The Best Top-Load Washers of 2023

Its “How to wash/What to wash” selection dial yields a total of 36 wash settings for various laundry needs. On the downside, the WTW7120HC is currently very expensive to purchase, and its smart features require a paid subscription to access beyond the first six months. Also the Delicates cycle didn’t perform well in testing, showing it to be 10% rougher on clothes than the Normal cycle.

The Best Washers for Large Families of 2023

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Samsung WF50A8600AV

The Samsung WF50A8600AV is excellent. It has solid cleaning power, a huge wash drum, and a ton of extra features, including antimicrobial coating. Read More

Pros

• Good cleaning power
• Large wash drum
• Steam, antibacterial coating, and tons of other features

Cons

GE Profile PTW900BPTRS

The GE Profile PTW900BPTRS is designed to handle a lot of laundry with a huge 5.4-cubic-foot drum and built-in detergent reservoirs. Read More

Pros

• Good cleaning power
• Antimicrobial coating, steam, detergent reservoir
• Large wash drum

Cons

• Loud at times
• Alexa integration seems buggy for some users

Samsung WF53BB8700AT

The Samsung WF53BB8700AT looks great, washes well, has a gigantic 6.1-cubic-foot wash drum, and comes with a ton of other features. Read More

Pros

• Fast, effective wash cycles
• Large wash drum
• Steam, stackable, other features

Cons

• On-board controls can be difficult to read
• Loud chime has no volume controls, just on and off

Maytag MHW8630HC

The Maytag MHW8630HC is a powerful washer that lets you do laundry on your terms. It’s 5.0-cu.-ft. drum can handle just about anything. Read More

Pros

• Power Heavy Duty cycle
• High number of features
• Streamlined controls

Cons

LG WM6700HBA

The LG WM6700HBA is a gorgeous, high-performance washer that’s perfect for large families. Read More

Pros

• Large wash drum
• Fast cycles
• Solid stain-scrubbing power

Cons

• Causes more wear and tear damage than average
• AI Wash cycle is underwhelming

Written by Mark Brezinski, Jonathan Chan, and Leigh Harrington

Updated October 25, 2023

Everything scales up when you have a big family. Groceries are consumed faster, toilet paper disappears in a blink of an eye, and laundry piles up until it’s taller than your youngest.

For these situations, you need a washer with a high capacity and speedy cycles. Also, since children enjoy finding creative ways to get dirty, families with small children should invest in a washer with a sanitize feature. There are even washers out there that come with a secondary mini-washer to keep items like cloth diapers separate from everything else.

Considering the various needs of a large family, we went through the data we’ve collected from testing hundreds of washing machines to select the best one.

The LG WM9000HVA (available at Samsung for $1,798.00) came out as the clear winner. It has everything we were looking for: high capacity, fast cycles, and the ability to sanitize clothing.

If you think the WM9000HVA is way too expensive, not to worry, our roundup also included more affordable models.

Due to supply chain challenges and soaring demand, there is widespread unavailability of home appliances and long wait times for delivery of backordered product. If you’re a consumer in need of a washer or dryer, here are the best places to buy in-stock appliances right now.

• Style: Front-load
• Dimensions: 38.7″ x 27″ x 33.5″ (H x W x D)
• Capacity: 5.0 cubic feet
• Special features: MultiControl, Self Clean+, Vibration Reduction Technology+, Swirl+ Drum Interior, CleanGuard antimicrobial technology, AI-powered Smart Dial
• Matching dryer:Samsung DVE50A8600V
• Energy Star rated:Yes

The Samsung WF50A8600AV is a nearly perfect washer for large families.

Its large, 5-cubic-foot drum—while not the biggest on this list—is still large enough to hold lots of laundry. Frequently-touched surfaces have the CleanGuard antimicrobial coating, to help staunch the transmission of pathogens. There’s also the AI-powered Smart Dial, which can easily select the perfect cycle for what you need to wash. As a cherry on top, its cycles are also relatively short, so less of your day will be spent in the laundry room.

Where this Samsung washer really shines is its performance: It was able to scrub out stains better than the other washers on this list, so you won’t need to run multiple cycles to clean out stubborn stains.

