5 Best Washing Machines, According to Our Testing
These front- and top-load washers performed the best in our Cleaning Lab's tests
Reviews
its last signs of life, a top-performing washing machine is an investment that you won’t regret. Not only have the latest generations of washing machines become more efficient, effective and easy to use, but some are even smarter so they take the guesswork out of how much detergent to use or which wash cycle is best for your load.
To evaluate the best washing machines, our product analysts and cleaning experts in the tiger.com Cleaning Lab assessed everything from cleaning performance to the machine’s gentleness, water and energy usage, specialty cycles and much more. These are the best washing machines you can buy right now, according to our extensive testing data.
1Best Overall Front Loader
GE Profile Ultra fresh Vent System Plus
How We Test
Shopping Guide
FAQs
More Laundry Products
Why Trust GH?
best washing machines
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.
Whether you’re moving into a new home or your washer is starting to show its last signs of life, a top-performing washing machine is an investment that you won’t regret. Not only have the latest generations of washing machines become more efficient, effective and easy to use, but some are even smarter so they take the guesswork out of how much detergent to use or which wash cycle is best for your load.
To evaluate the best washing machines, our product analysts and cleaning experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab assessed everything from cleaning performance to the machine’s gentleness, water and energy usage, specialty cycles and much more. These are the best washing machines you can buy right now, according to our extensive testing data.
Profile Ultra fresh Vent System Plus
Best Overall Front Loader
GE Profile Ultra fresh Vent System Plus
Read More arrow down Regular Icon
Smart Capable Agitator Top-Load Washer
Best Overall Top Loader
Mai tag Smart Capable Agitator Top-Load Washer
Read More arrow down Regular Icon
Profile High Efficiency Top-Load Washer
Best Value
GE Profile High Efficiency Top-Load Washer
Read More arrow down Regular Icon
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Overall Front Loader
GE Profile Ultra flesh Vent System Plus
On Sale pro file Ultra fresh Vent System Plus
Now 38% Off
$1,449 $898 at Lowe's
Credit: GE Appliances
Pros
Pro
Has a venting option to prevent musty smells
Pro
Automatically adds the correct amount of detergent
Pro
Door gasket, drawer, hose and other parts are treated to prevent mold growth
Cons
Con
Full vent cycle is very long
Model #: PFW870 | Capacity: 5 cubic feet | Dimensions: 28" x 39.75" x 34" | Warranty: 1 year | Energy Star certified: Yes
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 vent cycle takes eight hours, so it's best to run this feature after your last load of the day or overnight.
2
Best Overall Top Loader
Mai tag Smart Capable Agitator Top-Load Washer
 |
| SALE |
Model #: MVW7230HC | Capacity: 5.2 cubic feet |Dimensions: 42.875" x 27.25" x 27.875" | Warranty: 1 year on parts and labor; 10-year limited on motor and wash basket | Energy Star certified: Yes
Even though it has a center agitator, you'll never notice a compromise in capacity, since this machine 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 like the clear control panel. In tests, it was easy to decipher and extremely responsive to touch. Not to mention you can control your laundry from anywhere using the machine's optional smart functionality via the Mai tag app.
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 Power Wash cycle. Conversely, if you need an outfit quickly — say, a school uniform your kid forgot to launder — the Rapid Wash trims wash time to under 30 minutes.
RELATED: The Best Top-Loading Washing Machines
3
Best Value
GE Profile High Efficiency Top-Load Washer
Reviews
How We Test
Shopping Guide
FAQs
More Laundry Products
Why Trust GH?
best washing machines
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.
Whether you’re moving into a new home or your washer is starting to show its last signs of life, a top-performing washing machine is an investment that you won’t regret. Not only have the latest generations of washing machines become more efficient, effective and easy to use, but some are even smarter so they take the guesswork out of how much detergent to use or which wash cycle is best for your load.
To evaluate the best washing machines, our product analysts and cleaning experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab assessed everything from cleaning performance to the machine’s gentleness, water and energy usage, specialty cycles and much more. These are the best washing machines you can buy right now, according to our extensive testing data.
