The Best Washing Machines of 2026

Investing in a well-made, energy-efficient front-loading or top-loading washing machine can ensure you're always looking sharp. The best washing machines remove stains, help prevent wrinkles, and get rid of odors from your clothes.

Over the years, we've tested hundreds of washers to evaluate their stain removal, efficiency, capacity, and ease of use. Out of all of the washing machines we’ve tested, these are the cream of the crop. Between their cleaning performance and their cutting-edge features, these washing machine reviews check all the right boxes.

The Electrolux ELFW7637AT (available at Lowe's for $898.00) is our favorite washer to date. It offers superior cleaning and can tackle stains from protein to oil, features a blazing 15-minute Fast cycle, and has a spot for pods in the detergent drawer. While this Electrolux washer is the best we've tested, there are plenty of other washing machines that are worth checking out.

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Other Washers We Tested

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FAQ: What To Know About Washing Machines

What’s the difference between front-load, top-load, and combo washers?

Before purchasing a new washer, it’s helpful to determine which washer style works best for your space and laundry needs. Here’s a rundown of the most common washer types and what they’re best for.

Front-Load Washers:

• Front access: Accessed from the front, the drum rotates on a horizontal axis, using gravity to tumble clothes through water.

• Energy- and water-efficient: Front-load washers tend to be more energy and water-efficient than their top-loading counterparts. Occasionally, this means longer wash cycles, depending on the model.

• Excellent cleaning and gentler on clothes: They’ve also proven repeatedly to deliver better cleaning performance, especially for heavily soiled loads, all while being gentler on clothes, especially compared to top-load washers with an agitator pole.

• Stackable: Front-loading washers also have the benefit of stacking below a companion dryer, which means they can go in smaller spaces like closets or bathrooms and take up less space than a side-by-side set with a top-loading washer.

Top-Load Washers:

• Top access: The door is on the top of the machine. The drum is either an impeller model with a rotating plate, or an agitator model with a central pole that rotates.

• Less energy- and water-efficient: Compared to front-load washers, top-loaders tend to use more water, and more energy if heating that water.

• May be rougher on clothes: Models with agitator poles are particularly known for being tough on clothes, which means your laundry may show wear and tear much faster.

• Requires side-by-side placement: A top-loading washer can’t stack, so a washer-dryer pair must be placed next to each other, or if space doesn’t allow, the dryer might be in a separate area from the washer.

Washer-Dryer Combos

• Typically front access: These single-unit machines wash and dry clothes in the same drum, usually in a front-load style.

• Energy-, water-, and space-efficient: Washer-dryer combos bear all the energy-saving benefits of a front-loading washer, and typically also offer the energy-saving benefits of a heat-pump dryer. They also save space by combining both appliances into one footprint.

• Saves time: The drying function kicks in as soon as the washing is finished so there’s no need to transfer clothes between machines.

• Expect longer cycle times: While we’ve found that the total time for washing and drying isn’t often technically longer than a separate washer-dryer setup, individual cycle times can be longer, especially with a heat-pump dryer. Combo units are often great for small loads and households with lower laundry needs.

Feature	Front-load Washers	Top-load Washers	Washer-dryer Combos
Load Access	Front	Top	Front
Water Efficiency	High	Medium to Low	High (wash), Low (dry)
Cleaning Quality	Excellent	Good (varies)	Very good
Space Requirement	Stackable	Needs top clearance	Single machine

Should I buy a washer-dryer combo or separate units?

A washer-dryer combo is especially helpful for households where a dryer vent isn’t feasible, or for anyone who’s willing to trade patience for energy efficiency and sustainability. The best washer-dryer combos are an achievement of engineering that can often eliminate the need for a laundry room. However, most washer-dryer combos are capable of less volume and speed than a traditional washer and dryer set.

All-in-one washer-dryer combos are designed to save space and streamline the laundry process by eliminating the need to transfer loads between machines.

Generally, we recommend combos for couples or single people living in smaller homes. Families, or anyone who often dries larger loads of clothing should carefully consider whether washer-dryer combos are capable of the volume they require. If not, a separate washer-dryer set is preferable, and a stackable front-loading option or laundry center is ideal for saving space.

What’s a compact washer and who needs one?

Compact washers have a width less than 27 inches, with 24 inches as the most common size. This smaller width enables compact washers to fit in areas that could never accommodate a full-size washer. They are often paired with compact ventless dryers so the petite set can be installed without need for a traditional dryer vent.