Pros

• Good cleaning power
• Large wash drum
• Steam, antibacterial coating, and tons of other features

Cons

• Style: Top-load
• Dimensions: 43.88” x 27.88” x 28” (H x W x D)
• Capacity: 5.4 cubic feet
• Special features: FlexDispense detergent and pod tray, Alexa integration, slow-close lid, SmartHQ integration, SmartDispense detergent and softener reservoirs, large wash drum
• Matching dryer:PTD90EBPTDG (gas) or PTD90EBPTDG (electric)
• Energy Star rated:Yes

With a 5.4-cu.-ft. stainless steel drum and detergent dispensers the GE Profile PTW900BPTRS is a top-loader that’s more than ready to handle all your family’s laundry needs.

The PTW900BPTRS has eight cycles, five water temperatures, soil and spin settings, and three rinse levels, so you know you’ll be getting the exact wash you want. Also, if you want to set it and forget it, this GE’s auto dispenser has you covered for up to 32 washes, and its smart wash soil sensor will adjust cycle times based on how dirty your laundry is. You can even use this washer’s Alexa integration to help select which cycle to use.

Of course, this GE Profile is also a powerhouse when it comes to scrubbing out stains. The Normal and Delicates cycle really impressed us with their cleaning power.

Pros

• Good cleaning power
• Antimicrobial coating, steam, detergent reservoir
• Large wash drum

Cons

• Loud at times
• Alexa integration seems buggy for some users

• Style: Front-load
• Dimensions: 38.7” x 27” x 34.4” (H x W x D)
• Capacity: 6.1 cu. ft.
• Special features: Modern Bespoke design, high-capacity drum, 28-minute Super Speed 2.0 wash, Smart Dial, steam wash, Self Clean+, VRT Plus noise and vibration reduction, drum light, 20-year warranty for inverter motor, MultiControl, Samsung SmartThings app support
• Matching dryer:Samsung DVE53BB8700T
• Energy Star rated:Yes

The Samsung WF53BB8700AT brings the popular Bespoke line of appliances to your laundry room—in a big way.

First and foremost, this front-loader features a whopping 6.1-cubic-foot drum, which is great when you have multiple people in your household.

Also, the WF53BB8700AT’s cycles are incredibly efficient, scrubbing out more stains in less time when compared to the average washer. What this means for you is fewer laundry days each week and a faster, smoother experience each time.

The WF53BB8700AT also has a ton of other features that help reduce headaches. Its steam cycles can help sanitize baby clothes or pet blankets, as well as quickly erasing wrinkles without needing to break out the iron.

Its interior LED makes loading and unloading laundry easier, even in a dim laundry room.

Its self-cleaning mode helps automatically clean its interior, preventing odor buildup and removing the need to clean it manually. One of its best features is its ability to stack up with its paired dryer and still fit inside a laundry closet.

Pros

• Fast, effective wash cycles
• Large wash drum
• Steam, stackable, other features

Cons

• On-board controls can be difficult to read
• Loud chime has no volume controls, just on and off

Other Washers We Tested

• Style: Front-load
• Dimensions: 32.94” x 38.63” x 27” (D x H x W)
• Capacity: 5 cu. ft.
• Special features: Extra power / boost option, steam, Maytag app support, detergent dispenser (8-load reservoir)
• Matching dryer:Maytag MED8630HC (electric)
• Energy Star rated:Yes

Combining excellent stain removal ability, a massive drum, and a plethora of features, the Maytag MHW8630HC is one of the best washers we’ve tested. The Heavy Duty cycle aced our cleaning tests, dealing with everything from red wine to oil.

We also appreciated the MHW8630HC’s internal water heater. With it, the Sanitize cycle achieved temperatures of around 130°F, allowing you to easily eliminate the most common illness-causing bacteria.

Cleaning alone does not make a great washer. This Maytag also makes the chore of doing laundry easier. It has an automatic detergent dispenser that holds soap for up to eight loads so you don’t need to keep busting out the bottle.

