We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Including an LG front-loader for large families and an innovative front-loader by Whirlpool. Top Load Automatic Washing Machine
Washing machines have come a long way in recent years — and not just in the way they load. No matter your preference — a front-loader or a top-loader, today's washers are smarter, gentler, clean better and are all around easier to use. The downside to all of these advances? Weeding through all of the options to choose the very best washing machine can make your head spin.
To help you separate the duds and the dynamite, our Lab pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab test all kinds of washers to test both performance and convenience. Based on our extensive data collected over more than 116 years of testing, these are the best washing machines you can buy.
Read on for more details about the best washing machines of 2023, including key specs and features to look for when shopping. Plus, familiarize yourself with key differences between front- and top-loading washing machines and more. Then, complete your laundry set-up by shopping our picks for the best laundry dryers, best laundry detergents and the best laundry detergent sheets.
Because of the unique design of this machine, the musty smell of a front-loading washer may just be a thing of the past. It has a venting option that automatically dries the door seal and the inside of the machine when your laundry is done to prevent water from puddling inside.
Here's how it works: The machine pulls in outside air to dry the interior while the drum spins intermittently. The door gasket, dispenser drawer and other internal components are also treated with Microban, an additive to help keep mold at bay. When we tested it, we were impressed that the drum and door seal were bone dry after a full vent cycle. On the downside, the full cycle takes eight hours, so it's best to run this feature after your last load of the day or overnight.
Besides this unique technology, the washer is packed with other enviable features, including SmartDispense bulk detergent dispensing. All you do is select the cycle and the washer automatically adds the correct amount of detergent. (We found liquid detergent is a cinch to fill without spilling and up to 50 ounces of liquid can go in at a time.) In addition, it has steam cycles, Wi-Fi connectivity and a one-step wash and dry option that washes and air dries a small load overnight. In our tests, we found the wash cycles to be speedy and very effective, cleaning our cotton and polyester stain swatches in both warm and cold water. Even the quick-wash cycle removed a set-in stain in just 20 minutes. One thing to note, some reviewers say this washer is louder than they would like.
While we did not formally test this particular washer, we did test a similar model in our Lab and can recommend this top-loading washing machine as a reliable and efficient option. Even though it has a center agitator, you'll never notice a compromise in capacity. It holds over 5 cubic feet of laundry — plenty for the average family. In fact, it's so deep that some reviewers say it can be difficult to pluck out those last few items.
From an operational standpoint, though, we liked the clear control panel. It was easy to decipher and extremely responsive to the touch. Not to mention, you can control your laundry from anywhere using the optional smart functionality.
The model is energy-saving and efficient, but you can add more water if you’d like to with the deep fill option — a feature that's very helpful for extremely soiled clothes, like kids' muddy sports gear. For extra dirty loads like these, there's also a PowerWash cycle. Conversely, if you need an outfit quickly — say, a school uniform your kid forgot to launder — the RapidWash trims wash time to under 30 minutes.
In our GH Cleaning Lab Tests, GE washers are always solid performers, and this machine has luxury features at a great price.
It has a sanitize cycle, which kills bacteria, and it has the ability to incorporate an oxi additive to help boost your detergent's cleaning power. It also has all the key cycles we look for, including ones for washing workout wear and bulky items like comforters, down coats and sleeping bags. Unfortunately, there's no steam cycle, but that's expected at this price point. We love that the dispenser has a dedicated section for detergent packs to help them dissolve better, and the handy stain guide option adjusts the cycle's time and water temperature to better remove tough stains like tomato, wine, blood, grass and dirt. With the deep fill and deep rinse settings, you can also add more water to loads that need them for more thorough washing and rinsing.
If you can't decide whether to purchase a washing machine with or without an agitator, this unique Whirlpool top-load washer gives you the best of both worlds. It provides the flexibility to keep the agitator in for regular loads or remove it for bulky loads like washing a comforter. We were impressed by just how roomy the interior was without the agitator. It's so roomy, in fact, that it can be hard to reach the bottom of the machine — especially for anyone on the shorter side.
