7 Most Reliable Washing Machine Brands for Every Home Type

Updated on Oct. 16, 2024

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Having a reliable washing machine is a necessity for many. From getting rid of stains to washing dirty sports uniforms, washing machines handle a lot and yours needs to be up to the task. If your current washing machine has seen better days, it might be time to upgrade.

Unsure of where to start? Don’t worry! As shopping experts, we’re here to help you find the best washing machine on the market. We’ve carefully combed user reviews, examined industry standards, and found the must-buy washers for every type of home (and stain).

7 Best Washing Machines

Front Load Washer

Best Overall Washing Machine

LG 4.5 Cubic Foot Front Load Washer

The LG Front Load Washer combines powerful cleaning with quick wash cycles to combat even the toughest stains. And what’s more, you won’t have to sort, as the machine’s built-in sensors detect fabric texture and load size to automatically select the right settings and wash cycles. Buyers love the five powerful jets that spray clothing from multiple angles for a complete clean in less than 30 minutes.

Pros

  • AAFA certified with Allergen Cycle to remove 95% of pet dander and dust
  • Great for larger, heavily soiled loads
  • No sorting needed
  • Offers complete clean cycle in under 30 minutes

Cons

  • Settings can be loud

Hotpoint 3.8 Cubic Foot Top Load Washer

Best Budget Washing Machine

Hotpoint 3.8 Cubic Foot Top Load Washer

Top-loading washing machines are generally less expensive than front-loading models, and this Hotpoint Top Load Washer is a steal for under $600. In addition to being budget-friendly, this washing machine also features a heavy-duty agitator, which results in a powerful wash action that rotates laundry to ensure a thorough cleaning. There are four water level selections, along with a deep rinse cycle to make sure your items are free of laundry detergent, fabric softeners and stubborn soils.

However, it is worth noting that the spin speed of 700 rpm is below the industry average of 1000 to 1800 rpm. This speed isn’t a huge deal, but it does mean your clothes may retain more water after a wash cycle.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Quiet machine
  • Agitator ensures a thorough clean
  • Fill hose and drain hose included

Cons

  • Low spin speed of 700 rpm

Ge 4.8 Cubic Foot Front Load Smart Washer

Best Front-Loading Washing Machine

GE 4.8 Cubic Foot Front Load Smart Washer

This Front Load Smart Washer is the only washing machine on our list featuring an OdorBlock and UltraFresh vent system. These features eliminate excess moisture and prevent odors, ensuring your machine stays fresh and clean. Use the built-in Wi-Fi to start, stop and monitor your laundry from anywhere and receive real-time notifications and updates. Plus, the quick wash cycle offers a fast 20-minute wash for lightly soiled items.

Pros

  • Front-loading washer
  • OdorBlock and UltraFresh systems
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • 10-year warranty
  • 1300 rpm spin speed
  • Reversible door

Cons

  • No steam cycle

Samsung 5.2 Cubic Foot High Efficiency Smart Washer

Best Smart Washing Machine

Samsung 5.2 Cubic Foot High-Efficiency Smart Washer

The Samsung Smart Washer with Steam Wash isn’t the only smart washing machine on our list, but it gets our pick for the best smart model because of its many bells and whistles. Schedule laundry from your phone with built-in Wi-Fi, start or stop a cycle and receive washing alerts—all without getting off the couch! And, complete large loads in just 28 minutes with the spacious 5.2 cubic foot capacity.

The steam wash gently removes stains with ease and without pretreatment. Plus, with a more shallow depth than similar models, this washing machine easily installs inside closets (or other smaller areas) without sacrificing wash capacity.

Pros

  • Smart Wi-Fi capabilities with the SmartThings App
  • Steam clean option
  • Large capacity
  • Available in three finishes
  • Shallow depth allows for easy installation

Cons

  • No internal water heater

Samsung Bespoke 6.1 Cubic Foot Ultra Capacity Front Load Washer

Best Large Capacity Washing Machine

Samsung Bespoke 6.1 Cubic Foot Ultra Capacity Front Load Washer

Handle huge laundry loads with this Bespoke Ultra-Capacity Washer. It’s ideal for large families short on time who have plenty of dirty clothes. We especially love the Super Speed Wash setting (it’s just one of 24 options) that completes a cycle in 28 minutes. Plus, the AI Smart Dial learns and recommends cycles and water temperatures for the best performance. Use a smartphone to get alerts, schedule cycles and remotely start the laundry. Buyers noted it was quiet and easy to use.

Pros

  • AI Smart Dial that recommends cycles
  • Large capacity
  • 20-year limited warranty
  • 1200 rpm spin speed
  • Super speed wash
  • High efficiency
  • Antimicrobial technology

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Not stackable

Maytag 4.8 Cubic Foot Top Load Washer

Best Top Loading Washing Machine

Maytag 4.8 Cubic Foot Top Load Washer

If you like the efficiency of top loaders, then you’ll love this Top Load Washer from Maytag. The Deep Fill setting is excellent for large loads, while the Quick Wash cycle thoroughly cleans small, lightly soiled loads in under 30 minutes. Plus, this washer has a drawer that dispenses liquid or powder detergents at the ideal times during the cycle.

Buyers like the slow-close glass lid that offers a view of the laundry and note the auto-sensing capability does a great job of adjusting the water level for each load to provide effective cleaning.

Pros

  • Top-loading washer
  • Deep Fill is great for large loads
  • Quick Wash cleans small loads in less than 30 minutes
  • Slow-close glass lid
  • Wrinkle-control cycle

Cons

  • Buyers noted some cycles take longer than average to complete
  • Slow spin speed of 750 rpm

On Sale
Giantex Portable Compact Washing Machine

Best Portable Washing Machine

Giantex Portable Compact Washing Machine

A portable washing machine is a great option for those with tight quarters. This Giantex Compact Machine doubles as a full washer-dryer combo. It’s a top loader that handles up to 8 pounds of laundry at a time and offers six different washing programs.

Additionally, it’s light and compact to easily move when needed, which is perfect for RV camping. It has a built-in pump and drainage tube, which buyers noted was easy to set up and use.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Washer-dryer combo
  • Affordable
  • Easy to set up

Cons

  • Not ideal for large families

What is the life expectancy of a washing machine?

On average, most washing machines last about 10 years with normal wear and tear.