We know that washing machines are a big purchase. And for an appliance that’s supposed to make daily chores a bit easier, it can be a pain to choose the right one that’ll meet all your needs. So, just like a washing machine, we did the work for you.
If you're looking for a high-powered washing machine that'll remove the heaviest of stains and get your clothes looking fresh in no time, these front- and top-loading washing machines are the best you can buy.
Editor's Note: The appliance industry is currently experiencing a supply chain disruption due to the global pandemic. We did our best to find expert-approved models that are in stock at retailers we trust, with reasonable delivery estimates.
Best Washing Machines of 2021
- Best Overall Washing Machine: LG WM4000HWA
- Best at Removing Stains: Electrolux EFLS627UTT
- Best Budget Washing Machine: Samsung WF45T6000AW
- Best Washer-Dryer Combo: LG WashTower
- Best for Large Families: LG WM9000HVA
- Best Top-Load Washing Machine: LG WT7800CW
- Largest Capacity: Samsung WV60M9900AV
- Most Affordable Top-Loader: GE GTW720BSNWS
- Best Portable Washing Machine: BLACK+DECKER BPWM09W
- Most Features: Samsung WF45K6500AW
- Best for Small Spaces: Bosch WAT28400UC 300 Series
How We Picked
For this guide, we spent more than 200 hours on washing machine research. We sifted through more than 85 models, comparing functions and reading consumer and editorial reviews of them, and we consulted studies from experts in the field of appliances. We referred to the latest National Appliance Repair Report, which was published by Puls, a company based in San Francisco with more than 4,000 fully vetted appliance technicians across the country.
We also looked at repair and reliability data from Yale Appliance and Consumer Reports, in addition to J.D. Power's annual Laundry Appliance Satisfaction Study and the ACSI Household Appliance and Electronics Report.
We're also constantly keeping our eye on what’s out there and updating this guide accordingly. Case in point: We updated this guide three times in just a month after our previous top pick was discontinued and newer models were released.
If you're ready for an upgrade, check out our ultimate guide to find the best washing machine for you, your budget, and, ultimately, your laundry room.
Best Overall
If you're looking for the most bang for your buck, the LG WM4000HWA washing machine won't disappoint. Based on our extensive evaluation, LG is one of the most reliable brands of washers, as it currently holds the number-one spot in both product and service quality in the American Customer Satisfaction Index rankings. It has more J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Awards for appliances than any other manufacturer for 3 years running, and its washing machines require less servicing in this first year of ownership than most other brands. LG was also the second-most recommended brand of washing machine by repair technicians at Puls, coming only behind Whirlpool.
With a spacious 4.5-cubic-foot capacity, this washing machine provides plenty of room for a king-sized comforter or a week’s worth of dirty clothes. If you want to take your laundry to the next level, you even have the option to add a second washer to it, so you can finish two loads at a time.
Using this model is easy — just press the power button, turn its single knob to select your cycle (there are 12, with the option to upload additional ones with a smartphone), then press the start button. There’s an additional touch panel to adjust water temperature, spin speed, and soil-level settings, along with a handful of buttons for triggering specific settings like an extra rinse, steam function, or LG’s exclusive TurboWash setting. We wish the control panel used physical buttons, and editors at Wirecutter also complained that its predecessor’s nearly identical control panel was difficult to use in the dark.
This option tackles large loads in less time by combining the rinse and spin cycles and spraying a detergent/water mixture directly onto your clothes. It can cut washing times in half, and it will clean a regular-sized load in just a half hour. There's also a steam setting to reduce common household allergens by more than 95%, making it certified asthma- and allergy-friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. It's equipped with an internal heater for making the water hot enough to kill germs, dust mites, and parasites. We also like that it's equipped with a durable rust-resistant stainless steel drum and premium- and stylish-looking tempered glass door.
You can control the washing machine using your smartphone, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa-powered speaker, too. This functionality comes in handy for starting the laundry while you're out and about. The machine will even send a notification to your phone when your clothes are finished washing.
Another plus is that the washing machine is incredibly energy- and water-efficient — it'll cost you about $10 to run each year. Overall, this washer finds a strong balance for effective stain removal without being too harsh on your clothes, plus it's reliable and priced under $1,000.
Best at Removing Stains
This Electrolux washing machine has straightforward controls that aren’t cluttered and confusing like LG’s can be, and it only has nine cycles, compared to other model’s 12 to 20 cycles. We also love its convenient dispenser drawer that accommodates single-dose detergent pacs — making it a great pick for those who prefer to use Tide Pods.