Profile Ultra flesh Vent System Plus
Best Overall Front Loader
GE Profile Ultra fresh Vent System Plus
Read More arrow down Regular Icon
Smart Capable Agitator Top-Load Washer
Best Overall Top Loader
Matta Smart Capable Agitator Top-Load Washer
Read More arrow down Regular Icon
Profile High Efficiency Top-Load Washer
Best Value
GE Profile High Efficiency Top-Load Washer
Read More arrow down Regular Icon
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
Best Overall Front Loader
GE Profile Ultra fresh Vent System Plus
On Sale profile Ultra fresh Vent System Plus
Now 38% Off
$1,449 $898 at Lowe's
Credit: GE Appliances
Pros
Pro
Has a venting option to prevent musty smells
Pro
Automatically adds the correct amount of detergent
Pro
Door gasket, drawer, hose and other parts are treated to prevent mold growth
Cons
Con
Full vent cycle is very long
Model #: PFW870 | Capacity: 5 cubic feet | Dimensions: 28" x 39.75" x 34" | Warranty: 1 year | Energy Star certified: Yes
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 Microwave, 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 vent 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 Smart dispense 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 the machine can hold up to 50 ounces of liquid at a time.) In addition, the machine has steam cycles and WiFi connectivity.
RELATED: Top-Tested Front-Loading Washing Machines
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
2
Best Overall Top Loader
Mai tag Smart Capable Agitator Top-Load Washer
On Sale Smart Capable Agitator Top-Load Washer
$1,287 at Walmart
$978 at Home Depot
$1,249 $948 at Lowe's
Credit: Mai tag
Pros
Pro
Energy-saving
Pro
Power wash cycle to clean extra dirty loads
Cons
Con
Some reviewers say they have a hard time reaching the bottom
Model #: MVW7230HC | Capacity: 5.2 cubic feet |Dimensions: 42.875" x 27.25" x 27.875" | Warranty: 1 year on parts and labor; Jawahar limited on motor and wash basket | Energy Star certified: Yes
Even though it has a center agitator, you'll never notice a compromise in capacity, since this machine 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 like the clear control panel. In tests, it was easy to decipher and extremely responsive to touch. Not to mention you can control your laundry from anywhere using the machine's optional smart functionality via the Mai tag app.
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 Power wash cycle. Conversely, if you need an outfit quickly — say, a school uniform your kid forgot to launder — the Rapid wash trims wash time to under 30 minutes.
RELATED: The Best Top-Loading Washing Machines
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Best Value
GE Profile High Efficiency Top-Load Washer
On Sale profile High Efficiency Top-Load Washer
$657 at Wayfair
$648 at Lowe's
$643 at Aj madison
Credit: GE Appliances
Pros
Pro
Sanitize cycle
Pro
Option to add more water for loads that need a deeper cleaning
Pro
Dedicated dispenser for detergent packs
Cons
Con
No steam cycle
Model #: PTW600BSRWS | Capacity: 4.8 cubic feet | Dimensions: 27" x 46" x 27" | Warranty: 1 year; 10 year limited on motor | Energy Star certified: Yes
In our GH Cleaning Lab tests, GE washers are always solid performers, and this machine has luxury features at a great price. We like that it offers a cycle that uses an Oxi additive to kill bacteria. 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 machine has a dedicated dispenser 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
4
Best for Pet Owners
Mai tag 4.7 cu. ft. Pet Pro Top-Load Washer
Model #: MVW6500MBK | Capacity: 4.7 cubic feet | Dimensions: 27.5" x 42" x 27.5" | Warranty: 1 year | Energy Star certified: No
Generally speaking, we normally don't recommend laundering items covered in pet hair, because it can present a clog risk, but Maytag’s new washer — a machine we liked so much it earned a 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 like hair-covered bedding, even if the cycle was a bit slow. Perhaps most importantly, the Pet Pro lived up to manufacturer claims and removed all remnants of hair we spread onto test sweaters.
5
GE Profile 4.8 cu. ft. UltraFast Combo Washer & Dryer
Model #: PFQ97HSPVDS | Capacity: 4.8 cubic feet | Dimensions: 46.7" x 28" x 32" | Warranty: 1 year; 10 years limited on motor; five-year limited on drying sealed system | Energy Star certified: Yes
We awarded GE's washer and dryer combo a Cleaning & Organizing Award for its innovative two-in-one design that revolutionizes the way you do laundry. In about two hours, you can wash, transfer and dry a load of laundry, all in the same machine. Our pros found the control panel easy to navigate and the machine performed well in our Lab's cleaning and tangling tests where we washed a large load and counted how many tangled items came out at the end of the cycle.
The washer and dryer combo is full of great features, including a helpful app that sends you cycle updates and even dispenses the right amount of detergent for a load. Similar to our other favorite washers, the machine is also equipped with Microwave technology and has a sizable load capacity (although not the largest).
While it is one of the pricier machines on this list, keep in mind that you are, in a way, paying for both the washer and the dryer — and its space-saving design may just be worth it if you don't have much room in your home.
No comments:
Post a Comment