Best Washing Machine To Buy Consumer Reports
If you're interested in a top-load washing machine for your laundry room, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a list of the best top-load washers available today. The GE Profile PTW900BPTRS (available at Best Buy for $899.99) earns our Best Overall for its plethora of features and great stain removal.
best washing machine to buy consumer reports
We have plenty of experience testing washing machines in the lab, but we've also used them like normal people would in the course of daily life. This means that we have a great sense for what appliances are bargains at their price points. We also know which appliances have genuinely useful extra features (as opposed to the kitchen-sink approach).
Beyond these performance tests, we also assess the usability of each washing machine. This is based on our experience, both during testing and during more casual use. (One perk of working at Reviewed is that there are plenty of laundry machines on the premises!).
Our main goal is to answer one question: How easy is it to actually use this washing machine? This involves cumulatively assessing the control panel, the door, the detergent dispenser, and any smart features that are included.
You've probably heard people bragging about their beautiful front-load washing machines (and rightfully so). So, why would you want to buy a top-loader? As it turns out, there are plenty of reasons to buy a top-loader, but the three most important reasons are ease of use, extra water options, and ergonomics.
With top-loader washing machines, the wash drum is oriented vertically. You lift up a door on the top of the machine to drop your laundry in from above. Top-loaders use their rotation to rub your laundry items against each other to scrub out stains.
The sentiment isn't misplaced. Most top-load agitator washing machines have gotten a tech-induced face-lift, and will look different than the one in your mom's basement. But even so, if you're already familiar with the layout and logic of these machines, it can make your laundry life easier.
Top-loaders may be easier for some people to use, because they let you drop your laundry into the washer from a standing position. Front-loading washing machines make you crouch down to get your clothes in and out. (Or, they require you to stack your front-loader for easier access while standing.)
In general, most top-load washing machines are less complicated than front-loaders, which often come with control pads that look like they belong on a spaceship. If you just want to hit a few buttons and get your laundry going, you're probably better off with a top-loader.
Just because a washing machine cleans clothes, doesn't mean it can clean itself. Stuff builds up inside the washer drum, from bacteria and mildew to scummy detergent and softener residue. No one wants to wash stinky clothes in a machine that stinks worse.
The washing machine is the workhorse of the laundry room. It deals with dirty towels, sweaty gym clothes, and a whole lot of other gross stuff. Over time, detergent residue, bacteria, and dirt can build up in a washing machine, leading to musty smells in the machine and not-so-clean laundry.
The best washing machine cleaner is tough on grime but gentle on washing machine parts. It removes gunk without damaging door seals and rubber gaskets. Effective cleaners break down residue and water deposits while killing bacteria and mildew. For washers with a stubborn odor, look for a cleaner with an odor-removing boost.
For an effective washing machine cleaner, consider our best overall choice from OxiClean, which is suitable for all types of machines and provides an eco-friendly cleaning solution that leaves machines looking and smelling fresh.
For shoppers looking for multiple cleaning methods in a single package, the Lemi Shine washing machine cleaner and wipes are worth a look. Use the pouches for a thorough clean during a wash cycle, and keep the cleanliness topped off using the handy machine wipes.
When gathering our top picks for washing machine cleaners, we took a careful look at the different types of cleaning solutions to provide a range of options for shoppers. Our list of recommendations includes liquids, powders, and wipes, each with their own specific strengths. Depending on what users are looking for, we made sure that our list has an option to suit a variety of preferences.
A washing machine is only worth buying if you can depend on it to serve you for many years without giving you any trouble. This makes it important for buyers to know which washing machine brands to avoid before making a purchase. If you want to see our top 10 picks for best washer and dryer, check out our guide.
The best way to identify bad washer brands is to search for customer reviews online. Reading blog posts (such as this one) that compile customer sentiments is also a good way to learn which washing machine brands to avoid.