What makes the Electrolux shine, however, is its SmartBoost feature. Basically, the washer uses an extra water pump that pre-mixes detergent or fabric softener with water that's then evenly distributed onto your clothes. This ensures that each fiber in your load gets exposure. It even uses steam to help lift dirt out of your clothing and linens.
A 15-minute fast-wash cycle will come in handy when you’re in a bind and need to quickly wash something before heading out. There’s also an exclusive StainSoak feature that selects the perfect combination of tumbling, detergent concentration, and temperature for removing certain stains that you can select from the washer’s intuitive display, including difficult substances like blood, chocolate, and red wine.
Editors at Wirecutter said this model removed more stains than any other washing machine they tested. The staff at Reviewed.com named the Electrolux its best overall washing machine as well.
This 4.4-cubic-foot, front-load washer has a normal wash cycle time of 47 minutes, while its heavy-duty cycle can take more than 2 hours — a tad on the slow end. In comparison, LG offers a TurboWash setting that cuts wash times in half to just 40 minutes, while offering the same performance as a normal cycle.
The pros outweigh the cons, though, and we still feel confident in recommending this Electrolux. The washing machine offers a bevy of features, impressive cleaning performance, and a sleek design.
Best Budget Washing Machine
If you’re willing to put up with fewer and louder cycles and forfeit some advanced features for a much more affordable price, this stackable front-loading washing machine from Samsung is a great pick for those on a budget. It features a large 4.5-cubic-foot capacity and an attractive white stainless steel finish.
Samsung front-load washers rank highest in customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power's laundry appliance satisfaction study. The brand is also Yale appliances' and Puls
repair technicians' third most-reliable brand.
With this washer, you get 10 cycles. There are no sanitize cycles for the allergy-prone, nor speed cycles like Electrolux's or LG's TurboWash cycle we mentioned earlier. There's no built-in steamer for killing bacteria, so it isn't ideal for washing cloth diapers, either. If those features are important for you, opt for the LG WM3600HWA — it lacks the TurboWash feature found on our best overall pick, but still has a steam function and costs less.
This Samsung is even cheaper. It's an easy-to-use, energy- and water-efficient washing machine that just works. Its heavy-duty cycle may take an hour, but it'll remove grass stains and grime, no problem. It's worth mentioning that reviewers at Consumer Reports and Reviewed.com remarked that Samsung's washers weren't particularly gentle on clothes. So, we don't recommend this model for folks who have lots of delicates to clean.
Regardless, this washer should meet the needs of most users who'll appreciate its attractive looks and stellar price.
Best Washer-Dryer Combo
Instead of buying your washer and dryer separately, the LG WashTower is a two for one solution that consists of a clothes dryer on top and a washing machine underneath — but all in one single unit. The WashTower is more modern and less commercial-looking than laundry centers you’ve likely seen in apartments, but it’s also 3.5 inches shorter than a typical washer-dryer stack. Don’t let its shorter size fool you, because the appliance is still packed with spacious drums — a 4.5 cubic-foot washer and 7.4 cubic-foot dryer. That’s enough space to wash and dry a king-sized comforter.
We like that the WashTower has an easy-to-reach control panel that’s located right in the center of it, so you can quickly make your cycle selection. There’s a normal cycle, one for bedding, delicates, heavily soiled items, and a convenient 15-minute quick wash. Heavy loads take close to 2 hours to complete, while normal cycles finish in just under an hour.
What sets the WashTower apart from other machines is that the washer and dryer communicate with each other to save energy and cut down laundry times. The dryer will even preheat when the washing is near completion. The appliance also has integrated sensors that detect fabric texture and load size, and it can automatically adjust water temperature and wash motions to achieve the perfect clean. The WashTower is the only appliance we know of that can predict the completion time for both washing and drying your clothes.
The washing machine isn’t packed with as many specialized cycles as other appliances we’ve compared it against, but you can download extra features using the free LG ThinQ app. We were happy to see that it still includes LG’s TurboWash 360 cycle, which works wonderfully at removing stains, and LG’s Allergiene cycle to reduce allergens. The dryer also has a built-in steamer which helps curb wrinkles and sanitize your clothes.
Best for Large Families
Standing at 29 inches wide and nearly 34 inches deep, the LG WM9000HVA is an insanely large washing machine. It is equipped with an enormous drum that offers a 5.2 cubic-foot capacity, making it a good option for big families and for folks who wash a lot of towels or bedding. This machine tackles large piles of dirty clothes in fewer loads, saving you some time and stress on laundry day. It’s so big that you can fit a king-size comforter and a full set of bedding in a single load.
