Best Washing Machines of 2021

Laundry isn’t necessarily what most people consider an enjoyable activity, so the easier a washing machine makes it, the better. Our Best Washing Machines of 2021 list sorts through the attributes and features to help you find the best washer for you and your family.

The Best Washing Machines of 2021

Compare the Best Washing Machines of 2021

Best Washing Machines in Detail

LG-WM3700 4.5 cu. ft. Front-Load Washer

Model numbers: WM3700HWA, WM3700HVA

This LG washer is our Best Washing Machine of 2021. With 4.5 cubic feet of capacity, it isn’t the largest machine in our rating, but it has a list of standout features including the ability to create custom cycles through an app on your smartphone and to control the washer with voice commands from a smart speaker. Learn more in our LG Washing Machine review.

LG-WM3900 4.5 cu. ft. Front-Load Washer w/ TurboWash 360

Model numbers: WM3900HWA, WM3900HBA

The second of four LG washing machines to make our list, this model differentiates itself from the similarly sized and slightly cheaper WM3700 with more features such as a TurboWash feature that promises to wash a 10lb load of laundry in under half an hour and a Sportswear wash option. Learn more in our LG Washing Machine review.

GE-GFW850 5 cu. ft. Front-Load Washer

Model numbers: GFW850SNWW, GFW850PNRS, GFW850PNG

The first of three GE Appliances models in our ratings the GFW850 is the only washer in our list to be able to wash and dry a small load of laundry. This model has 12 different wash cycles, a variety of Smart features, and, with five cubic feet of capacity, is one of the larger washers in our ratings. Learn more in our GE Washing Machine review.

LG-WT7300 5 cu. ft. Top-Load Washer

Model numbers: WT7300CW, WT7300CV

The third LG model on our list is our No. 1 rated Top-Load Washer of 2021. It is also one of the largest washing machines in our ratings with five cubic feet of capacity and is one of only two top-load models where Wi-Fi is included. Learn more in our LG Washing Machine review.

Electrolux-EFLS627 4.4 cu. ft. Front-Load Washer

Model numbers: EFLS627UIW, EFLS627UTT

This Electrolux washer is one of the most energy-efficient models in our ratings, using only 85 kWh annually. It ties with the smaller Samsung-WF42H5000 in energy usage. The Electrolux also includes features like the ability to adjust water levels to the amount of laundry in the tub and to adjust your wash program to the type of stain you're treating. Learn more in our Electrolux Washing Machine review.

LG-WM9000 5.2 cu. ft. Front-Load Washer

Model numbers: WM9000HWA, WM9000HVA

The final LG washer in our ratings, this model has the largest capacity of any front-load model in our ratings and the highest price tag of any washer in our ratings as well. Whereas most of the models in our ratings have between eight and 12 wash cycles, this model has 14. Learn more in our LG Washing Machine review.

Whirlpool-WTW5000 4.3 cu. ft. Top-Load Washer

Model number: WTW5000DW

This pared-down washer is the least expensive model in our ratings at $749. It is also the only washer on our list that isn’t Energy Star-certified. While it is low on features such as Wi-Fi, Smart technology, and sanitization cycles, it does feature 12 different wash cycles including a quick wash cycle and a deep water wash designed to help in stain removal. Learn more in our Whirlpool Washing Machine review.

Samsung-WF45K6500 4.5 cu. ft. Front-Load Washer

Model number: WF45K6500AV

The most expensive of the three Samsung washers in our ratings, this washer has Samsung’s VRT Plus, vibration reduction technology that should help reduce noise when doing laundry. It also gives you the ability to add laundry to a load that has already started, a rarity in front-load washers. It also features access to Samsung’s SmartThings app, although you have to buy an additional add-on for access to Wi-Fi, which will then allow you to control your washer through a Smart speaker. Learn more in our Samsung Washing Machine review.

