The other advantage of this type of washer is they tend to have a larger capacity than their front-loading counterparts. This makes washing bulkier items such as sheets and comforters a breeze, and makes them a great pick for larger families. However, that does mean you’ll need to set aside more space for a top load washer in your kitchen or laundry room. It also means you won’t be able to stack one of the best dryers (opens in new tab) on top of it, something that is possible with most front load washers (opens in new tab). So if you’re short on space, make sure to carefully measure the appliance so you don’t get a nasty surprise when it comes to installing it. The latest top load washers come packed with clever design features and specs meant to make doing your laundry a more time- and energy-efficient process, from high spin speeds and steam settings to quick wash cycles. We’ve rounded up and assessed a range of models from trusted brands such as Maytag, Samsung and GE to recommend the best washers, whatever your needs. Buying a top load washer can be quite the investment - luckily, we’ve also scoured the internet for the best washer and dryer deals (opens in new tab) so you can find the appliance of your dreams for less.
How we chose the best top load washers
We’ve found the very best top load washers by comparing a huge range of specs and by looking for great value for money, efficiency, helpful wash settings, and great user reviews. We also took into account the warranty offered with each model and how easy they are to install.
Best top load washer
With a sizable 4.9 cu. ft. capacity and a large number of high-tech features, this top load washer by Samsung is a great option if you are looking to get a washer with a number of smart features for an affordable price. It has a built-in Actiwave Agitator that reduces noise, vibration and tangling so that you can complete a load with no major noise disturbances. It also contains an Active WaterJet faucet which allows you to pre-treat heavily stained clothes inside your machine before a full cycle, making this the perfect washer for deep, powerful cleaning. One feature that stands out to us is the EZ Access Tub, which is shallower than regular top load washers so that you can easily reach inside of your washer to place and remove clothes once your washing cycle is done. Samsung managed to implement this feature into the machine while also keeping the drum capacity at 4.9 cu. ft. which is very impressive - especially when the other smart features are taken into account. The Vibration Reduction technology and soft-close lid both help you wash a load of laundry quietly from start to finish. For ultimate accessibility, this washer also has brail and audio assistance for those who are visually impaired. You can make this purchase of a Samsung WA49B5205AW with great peace of mind knowing that the Digital Inverter Motor has a 20-year warranty. SDesigned with families with pets in mind, the Maytag Pet Pro Top Load Washer has a 4.7 cu. ft. capacity and a 750 RPM spin speed. This washer helps tackle pet hair in two ways. Firstly, there is a “Pet Pro” washing setting that uses additional water and a deep rinse to dislodge and remove any pet hair from your clothes. Then, pet hair is caught in a built-in Pet Pro filter which removes up to 5x more fur. Other helpful washing features include the Deep Fill option which is designed to saturate your laundry to dilute stains, and a built-in faucet so that you can manually fill and drain the drum while spot-treating specific tough stains. The washer drains after three hours automatically, so that you can fill a drum, treat stains and then run a full wash cycle. The Maytag washer will automatically redistribute your laundry so that the washer always spins as efficiently as possible. The Advanced Vibration Control Plus feature is designed for this very purpose. This hardware paired with the software that allows you to adjust for each load means you can wash anything and everything. These washers are American-made and assembled in Ohio. They also come with a 10-year warranty on the drive motor and the stainless steel wash basket. With a 5.5 cu. ft. capacity, this machine is capable of washing large loads of laundry - perfect for big families. It also has TurboWash3D technology to reduce wash times, so you can complete multiple loads in record time. This smart washer boasts a number of smart features such as WiFi connectivity, and the ability to start, monitor, and stop your washer remotely. The LG ThinQ technology allows you to access multiple other LG washer features remotely. ThinQ care will also send you frequent notifications about the usage, maintenance, and diagnosis of your washer directly to your phone, to let you know when your washer needs to be maintained or repaired - this is great for helping you get the most out of your washer and keep it running smoothly. This washer is also ENERGY STAR certified and contains several energy-saving and efficiency-boosting features, such as ColdWash technology - this feature is designed to use cold water to clean your clothes while washing as efficiently as warm water. This can save you a lot of money in the long-run while also ensuring you get a clean, fresh load of laundry every time. In addition to its energy-saving features, this washer has also been certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) due to its reduction in household fabric allergens. With an extra-large capacity of 5.5 cu. ft., a Super Speed laundry cycle and an AutoDispense system, the Samsung WA55A7700AV top load washer has plenty of features in its remit. So much so that they are a CES Innovation Award Honoree. Let’s talk about what makes this top load washer so good. Firstly, the AutoDispense feature allows you to fill your washer with up to 12 loads of detergent and softener at once - the washer will then dispense the right amount of each solution automatically each time you start a new cleaning cycle. Along with this, the Super Speed Wash feature will effectively and efficiently clean your laundry in only 28 minutes. Samsung has garnered a reputation for its smart technology, and this washer is a great example of its new tech. With the Samsung SmartThings app, you can receive a notification at the end of wash cycles, or start and stop your washer remotely. You can also schedule cycles and many other things from your smartphone. It also has an Active