Choosing the Best Washing Machine

CR’s testers use a spectrocolorimeter to analyze fabric swatches stained with red wine, cocoa, and carbon (which is similar to soot), among other stains, before and after washing. The lighter the stain after laundering, the higher the machine scores in washing performance. This test is meant to challenge the washer so that we can see real differences among the machines.

We evaluate how gentle a washer is on fabrics, and record the amount of water and energy the machine uses. We also record the energy needed to dry laundry. Why? Washers that extract more water shorten dryer time and score higher in our energy-efficiency tests.  Water- and energy-efficiency scores are among the factors we use to determine the Green Choice designation for washers.

Our testers also measure how much vibration the washer transmits to a wood floor, and our panelists judge the washer’s noise levels during the fill, agitate/tumble, drain, and spin cycles. 

In addition to the lab test results, we incorporate each washer brand’s reliability and owner satisfaction scores from CR’s member survey into the Overall Score for each washer. 

Do you prefer loading laundry from the top of a washing machine rather than bending to load a front-loader? Every type has its advantages and drawbacks. For example, front-loaders wash bigger loads and generally clean better, but they typically have long cycles and are prone to developing mildew. High-efficiency top-loaders cost less than front-loaders and use minimal water, but they sometimes tangle clothes. Top-load agitators cost less and wash quickly, but they’re less gentle on fabrics and tend to be smaller.

Top-loaders are easier to load than front-load washers. A pedestal boosts a front-loader’s height—making loading easier—but you’ll pay $250 or more for the convenience.

Whatever you’re considering, know that washers with a capacity of more than 4.5 cubic feet readily fit a king-size comforter in our tests. And if the warranty matters, most of the full-sized machines we’ve tested come with a 1-year warranty on parts and labor. Speed Queen, however, offers warranties ranging from 3 to 7 years. You’ll see capacity and warranty information in our washing machine ratings. 

The pros and cons below refer to the washer types as a group, based on our testing. There are exceptions, which you’ll see in the ratings. 

Bigger capacities often result in a washer that’s 2 or 3 inches wider than the usual 27 inches; the same is true of dryers. Measure the space you have to work with and allow at least 6 inches behind the washer for water hookups, and about an inch between the washer and dryer. Measure the doors to your home to make sure a new washer can fit through them. Check dimensions in the washing machine ratings, and note which front-loaders can be stacked with a matching dryer. If space is tight, also consider the compact washers we’ve tested. 

If a quiet machine matters, consider buying a washer that earns a Very Good or Excellent score in our noise tests. You’ll know it’s working, but it shouldn’t disturb you. And while most manufacturers have reduced the vibrations that full-sized front-loaders transmit to the floor, take a close look at vibration scores in our washing machine ratings.

Not everybody needs a washer that holds 17 thick, full-sized bath towels, which is what a model with a 6.2-cubic-foot capacity, the biggest we’ve tested, should hold. Compact washers, on the other hand, typically have a claimed capacity of around 2.3 cubic feet and can fit about six of these towels. You’ll see capacity noted in our ratings.