We were also impressed with the stain-treating station and Load and Go dispenser, which allows you to add detergent in bulk. Simply refill it every 20 loads or so — a nice convenience for those who typically speed through the task.
We also found the app useful and easy to use. Unlike some other washing machines we've tested, this Whirlpool impressed us enough to be named a winner in a previous year's Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning Products Awards. Take note, it may not be the quietest machine, as some reviewers say it's louder than they anticipated.
These days, it seems like there really is the perfect laundry machine to suit every need. Now pet owners can look forward to hair-free clothes, thanks to this new top-loader from Maytag.
Generally speaking, we normally don't recommend laundering items covered in pet hair, because it can present a clog risk. Maytag’s new washer — a machine we liked so much it earned a 2023 Best Cleaning & Organizing Award — eliminates this concern. It's equipped with a special Pet Pro cycle, which uses a combination of water and agitation to loosen hair and then capture it in a filter located in the center agitator. Simply remove and clean the filter once the load is complete.
In our tests, this washer effectively tackled the tough mess of stuck-on pet hair but was gentle on clothes — a tall order. We were also impressed by the 4.7-cubic-foot tub's ability to handle big loads, even if the cycle was a bit slow. Ideal for hair-covered bedding! Perhaps most importantly, the Pet Pro lived up to manufacturer claims and removed all remnants of hair we spread onto test sweaters.
If you're trying to squeeze a reliable and efficient laundry machine into a tight space, take note of this pick's compact profile that can easily slide into cramped quarters.
Yes, it's a top loader, but we found it easy to program with your choice of temperature, soil level and load size selections. It's also equipped with eight special cycles, and you can customize your own pre-set favorites that you can repeat with just the press of one button. At 3.2 cubic feet, this washer does have a smaller capacity than some other washers, so it won't handle extra-large loads. But in our tests, it was able to wash a bulky queen-sized comforter. The comforter came out clean and well-rinsed without the center agitator interfering.
This machine is super quiet, and the delay start setting lets you wash when it suits you — even overnight. Overall, we think this top-loader is a solid pick, and the seven-year warranty reinforces that.
This top-loading washer from GE is packed with smart features, including the brand's SmartHQ, an app that enables remote control and monitoring, so you can receive status notifications to avoid unnecessary trips to the laundry room to see if the cycle is done.
It also has a voice assistant built right in to help make laundry day a breeze. The machine's internal Alexa recognizes thousands of commands to help you get the job done. If you've ever wondered what wash settings you need to wash cashmere or how to get a specific stain out, simply give Alexa a voice command and it will adjust the machine settings for you. In addition, the built-in Alexa functions like any other Alexa speaker and can play music, tell you the weather and more.
It's not all bells and whistles, though. In our Lab tests, we found this washer to be easy to use, and we appreciated the large 5.4-cubic-foot capacity, though it was a bit loud during certain parts of the cycle. We were also impressed with the technology to help prevent tangles, which means no more knotted sheets or twisted clothing. We were so impressed with this washer that we even gave it a spot in our Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Awards.
While we have not tested this particular LG washer in our Labs, we have tested enough similar models to confidently recommend this front loader. And combined with LG's 1 cu. ft. top load pedestal washer — which we have tested in our Labs — the machine totals a jumbo 6.8 cubic feet of washing capacity. It's a size that's hard to top and one that will reduce the amount of loads large families have to do each week — a convenience, but also an energy-saver.
The Mega Capacity Washer has a whopping 14 wash programs too. Choose from pre-sets like normal, perm press, delicates, speed wash, heavy-duty, towels and more. It also has 13 additional features, including a child lock, remote start and Wi-Fi connectivity, plus four spin speeds ranging from no spin to extra high, as well as five soil levels. According to the manufacturer, the machine has sensors that detect the size and weight of your load to adjust the wash time and water level for optimal results.
Although purchasing both the washer and pedestal amounts to a rather steep price tag, the additional space makes it worth the splurge for a large family.
This Samsung washer makes doing laundry easier with loads of smart features. For instance, the Opti-Wash feature automatically detects the soil levels and adjusts to add more time or detergent if needed so your laundry always comes out clean.