In addition, the MHW8630HC comes with Fresh Hold and Overnight Wash and Dry. Both these features tumble the drum after a wash has finished, which means that for full-sized loads, it keeps a musty odor from developing or can wash and dry a shirt or two.

Pros

• Power Heavy Duty cycle
• High number of features
• Streamlined controls

Cons

• Style: Front-load
• Dimensions: 39″ x 27″ x 33.25″ (H x W x D)
• Capacity: 5.0 cu. ft.
• Special features: TurboWash 360°, Smart Pairing, AI Wash, LG ThinQ app support, ezDispense automatic detergent dispenser
• Matching dryer:LG DLEX6700B (electric) (electric), LG DLGX6701B (gas)
• Energy Star rated:Yes

The LG WM6700HBA has a futuristic look and some impressive performance that should appeal to any busy family.

For starters, it has a huge, 5-cubic-foot drum, which should vastly improve your laundry throughput. On top of that, its cycles are incredibly fast, letting you power through piles of laundry. As a cherry on top, it also features an automatic detergent dispenser that further cuts down on laundry overhead.

In terms of stain-scrubbing strength, the WM6700HBA also doesn’t disappoint. The only cycle that didn’t quite measure up was its AI-powered wash, which took much longer to finish than other cycles and didn’t wash as well.

Pros

• Large wash drum
• Fast cycles
• Solid stain-scrubbing power

Cons

• Causes more wear and tear damage than average
• AI Wash cycle is underwhelming

• Style: Front-load
• Dimensions: 38.625” x 27.0” x 33.25” (H x W x D)
• Capacity: 5.0 cu. ft.
• Special features: Steam, sanitize, Fan Fresh, bulk detergent drawer
• Matching dryer:Whirlpool WED9620HC
• Energy Star rated: No

The Whirlpool WFW9620HC combines a large capacity and short cycle times to churn through loads of laundry quickly.

We love its bulk detergent drawer, which helps remove overhead from doing laundry. We also love its Fan Fresh mode, which can keep laundry tumbling with fans blasting away humidity for up to 12 hours, keeping your laundry fresh until you can actually get a minute to switch it over to the dryer.

The cleaning quality is also above average on the Normal and Delicates cycle, which means less of a need to rerun a cycle.

Pros

Cons

• Cycles finish with very wet laundry
• Not very gentle
• Expensive

• Style: Top-load
• Dimensions: 27.25” x 27.88” x 43.5” (W x D x H)
• Capacity: 5.2 cu. ft. (agitator in) or 5.3 cu. ft. (agitator out)
• Special features: Remote Enable, Drum Light, Steam Options, Steam Refresh, temperature settings, dryness settings, Wrinkle Shield, Ecoboost, built-in pretreating station
• Matching dryer:Whirlpool WED7120HC
• Energy Star rated:Yes

If you like an agitator sometimes, but wish you could take it out other times, the Whirlpool WTW8127LC may be the perfect pick for you. It comes with a removable pole agitator, so it’s available when you need it, but can easily sit out cycles where you don’t. Regardless of your preference, this washing machine comes with a deep wash drum that’s more than big enough for the needs of most families.

This washer has a built-in pretreating station complete with a built-in faucet and a little scrubber brush with a detergent reservoir. It’s the perfect pair of features for getting a head-start on scrubbing out stubborn stains.

You’ll also like the high quality clean you get from this machine, and its built-in light makes loading and unloading a lot easier.

Pros

• Good cleaning
• Built-in faucet
• Removable agitator

Cons

• Style: Front-load
• Dimensions: 39” x 27″ x 33.25″ (H x W x D)
• Capacity: 5 cubic feet
• Special features: Steam, 4-way dispenser that can accommodate two rounds of detergent, plus bleach and fabric softener
• Matching dryer:LG DLEX4200B
• Energy Star rated:Yes

When the LG WM4200HWA first came out, it’s price was so high it was almost disqualifying. Fortunately, at this point it’s come down considerably, making this front-loader a great value.

You’ll love its high-capacity drum, fast cycles, and built-in detergent dispenser, all of which make it easy to do lots of laundry quickly. Its powerful spin cycle also means less time spent in the dryer.