The WTW8700EC model is a 5.3 cubic foot top-loader that boasts efficiency and advanced features. Customers love the look of the machine and the remote control that comes with it. This certainly makes doing laundry a little more convenient. The washing machine also allows users to make a custom wash cycle suited to their needs.
The WTW6300WW0 is known to leave residue on clothing since it has a lower-than-average water fill level. You can expect this washing machine to clog up frequently, leaving customers no option but to use low-sud soap.
Although the WFW862CHC comes in the category of front load washing machines, it has a lower than average water fill level. Customers often complain of the washer leaving residue on their clothes. Using powdered soap and booster beads in the washer is a big no-no since the soap clumps up and sticks to the clothes.
The 2 cubic foot washer and dryer combo offers 7 wash cycles and 3 dry cycles. It is designed to appeal to customers with smaller homes. But it is one of the worst compact washing machines money can buy.
Additionally, the washing machine offers no way to detect the water level. Initially, this gives customers the impression that the machine automatically fills up with enough water. But customers get disappointed when they find stain spots on their clothes.
While the brand offers decent washing machines overall, some models are complete disasters. There are some Samsung washing machines that you must avoid purchasing at all costs. The fact that the brand image can be so deceiving sometimes makes Samsung one of the washing machine brands to avoid.
Disappointment is almost guaranteed if you buy this washing machine. The build quality is terrible, with the machine constructed out of thin metal that warps and rusts within months of use. There are loads of reports of this top load washer being out of commission with no chance of repair in under 12 months.
The Equator EZ 4400 24 is likely one of the worst washing machines ever sold. The 1.6 cubic foot front load washer/dryer combo boasts an attractive look. The compact washing machine controls the water level and dry level automatically. The color-coded screen makes using the washing machine that much more enticing.
Making matters worse, the small load washing machine does not work well with heavy loads. If you put slightly more load than the machine can handle, all of your clothes will be badly wrinkled when the cycle ends.
If you recognize Danby, you may know that it is focused on selling small washing machines. Danby is one of the top brands to consider buying from for consumers in the US and Canada looking for decent compact washing machines.
One example of the poor quality washing machines the brand has brought to the market in recent years is the Siemens UltraSense WFXD5202UC. Customer reviews across websites convey deep dissatisfaction with the product, with one of the most common complaints being that the matching shorts out during cycles.
Deco is a US-based washing machine brand known for its low-cost home appliances. Its washing machines are generally designed for compact residences. That said, a lot of its machines have flaws that will make you have to keep the repair technician on speed dial.
One of the worst washing machines the company sells is the Deco 4000. The 1.5 cubic foot washer/dryer has an attractive look and boasts that it supplies both ventilation and condensation in its dryer cycle.
However, consumers complain that the machine stops working randomly during a wash cycle. Its screen often blacks out, leaving the user with no control over the machine, and as far as power consumption, the Deco 4000 is not energy efficient.
But many consumers complain that the washing machine stops working randomly after the wash cycle begins. The display on this front-load washing machine is prone to malfunction and often blacks out when the machine is running.
While Electrolux products are generally well received by consumers, the state of their washing machine range is a bit shocking. Not every washer by the company is bad, but there are some washers that you should avoid.
The Speed Queen TR3003WN top load washer is one of the worst washing machines offered by the company. Nearly all customers complain that the regular wash cycle is too short to clean the clothes adequately.
Maytag is also an older brand many have come to trust over the years. But in recent times, Maytag has brought some of the worst washing machines to the market. Nearly all of their washing machines cause several problems for customers.
The smart features on the washing machines feel like a gimmick, with the app control and remote control failing to connect and control the machine. Among the Costway washing machines, the top load washers are the most unreliable.
Picking the best washing machine is not as straightforward as finding one that fits your budget. You need to consider the type of washing machine (top load washer, front load washer, or impeller washer) that will work best for you.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that 90% of the energy used by clothes washers is for heating the water. In addition to saving money on energy bills, washing in cold water gives better color protection (prevents fading) with less chance of dye transfer onto other clothes. We were really impressed by the ability of 041b061a72