While the best compact washers](https://www.reviewed.com/laundry/best-right-now/the-best-compact-washers) can do an excellent job at cleaning laundry, they don’t run as quickly as full-sized washers. Because of their small drum, you can’t fit as many items in one load, which means you’ll do smaller laundry loads more often. However, if you only have room for a compact washer, that’s a small trade-off for having laundry in your home.

How do I know which capacity washer I need?

Capacity is an important factor to consider when buying a washing machine. The size of your family and the amount of dirty laundry you need to process on a daily or weekly basis will determine how large a washer you need. The average capacity for a full-size washer is 4.5 to 6 cubic feet, while compact washers average about half that size.

If you live alone or with a partner and do laundry relatively frequently, you may find that a compact washer is more than adequate.

Larger families can benefit from full-size washing machines, especially if you do more laundry at once, or save it up for a weekly laundry day.

Keep in mind that if you buy a super-sized washer, your dryer needs to be big enough to handle all that laundry.

How do I extend the life of my washing machine?

Things to Consider When Buying A Washing Machine

Whether it’s an emergency replacement or you’re just looking to class up your laundry room, there are a few things you should consider when you go to purchase a new washing machine.

Front-load vs. Top-load

While it may seem like a minor design difference, studies (including ours) have shown that front-load machines are better stain removers and more efficient than top-loaders, and they'll cost you less over time. However, they are generally more expensive upfront than their top-load counterparts, which are more ergonomic, in that you don't have to bend over to do the laundry, and more convenient, since all you have to do to add another piece of clothing to an ongoing wash is to just lift the lid and throw it in.

Whatever you prefer, if you're shopping on a budget, we have lists of our picks for the best front-load and best top-load washers. If you don't have a strong preference, this list contains both top- and front-load washers.

Space

Before you head out to the stores, be sure you know the size constraints needed for your washer. We’re not just talking about the width of the space you have in your laundry room for the washer itself (although that’s definitely important). Are the doorways in your home wide enough for the washing machine to fit through during delivery? Will it be able to fit in narrow/tight stair cases? Take a tape measure and check the doorway width against the washer’s specs, and make sure you have a few inches of clearance.

Capacity

Most washers have capacities ranging from 4.2 to 6 cu. ft. However, if you have a large family or especially large laundry loads, you may want a high-capacity washing machine, which is typically a capacity of 5.0 cu. ft. or greater. At that capacity, you can fit nearly 1.5 times the amount of water and laundry that you could fit in a regular capacity washing machine, which means you get to run fewer washer cycles and finish your laundry in a shorter period of time. However, if you have fewer people in the house, you may just want a normal capacity washer; you don't want to pay for extra capacity you'll never use.

Price

Keep your budget constraints in mind. Washer prices can run from $500 to $2,000 or more, but most fall in the $800 to $1,200 range. We have recommendations for some washers with very low prices, but you can generally find great washers at any price point; it just takes a little bit of research, and figuring out which features and design aesthetics you can live without.

Also, if you can afford to wait until major holidays, you can capitalize on the best times of year to buy appliances when most appliance manufacturers and retailers tend to offer steep discounts; vigilantly searching for deals can save you hundreds of dollars.

Customization/Extra Cycles

How picky are you about your washer cycles? Do you want to set specific cycle temperatures, water levels, soil levels, and cycle duration, or would you prefer to just hit two buttons and start washing? Do you want a cycle just for workout/sports clothes? Really consider how you do laundry on a day-to-day basis; if you prefer a straightforward washing process, you’ll probably want to buy a lower-tech dryer. Even if that extra customization seems very appealing, it may not make sense for you to buy that kind of washer if you’re not going to actually use those extra features regularly.

Troubleshooting And Maintenance Tips

Why does my washer smell bad, and how do I clean it?

Many people forget to clean their washing machine, assuming it "cleans itself." Believe it or not, the very substance that cleans your clothes can lead to a smelly washer. Excess detergent doesn't always rinse away completely, especially with high-efficiency (HE) machines. That creates a sticky residue that can build up in the drum, drain, and detergent tray, trapping dirt and becoming a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.