On top of all that, its steam features are great for quickly refreshing wrinkled items.

Pros

• Effective and fast cycles
• Steam features

Cons

• Controls aren’t responsive
• More wear and tear on gentle cycle than is typical

How We Tested

The Testers

Hello! We’re Reviewed’s appliance testing team. Between us, we have dozens of years of experience lab-testing appliances, and today we’re turning our attention to washers for large families.

Regardless of what we test, we take a two-pronged approach. For starters, we run each appliance through the paces with a battery of standardized objective tests, which lets us cross-compare each products’ performance. We also make sure to just use the products normally, like how anyone would use them in their own home. This pass lets us catch any user interface issues or particularly brilliant design flourishes that you’ll only notice on the hundredth time you do something.

The Tests

Every washer on this list features both a sanitize cycle and a heavy or extra heavy soil cycle.

Every washing machine that comes into Reviewed’s labs gets put through the same testing regime, which addresses both performance and user-friendliness. We look at stain removal, wear and tear, water retention, and cycle time.

When testing washing machines through the lens of large families, we specifically look at the washer’s drum size to gauge how much laundry it can hold at one time—our minimum size requirement is 5.2 cubic feet—as well as whether it has a sanitize cycle and a heavy or extra heavy soil setting to deal with all manners of family generated stains, from muddy knees and poopy diapers to pasta sauce and red wine spills.

What You Should Know Before You Buy A Washer For Large Families

Capacity Is One Of The Most Important Metrics

When we recommend a washer as one that’s good for large families, we’re mostly looking at that washer’s capacity. A washer’s drum is rated in cubic feet, and the higher the number is, the more laundry you can fit into the washing machine for a given cycle.

The average washing machine has a drum capacity between 4.2 cubic feet and 4.5 cubic feet. This drum size can accommodate the laundry needs of a family of four.

When you have a larger family, however, chances are that you’ll have bigger and more frequent laundry loads; in this case, we look for washing machines that have capacities with a minimum of 5 cubic feet.

There’s An Emphasis On Cleaning and Sanitization

Every washer on this list features both a sanitize cycle and a heavy or extra heavy soil cycle. Why? Because babies poop a lot, little kids are constantly on the ground grinding dirt and grass stains into their knees, and pre-teens and teens are dripping paint, ketchup, or cosmetics all over themselves. Families need wash options that are both tougher and germ-conscious.

If You’re Running Multiple Loads, Speed Matters

Another spec that makes a washer good for large families is the washer’s cycle time. Sometimes, even with large capacity washers like the ones listed here, you’re still going to be running multiple cycles of laundry in a given day; it’s best for everyone if those cycles don’t take too long.

You’d think that more laundry in a load would automatically translate into longer cycle times, since, you know, there’s more laundry to clean. However, some brands have come up with ways to efficiently disperse detergent and rinse it out fairly quickly, which cuts down on the time you’re standing around waiting to put laundry into the dryer.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.

Meet the testers

Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.

Senior Manager of Lab Operations

Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it’s likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company’s efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he’s a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he’s plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.

Executive Editor, Home

Leigh Harrington has more than 20 years experience as a writer and editor for myriad print and digital publications.

At USA TODAY and Reviewed, Harrington oversees large appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, and laundry, and manages Reviewed’s overall home content, including areas of focus like home improvement, cleaning, gardening, cooking, and parenting. She focuses on writing, but mostly editing, consumer ed content and product reviews.

Harrington is also an experienced travel writer, and has authored books including Fodor’s Boston, 100 Things to Do in Boston Before You Die, and Colorful Boston, an adult coloring book.

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you’re confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we’ll compare notes.

