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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Washing Machines

Your washing machine runs nearly every day for a decade. Front load or top load, agitator or impeller—we tested machines for real families doing real laundry, not showroom demos.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

WM4000HWA Front Load Washer

4.7 (12,456 reviews)

The washer that makes laundry day bearable. LG's TurboWash cuts cycle times in half without sacrificing clean—because who has time to babysit a machine?

Capacity

4.5 cu ft

Speed

1300 RPM

Cycles

Features

TurboWash, Steam, WiFi

Pros

✓ TurboWash 360 saves time
✓ Steam cleaning option
✓ WiFi connectivity

Cons

✗ Premium price
✗ Requires pedestals separately
✗ Complex controls

$998

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
WM4000HWA Front Load Washer Best LG	4.7	$998	View
WF45R6100AW High-Efficiency Front Load Value Samsung	4.5	$748	View
TC5 Top Load Washer Speed Queen	4.8	$1,299	View
GTW465ASNWW Top Load Washer GE	4.4	$548	View
MVW7232HC Smart Top Load Maytag	4.6	$1,149	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

WM4000HWA Front Load Washer

4.7 (12,456 reviews)

The washer that makes laundry day bearable. LG's TurboWash cuts cycle times in half without sacrificing clean—because who has time to babysit a machine?

Capacity

4.5 cu ft

Speed

1300 RPM

Cycles

Features

TurboWash, Steam, WiFi

Pros

✓ TurboWash 360 saves time
✓ Steam cleaning option
✓ WiFi connectivity

Cons

✗ Premium price
✗ Requires pedestals separately
✗ Complex controls

$998

View on Amazon

Best Value

Samsung

WF45R6100AW High-Efficiency Front Load

4.5 (8,765 reviews)

Samsung packed premium features into a reasonable price. Self-Clean+ means you'll never scrub mold out of door gaskets again.

Capacity

4.5 cu ft

Speed

1200 RPM

Cycles

Features

Steam, Self Clean+

Pros

✓ Self-cleaning drum
✓ Steam option
✓ Quiet VRT Plus

Cons

✗ No WiFi at this price
✗ Cycle times longer
✗ Basic controls

$748

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Premium Pick

Speed Queen

TC5 Top Load Washer

4.8 (3,456 reviews)

The laundromat workhorse in your home. Speed Queen machines last 25+ years because they're built for punishment, not planned obsolescence.

Capacity

3.2 cu ft

Type

Top Load Agitator

Warranty

5 years

Build

Commercial-grade

Pros

✓ Commercial-grade durability
✓ 5-year warranty
✓ Classic agitator cleans thoroughly

Cons

✗ Expensive
✗ Uses more water
✗ No fancy features

$1,299

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Budget Pick

GTW465ASNWW Top Load Washer

4.4 (15,678 reviews)

No apps, no WiFi, no nonsense. GE's basic top loader does exactly what a washing machine should do—clean clothes without drama.

Capacity

4.5 cu ft

Type

Top Load Agitator

Cycles

Features

Deep Fill, Speed Wash

Pros

✓ Deep fill option
✓ Dual-action agitator
✓ Simple controls

Cons

✗ Basic features
✗ Louder operation
✗ No steam

$548

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Maytag

MVW7232HC Smart Top Load

4.6 (5,432 reviews)

Maytag's Extra Power button is for the "I don't trust normal cycles" crowd. One press adds extra cleaning action. Your grass-stained kids' clothes don't stand a chance.

Capacity

5.3 cu ft

Type

Top Load Impeller

Cycles

Features

Extra Power, Deep Fill

Pros

✓ Extra Power button
✓ Deep wash cycle
✓ WiFi enabled

Cons

✗ Premium price
✗ Large footprint
✗ Learning curve

$1,149

View on Amazon

Buying Guide: How to Choose Washing Machines

How to Choose a Washing Machine

The Family Decision
A washing machine is a decade-long commitment. Choose wrong and you're hand-washing delicates in frustration or rewashing "clean" clothes that still smell.

### Front Load vs Top Load

Front Load Pros:
Uses 50% less water
- Better at removing stains
- Gentler on clothes
- Stackable with dryer

Front Load Cons:
- Requires bending to load
- Mold in door gasket if not maintained
- Longer cycle times
- Higher upfront cost

Top Load Pros:
- Easier loading (no bending)
- Add items mid-cycle
- Faster cycles
- Lower purchase price

Top Load Cons:
- Uses more water
- Harder on fabrics (agitator)
- Can't stack

### Agitator vs Impeller
Agitator: The center post with fins. Cleans thoroughly, rougher on clothes.
Impeller: The low-profile disc. Gentler, uses less water, some items don't get as clean.

### Capacity Guide
- 3.5-4.0 cu ft: Singles, couples
- 4.5-5.0 cu ft: Families of 3-4
- 5.0+ cu ft: Large families, comforters, sleeping bags

### Features Worth Paying For
- Steam: Sanitizes, removes allergens, helps with wrinkles
- Self-clean cycle: Prevents mold and odors
- WiFi: Remote monitoring, cycle notifications
- Deep fill: For those who insist clothes need to swim

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Machines

Front load or top load for a family?

Front load if you do large loads and want efficiency. Top load if you have back problems or kids who forget items in pockets. Both work—it's about your priorities.

Why do front loaders smell moldy?

Trapped moisture in the door gasket. Leave the door open between loads, wipe the gasket dry, and run a cleaning cycle monthly. Problem solved.

Is high efficiency worth it?

Yes, especially for front loaders. HE machines use less water and detergent, saving $100+ per year. Just use HE detergent—regular soap creates too many suds.

Why Trust Our Recommendations?

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