Samsung-WA50R5400 5 cu. ft. Top-Load Washer

Model numbers: WA50R5400AW, WA50R5400AV

This is the largest capacity Samsung in our ratings and one of the largest capacity washers on our list. Samsung says this top-loader has a wider and shallower tub than normal to make it easier to reach laundry at the bottom of the tub. It also has a built-in faucet to help with pre-treating stains. This could be useful if your washer is in a second-floor closet or otherwise not near a sink. Learn more in our Samsung Washing Machine review.

GE-GTW840 5.2 cu. ft. Top-Load Washer

Model numbers: GTW840CSNWS, GTW840CPNDG

The second of three GE Appliances models in our ratings, this washer has the largest capacity of any top-loader in our ratings and ties for the largest capacity overall. At $949 it is a little more than half the price of LG’s 5.2 cubic foot front-load washer. Learn more in our GE Washing Machine review.

Samsung-WF42H5000 4.2 cu. ft. Front-Load Washer

Model number: WF42H5000AW

This Samsung washer has the smallest capacity of any washer in our ratings. But, this model ties the more expensive Electrolux model as the most energy-efficient washer in our ratings (85 kWh). That, combined with a smaller price tag than most of the models on our list, should help keep this in contention for many buyers. It also has Samsung’s VRT, eight wash cycles, and the ability to troubleshoot from your smartphone should any issues arise. Learn more in our Samsung Washing Machine review.

GE-GTW720 4.8 cu. ft. Top-Load Washer

Models numbers: GTW720BSNWS, GTW720PNG

While it is the lowest-rated model on our list, this washer has a generous capacity, stainless steel drum, and 12 different wash cycles. But if you want to add Wi-Fi you’ll have to buy a $50 add-on. Learn more in our GE Washing Machine review.

Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washing Machines

One of the biggest differences in washing machines is whether you load the laundry from a door on the front of the appliance or the top. While this may seem like a small difference, the way these two different styles of washers have developed has led to some significant differences in areas like efficiency, maintenance, and how fast a load of laundry takes.

Front-Load Washing Machines

The big upside to front-load washing machines is considered to be their efficiency of water and energy use and the ability to stack with a matching dryer to save space. While all front-loaders are considered to be high-efficiency washers, not all top-loaders have earned that designation.

Another benefit to front-load washers is they are gentler on clothes than a traditional top-loader due to a lack of agitators.

The downsides are that mold and mildew can grow in the door gaskets and cause your washer to smell. This can be mitigated through regular cleaning of the gaskets and airing out of the drum. The other con is, due to its nature, once you start a load of laundry you can’t open up the washer to add anything else, unless this ability is included as a special feature.

Top-Load Washing Machines

Top-load washing machines, in general, are considered to be less efficient in energy and water use but have faster cycle times.

There are two types of top-load washers: those that use an agitator and those that use an impeller. An agitator is a cylindrical stick rising up from the center of the washbasin that spins the clothes. Traditionally these washers are less water- and energy-efficient than both front-load washers and top-load washers that use an impeller. An agitator is also rougher on your laundry. An infuser or impeller is mounted on the base of the washer drum and is lower profile leaving more open small for laundry. They are also gentler on clothes and don’t require as much water to effectively clean your laundry.

The water- and energy-efficiency of top-load machines is increasing and some have earned Energy Star-certification and a high-efficiency (HE) designation.

What to Look for in a Washing Machine

There are a myriad of things to consider when researching a washing machine; capacity, front- vs. top-load, price, finish, features, cycles, size, and so forth. The best thing you can do is narrow down the search. You can start by setting a budget. In that budget include not just the price of the machine, but also any hoses, stacking brackets, or other add-ons you will need for installation. And if you choose to have it professionally installed, consider the price of installation. From there consider the space where the washer will be placed. If you want a different finish or optional base this will also increase the cost.

Think about the width, depth, and height. Include room behind the washer for hoses in your measurements.

Once these limits are set you can start looking at how you do laundry. If you do a few massive loads of laundry on the weekends, a larger capacity washer might suit your needs. But, if you do smaller loads throughout the week, you can look at some of the smaller machines on our list. This will also have the benefit of saving you some money. To give you a sense of size, the Whirlpool-WTW5000 is one of the smallest capacity washers in our ratings with 4.3 cubic feet of capacity and can accommodate approximately two baskets of laundry according to the manufacturer.

