The best washing machines

Few appliances are as up-close and personal as your washing machine. Everything that you wear and that you sleep under will go through it hundreds of times, so it is important to find the right one for you. The one that can wash your clothes efficiently, quickly and, above all, effectively.

Based on more than 50 hours of extensive research of all the top-selling models, the Electrolux EFLS627UTT is our top pick overall and favorite front-loading washer. It's an excellent, power-efficient cleaner and it supports cleaning pods. If you prefer a top-loading washer, the best option is the GE GTW685BSLWS, which cleans well and can be connected to an app.

While front-loading washers are generally more efficient than top-loaders, many customers are hesitant to purchase them. That's because front-loaders have a tendency to retain moisture in their doors' gaskets, a fertile ground for odor-causing bacteria. GE's new UltraFresh Front Load washer (starting at $899) looks to eliminate those smells with a wider gasket with an antimicrobial coating and a venting system in the door.

At CES 2020, LG announced a new washing machine that uses sensors and artificial intelligence to detect the type of clothes in the machine, and tailor the washing cycle accordingly to conserve energy and help your clothes last longer. The LG ThinQ washing machine will be available in the first half of this year; pricing has not been announced.

Credit: Electrolux

(Image credit: Electrolux)

Electrolux EFLS627UTT

Best overall front-load washer

Specifications

Type: Front Loader
Size: 27 x 38 x 31.5
Capacity: 4.4 cu. ft.
No. of Cycles: 9
Wash Features: Sanitize &Steam, Extended Refresh, StainSoak, 15-Minute Fast Wash
App Control: No
Energy Consumption: 85 kWh/year

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent washing performance
+
Pod detergent support

Reasons to avoid

-
No app for smartphone monitoring

The best washing machine overall, the Electrolux EFLS627UTT is all about the wash. Priced at just under $1,000, this front-load washer aced the tests of multiple reviewers, earning top cleaning points at from several publications. It has a 4.4-cubic-foot drum that can hold a large wash, and it features nine wash cycles, including a 15-minute fast wash. That's fewer than some washers, but each cycle can be tweaked for temperature and soil level, so you can easily customize the wash.

The EFL627UTT also has a dedicated pod detergent dispenser. Some washers struggle with prepacked pod detergents as they can sometimes clog or not release the detergent properly, but the Adaptive Dispenser of this washer pre-mixes the detergent with water in the dispenser, then releases it to make sure it is dispensed properly.

One thing it doesn't have is an app. While many washing machines are embracing the smart home by adding apps for remote monitoring and control, the EFSL627UTT has no accompanying app. That doesn't make it a dumb appliance, though: this Electrolux has sophisticated, easy-to-use controls that can be easily customized.

Credit: GE

(Image credit: GE)

GE GTW685BSLWS

Best top-loading washer

Specifications

Type: Top Loader
Size: 27 x 46 x 27
Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft.
No. of Cycles: 14
Wash Features: Sanitize, Deep Fill
App Control: Yes (optional, $49)
Energy Consumption: 150 kWh/year

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent cleaning performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Tough on clothes
-
Uses more electricity than front loaders

Front-loading washing machines are generally the most efficient, but some people prefer the old-school top-loader type. They are easier to load and can be more reliable, so if you prefer this type, the GE GTW685BSLWS is the best washing machine for you.

It can hold a huge number of clothes in its 4.5-cubic-foot drum, and the central agitator ensures that all of the clothes in large loads get moved around. Reviewers agree that this washer washes very well: CNET found that it removed more than half of the stains on a heavily stained test strip. They also praised its simple controls, but found that it was somewhat noisy (like most top loaders). That may not be an issue if it is located in a basement or laundry room, but it might be noisy in smaller homes.

The GTW685BLSWS also uses a fair amount of electricity: nearly 50 per cent more than our front-loader top picks. Although it is cheaper, this could make it more expensive over time. It also lacks a water heater, meaning that the sanitize cycle will be only as hot as the hot water supply of your house. If your hot- water heater isn't that good, that cycle may not be effective.

The GTW685BSLWS doesn't come with smart-home features, but these can be added for just $49 with the GE ConnectPlus WiFi Module, which fits inside the machine. This adds Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT support, so you can find out how long the cycle has to run with Amazon or Google voice commands.

Credit: Maytag

(Image credit: Maytag)

Maytag MVWX655DW

Best top-load budget washing machine

Specifications

Type: Top Loader
Size: 28 x 43 x 27.5
Capacity: 4.3 cu. ft.
No. of Cycles: 11
Wash Features: Sanitize with Oxi, Rapid Wash
App Control: No
Energy Consumption: 300 kWh/year

Reasons to buy

+
Low cost
+
Decent performance

Reasons to avoid

-
High energy and water use
-
Doesn't work well with powder detergents

Cheap washing machines aren't the bargain they might first appear. Although you might save money up front, you usually end up spending more over time, because they use more electricity and water than pricier machines. And, if the washer doesn't perform well, you'll just end up washing clothes again.

