The BEST Washers to Buy and What to Avoid Today!

Choosing a new washing machine can be tricky these days. There are so many brands and models, and it's hard to know what's good and what's not. This article breaks down the best washing machines available right now, based on feedback from technicians, consumer reviews, and independent tests. It also points out which models and brands you should probably stay away from to save yourself some headaches.

How Washers Are Ranked

To figure out which washing machines are the best, a lot of information was gathered. This included talking to hundreds of appliance technicians to get their thoughts on reliability, what they own, and what they suggest. Consumer reviews were also looked at, with over a million reviews from different stores across the United States being checked. Finally, independent tests from Consumer Reports were considered. By putting all this information together, a good picture of what works and what doesn't was created.

Top Load Washers: What to Buy and What to Avoid

Top load washing machines are very popular in the U.S., mainly because they are often more affordable and easier to keep up than front load machines. When picking a top loader, you might wonder about agitator versus impeller models. Agitator models wash clothes faster, usually in about 45-50 minutes. Impeller models take longer, around 65-70 minutes, but they use a lot less water and can handle bigger items like comforters.

Top 10 Top Load Washers

• LG WT8600CB: This model scored the highest overall. It's known for being reliable and good at washing large items. LG washers generally get high marks for reliability and are very efficient with water and electricity.
• Speed Queen TC5003WN and TR7003WN: These are great if you want a simple, long-lasting machine. Technicians often pick Speed Queen as the most reliable. They clean clothes well and quickly, but they use a lot of water and have smaller tubs.
• Other LG Models: Several other LG models, like the WT8400CW, WT7150CW, and WT7400CW, also made the list. They offer similar benefits to the top LG model, with some differences in size and features.
• GE GTW485ASWWB and GTW585BSVWS: GE has improved its reliability lately. These models are good budget-friendly options.
• Samsung WA55CG7100AWUS: This Samsung model made the list because consumers liked it a lot. Samsung has been working on improving its quality, especially with some manufacturing moving to the U.S.

Key Takeaways for Top Loaders

• Don't overload the machine: Read your washer's manual to know how much clothing to put in. Overloading can cause problems.

Top Load Washers to Avoid

• Off-brand machines: Brands like Insignia, Criterion, Element, Hisense, and Midea often lack good factory or warranty support. If they break, it's hard to find parts or technicians.
• Maytag top load machines: Many lower-end Maytag models have big problems, especially with control board failures. It's best to stay away from them.
• Whirlpool VMW type machines: Unless they come with a 5-year warranty, these often have reliability issues and cheap parts. They might not last more than 3-4 years.
• Cheaper Samsung models: While one Samsung model made the top 10, many of their other, less expensive models tend to have problems.

Front Load Washers: What to Consider

Front load washing machines are much better at saving water and energy than top loaders. They might take longer to wash clothes, but they use significantly less water per load. They also spin clothes much faster, which means less drying time and lower electricity costs. Over time, a front loader can save you money on utility bills.

Best Front Load Washers

• LG and Electrolux models: These brands dominate the top of the list. Technicians often recommend LG, with the WM4000HBA being a top choice. Electrolux models, like the ELFW7537AT and ELFW7637AT, also get high marks from consumers.
• Samsung Bespoke models: The new Bespoke front load washers have good consumer reviews and are an improvement over older Samsung models. However, technicians still rank them lower for reliability.

Key Takeaways for Front Loaders

• Run the tub wash cycle monthly: This helps keep the machine clean.
• Use a washing machine cleaner: Products like wash bombs or tablets help prevent mold and odors.
• Leave the door open after use: This allows air to circulate and prevents mold from growing on the gasket.
• Wipe the gasket: Clean the gasket with a cloth after each use.

Front Load Washers to Avoid

• Off-brand front loaders: Similar to top loaders, brands like Equator, Insignia, Criterion, and Midea are hard to get parts for.
• High-end Whirlpool front loaders: Models with rectangular operating systems don't rate well with technicians or consumers.
• GE UltraFresh units: These have had many electronic issues and are not recommended for reliability.
• Low-end Samsung front loaders: These models tend to have more problems and are best avoided.

Combo Washer Dryer Systems

Combo units, especially those with new heat pump technology, are becoming more popular. They save a lot of water and electricity. The washing part is like a standard washer, but the drying part uses advanced heat pump technology. While they can save money on energy, how long they last is still being watched.

Top Combo Units

• LG WM6998: This is a top-rated combo unit.
• GE PFQ97hspvds: This model is also highly rated.
• Samsung Bespoke WD53DBA900: This unit has good wash quality and improved reliability compared to older Samsung models.

Key Takeaways for Combo Units

• Regular maintenance is a must: Clean the lint filters regularly. Many units have two filters, front and rear.
• Clean the drain pump filter: Do this every 3-6 months to prevent lint buildup.

Laundry Towers and 24-Inch Systems

Laundry towers are stacked washer and dryer units. Modern front load stack systems are generally better than older top load stack systems in terms of capacity and reliability.

Top Laundry Towers

• LG WKEX200: This model is highly rated.
• Electrolux ELTE7600: Another excellent choice.
• Samsung WH53DBH700: A newer model with good consumer reviews.

24-Inch / European Systems

These narrower systems are more common in Europe but are available in the U.S. They are good for smaller spaces. Brands like LG, Electrolux, Bosch, and Miele offer good options. However, parts can sometimes be hard to find in the U.S.

Key Takeaways for Laundry Towers

• Front load stack systems are better: They have higher capacity and better reliability than top load stack systems.
• Consider remote start apps: For LG and Samsung stacked units, you can use phone apps to start cycles, which is helpful if the top controls are hard to reach or break.

Portable Washing Machines

Portable washing machines are smaller top load units that can be used in various places. Many of these are made by a few main manufacturers, mostly in China. They are generally simple and don't break easily, but finding warranty or repair parts can be a challenge.

Portable Washer Suggestions

• Midea (Comfee on Amazon): Midea is a large manufacturer of these units. While not perfect, they tend to have better ratings and it might be easier to find parts for them.

Portable Washers to Avoid

• Models with unique designs: If a portable washer looks very unusual, it might be from a small factory that won't have parts available if it breaks.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a washing machine is a personal decision, and what's best for one person might not be for another. The most important thing you can do, no matter which machine you buy, is to read the user manual. Understanding how your specific machine works and how to properly load and maintain it will help it last much longer and perform better. Even a less-than-perfect machine can work well if you use it correctly.