The Best Top-Load Washers of 2023

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

GE Profile PTW900BPTRS

The GE Profile PTW900BPTRS is designed to handle a lot of laundry with a huge 5.4-cubic-foot drum and built-in detergent reservoirs. Read More

Pros

• Good cleaning power
• Antimicrobial coating, steam, detergent reservoir
• Large wash drum

Cons

• Loud at times
• Alexa integration seems buggy for some users

Whirlpool WTW8127LC

The Whirlpool WTW8127LC is a one-shop stop for all your laundry needs. You can scrub stains, soak them, and even hand wash them all from this machine. Read More

Pros

• Good cleaning
• Built-in faucet
• Removable agitator

Cons

LG WT7900HBA

With a 5.5 cu. ft. capacity and an Allergiene cycle, the LG WT7900HBA is great for those with families and pets alike. Read More

Pros

• Steam cycles
• Allergiene cycle
• 5.5 cu. ft. capacity

Cons

Maytag Pet Pro MVW6500MBK

The Maytag MVW6500MBK top-load washing machine is a solid pick. Its PetPro System filter is effective at removing the majority of pet hair. Read More

Pros

• Catches a lot of pet hair
• Decent cleaning power
• Slow-close lid and built-in faucet

Cons

• Delicates cycle is rough
• Spin cycle doesn’t get out much water

Samsung WA50R5400AV

This Samsung top-load washer comes with a built-in faucet, great for pretreating hard-to-wash stains. Read More

Pros

• Built-in faucet
• Easy to use controls

Cons

Written by Mark Brezinski, Jonathan Chan, and David Ellerby

Updated November 6, 2023

While front-load washers are the popular choice when it comes to laundry appliances—for good reason—many people prefer top-loading machines. Not only are the controls typically more straightforward, you don’t need to stoop down in order to load it. Another consideration is cost: Top-loaders often cost less than front-loaders.

If you’re interested in a top-load washing machine for your laundry room, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the best top-load washers available today.

The GE Profile PTW900BPTRS (available at Best Buy for $849.99) earns our Best Overall for its plethora of features and great stain removal.

Due to supply chain challenges and soaring demand, there is widespread unavailability of home appliances and long wait times for delivery of back-ordered products. If you’re a consumer in need of a washer or dryer, here are the best places to buy in-stock appliances right now.

• Dimensions: 43.88” x 27.88” x 28” (H x W x D)
• Drum capacity: 5.4 cubic feet
• Smart app: Yes
• Energy Star certified:Yes

With a 5.4-cu.-ft. stainless steel drum, the GE Profile PTW900BPTRS has all the right features to please both traditionalists and new-school laundry doers.

If you like to micromanage how your clothes get washed, the PTW900BPTRS has eight cycles, five water temperatures, soil and spin settings, and three rinse levels. However, if you want to set it and forget it, this GE washer still has you covered. Its auto dispenser works for up to 32 washes, the smart wash soil sensor will adjust cycle times based on how dirty your laundry is, and built-in Alexa helps select which cycle to use.

We awarded the GE Profile PTW900BPTRS with the best top-loader title specifically because the Normal and Delicates cycle impressed us with how much of our testing stains were removed.

Pros

• Good cleaning power
• Antimicrobial coating, steam, detergent reservoir
• Large wash drum

Cons

• Loud at times
• Alexa integration seems buggy for some users

• Dimensions: 43.5” x 27.88” x 27.25″ (H x W X D)
• Drum capacity: 5.2 cubic feet (with agitator) or 5.3 cubic feet (without agitator)
• Smart app: Yes
• Energy Star certified:Yes

The Whirlpool WTW8127LC features an industry first: a removable agitator pole, so owners of this washer have two options for washing their clothes. It’s interesting that our best top-Load washer with agitator is the one where said agitator is removable, but this flexibility is precisely what allows the WTW8127LC to offer such incredible wash quality.

Not only did the WTW8127LC do a great job scrubbing out our test stains, removing the agitator and using the built-in impeller also did a good job—and it was more gentle overall.

We also love Whirlpool’s “What to Wash / How to Wash” system, which replaces the traditional cycle selection dial and can help take the guesswork out of what a wash cycle does.

Pros

• Good cleaning
• Built-in faucet
• Removable agitator

Cons

A perfect choice for large families, this LG washer has huge capacity.

• Dimensions: 44.5” x 27” x 28.38” (H x W x D)
• Drum capacity: 5.5 cubic feet
• Smart app: Yes
• Energy Star certified:Yes

If you want a workhouse that can deal with big loads and different laundry situations, you’ll want to take a look at the LG WT7900HBA top-loading washer.

