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Top-load washers have a large capacity, are easy to load and unload, and include various rinse cycles and wash options that make washing your clothes a breeze.
Our team at This Old House has researched the best top-load washers available to help you find the right laundry appliance for your home. Here are our top picks.
Top 5 Top-Load Washers
- Best Top-Load Washer Overall: Whirlpool WTW8127LW Smart Top-Load Washer
- Most User-Friendly Design: Samsung WA51A5505AW ActiveWave Top-Load Washer
- Best Smart Washer: GE PTW600BSRWS Top-Load Washer
- Most Affordable: Insignia TWM41WH8A High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer
- Best Top-Load Design: Maytag MVW7232HW Top-Load Washer
Compare Top Rated Top-Loading Washers
| Product | Capacity | Mechanism | Dimensions | Finish Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool WTW8127LW Smart Top-Load Washer | 5.3 cubic feet | Impeller or removable agitator | 39.8 x 27.3 x 27.9 inches | White, chrome shadow |
| Samsung WA51A5505AW ActiveWave Top-Load Washer | 5.1 cubic feet | Agitator | 44.6 x 27.5 x 29.4 inches | White, champagne, brushed black |
| GE PTW600BSRWS Top-Load Washer | 5 cubic feet | Impeller | 46 inches x 27.9 x 28 inches | White, diamond gray |
| Insignia TWM41WH8A High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer | 4.1 cubic feet | Agitator | 43.3 x 27 x 29 inches | White |
| Maytag MVW7232HW Top-Load Washer | 5.3 cubic feet | Impeller | 43.9 x 27.3 x 27.9 inches | White, metallic slate |
| Product | Capacity | Mechanism | Dimensions | Finish Options |
Best Top-Load Washer Overall: Whirlpool WTW8127LW
Whirlpool WTW8127LW Smart Top-Load Washer
- $1169.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features a built-in, dual-temperature faucet, and a pretreat brush
✔ Allows you to customize up to 36 wash cycle combinations
✔ Includes a deep-water option for breaking down loose soils
✘ Operates loudly
✘ Is more expensive than other models
Good for: Customers who want the flexibility of impeller and agitator wash capabilities.
What Customers Are Saying
Our team’s review of customer feedback revealed that most buyers liked this product’s versatile design, various features, and super-fast spin speed. On the other hand, some felt it was overly noisy while running, and others said that operating the settings could be challenging.
Most User-Friendly Top-Load Washer: Samsung WA51A5505AW
Samsung WA51A5505AW ActiveWave Top-Load Washer
- $999
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can be controlled via smartphone app
✔ Includes a super-speed wash function that can wash in just 28 minutes
✔ Features braille coding and optional audio assistance
✘ Prone to imbalance
✘ Operating volume is somewhat loud
Good for: Customers looking for an easy-to-use top-load washer with a well-designed agitator mechanism.
What Customers Are Saying
According to our verified buyer research, this top-loader earned rave customer reviews for its large capacity, various cycle options, and modern design. However, we also learned that some critical reviewers felt the machine’s basin was too deep, which made it challenging to reach clothes. Others said it wasn’t powerful enough to remove tough stains.
Best Smart Top-Load Washer: GE PTW600BSRWS
GE PTW600BSRWS Top-Load Washer
- $899.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features antimicrobial protection that prevents odor-causing bacteria
✔ Includes a quick-wash cycle that can complete in only 24 minutes
✔ Comes with balancing technology that helps reduce noise during operation
✘ Can occasionally be off-balance, causing it to shake, according to some customer reviews
✘ Doesn’t have a steam function
Good for: Those looking for high-end smart features and a large capacity.
What Customers Are Saying
When we dug into verified buyer reviews, our team found that—by and large—customers were impressed with this product’s capacity, numerous cycle time options, and useful smart features. However, we found that some felt the washer shook too often while in use, and others said it was too noisy.