The smart front-loader can also be paired with an app that we found easy to use with features like remotely starting and stopping the wash, scheduling wash cycles, receiving alerts when the cycle is done and more. In our tests, we were impressed that after using the washer a few times, it learned our favorite wash cycle settings — no programming required. Not only did this washing machine do a great job cleaning, but it was quiet as well. Not to mention, the drum is treated with an antimicrobial to help keep the washing machine smelling fresher longer. The Self Clean+ feature will also alert you when it’s time for a cleaning.
Also worth noting, the matching dryer can be installed stacked or side by side. If you do stack them, you can set the dryer right from the washer's control panel, so you don't have to take out a stool.
While all front-load washers and dryers can be stacked, the LG WashTower makes the controls easy to reach by placing them in the middle for both appliances, so short folks no longer have to stretch to see and set the dryer cycles.
And they didn't stop with the innovation there, built-in sensors use AI technology to detect fabric texture and load size to customize the washing and drying cycles for better fabric care. When using the LG ThinQ app, you can set and monitor the washer and dryer and even alert the dryer to the load type coming its way. This particular pick comes with an electric dryer, but the unit is also available with a gas dryer for $100 more. But unlike two separately stacked appliances, the WashTower is one unit, so if either the washer or dryer needs replacing, the whole thing has to go.
In our GH Cleaning Lab tests, we found this unit incredibly easy to use and load and unload, especially for our five-feet-and-under testers! We liked the speedy, yet gentle and effective cycles, and nice extras, like steam, allowed us to freshen gently worn items for another wear. The machines learn your most frequently used cycles and automatically choose the correct options when you turn them on. Convenient!
This Good Housekeeping Seal-holder measures 23.5 x 33.5 x 25.375 inches making it one of the most compact washing machines on our list. The 2.26 cubic-foot capacity makes it a great choice for small homes and apartments or as a second washing machine installed in a closet or bathroom. While it's small, the drum is roomy enough to handle large, but not jumbo loads.
We love the unique TwinDos system that automatically dispenses the correct amount of detergent. There are a wide array of cycles to choose from, including silks, handwash, express and more.
In our tests, the QuickIntenseWash cycle whitened cotton test swatches, and we were impressed that it removed tough stains in under an hour. It's also Wi-Fi-enabled so you can monitor and control your wash cycles via your smartphone.
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing washing machines for 116 years (since the first model was commercially sold in 1907). We base our tests on the industry standards developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).
To evaluate the cleaning performance of each load — whether regular, heavy-duty or delicate — we include carefully placed pre-stained strips of fabric with six stains on each. At the end of the cycle, once the strips have air dried, we take measurements on each stain (for a total of 288 measurements per load) to calculate a total stain removal index for the cycle.
For just three cycles on each machine, that's over 860 measurements. We also test any specialty cycles, such as bulky bedding or speed wash, to see if they perform up to our expectations, and confirm any sanitizing cycle can reach a high enough temperature for the required amount of time to adequately kill germs on fabrics.
Gentleness is tested by washing cotton swatches with five pre-cut holes. When they come out of the machine, the holes are frayed: The more fraying, the more damaging the cycle. For our last test of 12 washers, we counted over 1,000 frayed threads.
We also check the water and energy usage of each machine and score how easy the washing machine is to use, including if the control panel is responsive and intuitive to use, ease of loading with a set amount of laundry and how easy it is to open and close the door. And on top of performance testing, we evaluate the owner's manual for how thorough, clear and complete it is.
Though our tests show front loaders do perform a bit better, both types clean so well that you likely will not notice a difference in your clothing. Ultimately, the type of washing machine you choose is really a matter of personal preference.
✔️ A front-loading washing machine is the most energy-efficient option. It uses the least amount of water in each load. Clothes get cleaned when they tumble in a small pool of water that’s added by the machine once it senses the weight and type of load. Front-loaders can easily handle big, bulky items, like comforters and sleeping bags, but do require bending to load and unload the tub. Most manufacturers sell pedestal drawers to raise the appliances up off the floor to save some strain on your back.