Another large factor is the efficiency of your washer. If you live in an area with high water or electricity costs, look for a washer that is Energy Star-certified. According to the Department of Energy’s Energy Star program, you can save six gallons of water per load of laundry and $35 a year in energy costs using an Energy Star-certified washer versus a non-certified washer.

Other Washing Machine Features

While the above features are the core attributes of things to consider when shopping for a new washing machine, there are a bevy of other features in modern washers to consider. Below we explain some of the most common options.

FAQ

How Much Does a Washing Machine Cost?

The least expensive washer in our rating is the Whirlpool-WTW5000 at just under $750 while the most expensive is the LG-WM9000 with a starting price of $1,800. A top-load washer is generally less expensive than a front loader, but the number of features included will have the largest impact on the price.

How Big a Washer Do I Need?

One of the smallest capacity washers on our list, the Electrolux-EFLS627 with 4.4 cubic feet, is large enough to clean a king-sized comforter, according to the manufacturer. For a family of four that may be all the capacity you need. But, if you need to wash really large loads of laundry there are numerous other washers with larger capacities in our ratings.

How Do I Clean My Washer?

This will depend on the type of washer you have. For front-load washers, you should occasionally run a towel along the gaskets around the door to prevent mold and mildew from growing. To clean the wash basket check the specific washer’s owner manual; most recommend you run the washer with a washing machine cleaner once a month. You can help prevent the growth of mold by leaving the door open after completing a wash to allow any residual moisture to dry.

Do I Need to Hire a Professional to Install My New Washing Machine?

You do not need a professional to install your new washer. Most manufacturers include instructions for self-installation. But, many retailers and manufacturers either offer free installation or installation for a minimal price.

Learn More

For more information on washers visit our guides:

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Our 360 Methodology for Evaluating Washers

The following describes our 360 approach to researching and analyzing washers to provide guidance to prospective consumers.

1. We researched the companies and products people care most about.

U.S. News analyzed and compared a variety of publicly available data, including internet search data, to determine which washers Americans are most interested in. We found 35 washer models that stand out across different ratings sources and as well as in terms of volume of searches. Once we identified these models, we reviewed the different product features available by each model at the time of publication. We then narrowed our list to the best models in this category.

With the final list of best washers determined, we compared available products features and specifications offered by each model across several criteria to assist the consumer in making the best decision based on their needs. We reviewed price, warranty, capacity, energy efficiency, dimension, and other unique features that consumers consider when purchasing a washer.

2. We created objective 360 Overall Ratings based on an analysis of third-party reviews.

Our scoring methodology is based on a composite analysis of the ratings and reviews published by credible third-party professional and consumer review sources. The ratings are not based on the personal opinions, tests or experiences of U.S. News. To calculate the ratings:

(a) We compiled two types of third-party ratings and reviews:

Please note that not all professional and consumer rating sources met our criteria for objectivity. Therefore, some sources were excluded from our model.

(b) We standardized the inputs to create a common scale.

The third-party review source data were collected in a variety of forms, including ratings, recommendations and accolades. Before including each third-party data point into our scoring equation, we had to standardize it so that it could be compared accurately with data points from other review sources. We used the scoring methodology described below to convert these systems to a comparable scale.

The 360 scoring process first converted each third-party rating into a common 0 to 5 scale. To balance the distribution of scores within each source’s scale, we used a standard deviation (or Z-Score) calculation to determine how each company that a source rated was scored in comparison to the source’s mean score. We then used the Z-Score to create a standardized U.S. News score using the method outlined below:

(c) We calculated the 360 Overall Score based on a weighted-average model.

We assigned “source weights” to each source used in the consensus scoring model based on our assessment of how much the source is trusted and recognized by consumers and how much its published review process indicates that it is both comprehensive and editorially independent. The source weights are assigned on a 1-5 scale. Any source with an assigned weight less than 2 was excluded from the consensus scoring model.

Finally, we combined the converted third-party data points using a weighted average formula based on source weight. This formula calculated the consensus score for each product, which we call the 360 Overall Rating.