Besides being huge inside and out, the washing machine delivers impressive performance. It does a great job at removing stains, and it has 14 wash cycles and five temperature settings to cater to your washing needs. We appreciate the addition of the speed, sanitary, and Allergiene wash cycles. The latter two use steam or hot water to get rid of dust mites, pet dander, and bacteria.
This washer is packed with all the bells and whistles you need to make your laundry less of a chore. You can pair your LG with a nifty app to monitor its washing progress, adjust cycles, soil levels, and water temperature, too. The washer is quiet and incredibly speedy — a normal cycle will take a little over a half hour. It’s even equipped with LG’s TurboWash feature and uses powerful high-pressure sprayer nozzles to help get your clothes cleaned quickly.
It’s worth mentioning LG sells an even larger variant of this washer, dubbed the LG Signature WM9500HKA. We don’t think it’s worth spending the extra money to go for the bigger 5.8-cubic-foot capacity. You’d be better off putting that money toward the compatible SideKick pedestal washer for washing small loads or delicates separately.
Best Top-Load Washing Machine
Top-loading washing machines don't clean as thoroughly as front-loading ones do, and they also use significantly more water and energy. But if you're looking for a top-load washing machine, the LG WT7800CW is the best one you can buy.
If you’re lazy and tend to just dump your laundry basket straight into the machine, the LG will have your back. It’s equipped with a large, 5.5-cubic-foot drum that can tackle the largest of loads. While it has the space and the strength for cleaning large quantities, its standard cycles aren’t the speediest — some will take more than an hour to finish. This can make laundry day much more of a drag when you have several loads to tackle.
To make up for this, the LG has a TurboWash setting, which saves up to 20 minutes. It combines the rinse and spin cycles while using dual nozzles to spray a concentrated detergent solution directly onto your clothes to tackle stains, and brings the cycle time down to less than 40 minutes.
Another nifty cycle, called ColdWash, uses cold water and enhanced motions to effectively clean your clothes. The washer's tub and motor rotate independently and in opposite directions, which creates a powerful water flow that causes your clothes to rub against each other. This gives the cleaning performance of warm water, with the added benefit of saving energy. There's no agitator in this washer, either, which lessens the risk of ending up with damaged garments.
For allergy sufferers, we recommend the more expensive LG WT7900HBA top-loader, which is equipped with a trademarked Allergiene cycle and hot water heater that eliminates 95% of pet dander and dust mites. Regardless, we think given this washer's large tub, its quietness, and wide feature set, it's definitely worthy of your consideration.
Largest Capacity
With a combined capacity of 6.9 cubic feet, this dual washing machine from Samsung is sure to please large families that need to conquer mountains of laundry. The Samsung has a large 5.8-cubic-foot front-loading drum, in addition to a separately controlled mini 1.1-cubic-foot washer at its top.
This washing machine is quite similar to the LG's TwinWash pedestal washer we mentioned earlier, but rather than being located at the base like the LG, Samsung's small washer is on top instead. The mini washer is ideal for quickly washing delicates or lightly soiled clothes. If you want to use warm water on the top washer and cold on the bottom, you're free to do so, too.
Whether you're washing bedding or activewear, there's sure to be a cycle for your laundry needs — there are 12 total! Some cycles use a built-in steamer to help remove stains, and because the washer is equipped with an internal water heater, your hot water will reach temperatures up to 153 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to kill bacteria. Even hotter: This washer has Wi-Fi and sends push notifications to your smartphone when cycles are done.
Our sister site Good Housekeeping named this washer as a top pick because of its flexibility and excellent cleaning performance. Plus, this washing machine is absolutely stunning, and it comes in a sharp black stainless steel finish or a white color.
Most Affordable Top-Loader
The GE is the perfect washer for folks who are always in a hurry. It’s equipped with a slot specifically for detergent pacs and has a fast Normal Cycle that finishes in just 45 minutes. Testers at Reviewed.com even found that its Normal Cycle removed more stains than its Deep Clean Cycle without putting any wear and tear on your clothes — which is more common with top loaders over front-loading machines especially if they have an agitator. This one doesn’t. If you prefer an agitator over an impeller, GE sells a variant of this machine that uses an agitator instead.
