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All this said, we understand these appliances inside and out, plus their counterparts:clothes dryers.
The Spruce
With or without the agitator, this machine has the largest capacity of any model we recommend.
It looks like a pole with fins that’s situated in the center of the drum.
It can also be more gentle on fabrics.
PHOTO: Home Depot
We also frequently used the built-in faucet for targeted rinsing.
We initially used this feature only occasionally since we had a lot oflaundry podsto use up.
All this said, this washing machine is in high demand, so we see it backordered a lot.
This top load washer has the largest capacity of the models on this list.The Spruce
Ultimately, this pick tops our list because it’s feature-packed, intuitive, and reliable.
This set is also incredibly compact.
It’s just 2 feet wide and less than 2 feet deep.
PHOTO: Lowe’s
We think this is a great option for apartment dwellers and anyone who doesnt have a huge laundry room.
Its perfect for a laundry closet, or you could even install it in your kitchen.
Its so compact and quiet that it doesnt need a dedicated room.
The dispensers in this machine are clearly labeled, which we appreciate.PHOTO: The Spruce
We also loved that this whole machine was straightforward to operate.
Despite this machine’s well-rounded appeal, it has a few minor drawbacks.
For starters, we tested the titanium finish, which easily scratches.
Additionally, we had a hard time reversing the door.
The screws seemed to be too short.
We had to make a trip to a hardware store for longer screws.
It has various useful features, including presets for jeans and towels.
A filter lifts and captures pet hair, but it also captures lint as a bonus.
Even without this pet-centered option active, this washing machine handles stain removal well.
The see-through lid lets you see the progress of a cycle.
The agitator isnt removable in this washer, but it didnt give us any problems either.
Our only complaint with this washing machine is that theres no audible alert when its done with a cycle.
PHOTO: Amazon
And it doesnt provide a timer, so you must learn how long different cycles take.
The basin also felt pretty deep, which we could see being an issue for shorter individuals.
Speed Queens “perfect wash” system lets you customize wash cycles for different fabrics.
We had to reduce our load size in this Equator washer, but we loved how clean our clothes came out.PHOTO: The Spruce
you could pick individual options for specific fabrics, soil levels, and water temperatures.
The result is effective cleaning and stain removal, with appropriate wash actions to avoid damaging more delicate items.
We also look at the efficiency ratings associated with each model.
(Note: Top-loading washing machines cannot be stacked since they open from the top!)
From there, you’ll want to pick between a front-loading or top-loading design.
Once you pick a machine pop in, you’ll want to decide whether to prioritize a high-efficiency model.
However, it does require a compatibleHE laundry detergent.
Notably, our top pick cut the amount of loads we did per week in half.
Other cycle options include towels, heavy-duty, speed-wash, activewear, allergen, and sanitize.
Some front-loading washers have a self-clean option, which makesmaintaining the drum much easier.
How much you want to spend on a new washing machine ultimately determines how many cycle options you have.
Higher-end machines typically have more tweaks, and let you customize and store your own.
In our experience, not having a full suite of dispensers isn’t a total deal-breaker.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Washing Machine on Sale?
Front-loaders start at around $800 and go up to $3,000, depending on size and features.
Of course, your current washer can leave you in a pickle if it quits unexpectedly.
If you need a new dryer, look into bundling options.
Why Trust The Spruce?
PHOTO: The Home Depot
Our Experts:
Janeway, Kimberly.Mold in Your Washing Machine: The Mystery and The Menace.Consumer Reports.
This washing machine has a straightforward operation despite being packed with specialized cycles.The Spruce
PHOTO: Lowe’s
The Pet Pro setting and hair-catching filter on this washer made it stand out for households with pets.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Best Buy
We love front load washers for how easy they are to access compared to top-load models.The Spruce
Some washing machines will have specialized cycles for towels and bedding.The Spruce
