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Top-load washers, in my experience, are justverystraightforward.
The Spruce
(If your chosen machine doesn’t have dispensers though, don’t worryI have a hack!)
They also include built-in faucets and stainless steel drums and are significantly easier to clean than their front-load counterparts.
Our picks range from $650 to $1,500, and we frequently see them at a deep discount.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Marisa Viglione
I would classify it as a mid-range option with a perfect mix of tried-and-true functionality and newer innovations.
It even made our list with its matching dryer as a greatwasher and dryer set.
It looks clean and simple on the outside with a large dial to toggle between its 12 wash cycles.
This washing machine has always left our clothes smelling fresh and looking flawless.PHOTO: The Spruce
In combination with our detergent (We useAll Free ClearandDreft, both in pod form.
), the washer eliminates chocolate stains on my toddler’s shirts and olive oil ones on mine.
My husband even once said that our clothes smelledtoofresh, despite us using an unscented detergent.
Notably, our clothes, sheets, and towels have always been spun out exceptionally well.
That said, this machine doesn’t move at all during its wash and spin process.
The drum is also made of stainless steel like our top pick.
When you have this feature enabled (which they usually do!
It helps with not over- or under-pouring detergent since the machine measures for you.
That said, our top pick has one additional cycle option.
The control area also looks a bit different, skipping on the traditional dial.
We even find ourselves looking around our home wondering what else we can add to it.
Like our other picks, this top-load washing machine also has a stainless steel drum.
She also has a king-sized bed, so she’s frequently washing larger bedding.
Similar to our top pick, this GE washer prioritizes simplicity and clothes cleaned well, too.
It has sanitize, speed-wash, and drain-and-spin cycles, which are all great bonus options.
Our biggest complaint is actually related to its biggest asset: drum size.
While it’s great for washing bulky items, the bottom of the drum can be hard to reach.
TheWhirlpool WTW8127LWis also a great pick with a built-in faucetandbulk dispenser that can be helpful for larger households.
It costs a little more for its added features.
When testing washers and dryers, we consider and rate them on a series of attributes.
A high-capacity model may have up to 6.0 cubic feet or more.
There are definitely perks to both styles.
It can mimic the process of hand-washing while more thoroughly removing sweat and grime.
Other notable cycle options are allergen and cold wash tweaks, as well as steam functions.
Beyond cycle options, there are also high-efficiency and non-high-efficiency washing machines.
In general, high-efficiency models use less water and energy per cycle.
On average, they use 40 gallons of water per load.
This is competitive with front-load washers, which use an average of 13 gallons per load.
The Beauty of a Bulk Dispenser
Our favorite top-load washers offer a mix when it comes to dispensers.
Our upgrade pick has the most handy and innovative option: a bulk dispenser.
Several of our editors have given them a try and had sparkling results.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Top-Load Washer on Sale?
If you were hoping to swap out other appliances soon, also consider bundling options.
Each design has its perks and its downfalls, though.
Why Trust The Spruce?
I live with my husband and 2-year-old daughter and do about five to six loads of laundry per week.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dena Ogden
My mom also owns a Whirlpool top-load washer that’s held up (so far) for eight years.
We love that this washing machine has cut our number of weekly wash loads in half.The Spruce
My top-load washer is set up in our basement and, I love its larger capacity to limit my trips down the stairs.The Spruce
The Whirlpool WTW5057LW has a stainless steel drum and a removable agitator to maximize load capacity.The Spruce
We prefer washing machines with additional settings to customize so each load gets the exact care needed.The Spruce
A top-load washing machine’s detergent tray is typically located at the back of the drum, under the lid.The Spruce
