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The best washers make laundry day less daunting. Yet, how would you know which one to get with the various types of washing machines?
First, the machine must wash laundry effectively, produce clean clothes and easily remove stains. In addition, it should be energy-efficient, saving as much water as possible since it helps the environment and reduces monthly utility bills. Plus, you must consider the design and the overall ease of use.
Considering these factors, you need a washer that best suits your needs. Other homeowners will consider the extra features that new washing machines have nowadays, such as Wi-Fi connectivity. This spec allows you to control and monitor your washer from your smartphone. Moreover, washers have a sanitization setting, which is also essential.
So, to prevent you from feeling overwhelmed, here’s a roundup of the best washers that give you an optimal cleaning experience.
The Top Washing Machines to Fit Every Budget
1. KoolMore 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load X-Large Washer with Steam and Quiet Inverter Motor
Best for: Personalization and energy saving
The KoolMore FLW-5CWH is among the top-rated washing machines. It has the features of any great standard washing machine and plenty of modern touches to simplify laundry. The fast cycle means you can clear your items in as little as 20 minutes, while 12 washing cycles ensure you can treat a variety of fabrics for stains.
A quiet inverter motor makes it easy to do laundry any time, meaning you no longer have to schedule washing clothes around your family member’s naps or work meetings from home. In addition, this machine’s high energy efficiency also saves you money on electric bills while helping the planet.
A unique “My Cycle” feature allows you to select and save your preferred cycle routines to quickly rerun them in the future.
Price: $1,322 from Amazon
2. Summit Appliance 115V 2.7 Cu. Ft. Washer/Dryer Combo with LCD Display in Platinum for Non-Vented Use
Best for: Small spaces and child-friendly households
The Summit SPWD2203P will be the best overall choice if you prefer a combo washer-dryer. This machine has stacks of numerous features. First, it has a modern LCD screen. It also has 16 washing cycles and five temperature settings. So whether you like washing your clothes on cold and gentle or hot and powerful, you have plenty of options.
Another feature you might love is the child lock — ensuring safety for everyone in your household. Washers and dryers can pose a safety risk when children climb inside and get stuck. The child lock on this Summit washer-dryer combo helps prevent hazards and offers peace of mind.
This appliance’s footprint is only 24 inches — making it ideal for smaller homes or apartments — and it provides the benefit of a complete laundry station with a single machine.
One thing consumers love about this machine is the multiple washing cycles, which allow users to wash various fabrics according to their specifications. One thing to bear in mind is the appliance will have a learning curve during use. You may want to refer to the user manual to learn how the LCD screen, the child lock and each cycle works.
Price: $1,384 from Amazon
3. Kenmore 4.5 Cu. Ft. Total Capacity Washer with Steam and Express Cycle
Best for: Large laundry loads and fast cleaning options
The Kenmore 2642272 ENERGY STAR-certified front-load total capacity washer with steam, an express cycle and Acela-Wash technology is a popular choice among consumers. This appliance stands out overall because of how functional and versatile it can be. Reviewers find it worth the price as it has numerous features. One of the aspects includes the space it has to easily fit larger items, such as duvet covers. You might find large loads are more difficult to work if you have a top load.
Another feature many love is its manually adjustable water level, which allows users to optimize cleaning for big or particularly dirty loads of laundry. Additionally, consumers appreciate the Kids Wear Cycle. This unique feature includes extra soil- and stain-tackling washing actions, perfect for a busy parent with fun-loving kids. The Acela-Wash feature cuts the washing time for full loads by 26%, and the Express Cycle is ideal if you need to take care of lightly dirty items in as short a time as 25 minutes.
The machine helps you save on energy and water — and it’s eco-friendly. Plus, the wash cycles are peaceful and an easy-to-read screen display makes washing in a dark room easier.
Price: $1,275 from Amazon
4. BLACK+DECKER 3.0 Cu. Ft. Portable Washing Machine with Quick Connect Sink Adapter and LED Display
Best for: Portability and easy installation
Portable washers like the BLACK+DECKER BPW30MW are perfect for small areas or spaces without a standard laundry hookup, such as dormitories, apartment units or even RVs. This model has an LED display and cycle indicator lights to tell you exactly which step your load is on in the washing process. The washer also has various settings, including six wash cycles, a transparent lid with a mechanism for quiet closing and three water level options for small to large loads and everything in between.
