pedestal to make loading and unloading this machine slightly more comfortable. The stacking kit is sold separately if you were to buy this washing machine's matching dryer to stack them. But, we should note that stacking kits are often sold separately—no matter the brand. Bending over to unload clothes is also a common drawback of stacked washing machines.

Aside from its physical convenience, this washing machine's cycles like the 12-hour fresh spin protects your clothes against wrinkles in case you can't immediately move them to the dryer. The extra-power button on the machine gives additional stain-fighting help to any wash cycle, transforming it into a dual-temperature wash.

Stains that are best treated with cold water and others with warm water all get eliminated in just one cycle. We love that this machine has a steam cycle for clothes best treated with steam cleaning. On top of all that, this washing machine's 4.5 cubic-foot capacity offers enough space for a small family (and the same capacity as our best overall, front-loading pick.)

This machine is also Energy Star certified, meaning it meets rigorous energy-efficiency requirements. Plus, this washing machine even cleans itself with the Affresh cycle. Simply add an Affresh washer tablet after every 30 washes. This keeps smells or buildup to a minimum, which is commonly found in front-loading machines.

_{Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 10 | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: Yes}

If your laundry day loads are supersized, choose a washing machine that is big enough for the job. Front-load washers make it easier to retrieve everything from the drum, rather than reaching down into the wash basket. The LG Signature WM95000HKA is the top choice for a high-capacity washer since it offers 5.8 cubic feet of drum space and a door that is 15 percent wider than the standard model—so more room to load and unload bulky loads.

Large families or anyone a king-sized mattress and bedding will appreciate the increased capacity of this washing machine. The LG’s 6Motion technology uses a variety of cleaning motions to ensure that stains and soil are eliminated from everything from activewear to delicates. To maximize the washer's efficiency, you can also take advantage of TurboWash technology, which uses high-pressure spray nozzles to reduce wash time by up to 30 minutes.

To have such a high-capacity washer, you’ll need the space to fit the machine in your laundry area—along with a dryer that has enough capacity to keep up. Space requirements, paired with the fact that this washer is not stackable, are the biggest drawback of the LG WM95000HKA. It also has a steep, nearly $2,000 price tag—definitely higher than the competition. But if you want and need a capable, supersized washing machine, this model is worth the investment.

_{Capacity: 5.8 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 14 | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes}

While there are now many washing machines on the market that have built-in faucets for pre-treating stains or other features to wash even your most stained items, we were blown away by the Electrolux ELFW7637AT 4.5-cubic-foot Smartboost Front Load Washer in testing.

For over a year, we put this machine through its paces in our home by washing soiled cloth diapers and spit-up-covered swaddles. It successfully removed stains and odors from them, and we didn't notice any major odor accumulating in the washing machine, often typical in front-load models.

This washing machine offered great energy savings and was efficient with its water usage, too, which was very helpful for our never-ending pile of newborn laundry.

The 15-minute fast wash and heavy-duty cycles were some of the most effective cycles on this washer, but other cycles specifically designed for white clothing items and steam-compatible items make it a well-rounded option.

Plus, SmartBoost technology helps pre-mix whatever your preferred detergent type is (powder, pods, or liquid) with the water, before rinsing your fabric for a powerful stain-removing process. We also loved that this machine was straightforward to operate, and its memory settings. You don’t have to always reset your wash temperatures and preferred cycle.

Despite all the appeal of this machine, there are a few minor drawbacks. For starters, we tested the titanium finish, which easily scratches. If you typically like to store your laundry basket or drying rack on top of your machine, you may want to rethink your storage, if you purchase one of the darker finishes of this model.

Additionally, we had a hard time reversing the door. The screws seemed to be too short. We had to make a trip to a hardware store for longer screws. If you opt for professional installation, we recommend asking them to switch the door to save yourself the trouble and frustration.

_{Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 11 | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: Yes}

The LG Electronics WM6500HWA 5.0-cubic-foot Front Control Washer is our best smart pick thanks to beloved settings like TurboWash and TurboSteam, AI technology that selects the ideal wash motions and temperatures, and communication to its matching dryer. While this model is very similar in features and design to our best overall, front-loading pick, the LG Electronic's 6500 series washers and dryers are even more efficient when it comes to energy consumption, cycle times, and load optimization.

With 5.0 cubic feet of capacity, this washer's stainless steel drum can easily hold king-sized bedding and lots of towels to help with the overnight guest cleanup or weekly laundry. It's compatible with smart home hubs like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

The LG Electronics SmartThinQ app allows you to remotely monitor cycle times and statuses. You can also stay up-to-date on its maintenance needs with live alerts to avoid extra expenses. Similar to our best stackable pick, this model is also equipped with a cycle (named the FreshCare cycle) that periodically tumbles clean clothes if you can't immediately place them into the dryer.

The Allergiene steam cycle is also certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to remove up to 95 percent of allergens like dust, pet dander, and pollen. Other thoughtful features like a control lock, add garment button, and end-of-cycle chime equip this machine to keep up with a busy household.

We do wish the door was reversible. Be wary if you have a wall directly to the left of this machine—you may find it more difficult to quickly remove items. Lastly, this machine is also Energy Star certified and CEE Tier II certified, making it one of the more efficient machines on the market.

_{Capacity: 5 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 14 | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes}

While some portable washing machines only feature the most basic of cycles, the GE GNW128PSMWW is loaded with eight different cycle options and four water temperatures. Whether you are washing towels, denim, or delicates, this compact machine is up for the task.

It has an impressive 2.8 cubic-foot capacity that also rivals other portable units. The major downside of this feature-packed washer is its price tag, which is equivalent to other full-sized models we have listed in this roundup.

However, if you have a small apartment or you're looking to save space in a tight laundry room, this portable unit could be worth the splurge. It comes with the unicoupler to easily attach the water line to a sink, so you won't have to worry about a complex setup process. It's also set on caster wheels so you can move it around when it's not in use.

The LED display makes it easy to select your load size, wash temperature, and specific cycle. There's also a deep fill option if you need to wash something especially bulky, like a bed comforter.

The washer may splash water during the deep fill cycle though, especially if you don't have a large enough sink to help it drain before spinning. You may want to keep extra towels nearby just to ensure your flooring doesn't become soaked. While this side effect is certainly inconvenient, we think it can be managed with some precaution.

_{Capacity: 2.8 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Impeller | Cycles: 8 | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No}

Final Verdict

Best Stackable Washers and Dryers — Summer 2024