Article updated on September 25, 2024 at 6:45 AM PDT
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Reviews ethics statement
Pamela Vachon Contributor
Pamela is a freelance food and travel writer based in Astoria, Queens. While she writes about most things edible and potable (and accessories dedicated to those topics,) her real areas of expertise are cheese, chocolate, cooking and wine. She's a culinary school grad, certified sommelier, former bartender and fine dining captain with 10 years in the industry. When not sitting at the keys, she leads in-home cheese classes, wine tastings and cocktail demonstrations.
Expertise Wine | Cheese | Chocolate | Cooking
Get too big and you'll kill valuable space in your home. Buy one that's too small and you'll be doing unnecessary loads.
Top-loading machines have more capacity, but front-loading machines can be stacked with dryers.
You don't need 15 different cycle types, but you may want them.
Washing machines start at around $500 and go well into the thousands.
What is the best washing machine overall?
Who hasn't been guilty of looking at the dirty piles of clothing in the corner and choosing to avoid laundry day for yet another day? But the reality is that laundry doesn't need to be the dreaded villain of your week, especially because buying your washing machine makes laundry day less of a hassle and will ultimately save you a ton in quarters.
But how hard is it to find a reliable washing machine when hundreds of models are on the market, each with various features and different factors? It can be hard to know what you want until you take it for a (literal) spin and see the results for yourself. Fortunately, that's where we come in. After testing some of the top washing machines on the market, we've ultimately picked the LG front-loading stackable unit as the best washing machine you can buy -- all down to its affordable price, versatile settings, and smart features.
Of course, before you commit, you need to ensure that you know exactly what you're getting will suit and meet your needs. After all, a washing machine is an investment, so not doing your research and getting something you'll only have to return later on will only waste your time. There's a lot to consider when purchasing a washing machine. For one thing, size. Most units are between 24 and 29 inches wide, with variable depths typically between 24 and 34 inches. As such, make sure to narrow the list by what fits your laundry room or other space available to wash clothes. The next thing to consider is whether you want a top-load or a front-loading model, along with the machine's capacity, available cycles, or a combination of all of these when buying a new washing machine. I evaluated several models at various prices, sizes and features, to bring you this list of the best washing machines for 2024.
Read more: There's Probably Mold in Your Washing Machine. Here's How to Get Rid of It
Looking for more home appliance recommendations? These are the best refrigerators, dishwashers and air conditioners for 2024.
This front-loading LG model gives you about as much space as possible for a front-loading washer: 4.5 cubic feet, which is considered an extra-large capacity for front-loading models. It has many of the same desirable features as other LG models -- high efficiency, reduced noise, automatic load sensor -- and additionally offers a Speed Wash setting, which has many user satisfaction reviews and cleans a load of laundry in approximately 15 minutes. This model is sturdy and is designed so a dryer can be stacked on top of it to save space. It also plays a short melody to let you the cycle is finished.
- Best Buy rating: 4.5 out of 5 based on 1,874 reviews
Photo Gallery 1/1
If price is the major factor in choosing your washing machine, this American-made, top-loading Amana model has over five figures of positive reviews on major retailer sites. The bells and whistles are fewer, and the capacity is only 3.5 cubic feet, but you still get a reliable, straightforward appliance that offers several basic cycles, plus an auto-sensing water level feature that monitors water use and volume and adjusts throughout the cycle accordingly. Despite its lower cost, purchasers frequently remarked about the cleanliness of clothing washed in the Amana and how it ran quieter than expected.
The build for this one seems solid although the look is rather basic. One thing I noticed is that this model does not have a fabric softener slot, so you'll have to just drop it in or buy a separate dispenser.
- Best Buy rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 5,756 reviews
- Lowe's rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 11,903 reviews
It's not always about the features that you most regularly use, but about having features available that you might sometimes need to use. If available features are driving your comparative shopping experience for washing machines, GE offers a top-tier, front-loading model with consistent customer satisfaction and just about every available add-on. While it is more expensive than the models listed above, it's less expensive than other models that offer as many features as it does.
This washing machine offers 5 cubic feet of space, is smart-technology enabled and comes with an impressive range of 12 standard cycles, including a quick wash cycle and a sanitize function for items such as towels and gym clothes that can commonly attract mildew through moisture. A steam option is also available to help vaporize deep stains, an automatic detergent dispenser measures for you based on the size of the load, and a venting feature allows the washing machine to dry out between cycles even with its door closed. In a sea of otherwise white, black, and stainless steel machines, this GE washer is also, refreshingly, navy blue.
Because of the many features, this model sports a more complex control panel -- a combination of digital and manual dials -- but one I found intuitive and easy to adjust. It has a sleek, modern look and is available in white or sapphire blue.