WaterJet - a built-in faucet so that you can easily pre-treat heavy stains inside of your washer, eliminating the need for a sink in your laundry room. There’s a Deep Fill option, too, so that the washer will automatically add extra water throughout your wash cycle to help thoroughly soak and clean any heavily soiled laundry. The LG WT7400CV top load washer is jam-packed with features that help make doing laundry an easy, stress-free chore. With a huge capacity of 5.5 cu. ft. this washer also boasts a large number of specialized technologies that help you get the cleanest, freshest laundry possible. The TurboWash3D Technology and 6Motion Technology will give you a deep, powerful clean in only 29 minutes - perfect for when you are short on time and need crisp, spotless laundry. The 6Motion Technology also has up to six different wash motions to help clean your clothes in a smarter way. We’re also fans of the Smart Pairing feature, which means that your LG smart washer will tell your LG dryer to select the correct drying cycle for the laundry that you are doing. LG’s built-in ThinQ technology allows you to access your smart appliances in real time - it’s also designed to give smart notifications on absolutely everything from usage statistics to maintenance alerts, and even early diagnosis of potential problems, helping you prevent any faults before they happen. Due to its 5.5 cu. ft. capacity this LG washer is the largest capacity top loader in its class. According to LG, you can easily fit a comforter and a full set of king-sized bedding in a single load, making this an ideal choice for families with large laundry loads. If you’re looking for a top load washer with an extra large capacity, the 5.3 cu. ft supplied by the Whirlpool WTW8127LC could be exactly what you’re looking for. One of the most useful aspects of this washer is that it features a removable agitator, so you can choose whether you want to use an agitator vs impeller (opens in new tab) (it’s worth noting that the capacity slightly reduces to 5.2 cu. ft. if you decide to use the agitator). Other useful features include the Whirlpool Load & Go Dispenser, which means that you simply add detergent once and you’re good to go for up to 20 loads of laundry. There’s also the Pretreat Station Plus, which is a built-in faucet that enables you to soak, scrub and wash your clothes in one spot – saving you from having to transport sopping wet laundry from your sink to your washer. This Whirlpool washer also comes with WiFi connectivity and smart features that means that you can control your washer through the mobile app when its set to remote enable. You can also create customized cycles with the Intuitive Controls. Plus, the EasyView Full-Width Slow-Close Glass Lid gives you the ability to check on your laundry load at every part of the wash cycle. The Maytag MVW7232HW excels when it comes to capacity, with plenty of room for families with large wash loads to get through. What’s more, it has excellent smart features so you can keep up with exactly how your wash is getting on, or start a cycle even when you’re not in the room. When it comes to the quality of washing itself, the Maytag MVW7232HW has plenty of cycles to choose from, including a Deep Clean program to tackle stains vigorously. The hefty price tag of the Maytag MVW7232HW is justified by both its focus on washing and its smart features. There’s no doubt that this machine would make laundry day much easier, especially if you have a lot of clothes to freshen up. If you have the spare cash to spend, the Maytag MVW7232HW will be an excellent addition to your home. With the Samsung WA45T3400AV, you can pretreat and wash your clothes in one handy station, with a built-in faucet that can replace trips to your laundry sink. There’s plenty of options when it comes to exactly which cycle you want to remove any stains, as well as an abundance of different washing options on top of that. This machine also has a soft-close lid, so you won’t be hearing the snap of your machine closing any time soon. That’s on top of the diamond drum design to prevent snagging and promote deep cleaning. Users who loved this model were also impressed by the musical jingle the machine uses to tell you it’s done, though it’s slightly let down by the lack of smart features. The Samsung WA45T3400AV works quietly and to keep the machine clean and hygienic, there’s a self-cleaning cycle. There might not be smart features but there is a troubleshooting functionality you can use on your phone should anything happen. The LG Smart Top Load Washer WT7300CW is definitely towards the more expensive end of the top-loading washing machine market, but when you consider the range of innovative features it utilizes, it’s not that surprising. Some of these features work to reduce excessive vibration, using the clothing itself to create friction without beating and provide powerful cleaning even on a cold wash. One of the real winning aspects of this LG washer, however, is that it’s Energy Star certified so you can expect lower energy bills than with a machine that doesn’t have this certification. Featuring an impeller design, this Maytag top load washer has a capacity of 4.8 cu. ft and plenty of useful features that will help make each laundry load as quick and easy as possible. These include the Deep Fill option, which fills the wash basket with your choice of deeper water levels to help break down tough messes more effectively. Those short on time will also appreciate the Quick Wash cycle, which can clean a load in just 30 minutes with extra high spin speeds of up to 750 RPM. We’re also a big fan of the slow-close glass lid that this Maytag washer comes with, as it means you’ve got a front-row seat to the laundry action. Meanwhile, inside the washer you’ll find Maytag’s Power Impeller, which has a reverse wash motion and triple action spray to keep clothes thoroughly saturated with water and detergent throughout the cycle for a more powerful clean. The stainless steel wash basket has been designed for years worth of washes, which is backed up by Maytag’s 10-year limited warranty on this part (and the drive motor as well). This Maytag washer’s 4.8 cu. ft. capacity means that you can wash up to 19 towels at once, saving you time on your daily housework. Meanwhile, the Wrinkle Control cycle is specifically designed to help prevent wrinkles by using a combination of warm water and low spin speeds.