Most Affordable Top-Load Washer: Insignia TWM41WH8A
Insignia TWM41WH8A High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer
- $549.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has soil options for extra heavy, heavy, medium, light, or extra light, so you can customize the cycle to fit your load
✔ Includes a delayed start time feature
✔ Comes with a child safety lock to keep children protected
✘ Has a smaller load capacity
✘ Doesn’t include smart features
Good for: Customers looking for a high-quality top-load washer at an affordable price.
What Customers Are Saying
Our Reviews Team looked over dozens of buyer reviews for this model. In doing so, we found that most customers were happy with how easy this washer was to use, as well as its low noise level and various wash cycles. However, our research also revealed that a few buyers experienced some machine imbalance issues, and some said they occasionally encountered error codes when attempting to set a rinse cycle.
Best Top-Load Washer Design: Maytag MVW7232HW
Maytag MVW7232HW Top-Load Washer
- $1034.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This sleek washing machine has several useful features that can improve your wash with a button touch. It includes an extra power button that can wash with both hot and cold temperatures in a single load. It also includes a deep fill option that increases the water level to help with stain removal.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes several smart features and can be controlled via a smartphone app
✔ as a slow-close lid that shuts quietly
✔ Uses advanced vibration control to minimize noise
✘ Can still be loud
✘ Cycles take longer than in some other models
Good for: Customers looking for a well-built, high-capacity washer with smart features and the ability to remove difficult stains with minimal effort.
What Customers Are Saying
When we read through the customer reviews for this top-loader on Best Buy, our team found that dozens of customers were impressed with this washer’s smart features, large capacity, and ability to remove difficult stains. However, we also encountered a handful of reviews in which the buyers felt the washer struggled to rinse large loads thoroughly, and some found the settings challenging to understand.
Buying Guide for Top-Load Washers
Here are some important factors to consider before deciding what top-load washer is best for your needs.
Mechanism
Top-load washers come with one of the following mechanisms to wash clothes:
- Impeller plates: Impeller plates are cones built into the bottom of the washing machine’s drum that spin to clean clothes. Impeller plates are ideal for delicate fabrics or low-spin cycles.
- Agitator: Top-load washers with agitators have a column in the washer’s drum that twists back and forth during a cycle. Agitator washers help break down soils and are better at handling large loads or heavy stains than impeller plates.
Capacity
A top-load washer’s capacity determines how many clothes you can fit in at one time. Most high-end washers have capacities between 3.5 and 6 cubic feet. Any model with over 5.5 cubic feet of space is considered extra large. Models with less than 4 cubic feet are cheaper but have limited room.
Wash Cycles
Almost every modern top-load washer includes cycles for washing delicates, colors, whites, and a setting for heavy-duty loads. In addition, some high-end models have additional wash cycles settings such as hand-washing, athletic wear, bedding, towels, and more.
Smart Features
Some modern top-load washers have smart features that make them easier to operate. For example, they often connect via a smartphone app where you can pause or stop the cycle or adjust the time and settings. Smart machines also allow you to schedule cycles from your phone and send alerts to your phone when the load is completed or if there are any issues.
Design
Washing machines come in various colors and designs. The most common colors are white, black, and stainless steel, but some models be available in less traditional finishes. Another design aspect to look for is where the buttons are located and if there’s an easy-to-read LCD screen that displays timing.
Most significant Differences Between Top-Load and Front-Load Washers
When shopping for a new washer, decide whether you prefer a front-load or a top-load machine. The choice is largely stylistic, but your budget and the types of features you’re interested in may also influence your decision. Here are some of the significant differences between a front-load and a top-load washer.
Door Position
The door’s position is the most significant difference between a front-load and a top-load washer. The door on front-load washers opens outwards and sits lower to the ground. This can make it easier to open and close for those with disabilities or with a shorter stature. However, this requires most people to bend down to put the clothes in the wash, which could be difficult if you have mobility issues.