If you live somewhere where utilities aren't too expensive, the Maytag MVWX655DW is a good compromise that can save you a couple of hundred bucks off our top picks. This top-loader has a decent selection of wash cycles, and offers good cleaning performance, according to reviewers. It takes a while, though: The PowerWash cycle was the most effective at cleaning, but took a 1.25 hours.

The downside is that, like most top-loaders, it is an energy and water hog. The PowerWash cycle took a hefty 20 gallons of water, and required a lot of power to run. It is also a very basic machine in other ways, with no smart-home features, no time delay and no other fancy features. But the Maytag MVWX655DW has it where it counts: It washes clothes well.

Credit: LG

(Image credit: LG)

LG WM3500CW

Top front-loading washer on a budget

Specifications

Type: Front Loader
Size: 38.7 x 27 x 31.5
Capacity: 4.5 cu ft.
No. of Cycles: 10
Wash Features: Speed Wash
App Control: Yes
Energy Consumption: 105 kWh/year

Reasons to buy

+
Reliable
+
Low cost

Reasons to avoid

-
Longer cycle times
-
Hard-to-read control panel

If you take the LG WM3770HWA and strip out some of the fancy features, you get the LG WM3500CW. And you save yourself about $200, which makes it our best washing machine front-loader pick for budget buyers. You get the same top-of-the-line reliability, fast wash cycle and overall excellent performance as the more expensive model.

What you won’t get, though, is the hot water heater. So if your hot water isn't very hot (or isn't reliable) and you want to sterilize clothes, go for the more expensive model. You also lose a few of the fancy cycles, such as the delayed start and a cycle that removes allergens. You do still get the Wi-Fi smart- home features, though, so you can monitor this washer from your couch and comfortably enjoy the feeling of saving money.

Some users and reviewers have complained that some wash cycles take more than an 1.5 hours to complete, and that the control panel is hard to read.

Credit: LG

(Image credit: LG)

LG WM9000HVA

Best washing machine for large families

Specifications

Type: Top Loader
Size: 29 x 41.3 x 33.8
Capacity: 5.2 cu ft.
No. of Cycles: 14
Wash Features: Sanitize, Deep Fill
App Control: Yes
Energy Consumption: 120 kWh/year

Reasons to buy

+
Can wash comforters and large loads

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Uses lots of water and electricity

Got a big family to wash uniforms for? Need to regularly wash bedding? The LG WM9000HVA has you covered. This front-loader has a huge 5.2-cubic-foot drum that can hold a comforter or a big load of laundry, and cycles for everything from a quick wash to a deep allergen-removing wash.

Reviewed.com praised the quick washing of the WM9000HVA, taking 34 minutes for a normal load and an hour for a full load, as well as its quiet operation.

A water heater makes sure that the sterilize wash cycle reaches the high temperature it needs, while the TurboWash feature sprays water into the wash for even detergent dispersal.

If you need even more space, or want to wash delicates separately, the WM9000HVA is also compatible with the $570 LG WD100CV Sidekick, a small separate washer that fits below the main unit. This can run independently of the main washer, so you can wash a delicate load at the same time you are washing a comforter.

Credit: LG

(Image credit: LG)

LG WM3900HWA

Fast and quiet washing

Specifications

Type: Front Loader
Size: 39 x 30.2 x 27 inches
Capacity: 4.5 cu ft.
No of Cycles: 12
Wash Features: Allergene, Turbo Wash 360
App Control: Yes
Energy Consumption: 105 kWh/year

Reasons to buy

+
Fast cycles make for quick, reliable and quiet washing
+
Plays a delightful tune when washing is done

Reasons to avoid

-
May not be enough for large families

The LG Turbowash WM3900HWA is one of the best washing machines because this thing has it all, starting with a 4.5-cubic-foot large-capacity front-loader drum that can hold a lot of clothes. It has an outstanding selection of wash programs, ranging from a quick Turbowash for lightly soiled items to the high-temperature Allergiene cycle. This cycle is approved by the Asthma and Allergy foundation, and LG claims it removes more than 95 percent of allergens. There is also a steam cycle that sprays the clothes with steam for more efficient washing.

The LG WM3900HWA is the successor to the WM3770HWA, which reviewers praised, especially the large drum and the clear, easy-to-use control layout. They also found that the washing performance was excellent, with top performance on a range of stains without damaging clothes. It was also fast: Reviewed.com found that the TurboWash mode took just 15 minutes, and a typical 8-pound load took just 30 minutes.