It has a lot of appealing features, including a large 5.5-cubic-foot capacity that’s great for bulky items like a king size comforter. There’s also an Allergiene cycle (which claims to remove pet dander and dust mites), and seven steam cycles (including Normal, Allergiene, and Sanitary).

Additionally, the cycle times are nice and short. The Normal and Speed Wash cycles both clock in at 30 minutes long. If you have some serious stains to remove, though, we recommend the Heavy Duty cycle, which performed the best in our stain removal tests, and takes less than two hours to run.

While this washer isn’t as efficient as some LG front-load washers we’ve tested, it’s a great option. If you like top-load washers and want a larger tub capacity, fast cycle times, and steam cycles, the LG WT7900HBA might be a good fit for you.

Pros

• Steam cycles
• Allergiene cycle
• 5.5 cu. ft. capacity

Cons

Pet owners might want a washing machine with a little something more, and the Maytag Pet Pro MVW6500MBK is made just for them.

• Dimensions: 57.5” x 27.5” x 27.5” (H x W x D)
• Drum capacity: 4.7 cubic feet
• Smart app: No
• Energy Star certified: No

If you’re a pet owner looking for a top-load washer, the Maytag MVW6500MBK is a good pick.

In addition to solid stain-fighting power, the real draw is its trademark Pet Pro system, which excels at removing pet hair from laundry. A filter inside the machine’s pole agitator collects pet hair during a wash, which can be easily emptied after the cycle.

In our testing, we found this washer was able to remove the majority of shedding from a blanket used exclusively by a Bernese Mountain Dog (and brightened it up quite a bit as well).

This washer also has some nice extras to round out its offerings, including a built-in faucet and a slow-close lid to prevent slams.

Pros

• Catches a lot of pet hair
• Decent cleaning power
• Slow-close lid and built-in faucet

Cons

• Delicates cycle is rough
• Spin cycle doesn’t get out much water

Other Top-Load Washers We Tested

• Dimensions: 27.5″ x 44.6″ x 29.4″ (W x H x D)
• Drum capacity: 5.0 cu. ft.
• Smart app: Yes
• Energy Star certified:Yes

The Samsung WA50R5400AV impressed us with its look and design. Its rounded edges and scored-metal texture have a gorgeous modern aesthetic. The design doesn’t stop there, either, as this washer features a soft-close lid, a built-in faucet for pre-treating stains, and a massive 5-cubic-foot wash drum that’s perfect for those with large families.

This top-loader did well on our cleaning tests regardless of the cycle, but cycles did last longer than average. Additionally, the spin cycle seemed to leave behind a lot of water.

Still, at its current price there’s significantly more to like about this Samsung washer than there is to dislike about it.

Pros

• Built-in faucet
• Easy to use controls

Cons

• Dimensions: 42.88” x 27.25” x 27.88” (H x W x D)
• Drum capacity: 5.3 cubic feet
• Smart app: Yes
• Energy Star certified: Yes

The Maytag MVW7232HW top-load washer is a great mix of new features, like WiFi connectivity, and old-school functionality. With a 5.3 cu. ft. capacity and Extra Power stain removal booster, this washer can handle large loads without losing cleaning efficiency. If you like to control the water level of your wash, the Deep Fill option allows you to add varying amounts of extra water to your wash cycle.

In terms of stain removal, this washer has some of the best-performing Normal and Heavy Duty cycles that have ever come through our labs. Even better, we found that this washer is gentle on your clothes. While the cycle times are longer than some other washers we’ve seen (the Normal cycle clocks in at ~40 minutes), the cleaning power you get with the Maytag MVW7232HW is worth the trade-off.

Pros

• Massive drum
• Deep fill option
• Good cleaning

Cons

• Dimensions: 44.5” x 27” x 28.38” (H x W x D)
• Drum capacity: 5.5 cu. ft.
• Smart app: Yes
• Energy Star certified:Yes

The LG WT7800CW is a family-sized washer. At 5.5 cubic feet, this wash drum can handle just about everything your family can throw at it.

