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Reviewed / Jon Chan
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This highly efficient Energy Star-certified washer-dryer combo comes with a large mold-resistant drum, high-end features, and an excellent warranty.
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Pros
Extremely energy efficient
Great warranty
Smart features
Cons
Heavy dryer loads may require additional drying time
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.
Credit:
Reviewed / Jonathan Chan
The front-loading ELFW7637AT has excellent stain removal performance, a detergent pod dispenser, and a 15-minute Fast wash.
Best Washing Machine
Electrolux ELFW7637AT
Style: Front-load
Dimensions: 38" x 27" x 32" (H x W x D)
Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft.
Finishes: White, titanium ($100 extra)
Special features: Pure Rinse, Perfect Steam, Allergen, Extended Refresh
The Electrolux ELFW7637AT checks all the right boxes. First and foremost, it’s a great washing machine. During testing, we found that it can deal with various stains, from protein to oil. The internal water heater also adds a lot of versatility, allowing you to sanitize clothing of common diseases, like E. coli, get rid of allergens, and help keep your whites as bright as can be.
Secondly, the ELFW7637AT comes equipped with plenty of features that just make life better. For example, instead of tossing Tide pods in the drum where soap won’t get evenly distributed, this washer has a special spot for them in the detergent drawer. There are also options like Extended Refresh that will tumble laundry after a cycle is finished to keep it from getting musty.
Finally, this Electrolux just has a great fit and finish. You can tell that the manufacturing is well done by the clean text on the control panel and the satisfying click on the dial.
After all our testing, we also think the Electrolux ELFW7637AT is perfect for most families. It has the drum capacity, cleaning performance, and features to cover all the major laundry bases. That’s why it takes the top spot in our washing machine rankings.
Special features: FlexDispense detergent and pod tray, slow-close lid, SmartHQ voice assistant, SmartDispense detergent and softener reservoirs, large wash drum
What do big families want in a washing machine? For many modern families, a huge 5.4 cubic foot capacity and Alexa-controlled automatic modes would go right at the top of the list. Not only does the GE Profile PTW800BPWRS have both and more, but it's the best top-loading washer we've tested.
This accomplished top-load washing machine has a ton of special features, including steam mode, 32-load detergent reservoirs, and Microban coatings on the spots that matter.
Full disclosure: We tested the PTW800BPWRS's predecessor, the GE Profile PTW900BPTRS (you can read the GE Profile PTW900BPTRS top-load washing machine's full review). The sole difference between the machines is that the newer PTW800BPWRS comes in just one color, Sapphire Blue, and it swaps Alexa voice assistant for GE's proprietary one, Smart HQ, which uses more advanced technology and AI features for better stain care and wash cycle optimization.
Stacking is one of the best ways to save space while owning a full-sized washer and dryer, but one of the major downsides is that it puts the dryer controls out of reach. The Samsung Bespoke WH46DBH500EVA3 solves that problem by having the control panel in between the two units. See, it’s a laundry hub—a pre-stacked laundry pair.
That’s not the only convenient feature the WH46DBH500EVA3 has. The washer is capable of continuing to tumble after a cycle has ended to prevent wrinkles. The dryer can send a notification to your smartphone when it’s the best time to take clothes out to iron them. There is a flex detergent dispenser that automatically uses the correct amount of soap based on the cycle and amount of laundry.
While this laundry hub has a lot of extra features, it doesn’t skimp out on the fundamentals. Our lab results show it’s brilliant at removing stains. All the cycles did well at removing our test stains, but the AI Optiwash stands out. It uses sophisticated programming to adjust cycle times, water usage, and spin based on conditions detected within the drum.
If you’re looking for a washer with an attached dryer, this is the one to check out.
The GE PFQ97HSPVDS is an excellent washer / dryer combo unit that uses the same drum for both tasks. Not only is it a solid dryer, its washing capabilities are also stellar. We found it was able to scrub out stains better than most dedicated washing machines.
This machine's 4.8-cubic-foot capacity drum is also outfitted with Microban coating, to help often-touched surfaces remain resistant to mold and bacterial growth. We've tested the Microban coating before and found it to be incredibly effective.
This machine is also incredibly energy efficient, though that's mostly on the drying end, thanks to its heat pump technology.
If your ideal washer is one with an attached dryer, then the Electrolux ELTE7600AT Laundry Tower is an excellent choice. This premium laundry center has a full-size washer and dryer that can handle decently large loads.