The GTW720BSNWS’ 4.8-cubic-foot drum may not be as large as our best top-loader pick (which has a 5.5-cubic-foot drum), but it still packs enough room for a queen-sized comforter. The motor of the washer is backed by a 10-year warranty and the entire unit is covered for one year.
We love that the GE offers multiple rinse options. There’s even a unique Warm Rinse mode that uses hot water at the end of a cycle — which will come in handy for folks who have arthritis, sensitive skin, or really for anyone who doesn’t like the feeling of handling cold, damp clothes. Another nice touch is its Stain Removal Guide on the control panel, which lets you select from specific stains such as wine, grass, and dirt to ensure that your clothes come out clean.
If you're in search of a top-loading washing machine but are on a budget, we can’t recommend the GE GTW720BSNWS enough. Although our analysis found that GE isn’t as reliable of a brand, this is still an excellent washer that provides users with clever and convenient features, an easy-to-use interface, and, most importantly, impressive cleaning performance.
Best Portable Washing Machine
If you're renting and your landlord won't pay to have a washing machine installed (or you don't have enough room or the right hookups for a full-sized model), you should get a portable washing machine.
This small but mighty pick from BLACK+DECKER is perfect for those who want to avoid the laundromat at all costs. The 0.9-cubic-foot tub may not be the biggest, spin the fastest, or even be the most effective at removing stains, but it’s affordable, energy-efficient, and doesn’t require any special electrical or water hookups. Plus, you can fit it practically anywhere, thanks to its small footprint.
It's also one of the few portable washers that has several spin cycles for your specific washing needs. You have the choice of heavy, gentle, normal, rapid, and soak modes. The washer comes with an adapter for attaching it to your sink, as well as a hose for draining. Best of all, it spins quietly and doesn't vibrate, so it won't keep you or your neighbors up at night.
Most Features
If you're on the hunt for an affordable, effective, and luxurious washing machine, you should go with this model from Samsung. It's equipped with a generous 4.5-cubic-foot capacity and an ultra convenient Super Speed cycle that finishes a load in just 30 minutes. Best of all, this washer has a unique mini door on its top that lets you add extra items even after you've started the wash cycle.
The washer pairs with your smartphone and alerts you when the rinse cycle begins — that way, you can add prewashed items for rinsing. The door also comes in handy for adding additional fabric softener and venting after every cycle is complete.
The washer features 14 cleaning cycles in total, plus it has an internal water heater and steam functionality for superior cleaning. It's stackable, compatible with Samsung's laundry pedestal, and runs quietly. You have the choice of white or black finishes.
We also considered the feature-filled GE GFW850SPNRS front-load washing machine, which garnered high praise from Reviewed.com and Good Housekeeping for its cleaning ability, its automatic detergent dispenser, and its innovative vent system that aims to eliminate and prevent odors from gathering at the drum.
Ultimately, we concluded that the Samsung is the better buy. Although both models have an internal water heater, the GE has a slower Normal cycle that lasts 20 minutes longer, and its bedding cycle isn't as effective at cleaning sheets.
Best for Small Spaces
The Bosch 300 is the best compact washing machine for those who can't fit a full-sized washer in their home.
Unfortunately, the smaller size doesn't result in a smaller price. This front-loading Bosch is a stylish washing machine with a fast 1,400 RPM spin speed and short cycles. Its 2.2-cubic-foot capacity is half the size of our top pick, but it can tackle a 15-pound load, which is the equivalent of six towels. Cleaning performance is strong, and the washer should have little to no issues with removing stains.
It offers users 15 different cycles, ranging from delicates to heavy-duty, and there's even a cycle specifically for denim. We were glad to see an additional hot-water cycle for allergy-prone users who need their washer to kill germs and dust mites. Similarly to LG's TurboWash setting, the Bosch boasts a SpeedPerfect mode that provides up to 40% faster washing times. Features like its anti-vibration circular side walls and EcoSilence Motor ensure that it keeps quiet.
We also considered the Miele TwinDos washing machine, which costs nearly twice as much. Although the Miele offers users an automatic detergent dispenser, Wi-Fi connectivity, and tons of special wash cycles to choose from, we think you're better off opting for the Bosch.
According to Yale Appliance data, Bosch is the more reliable brand. Only 4.2% of compact washers from Bosch required servicing compared to the Miele's 10.41%. Samsung also sells a compact washer, the WW22N6850QX, which has a 9.93% service ratio. You should only shop for the Samsung if you prefer its black finish to the Bosch's all-white exterior, or you want to take advantage of its steam function and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Where are the best places to buy a washing machine?