In our testing we found this LG top-loader was more than capable of erasing tough stains, especially compared to other top-loaders at this price point. This top-loader is also capable of finishing a wash cycle really fast: Smaller loads are done in just 30 minutes.

On the other hand, larger loads take significantly longer to finish, as did certain cycles. Heavy Duty took over two hours to complete. If you don’t mind the wait, though, you’ll be happy with how clean your laundry is.

This is a stellar top-loader overall, especially for those who are looking to wash larger items like comforters.

Pros

• Massive drum
• Lots of features
• Fast cycles for single loads

Cons

• High water usage
• Slow cycles for oversized loads

• Dimensions: 43.5” x 27.25” x 27.88” (H x W x D)
• Drum capacity: 5.3 cubic feet
• Smart app: Yes, but requires a subscription after 6 months
• Energy Star certified: Yes

The Whirlpool WTW7120HC is a solid washer with decent cleaning power. Its built-in faucet and pretreating brush are excellent features that make it easier to take care of your clothes. The spin cycle also wrings out a lot of water, saving your dryer a lot of extra work and increasing its energy efficiency.

Its “How to wash/What to wash” selection dial yields a total of 36 wash settings for various laundry needs. On the downside, the WTW7120HC is currently very expensive to purchase, and its smart features require a paid subscription to access beyond the first six months. Also the Delicates cycle didn’t perform well in testing, showing it to be 10% rougher on clothes than the Normal cycle.

Pros

• Decent cleaning
• Good spin cycle
• Integrated faucet, pretreating brush

Cons

• Dimensions: 46” x 27” x 27” (H x W x D)
• Drum capacity: 4.5 cubic feet
• Smart app: SmartHQ connection requires additional purchase (part#: PBX23W00Y0)
• Energy Star certified:Yes

The GE GTW585BSVWS updates the traditional top-loader by giving it a modern look and touchpad controls.

In terms of cleaning quality, every cycle we tested was capable of providing a good quality clean. The Normal and Delicates cycles were able to scrub out stains while remaining gentle on your clothes. The Bulky cycle was also proficient at cleaning clothes, but it can also be quite rough.

We like the GE GTW585BSVWS for its performance, look, and overall user experience—especially at its price. The only issue we found were that some of its plastic components felt cheap and flimsy. Still, as a complete package we think this top-loader is an excellent value.

Pros

• Solid cleaning performance
• Adjustable water fill
• Intuitive buttons

Cons

• Flimsy parts
• Heavy duty cycle is tough on clothes

• Dimensions: 43.88” x 27.25” x 27.88” (H x W x D)
• Drum capacity: 5.2 cubic feet
• Smart app: Yes
• Energy Star certified:Yes

The Maytag MVW7230HW offers some decent performance for a traditional top-loader. In our tests, we found it performed about as well as the average washer. It also includes some nice extras like a built-in faucet, and an impressive, decade-long warranty. We liked the slow-close glass lid, and the pull out detergent dispenser which is easy to use and access, however the Quick and Heavy Duty cycles left in about 7-12% more water than average.

Pros

Cons

• Expensive
• Low cleaning power for its price
• Tough on clothes

How We Tested Top-Load Washers

The Testers

Hi there! We’re Reviewed’s former and present appliance testing team.

We have plenty of experience testing washing machines in the lab, but we’ve also used them like normal people would in the course of daily life. This means that we have a great sense for what appliances are bargains at their price points. We also know which appliances have genuinely useful extra features (as opposed to the kitchen-sink approach).

With all this in mind, you can feel confident that when we recommend a product, we’re giving it our Reviewed stamp of approval. That means two things: firstly, this appliance performs well. Secondly, this appliance is easy to use. We’re always reviewing new products, so stay tuned for our reviews and roundups of the latest products in laundry, refrigerators, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners.

The Tests

Using special material strips, we test both a washing machine’s stain-fighting power and how tough it will be on fabric during a given cycle.

Every washing machine that comes into Reviewed’s labs gets put through the same testing regime (read about how we test washing machines in the Reviewed lab), which addresses both performance and user-friendliness. When we test a washing machine’s performance, we look at stain removal, wear and tear, water retention, and cycle time.

