Buying guide for Best washers
No one likes to do it, but everyone has to: the laundry! Whether you’re just trying to clean your own clothes or you have a large family to look after, the only thing that can make this tiresome chore slightly better is a reliable washer. A good washing machine will make your whites white and your colors stain-free and fresh, every time.
Washer options are incredibly varied today. Most are high-tech appliances that offer the perfect temperature based on the fabric you’re cleaning. Some offer extremely high heat cycles for sanitization. Some promise to be gentle enough to “hand-wash” your delicate clothes.
This shopping guide was designed to help you cycle through your options. At BestReviews, we search for the best products under the sun, and we don’t stop until we find them. If you’re shopping for a new washer, please see our recommendations in the chart above. If you want to learn more about the world of washing machines, read on.
Front-load vs. top-load washers
There are two main categories of washers: front-load washers and top-load washers. The names literally refers to where you load your clothes, but load style is more than just a design difference. It affects how your clothes are cleaned, too.
Front-load washers
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Render an excellent clean
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Require less water and detergent
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Can help you save on energy costs
Top-load washers
Front-load washers are designed to be more energy-efficient. We research each of these options to see how well they clean clothes despite using less water.
Some washing machines require special detergent to get a full clean, which is something we consider during our investigation.
When buying a washer it is important to consider what kind of dryer you have as well. We look into options that provide a good amount of versatility in the home.
Depending on what kind of clothes you have, you may need to consider washers with a wide variety of settings, which we take note of when recommending products.
The capacity of a washer can make a difference in how much time you spend washing. We weigh the pros and cons of the capacity of each product we review.
Top-load washers can provide greater versatility in what you can wash, at the risk of being less energy efficient. We check into these units to see how well they function.
When purchasing a washer, you want something that will last a lot of cycles without breaking down. We research the longevity and durability of each product.
Some top load washers allow for control over how much water is used. We look into models that produce less waste during use.
Some units claim to have a “hand-wash” setting that provides better longevity for your clothing. We vet these claims to see how well this setting works.
Washing machines can range anywhere from $200 to $1,700 and above. We consider how well each model functions and compare it to the price point it sits at.
Choosing your machine size
How big of a washer should you get? Consider exterior dimensions and load size before making a purchase.
Load size
How much clothing can you wash at one time? This is an important consideration indeed. Smaller washers have somewhere between two and three cubic feet of space. Medium and large washers run closer to 3.5 or 4.5 cubic feet of space. If you need lots of room, you can find some high-end washers with over 6.2 cubic feet of load space.
"If you don’t want to have to take your blankets and comforters to the laundry mat, be sure to choose a washer that is big enough to accommodate them."
STAFF
BestReviews
Exterior dimensions
Some washers are quite large. A height of 42 inches is standard, but some high-end models with two washing spaces may stand 47 inches tall.
Some washers are smaller, including portable models. You can find smaller washers that stand between 33 and 37 inches tall. Width and depth vary only slightly; even on the smaller models, you need slightly over two square feet in order to house your washer.
Expert Tip
Before choosing a washing machine, measure your available space. They come in many different sizes. If you have limited floor space, consider a stackable washer and dryer set.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert
Specialty cycles
Some washers come with a number of specialty cycles, including the following.
Heavy-duty cycle
Intended for really dirty clothing, the heavy-duty cycle has a longer wash period and a higher tumbling speed in order to remove more dirt.
Hand wash cycle
This delicate cycle is intended for intimate clothing and items with embroidery or that call for hand washing for some other reason. It tumbles clothing gently and uses lots of cold water.
"High-efficiency (HE) washers use less water and have fast spin cycles that leave clothes drier right out of the washer. This saves energy by lessening the needed drying time."
STAFF
BestReviews
Pre-wash cycle
This cycle is generally seen on top-loaders. It allows clothing to soak for a period of time in order to help release stains. Some front-load washers have a steam cycle that serves the same function. Because a front loader does not have a basin in which water sits, the clothes are steamed to release stains instead.
Sanitize cycle
The sanitize cycle is an absolute must for people who use cloth diapers. Washers with this specialty cycle have an internal heater that heats water to a higher temperature than your household hot water heater in order to kill germs and bacteria. This cycle is also a great choice for bedding and undergarments. Look for a machine that promises to get out 99.9% of germs on this cycle.
Expert tip
Do enough research to determine whether a front-load or top-load washer is best for you. Shorter people or those with back issues may prefer a front loader.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert
Washer prices
Inexpensive
For $200 to $500, you can get a decent top-load washer. You are likely to have fewer cycle options at this price, and most washers in this range are not front loaders. However, some top loaders are still sold as high-efficiency models.
"Front-load washers spin sideways, which can cause them to shake. If you are putting one in a second-floor laundry, choose a model with extra support in the suspension system. Some washers come with shock absorbers to cut excessive vibration."
STAFF
BestReviews
Mid-range
For $500 to $800, you can get a good front-load washer. It will have a lot of cycles, and you will likely get a couple of specialty features as well, such as a sanitizing cycle or a steam cycle for combatting with stains.
Expensive
For $800 to $1,700, you can get a larger washer with all the bells and whistles. Washers of this caliber are often made of stainless steel with a capacity of over six cubic feet. Some are able to handle more than one load at a time; others have a pre-wash top compartment.
FAQ
Q. How do I know how many cubic feet I need?
A. Keep three things in mind when choosing a washer size:
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The number of people in your household
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How often you plan to wash clothing
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How many clothes you typically need to wash
To further explore this question, ask yourself the following: Do you or your children change clothes more than once a day? Do your kids wear school uniforms and change out of them right after school? Do you like to get out of your work clothes in the evening? How many times do you go to the gym or have sports activities every week? Do you have young children who might soil their bed linens? All of these things will increase your laundry load.
Expert tip
Don't forget to clean your washer. Simply run with a washing machine cleaner, like this one from
Affresh, which is my favorite.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert
Q. Do I need special detergent for a high-efficiency washer?
A. Yes. If you own a high-efficiency washer, you should use “HE” detergent. The reason: HE detergents are made to be “low sud.” Excess suds can cause problems in your HE washer because they counteract the washer’s cleaning function, preventing tumbling. They also help hold soils in suspension in low water, so they don’t re-soil your clothes as they go through the cleaning process. That means if you continue to use your “regular” detergent with you HE washer, your clothes are not going to get as clean.