Buying advice for the best top load washers
What to look for in a good top load washer
A good top load washer usually comes with a range of useful features to make your life easier, plus at least a five cubic feet capacity. This is a substantial size and is suitable for large families or those who prefer to wash a huge pile of laundry all at once. Many of the best top load washers are also Energy Star Certified. This is an internationally recognized and trusted mark of high efficiency – which is always a must for any appliance, especially if you will be using it weekly. Plus, the top load washers are usually designed with a speed wash, lasting around 30 minutes or sometimes less. You can also expect to find a deep clean cycle which is specifically crafted to remove any pesky stains, and a super hot wash that will help eliminate bacteria. Plus, when hunting down the right top load washer for your home, be sure to check the maximum spin speed. Many of the best washing appliances come with around 700 revolutions per minute (RPM). The more RPM, the less time your clothes will take to dry.
Which are the best high-efficiency top load washing machines?
Getting your washing done quickly and saving money on bills are two central concerns of anyone with a busy household. That’s why high-efficiency top load washing machines are so in demand, and why so many manufacturers have features built-in to help out. Plenty of machines feature super speedy wash cycles, which aim to deliver the same quality in a shorter time. That includes the Samsung WA50R5400AW, which can power through a wash in just 36 minutes. It also has an interior which drains water quickly, in order to cut down on the energy spent on the last part of the process. Another contender for the best high-efficiency top load washing machine is the Whirlpool WTW5000DW, which automatically adjusts the water level for each wash, so you’re not needlessly overfilling your machine. In order to find out whether the machine you’re eyeing up is energy efficient, be sure to check out whether it’s Energy Star certified, and take a look at the Energy Guide that you should be able to find on any retailer’s website. That will give you an indication of the average running cost for each machine for a year so that you can judge which model works out best for you.
What are the benefits of a top load washer versus other types of washers?
Top load washers appeal for many reasons, though a big factor is affordability. You can find top-rated and affordable top load washers from as little as $399, making them a more accessible purchase. Convenience is also of note, with a top load washer being easier to fill on a daily basis, saving you from kneeling or bending over. For those with limited mobility, being able to fill their washer from the top is exceptionally useful. Customers who purchase top load washers also often enjoy their relative simplicity. There’s no need to fill or clean an extra detergent drawer, as this is simply added into the drum at the top instead. Capacity is another draw that makes this type of washer so appealing to families or larger homes; if you can fit more into one cycle, it’s time saving and energy efficient too. If you’re prone to forgetting an odd sock and finding it after you’ve put a load of laundry on, a top load washer might appeal, as there’s always the chance to add garments mid-cycle by lifting the lid, an option you don’t have with a front loading machine.
What size top load washer do I need for a comforter?
A popular query when it comes to the best top load washers is whether they are roomy enough to effectively wash comforters (opens in new tab) and other bulky items. After all, having a large enough washer in your home will save you from costly trips to the laundromat and be much more convenient. There is some debate on what exactly the right size is when it comes to being capable enough of handling comforters. In theory, any machine over 3.8 cubic feet should be able to handle king-sized comforters, but experts recommend sizing up in order to get the wash movement you really need to properly clean them. That makes the more agreed-upon size something closer to 4.5 cubic feet, though this might still be a squeeze for super bulky comforters. Our advice would be to size up as far as you can if you really want to be able to fit your comforter in for a wash with ease and guarantee that it comes out properly cleaned. For tips, read our feature on how to clean a comforter (opens in new tab).
How full should a top load washer be?
For the best results, you should be careful not to fill your top load washer more than 2/3 of the way up. Especially in smaller capacity washers, it could be tempting to fill up the entire tub to maximize the amount of laundry being done in one go, but this can put considerable strain on the motor, reducing your appliance’s lifespan. Overfilling your washer also means your clothes might not be washed as effectively. Part of the washing process relies on clothes having space to move around and collide into each other and the agitator so the detergent and water spread around. If the washer is too full, the clothes will sit in one dense lump and not get cleaned properly. Most washer manuals don’t give a precise indication of how much you should fill your machine, but they do warn about overfilling. As a rule of thumb, you should not fill it past the agitator, so the 2/3 mark is a good rule of thumb. This also applies for more modern machines that have an impeller instead of an agitator; they will be more effective if they are only 2/3 full.
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