The washer includes diverse cleaning modes that play either gentle or aggressive, depending on your needs, and it does an above average job at both. It also has a SmartBoost system that mixes the detergent evenly before it’s fed into the wash.
As far as the attached dryer goes, Predictive Dry and Luxcare features use machine learning to ensure that your clothes won’t over-dry. It also has a steam function that kills germs and removes wrinkles.
The few drawbacks of this unit include its lint trap, which struggles with down, and its loud 15-minute dry cycle, which sounds a bit like a jet engine. It also includes less automatic features than the LG WKEX200HBA.
Overall, this high-end laundry center is a versatile and powerful appliance that can meet diverse laundry needs. This is the one for you if you want an appliance that can do it all.
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.
The Samsung WF53BB8700AT is another great entry into the Bespoke line of appliances.
This front-loader outperforms the average washer both in terms of its stain-scrubbing skills and its overall aesthetics. In terms of wash power, its cycles were both shorter and got rid of more stains than other washers, meaning it’s an efficient cleaner.
We also love its overall design, with a clean, modern look (though we hope one day non-fridge Bespoke appliances will also have custom color panels).
Where the Samsung WF53BB8700AT truly shines is with all the features it brings to the table.
For starters, its 6.1-cubic-foot drum is massive and makes this a great pick for those with larger families, or who simply don’t want to run as many wash cycles each week. The washer also has steam cycles for sanitizing or dewrinkling, a self-cleaning cycle, interior LED, quiet operation, and the ability to stack up with its paired dryer to fit inside a laundry closet.
Dimensions: 38.62 in. x 27 in. x 32.94 in. (H x W x D)
Capacity: 4.8 cu. ft.
Finishes: White, metallic slate ($90 extra), volcano black ($90 extra)
Special features: Steam, extra power button, 16-Hr Fresh Hold, sanitize, wrinkle control, late add, 10-Year limited parts warranty on the direct drive motor and stainless steel wash basket
Long-time fans of Maytag washing machines won’t be disappointed with the MHW6630HC.
In addition to the Normal and Heavy cycles, which both have very strong cleaning performances, this washer also has a speedy, highly effective 13-minute-long Quick cycle.
While our testing indicates that this product is less gentle with clothes than we’d hoped, we think that the MHW6630HC makes up for it with some neat features.
You can’t go wrong with a steam option, an extended tumble cycle to keep post-wash clothes from clumping and wrinkling, and the “Extra Power” button, which can help get tough stains out of family-sized loads of laundry.
If you need tough stains removed in a short time span, check out the Maytag MHW6630HC.
If you're in the market for a compact washer, but don't want to sacrifice cleaning quality, the Miele W1 WXR860WCS is one of our top picks. It offers just as much cleaning power as an average full-size washer but manages it from within a very compact frame.
We also loved its effective spin cycle, which got rid of more water than many of its standard-sized competitors. This will save your dryer a lot of work, and also save you money on your utility bill.
You will have to pay for this power and convenient size, however. Even compared to other compact washers, the W1 is expensive. Still, it's hard to argue with results, and you just can't find this kind of cleaning power elsewhere in a compact washer.
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 what 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 you do laundry relatively frequently, you may find that a compact washer is totally 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, make sure your dryer is big enough to handle all that laundry.
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 to actually allow the washing machine to fit through them 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 the gamut from $500 to $2,000 or more, but most tend to sit 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 be able 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 inside the drum, drain, and detergent tray, which traps dirt and becomes a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.
This problem can be compounded in front-loading washers because they seal tight, maintaining a moist environment that’s perfect for growing mold and mildew. 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 pop open the door when the cycle is complete 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 are designed to use much less water than top-loading washers. Water fills the lower part of the drum, not the whole thing. By the rotation of the drum, clothes are lifted and dropped through a shallow pool of water during the cycle.
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 sensors within the machine. 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
Credit:
Reviewed / Timothy Renzi
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.
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.
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.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.
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.
Freelance Editor, Kitchen & Appliances. Danielle has a B.S. from Syracuse University and a AAS in Culinary Arts from Newbury College. Previously, Danielle was a Test Cook and Associate Editor at America's Test Kitchen, as well as a freelance recipe developer and food writer. She’s the mom of two boys and loves making pizza on Friday nights.
Gabriel Morgan is a staff writer on Reviewed's home team, where he covers consumer education topics such as earthquake preparedness, radon in the home, and concerns about health and wellness in product design. He also writes product reviews and how-to articles on appliances, smart home technology, and goods for the home.
Our team is here to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and experts 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.