Top-loaders have a door on top that opens vertically. This makes it easier for most people to load clothes, but those with shorter stature may find it difficult. It could also be ineffective if you have a small space and don’t have enough room to open the top entirely.
Washing Mechanism
Top-load machines use either an impeller plate or an agitator to spin clothes. Front-load washers tumble clothes in an up-and-down motion similar to hand washing. As a result, front-loaders typically use less water and are highly efficient at removing stains, while top-load washers generally run faster.
Capacity
Washer capacity varies by model and brand, but top-load washers have a larger capacity. Top-load washers are significantly taller than front-load models, but front-load models have more depth. Top-load washers are better equipped to handle large loads over time because their washing mechanism creates less friction.
Design
One of the biggest advantages a front-load washer holds over a top loader is stackability. Many front-load models are sold as washer-dryer sets that include both products. Top-load models almost always need to be placed side-by-side with a dryer, which takes up more space. Stackable front-load models are perhaps easier to situate and hook up since they occupy less lateral room than side-by-side setups.
Maintenance
Where washing machine maintenance is concerned, top-load washing machines are easier to maintain than front-loaders because they’re easier to access for cleaning or basic repairs. Front-load washers tend to accumulate mildew in the rubberized gasket and detergent tray. Front-load designs are also more challenging to access and typically require a professional to carry out major appliance repairs.
FAQs About Top-Load Washers
How do you clean a top-load washer?
You can clean a top-load washer with baking soda and distilled vinegar. Set your top-load washer to its highest and hottest wash setting and add four cups of vinegar to the drum. Pause the machine before it begins to agitate and let it sit for one hour. After that, add one cup of baking soda to the drum, and run the same cycle again. You can also use a washing machine cleaner, which does the work for you.
Look at our Best Way to Clean a Washing Machine guide for more solutions and step-by-step instructions.
Are top-load washers stackable?
Most top-load washers are not stackable. While stackable top-load washers do exist, they typically have a much smaller capacity and require a separately sold stacking kit to arrange it with a dryer.
Are top-load washers energy efficient?
Top-load washers use more water and energy than front-load models. You can save energy by purchasing an Energy Star-certified model or running your machine with cold water.
Who This Top-Load Washer Guide Is For
This guide to the best top-load washers is for a wide range of buyers. Whether you’re a renter, a homeowner, an interior planner, or just a major appliance enthusiast, a quality top-load washing machine can level up any laundry room.
Our Reviews Team considered a variety of the latest top-load washers, from top-loaders with cutting-edge smart features to basic, sturdy models guaranteed to withstand many years of wear and tear.
Our Rating Methodology
Our team is committed to providing heavily researched recommendations and insight into the categories we cover. We seek to earn and keep your trust by practicing ongoing transparency about the process of our reviews and the factors we take into account.
Our 100-point rating system for laundry appliances accounts for seven key factors. We scored the top-loading washers featured in this article in the following way:
- Features (up to 35 total points): This category accounts for the most commonly sought-after washer and dryer features, such as steam capabilities, multiple configurations, moisture sensors, Energy Star certification, and more.
- Finishes (up to 1 point): Products that came in more than one finish were rated higher than products with only one finish option.
- Average customer rating (up to 15 points): Each product received a score from zero to 15, depending on its average customer rating. We rounded up decimal ratings to the nearest whole number.
- Capacity (up to 10 points): Washers and dryers with a capacity of 4.4 cubic feet or more received more points than their smaller counterparts.
- Smart technology (up to 5 points): A product with app integration or Wi-Fi compatibility received five points.
- Manufacturer’s warranty (up to 20 points): We researched each product’s manufacturer’s warranty and awarded each product 25 points if it came with any warranty or guarantee.
- Customer service (up to 14 points): We researched the customer service options available to homeowners after they’ve purchased their items. Each product received points if its manufacturer offered phone, chat/text, or access to replacement parts.
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