Large families may be better off looking at the more expensive LG WM9000HVA ($1,619.99), which has an even bigger drum, but If you have a lot of items that need a separate gentle wash, the optional LG WD100CW Sidekick pedestal ($570) could work for you. This adds a second washing drum that can be used independently of the main one. Although at just 1 cu.ft. it’s not very large, it is big enough to do a small hand- wash load, and at it's cheaper and much tidier than buying a second washing machine.

Credit: Maytag

(Image credit: Maytag)

Maytag MVWB865GW

A great top-loading washing machine for the money

Specifications

Type: Top Loader
Size: 27 x 43 x 28
Capacity: 5.2 cu ft.
No. of Cycles: 10
Wash Features: Sanitize with Oxi, Rapid Wash
App Control: Yes
Energy Consumption: 120 kWh/year

Reasons to buy

+
Strong washing performance
+
Efficient for top-loader

Reasons to avoid

-
Agitator models like this can damage clothes over time

This top-loader washing machine is a good value. The Maytag MVWB865GW uses an agitator, a central pillar in the wash drum that swirls your clothes around. The drum is 5.2 cubic feet, which is big enough to hold a large wash without getting tangled. Reviewed.com tested it with three large bed sheets, all of which were still cleaned well. That's a lot of sheets.

Washers like this are usually energy hogs, but the MVWB865GW isn't like your grandmother's washer in this regard. This Maytag is also surprisingly quiet for this type of washer. Reviewers praised the low noise in both the washing and spin cycles.

The controls are straightforward; there’s a single control dial on the front to set the wash cycle, and two buttons to power the unit on and stop and start the cycle. And that’s it: no Wi-Fi, no smart-home controls, no Super Mega Wash Cycles and no water heater to raise the temperature of the water coming into it. While some of the models from LG and others play little tunes to let you know that the wash is done, the MVWB865GW settles for a simple beep.

Credit: Kenmore

(Image credit: Kenmore)

Kenmore Elite 31633

The king of capacity

Specifications

Type: Top Loader
Size: 30.0 x 43.5 x 29
Capacity: 6.2 cu. ft.
No. of Cycles: 10
Wash Features: Express, Sanitize
App Control: No
Energy Consumption: 290 kWh/year

Reasons to buy

+
Huge drum can hold a huge amount of laundry

Reasons to avoid

-
Larger than most washers
-
Large loads use a lot of water

Is your laundry pile more like a mountain than a molehill? The Kenmore Elite 316133 is a monstrous top- load washer that has a huge 6.2-cubic-foot drum. That means this best washing machine pick can handle up to about 16 pounds of laundry at once, or a couple of days worth of clothes for the average teenager. It manages to get them clean as well: reviewers and Amazon buyers all praised its performance at removing stubborn stains.

The Elite 316133 is a big washer when it comes to your water and electricity bills, though, using an estimated 290 kWh per year. That's more than double the amount of smaller, more efficient washers, so that might be a problem if your electricity is expensive. It didn't use a huge amount of water, though: CNET measured it as using 15.3 gallons for a typical load.

A Sterilize cycle is also on offer, helped out by the ability to spray steam onto clothes inside the drum. That's a big plus for those with allergies or who smoke.

With a drum bigger than the average concert hall, it is perhaps no surprise that the washer itself is big. At just under 43 inches high, this washer may not fit in some laundry rooms. It’s also rather noisy, according to several Amazon buyers. So, it's a great pick if you need to wash uniforms for an entire football team, but make sure that it will fit in your house first.

Credit: Kenmore

(Image credit: Kenmore)

Kenmore 41262

A good washer that can save you money.

Specifications

Type: Front Loader
Size: 27 x 39 x 30.0
Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft.
No. of Cycles: 8
Wash Features: Bulky/Bedding, Express Wash
App Control: No
Energy Consumption: 90 kWh/year

Reasons to buy

+
Very good washing performance
+
Uses little electricity and water

Reasons to avoid

-
No Wi-Fi or smart-home features
-
Limited selection of cycles

The Kenmore 41262 is a basic, but well-performing, front-load washer. That means that it does an excellent job of washing your clothes, but without fancy features. Reviewed.com rated its performance as very good, and its efficiency for both water and electricity as excellent.

What you don't get with the 41262 are the high-end features that make other washers easier to use and more flexible. You don't get any remote monitoring or smart-home features, so you can't monitor the progress of the wash from your cellphone or through Alexa. Nor do you get some of the less commonly used wash cycles such as Sterilize, as there is no built-in water heater.

You do get a Stay-Fresh feature, though, which will tumble and ventilate your wash for up to 19 hours after washing is finished  — that’s very useful if you often forget to move the clothes to the dryer when they are done. Speaking of funky smells: the Kenmore 41262  also has a magnetic stopper that holds the door very slightly ajar when the washer is not in use, which helps to dry out the drum to keep it from getting musty and smelly.  

Richard Baguley has been working as a technology writer and journalist since 1993. As well as contributing to Tom's Guide, he writes for Cnet, T3, Wired and many other publications.