Beyond these performance tests, we also assess the usability of each washing machine. This is based on our experience, both during testing and during more casual use. (One perk of working at Reviewed is that there are plenty of laundry machines on the premises!).

Our main goal is to answer one question: How easy is it to actually use this washing machine? This involves cumulatively assessing the control panel, the door, the detergent dispenser, and any smart features that are included.

By combining the performance data with our own observations, we can make solid recommendations for any type of washing machine, at any price point.

What You Should Know About Top-Load Washers

You’ve probably heard people bragging about their beautiful front-load washing machines (and rightfully so). So, why would you want to buy a top-loader? As it turns out, there are plenty of reasons to buy a top-loader, but the three most important reasons are ease of use, extra water options, and ergonomics.

While the distinction between top-load and front-load washers might seem minor, they differ significantly in terms of their design and user experience. With front-load washers, the wash drum is oriented horizontally: you put your dirty laundry in through a door on the front of the machine. Front-loaders can leverage gravity as they run, allowing them to keep your laundry tumbling to agitate it.

With top-loader washing machines, the wash drum is oriented vertically. You lift up a door on the top of the machine to drop your laundry in from above. Top-loaders use their rotation to rub your laundry items against each other to scrub out stains.

How Easy Is A Top-Load Washer To Use?

Front-load washers have overtaken top-loading washing machines in the laundry popularity contest, although some shoppers prefer to stick with what they know—top-loading washing machines with pole agitators (the big spiral column in the middle).

The sentiment isn’t misplaced. Most top-load agitator washing machines have gotten a tech-induced face-lift, and will look different than the one in your mom’s basement. But even so, if you’re already familiar with the layout and logic of these machines, it can make your laundry life easier.

On top of that, you can easily throw laundry into a top-load washer after a cycle has started. This is a much more difficult task for a front-load washer, which has to pause the cycle so that water doesn’t spill out when you open the door.

Top-loaders may be easier for some people to use, because they let you drop your laundry into the washer from a standing position. Front-loading washing machines make you crouch down to get your clothes in and out. (Or, they require you to stack your front-loader for easier access while standing.)

In general, most top-load washing machines are less complicated than front-loaders, which often come with control pads that look like they belong on a spaceship. If you just want to hit a few buttons and get your laundry going, you’re probably better off with a top-loader.

What Are The Extra Water Options For A Top-Load Washer?

Top-loaders don’t generally score as well in the efficiency department as their front-loading counterparts when it comes to water and energy usage. But some people like having the option to increase the water level for really dirty loads of laundry.

It’s worth noting this doesn’t necessarily mean your clothes get any cleaner. But it’s a popular enough feature that a number of brands have added options like Deep Fill so that users can easily add more water to a wash cycle.

You’ll Need To Know How To Clean Top-loading Washing Machines

Just because a washing machine cleans clothes, doesn’t mean it can clean itself. Stuff builds up inside the washer drum, from bacteria and mildew to scummy detergent and softener residue. No one wants to wash stinky clothes in a machine that stinks worse.

Cleaning a top-load washer is different than cleaning a front-load washer, because of its drum orientation. Front-loaders have a problem area around the gasket, where mold, bacteria, and odors can build up, and they also have a filter that needs to be cleaned every few months. Top-loaders on the other hand, don’t have these problems, because of the orientation of the top door and vertical drum.

Use vinegar or bleach (don’t mix them) to clean your top-loading washing machine—both work well, and vinegar also does a killer job at killing smells. Run the washer through its hottest wash cycle using one of those ingredients; then do it again with baking soda. In addition, you’ll want to unclog and clean the washer’s drain, and, if your top-loader has an agitator pole, remove any hair or strings that may have gotten twisted around it.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Meet the testers

Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.

Senior Manager of Lab Operations

Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it’s likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company’s efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he’s a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he’s plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.

Dave Ellerby is Reviewed’s Chief Scientist and has a Ph.D. from the University of Leeds and a B.Sc. from the University of Manchester. He has over 25 years of experience designing tests and analyzing data.

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you’re confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we’ll compare notes.