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. While front-load washers are more energy-efficient, some people prefer top-loaders because they can typically finish a cycle faster and can be easier to load. Overall, the cost of a new top-load washer can range from around $500 for a budget-friendly model to upwards of $1,500 for a high-end model.
To help you narrow down your choices and find the best washing machine available, we researched the best top-load washers on the market. Read our buying guide below for more of our top picks, and read our major appliance buying guide for more information to consider when purchasing a new home appliance.
Top 5 Top-Load Washers
- Samsung Smart Top Load Washer: Best Overall
- Whirlpool WTW8127LW Smart Top-Load Washer: Most Customizable
- GE PTW600BSRWS Top-Load Washer: Best Smart Features
- Insignia TWM41WH8A High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer: Most Affordable Top-Load Washer
- Maytag MVW7232HW Top-Load Washer: Best Design
Compare Top Rated Top-Loading Washers
| Product | Capacity | Mechanism | Dimensions | Finish Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Samsung Smart Top Load WasherCheck Price | 5.4 cubic feet | Impeller | 45.8 x 27.5 x 29.4 inches | Brushed black w/ rose gold trim |
Whirlpool WTW8127LW Smart Top-Load WasherCheck Price | 5.3 cubic feet | Impeller or removable agitator | 39.8 x 27.3 x 27.9 inches | White, chrome shadow |
GE PTW600BSRWS Top-Load WasherCheck Price | 5 cubic feet | Impeller | 46 inches x 27.9 x 28 inches | White, diamond gray |
Insignia TWM41WH8A High-Efficiency Top-Load WasherCheck Price | 4.1 cubic feet | Agitator | 43.3 x 27 x 29 inches | White |
Maytag MVW7232HW Top-Load WasherCheck Price | 5.3 cubic feet | Impeller | 43.9 x 27.3 x 27.9 inches | White, metallic slate |
Best Overall
Samsung Smart Top Load Washer
Good for: Homeowners with pets looking for a large-capacity washer with a variety of smart and convenient features.
This ultra-stylish, high-capacity washer from Samsung is loaded with high-end features. Pet owners will appreciate the specialized pet cycle that loosens and removes up to six times more pet hair. It also comes with an auto-dispensing feature, allowing you to pre-load up to 12 loads of detergent and softener. Plus, no more trips to the basement to check the status of your load with this washer. It is fully Wi-Fi compatible, allowing you to control it directly from your smartphone. It even features a super speed function, which washes a load in under a half hour.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Smart Top Load Washer
- Uses unique technology to draw water out more quickly and prevent snags
- Has vibration reduction technology that minimizes noise level
- Smartphone app sends you energy-saving tips to help you reduce your energy bill
- Has a higher price point than some other, similar models
- Clear top could show fingerprints
What People Are Saying About The Samsung Smart Top Load Washer
We found that customers who gave this washer a positive review were impressed with its large capacity and ability to remove tough stains and spots, as well as excessive pet hair. Other reviewers noted how good it made their clothes smell. However, we did see some negative reviews that felt this washer’s drum was too deep, which made it difficult for shorter people to reach all the way in the machine.
Most Customizable
Whirlpool WTW8127LW Smart Top-Load Washer
Good for: Customers who want the flexibility of impeller and agitator wash capabilities.
This unique washing machine has an impeller plate and a removable agitator you can put in or take out depending on the load you’re washing. It also includes a Load and Go dispenser, allowing you to skip detergent refills for up to 20 loads.
Pros and Cons of Whirlpool WTW8127LW Smart Top-Load Washer
- 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
- Has a loud operation
- Is more expensive than other models
What People Are Saying About The Whirlpool WTW8127LW Smart Top-Load Washer
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.
Best Smart Features
GE PTW600BSRWS Top-Load Washer
Good for: Those looking for high-end smart features and a large capacity.
Pros and Cons of GE PTW600BSRWS Top-Load Washer
- Features antimicrobial protection that prevents odor-causing bacteria
- Includes a 24-minute quick-wash cycle
- 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
What People Are Saying About The GE PTW600BSRWS Top-Load Washer
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 High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer
Good for: Customers looking for a simple, mid-capacity top-load washer at an affordable price.
This is a practical, affordable top-load washer. Despite its lower price point, it features 11 automatic wash programs and has over 4 cubic feet of capacity. The stainless steel wash basket adds durability to this basic washer.
Pros and Cons of Insignia TWM41WH8A High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer
- 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
What People Are Saying About The Insignia TWM41WH8A High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer
We 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 Design
Maytag MVW7232HW Top-Load Washer
Good for: Customers looking for a well-built, high-capacity washer with smart features and the ability to remove difficult stains with minimal effort.
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 water temperatures in a single load to improve stain removal. It also includes a deep fill option that increases the water level to break down tough messes.
Pros and Cons of Maytag MVW7232HW Top-Load Washer
- Includes several smart features and can be controlled via a smartphone app
- Has a slow-close lid that shuts quietly
- Uses advanced vibration control to minimize noise
- Some customers said it has a loud operation
- Cycles take longer than in some other models
What People Are Saying About The Maytag MVW7232HW Top-Load Washer
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.
What To Know Before Buying a Top-Load Washer
Before buying a top-load washer, there are several important factors you should keep in mind. First, you’ll need to determine if you prefer an impeller plate or agitator as your washing mechanism. From there, you’ll want to consider issues such as the washer’s capacity, its variety of available wash cycles, its included smart features, and the design and finish of the unit. Read our appliance buying guide below for more information on how to choose the best top-load washer for you.
What are the different mechanisms of top-load washers?
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.
What is the typical capacity of a top-load washer?
A top-load washer’s capacity determines how many clothes you can fit in at one time. Most 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.
What are some common wash settings in top-load washers?
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 options such as hand-washing, athletic wear, bedding, towels, and more.
What smart features should you look for in a washing machine?
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.
What are the common designs and finishes of top-load washers?
Washing machines come in various colors and designs. The most common colors are white, black, and stainless steel, but some models are 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.
What are the top brands that sell top-load washers?
Some reputable brands you can look for when shopping for a top-load washer include:
- Amana
- GE Profile
- Insignia
- LG
- Maytag
- Samsung
- Speed Queen
- Whirlpool
Differences Between Top-Load and Front-Load Washers
When shopping for a new washer, decide whether you prefer a front-load washing machine 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.
Energy Efficiency
Although modern top-load washers use much less water than older machines, front load washers are more efficient overall. A top loader could use anywhere from 12 to 25 gallons of water per cycle, while a front load washer may only use about seven gallons per cycle. To be an Energy Star-certified washer, the machine must use 14 gallons of water or less per load.
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.
Laundry Capacity
Washer capacity varies by model and brand, but top-load washers have a larger capacity on average. Top-load washers are significantly taller than front-load models, but front-load models are typically deeper.
Top-load washers are better equipped to handle large loads of laundry over time because their washing mechanism creates less friction.
Setup and Layout
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.
Top-Load Washer FAQs
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 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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