- Home Depot offers financing options and free standard delivery on appliance purchases of $396 or more, which includes basic hook-up service. This includes everything from uncrating to setup, leveling, and connecting the dryers. The retailer also tests your new appliances after install to make sure everything is working correctly, then they remove all of the packing materials. You can get more information here and read frequently asked questions about delivery and installation.
- Lowes offers free appliance delivery 7 days a week for up to 75 miles from a fulfillment location. They occasionally have free next-day delivery during sale periods, too, and they offer financing packages. Lowes' installers will connect the appliance, test it, and haul away the old appliance for an additional fee.
- AJ Madison sells most major appliances and includes free nationwide delivery on orders of more than $499. They only deliver products to your front door, however — and they won't install your new appliance or haul away the old one unless you live in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania.
- Best Buy delivers appliance purchases totaling $399 or more for free. They’ll unbox and install your new washing machine, plus remove the old one for an additional fee. Best Buy has also received the “Highest in Customer Satisfaction” J.D. Power Award for the last 2 years in a row.
- Sears and Sears Outlet stores offer great prices on washing machines, and the retailer has several installation services available. They’ll deliver and unpack your washer, inspect it for damage and defects, determine if any additional work needs to be done prior to installation, connect your new appliance, explain codes and permits, level and secure it, test it, and even teach you how to use it. They’ll also remove all packaging materials, and they’ll haul away your old washer for an additional charge.
How much should you expect to spend on a high-quality washing machine?
- Non-commercial, full-sized washing machines can cost anywhere between a closeout $250 price and $2,100. Portable washers can cost as little as $100. We recommend spending $400 minimum on a full-sized model to get a reliable washer that’ll last you and your family several years. If you want a feature-filled one with steam cycles, smart functionality, and a modern-looking design, you can expect to pay at least $900.
How do you clean a washing machine?
- Soap builds up residue and scum, which can eventually turn to mold, so you'll want to occasionally clean your washing machine. We recommend filling your washer with hot water and mixing in a little vinegar and baking soda to clean it. Check out all the steps!
What brand of washing machine is most reliable?
- Whirlpool, LG, and Samsung are the most reliable brands of washers. Yale Appliance found that less than 7% of the sales of these units required servicing. J.D. Power also ranks Samsung and LG as the highest-ranking manufacturers in customer satisfaction. These brands were also ranked the most favorably by repair technicians at Puls.
Can you stack any compact washer with any compact dryer?
- Stacking a dryer on top of a front-load washing machine is a great way to save space in your laundry room. But stacking the two is a lot more difficult than it sounds. You need to ensure the machines are secured so vibrations don't cause them to tumble, make sure you have the proper venting, and measure several times. Several manufacturers sell stacking kits for their specific washing machines.
Do washing machines without agitators clean well?
- Even though front-load washing machines are more energy-efficient and use less water, a lot of buyers prefer older agitator-style washing machines. There are good and bad things with both models. Our verdict is that top-load agitator models are harsher on clothes and don't clean as well as other washers. On the plus side, they typically have shorter cycle times and are cheaper. If you want a machine with an agitator, we recommend the LG WT7305CW.
How long does a washing machine last, on average?
- The average life expectancy of a new washing machine is about 11 years. So if you purchased your washing machine before 2010, you’re definitely overdue for a replacement. Older models just aren’t nearly as energy- or water-efficient as today’s models, so you’ll have some peace of mind knowing your electric bill will go down if you splurge for a new upgrade.
What size washer do you need to wash a king-size comforter?
- Capacity is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a new washing machine. When you’re buying a new washer, you need to consider not only how much laundry you’re doing now, but how much you expect to do in the future. A size of 4 cubic feet is enough to wash 12 to 16 pounds of laundry, and this should suffice for a family of two. A larger-capacity unit, at 4.5 cubic feet, can hold up to 20 pounds of laundry, a must for a larger family. A king-size comforter will fit into a 3.8-cubic-foot machine, but you shouldn't add anything else to the load while you're washing it. You’ll need 5.8 cubic feet of space to wash king-size comforters and full sets of bedding in a single load.
What’s the best laundry detergent to use?
- If you're in a rush and don't want to fuss with liquid, we recommend Tide Pods laundry detergent pacs. For washing your baby's clothes and linens, we're fans of Dreft liquid detergent. As for washing your clothes, you can check out all our reviews of detergents here.
