Clothes Washer Buying Guide: Find the Right Machine for You

Buying a clothes washer can be a daunting task, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision. There are several types of clothes washers to choose from, including top-loading, front-loading, and high-efficiency (HE) washers.

Front-loading washers are a popular choice, accounting for over 50% of new washer sales. They use a horizontal axis and are known for their energy and water efficiency.

When it comes to capacity, washers come in various sizes, ranging from compact 1.7 cu. ft. models to large 4.5 cu. ft. machines. If you have a small household, a compact washer might be the perfect fit.

Energy efficiency is also an important factor to consider, with HE washers using up to 50% less energy and water than traditional washers.

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Capacity is another crucial factor to consider when buying a clothes washer. The ideal capacity depends on the size of your household and your laundry needs.

A medium-capacity washer generally ranges from 3.5 to 4.4 cubic feet, which is suitable for couples or average size families. If you have a larger family or more laundry to do, you'll want a larger capacity washer.

Top-load washers tend to use more water during cleaning cycles than front-load washers, with an average of 17.94 gallons per load compared to 8.74 gallons for front-loaders. This can increase your water and electricity bills, so it's essential to consider the performance of your washer.

Front-load washers are generally more consistent and frugal in their water consumption, ranging from 7 to 10 gallons per load. This makes them a more efficient option for households with moderate laundry needs.

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Capacity is crucial when it comes to choosing the right washing machine for your needs. You'll want to consider the size of the drum inside the unit, which ranges from 1.0 to 6.0 cubic feet.

A medium-capacity washer generally ranges from 3.5 to 4.4 cubic feet, while a large design is 4.5 cubic feet or more. This will give you an idea of how much laundry you can wash in one load.

The capacity of a washing machine determines how much laundry it can hold, with higher capacities allowing you to wash more in one load. 5 t-shirts equate to roughly 1kg of laundry.

At the lower end of the capacity spectrum, pedestal washers have a drum size of around 1.0 cubic feet. This is ideal for one- or two-person households.

For larger families or households with more weekly laundry, you'll want to opt for a larger capacity machine. These can range from 10 to 11kg or even over 12kg.

Leaving enough clearance space around your washing machine is also important, with a recommended 10cm gap at the back and 2cm on either side. This helps to accommodate piping and allows air to circulate behind the machine.

The size of the washing machine you choose should be carefully considered, taking into account the space available in your home. You'll find the dimensions of the machine in the product specifications.

Spin speed is crucial for effective water removal from clothes, which in turn helps them dry faster. A high spin speed can make a big difference in how quickly your clothes are dry.

A good washing machine should have a range of spin speeds to choose from, with a maximum of between 1200 to 1600 RPM. This ensures you can adjust the spin speed according to the type of fabric you're washing.

Lower spin speeds are ideal for delicate fabrics, so it's essential to have a range of options.

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We've reviewed dozens of washing machines, and top-load washers have earned our best and worst stain removal performance scores so far.

Top-load washers tend to fall behind in terms of efficiency, using more water during cleaning cycles than their front-load counterparts.

Top-load washers averaged 17.94 gallons of water per load, while front-load washers averaged just 8.74 gallons.

Some top-load models used as little as 5 gallons, while others required as much as 38 gallons during their cycles.

Front-load models were much more consistent in their water consumption, ranging from about 7 gallons on the low end to over 10 gallons on the high end.

Smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone apps are becoming increasingly popular in modern washing machines. This allows you to monitor and control the appliance remotely, and even start, stop, and pause cycles from your phone.

Some apps, like the GE Laundry app, display a readout of the time remaining on your wash/dry cycle, but you can't initiate a cleaning cycle remotely. Other apps, like Whirlpool's, let you start/pause runs remotely and view the time remaining on a cycle, as well as alert you when a cycle ends and provide energy usage stats.

Some washing machines also come with built-in sinks, like Samsung's, or integrated faucets, like Whirlpool and GE's. These features can be convenient for pretreating tough stains and hand-washing delicate items.

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Having the right settings on your washing machine can make a big difference in how you use it. Look out for steam options if you care about sanitization.

Some washing machines come with extra rinse programs, which are useful if you have sensitive skin. Quick wash settings are equally important, allowing you to rinse a load in a hurry.

Eco settings are still rare, but they're increasing in popularity if you want to save on electricity and water consumption. These settings take longer to run than standard cycles, but they're worth it if you're looking to reduce your environmental impact.

A good washing machine should have a variety of settings to choose from, but too many can clutter the control panel and go unused.

Smart features have revolutionized the way we interact with our washing machines. Some high-end washers can pair with your smartphone, allowing you to monitor and control the appliance remotely.

You can start, stop, and pause a cycle from your phone using apps like GE's Laundry app or Whirlpool's Android and iPhone app. These apps also provide energy usage stats and alert you when a cycle ends.

Not all smart features are created equal, though. Some, like extra rinse cycles, can waste water and electricity. Others, like touch pads, may save your washer preferences but don't enhance washing performance.

If you're interested in smart features, look for washers with Wi-Fi connectivity and a mobile app. This will allow you to control and monitor your washer remotely. Some popular smart features include:

Some smart features, like steam settings, may not be as effective as they seem. According to Consumer Reports, steam settings only slightly boost stain removal.

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Front-load washing machines are a great option for those who want better cleaning results and a more space-efficient design. They're designed to tumble-clean your clothes, using less water in the process.

Front-load washers are generally gentler on clothes due to their tumbling action. You can even stack them to save space in your laundry room. However, they can be less convenient to load, as you need to bend down to add clothes.

