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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
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
WM4000HWA Front Load Washer

LG

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

12

Features

TurboWash, Steam, WiFi

Pros

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

Cons

  • Premium price
  • Requires pedestals separately
  • Complex controls

Head-to-Head Comparison

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

LG

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

12

Features

TurboWash, Steam, WiFi

Pros

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

Cons

  • Premium price
  • Requires pedestals separately
  • Complex controls
Best Value
WF45R6100AW High-Efficiency Front Load

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

10

Features

Steam, Self Clean+

Pros

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

Cons

  • No WiFi at this price
  • Cycle times longer
  • Basic controls
Premium Pick
TC5 Top Load Washer

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
Budget Pick
GTW465ASNWW Top Load Washer

GE

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

8

Features

Deep Fill, Speed Wash

Pros

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

Cons

  • Basic features
  • Louder operation
  • No steam
MVW7232HC Smart Top Load

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

11

Features

Extra Power, Deep Fill

Pros

  • Extra Power button
  • Deep wash cycle
  • WiFi enabled

Cons

  • Premium price
  • Large footprint
  • Learning curve

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.

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