Moreover, the stainless steel tub resists rust and corrosion, making this washing machine durable. A child lock reduces the risk factors associated with traditional washing machines without child safety features.
The machine’s drain hose and sink adapter make installation a breeze and allow you to transport the appliance wherever needed. Whether you’re an avid traveler who wants to do laundry from an RV, a college student who wants to make a dorm room feel more like home, or even a homeowner who appreciates the flexibility of being able to reorganize their space, BLACK+DECKER’s portable washing machine is highly convenient.
5. Maytag 4.8 Cu. Ft. High-Efficiency Stackable Front Load Washer with Steam
Best for: Quiet washing and stackability
The best washers are stackable when paired with a compatible dryer since they save space. Customers love the Maytag MHW6630HW because it pairs nicely with a matching dryer and is super quiet. It won’t disturb you while you’re in the next room.
In addition, this machine has 12 wash cycles, a 4.8-cubic-foot drum and a Fresh Hold option. Many are raving about how spacious this front loader is compared to other brands on the market. The Fresh Hold setting is great for keeping clothes smelling clean during your busy schedule. It tumbles your items after the cycle is complete. That way, they’re not sitting there, developing an odor.
Unfortunately, this model isn’t certified for energy efficiency, and the normal cycles take longer to complete. However, it does have a 15-minute quick wash cycle if you’re in a hurry, among many other bells and whistles.
Price: $850 from Best Buy
Factors to Consider Before Shopping
Before you start shopping for your new washer, consider the following factors:
- Budget: Some washers may have a higher upfront cost but save you money with lower electricity bills in the long run if the appliance is highly efficient. Consider your budget alongside additional financial considerations and goals.
- Available space: The amount of space you have will help determine the best washing machine for you. If you are working with a particularly small area, you may even consider a combo washer-dryer or a stackable washer and dryer to make the most of your floor space.
- Laundry needs: Do you need a washer that can handle heavy loads? Maybe you tend to wash items made from delicate fabrics. Whatever your needs are, make sure your new machine meets them.
- Special features: Some washers have child locks to ensure safety, personalization features to save your favorite cycle routines, or quiet close lids and cycles to keep your environment as peaceful as possible. LED display screens are another modern feature that can help optimize your laundry chores.
On average, washer life expectancies last around 14 years, depending on how many loads you usually complete in a week. If your washer is more than 10 years old, it is time to replace your old washer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Many Years Should a Washing Machine Last?
Most washers last 11 to 14 years, but damaged power lines, water issues, frequency of use and other factors can impact your appliance’s life cycle.
2. Is It Worth Fixing a Washing Machine, or Should You Buy a New One?
Typically, you should replace your existing machine with a new one if the repair cost would be over 50% of the replacement cost. However, if your existing machine is causing high electricity bills due to inefficient energy use — even when operating properly — it may be time to consider a new washer.
3. Should I Get a Washing Machine With an Agitator or an Impeller?
Whether you get a washer with an agitator or impeller depends on your unique needs. Agitators are known for more thorough cleaning. However, they tend to use more water than machines with impellers, which are best for gently washing delicate items or fabrics.
Choosing the Best Washing Machines
Knowing which washer is right for you can be overwhelming with the various washers out there and loads of features. Consider your budget first. Then, think about the frequency of cycles you complete each week. For instance, if you have a large family, consider a washer with a higher capacity.
The best washer should be an investment that matches your needs and makes a huge difference in simplifying your life.
Original Publish Date 8/7/2023 — Updated 4/1/2025
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About The Author
Evelyn is the founder and editor-in-chief of Renovated with over 5 years of experience immersed in researching and writing on interior design, construction, and renovation. She is a passionate advocate for improving mental health and safety in the construction industry. When she's not writing, you can find her reading at coffee shops in Lancaster.
Her insights have resonated far beyond Renovated, gracing publications like the National Association of Realtors, Construction Executive, Fieldwire, DecorMatters, and Renewable Energy Magazine.
For more sharp takes on design, construction, and everything in between, you can follow Evelyn on Twitter at @renovatedmag.