According to the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), all front-load washing machines are high efficiency (HE). This means they're designed to work with low-sudsing HE detergent, which reduces soap residue and cleans clothes more effectively.

Front-load washers typically have a separate detergent drawer located at the top of the machine, making it easy to add detergent without bending down. Some models, like LG's front loader, even have a tempered glass door that lets you monitor the wash cycle progress.

Front-load washers tend to start at around $800 in price, with some high-end models costing up to $1,800. It's worth considering your budget and laundry needs before making a decision.

Here's a quick comparison of front-load and top-load washer prices from various brands:

Remember to check the user manual or product name to confirm if your front-load washer is indeed high efficiency.

The WashTower machines are a great option if you want a separate washer and dryer without taking up too much space. They come in stackable models that take up space vertically, not horizontally.

These machines have a central control panel that's conveniently located, so you don't have to reach up or bend down to use them.

You can save a pretty penny by choosing an energy-efficient washing machine. According to the article, Energy Star-certified machines can save you $60 annually compared to machines that meet Department of Energy standards.

Machines that carry Energy Star's "most-efficient" seal can slash your yearly power bills by up to $106. That's a significant amount of money that can be put towards other household expenses or saved for a rainy day.

If you're in the market for a new washing machine, look for the Energy Star label to ensure you're getting a model that's designed to save energy. Some machines are more energy-efficient than others, so it's worth doing your research to find the best one for your needs.

Here's a rough breakdown of the energy efficiency of different washing machine types:

Overall, choosing an energy-efficient washing machine can make a big difference in your utility bills and the environment.

There are three main types of washing machines: traditional top-loading washers, high-efficiency top-loading washers, and front-loading washers.

Traditional top-loading washers are the least expensive, typically costing between $300 to $650, and can wash a load in 30 to 35 minutes. However, they're rough on laundry and use a lot of water, gulping 45 gallons per load.

High-efficiency top-loading washers, on the other hand, use sensors to manage water usage and are more energy-efficient. They can wash larger loads and use 50% less water than traditional top-loaders, but are pricier, costing between $600 to $1,000.

Front-loading washers are the best at cleaning and use an average of 22 gallons of water per load, just like high-efficiency top-loaders. They're also relatively gentle on laundry and spin super fast, leaving loads up to 10% drier than traditional top-loaders.

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There are three main types of washing machines: front-load, top-load, and high-efficiency top-load. Front-load washers generally offer better cleaning results and are more economical on space if they're stackable.

Front-load washers tend to be more expensive, with prices starting around $800 and going up to $1,800. Top-load washers, on the other hand, are more affordable, with prices starting around $500 and going up to $1,600.

Traditional top-loading washers are the top-selling machines in the U.S. and are typically the least expensive, costing between $300 to $650. However, they can be rough on laundry and use more water than front-loaders.

High-efficiency top-loading washers use sensors to manage water usage and are more energy-efficient than traditional top-loaders. They can wash larger loads and use up to 50% less water and electricity than traditional machines.

Front-loading washers, which are all high-efficiency, are the best at cleaning and use an average of 22 gallons of water per load. They can also spin super fast, leaving loads up to 10% drier than traditional top-loaders.

Here's a comparison of the prices of front-load and top-load washers from different manufacturers:

Ultimately, the type of washing machine you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Twinwash is a time-efficient option for busy families, allowing you to wash two separate loads at the same time.

The large capacity top section can be used to wash your regular load or heavily soiled items on a hot or cold wash.

The lower section of the Twinwash has a smaller capacity and can only run a cold wash, making it ideal for lightly soiled garments.

The large capacity top section sits higher up than the opening on a typical front loader washing machine, thanks to the design of the LG TWINWash™ Mini.

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A combo dryer is a great space-saving option for those with limited space. It's essentially a washer and dryer in one machine.

These machines are perfect for small homes, apartments, or condos where space is a concern. They eliminate the need for a separate dryer.

Combo dryers often come with the same features as standalone washing machines. They're also a good option if you don't have the outside space to hang your laundry to dry.

They're convenient and efficient, making them a great choice for busy people.

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The Whirlpool WTW5020SW is a top pick in the world of washer and dryer sets. It's a reliable choice for anyone looking to upgrade their laundry game.

This washer and dryer set is part of the "Best Matching Washer and Dryer Sets of 2025" list. It's a great option for those who want a hassle-free laundry experience.

The Whirlpool WTW5020SW is designed to work seamlessly with its companion dryer, making it a convenient choice for households.

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Traditional top-loading washers are the least expensive option, typically costing between $300 to $650.

They work fast, completing a load in 30 to 35 minutes. However, they're not water-efficient, using an average of 45 gallons of water per load.

High-efficiency top-loading washers are a more energy-efficient option, using sensors to manage water usage. They consume an average of 22 gallons of water per load, which is 50% less than traditional top-loaders.

Front-loading washers are the most expensive option, typically costing between $700 to $1,300. However, they're the best at cleaning and can wash larger loads.

Here's a rough estimate of the price ranges for different brands:

If you can spend an extra $100 to $150, you'll find more options and better overall performance.

Recently, several new washing machines have been tested and reviewed by experts.

The Best Large-Capacity Washing Machines of 2025 have been identified, offering impressive performance and capacity.

CR members can access ratings and reviews of six washers, including front-loaders, HE top-loaders, and agitator top-loaders.

Some of these models are CR Best Buys, delivering excellent performance at an affordable price.

These CR Best Buys include various types of washers, providing options for different household needs.