If space is tight, a front-load washer can be stacked with its matching dryer and placed in a closet, bathroom or any narrow area where water, electrical connections and venting are available. (Non-venting dryers are becoming more widely available for installation in spaces where outside venting is not an option, and our tests show their performance rivals that of vented models.) Keep in mind that water often puddles in the door gasket, dispensers and even the drum itself at the end of the cycle and can lead to mold growth and odors. If you choose a front loader, you’ll need to be diligent about cleaning the gasket and dispenser and leaving the door ajar or drying the machine so odors don’t develop. Today, there are some machines — like our top overall front-loader — that are specially designed to address this issue. ✔️ A top-loading washing machine is a good choice if you like a more traditional configuration. Because the water in top-loaders drains down and out, they are less likely to develop mold and odors than front-loaders, and that's the reason many consumers prefer them. However, it’s a good idea to clean the tub and dispensers of all washing machines about once per month. Newer, high-efficiency top-loading models provide excellent cleaning and are still energy efficient even though they use more water than front loaders.
Top loaders may or may not have a center agitator. Those without agitators have huge tubs for extra-large loads and gently bounce clothing under a shower of water. Some are so deep that reaching into the bottom to grab the last sock can be challenging for short consumers. And new models offer the option of adding water for deep washes and rinses, if desired, for more thorough cleaning. Agitator models may be less expensive but may be a little less gentle on fabrics, though they too, are getting better. They get clothes clean by moving them through a pool of water so fabrics are well rinsed. Detergents, especially single-dose packs, are more likely to dissolve completely in them. Top loaders with agitators may have smaller tubs and generally use the most water of any style washer.
Beyond deciding whether a front-loading or top-loading washing machine is best for your needs, here are a few other aspects you may want to consider:
✔️ Capacity: If you find yourself often washing bulkier items or especially large loads, opt for a large-capacity washer, usually without a center agitator. Some newer models have removable agitators. However, if you tend to wash smaller loads, a standard-capacity washing machine should be just fine. Make sure you try reaching inside the drum of whatever machine you are considering to ensure it's easily accessible to you.
✔️ Smart features: More appliances, including washing machines, are starting to come with smart features. These features make doing laundry easier by allowing you to schedule a load of laundry from your phone, send notifications when the cycle is finished, order detergent and more. And more machines use Artificial Intelligence to anticipate your cycle selections and care for fabrics for a better, more convenient laundry experience. Just keep in mind these extra features can be more costly — and they often go unused, especially if the user doesn't take the time to read the manual and learn the functionality.
✔️ Detergent dispensing: Rather than pouring detergent directly into the washing tub or into the dispenser every wash, some washers come with bulk dispensers that you fill once for multiple loads. These machines will automatically dispense the correct amount of detergent into each load according to the cycle and options you’ve selected and the size of the load the machine senses. Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to detergent: If you use detergent packs, some washing machines have special single-dose dispensers that ensure the pack is fully dissolved and released at the correct time in the cycle.
✔️ Cycles: Look for the cycles that you use most frequently or washing machines that are programmable if you like to customize your cycle. Other types of cycles that are useful are sanitizing options to kill germs and help with allergies, steam for better stain removal and quick wash for lightly soiled items that don’t need a full cycle to get clean or for items you need in a hurry. If you like having lots of control over how you do your loads, look out for machines that don't allow you to override the preset temperature and spin options on some cycles. You may find using these machines frustrating.
Carolyn Forté has been testing washers, dryers and other laundry room essentials, like laundry detergents and stain removers, for more than 40 years in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Products Lab. She often consults with the appliance industry, especially washing machine manufacturers, about appliance testing protocols and consumer laundry habits, researches and writes our laundry how-tos and personally tests or oversees all of the testing done for all of the Cleaning Lab's product guides.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
The 7 Best Earbuds for Working Out
Slumberkins Review: What Parents and Kids Think
The Best Online Prescription Glasses of 2023
9 Best Drones for Kids of 2023
16 Best CC Creams, Tested by Beauty Experts
Thrive Market Review: Is It Worth It?
6 Best USB-C Car Chargers of 2023
A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
Washer And Dryer Stackable ©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.