This problem can be compounded in front-loading washers because they seal tightly, creating a moist environment that’s ideal for mold and mildew growth. Many manufacturers have taken steps to combat this issue—GE and Whirlpool have specifically designed washers with antimicrobial materials, and some front-load washers automatically open the door at the end of the cycle to prevent unnecessary moisture buildup.

No matter what type of washer you have, you can refer to our guide on how to clean your washing machine and eliminate unpleasant odors. Put this task on your regular to-do list, and you’ll prevent odors from forming in the first place.

What causes a washer not to fill completely?

Washing machines use a lot less water than they used to. If it looks like your washer isn’t filling up enough, that might not be a problem.

Front-load washers use much less water than top-loading washers. Water fills the lower part of the drum, not the whole thing. During the cycle, the drum's rotation lifts and drops clothes through a shallow pool of water.

Even impeller-style top-load washers are not designed to operate with less water than their older agitator-pole counterparts. You may not see the deep level of water you’re expecting, especially in a newer high-efficiency washer, but if your clothes are coming out clean, then the machine is using all the water it needs.

If you’re having trouble with your laundry not getting as clean as it should, and there’s truly not enough water filling the drum, you may have an issue with your water pressure, fill hose, or machine sensors. Check the user manual or schedule a service call to address the issue.

Washing Machine Maintenance Tips

After Every Use	Monthly	Every Few Months	Every 1–2 Years
Leave the door/lid open to dry out the drum	Run a hot empty cycle with washing machine cleaner	Clean the drain pump filter (if accessible)	Replace rubber hoses (consider switching to braided steel)
Wipe down the rubber gasket/seal (especially front-loaders)	Clean the detergent drawer and dispenser	Inspect water inlet hoses for cracks or wear	Deep clean behind/under the machine
Remove wet laundry promptly	Wipe down the drum, lid, and control panel		Reseal or tighten hose connections, if needed
Check for any unusual sounds, leaks, or vibrations	Check for visible mold or detergent buildup and remove it

Why You Should Trust Our Expertise

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

Read this in-depth account of how we lab test washing machines. Beyond these performance tests, we also assess the usability of each washing machine, based on our experience; our main goal is to get the answer to one question: How easy is it to actually use this washing machine?

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

Read More About Washing Machines on Reviewed

For more tips, product reviews, and ideas related to washing machines and laundry, check out these articles on Reviewed.com and beyond:

The Best Front-Load Washers We’ve Tested: Whether you’re looking for a traditional front-loader, a stackable set, a washer-dryer combo, or a laundry center, our roundup of the best front-loading washers will help you find the best one.

The Best Top-Load Washers We've Tested: If your laundry room setup requires a top-loading washer, or you just prefer this style, we’ve tested and vetted a list of the best on the market.

The Best Washer-Dryer Combos We’ve Tested: Our list of the best all-in-one washer-dryer combos (including both ventless and vented options) that save time and space by washing and drying laundry in a single unit. Findings note that modern combo units have greatly improved, addressing past issues of poor performance. The article also discusses trade-offs like longer cycle times vs. convenience, and provides tips on what to know before buying a combo machine.

The Best Laundry Centers We've Tested: Go beyond the traditional stackable washer-dryer set and experience the power of the laundry tower–coordinated all-in-one washer-dryer sets that have a consolidated control panel and are meant to work together for optimal laundry performance.

The Best Dryers: If you need a dryer to go along with your new washing machine, we’ve rounded up the best companions for performance, efficiency, and price.

Front load vs. top load washer: What's best for you?: In this feature you can explore the differences between front-loading and top-loading washers to determine which one is best for your laundry needs.

This is why your washing machine smells: Tired of the funky smell coming from your washing machine? We’ve got the reasons why this happens and how to fix it—permanently!

The Best Front-Load Washers Under $1000: Looking for a bargain? We won’t sacrifice quality for a lower price tag, so this list includes washing machines that still perform respectably but won’t empty your piggy bank.

The Best Laundry Detergents: Reviewed experts tested popular laundry detergents to determine which ones clean the best and are worth your money. This guide ranks the top detergents and includes insights on choosing the right detergent (including eco-friendly options and formulas for sensitive skin).

15 things you should never put in the washing machine: This consumer-friendly guide explains why these fifteen items shouldn’t go in your washer, according to cleaning experts—whether it’s because garments can be ruined in the washer, easily lost (like baby socks), or could damage the machine itself. For each no-go item, the article provides the reasoning and safer cleaning alternatives.