- Best Buy rating: 4.5 out of 5 based on 1,030 reviews
Many people do buy matching washer/dryer sets, but it's never a requirement to do so. If your available laundry space is narrow and requires a stackable washer/dryer, (because why resort to air drying if you don't have to?) this LG washer/dryer tower has extremely favorable reviews, offers 4.5 cubic feet of space in the washer and 7.4 cubic feet in the dryer, and only requires 27 inches of width to accommodate it. Among its 10 wash cycles is Allergiene, which uses steam to help remove excess pet dander and dust.
This model is about as sleek as washer/dryer combos get with a fully digital display and control panel. It's available in black steel and white.
- Best Buy rating: 4.7 out of 5 based on 1,379 reviews
- Lowe's rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 3,155 reviews
With full-size washing machines averaging about 27 inches wide, this 24-inch model from GE offers a reliable solution for smaller spaces (or smaller door frames). Offering 2.8 cubic feet of space, this petite unit still offers eight wash cycles, including Speed Wash. Users often remarked in reviews about being the best available for a condominium setting, and how the drum still felt like plenty of space to do even large loads of laundry. A folding lid keeps the vertical space requirement on the low side as well or allows for the possibility of a stacked, compatible dryer.
The detergent and fabric softener drawers are set in the back while a dedicated bleach opening sits separately towards the front of the rim. Because it's a top-loading unit, you won't be able to stack a dryer on top which is something to consider if floor space is limited in your laundry space.
- Home Depot rating: 4.3 out of 5 based on 209 reviews
- Lowe's rating: 4.0 out of 5 based on 88 reviews
Compare washing machines
| Washing Machine | Dimensions (D,W,H) | Capacity | Special features | Wash cycles | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG WM3400CW | 30.25 x 27 x 39 inches | 4.5 cubic feet | Stackable, delay start, out-of-balance detection | Normal, perm press, heavy duty, delicates, towels, speed wash, bedding, tub clean | 10-year limited |
| Amana NTW4516FW | 27 x 27.5 x 42 inches | 3.5 cubic feet | 5 temperature settings, deep water wash, porcelain tub | Normal, perm press, casual, regular, heavy duty, delicates, speed wash | 1-year limited |
| GE GFW850SPNRS | 34 x 28 x 40 inches | 5 cubic feet | One step wash, dry, delay start, delay wash, extra rinse, power steam, prewash, smart dispense, time saver, tumble care, ultrafresh vent | Active wear, bedding, cold wash, delicates, normal, power clean, quick wash, rinse, spin, sanitize and allergen, self clean, towels, whites | None |
| LG WKEX200HBA | 30.5 x 27 x 74.5 inches | Washer: 4.5 cubic feet, Dryer: 7.5 cubic feet | Turbowash, steam, extra rinse, pre-wash, sanitary, tub clean, drum light, child lock, signal, Wi-Fi/remote start | Normal, bedding, delicates, heavy duty, speed wash, downloaded | 10-year limited |
| GE GNW128PSMWW | 34.5 x 24 x 37.5 inches | 2.8 cubic feet | Top-load, adjustable height | Delicate, normal, soak, heavy duty, speed wash, whites, towels, extra spin, jeans, casual, extra rinse, rinse and spin, spin only, pre-soak, deep rinse, deep fill | 1-year limited |
I researched the washing machines on this list by analyzing specs and user reviews from major appliance retailer sites such as Best Buy, Home Depot and Lowe's. I also considered their best-selling and top-rated models, and the available features compared to price as a measure of each machine's overall value. I focused primarily on those models that had a rating of at least 4.5 stars with at least 500 reviews, or at least the highest rating among the highest number of ratings for the feature or size I was evaluating.
Most modern washing machines are Energy Star certified by the EPA.
WhirlpoolOnly washing machines that were Energy Star Certified by the EPA were considered, for peace of mind concerning energy use and water efficiency. I dove deep into user comments and ratings to ensure there were no recurring problems, issues, or complaints among a particular brand or model. I looked for evidence of various models' ability to treat heavy stains, and for those who had especially positive commentary on delicate cycles that actually treated delicate fabrics delicately.
We didn't do extensive hands-on testing for this list of best washing machines, but I was able to examine several models in various appliance showrooms to get a feel for each unit, and the intuitiveness of its control panel, dials and knobs.
Show more
Washing machine size
The space you have available to accommodate a washing machine is the first consideration toward buying one. Most washing machines are between 24 and 29 inches wide, with variable depths that are typically between 24 and 34 inches. Capacity and size generally go hand-in-hand, with typical models offering you about 4.5 cubic feet of space for your textiles. Extra large capacity models are generally anything above 5 cubic feet, and if you're working with a narrower space in your home, expect to find a washer that only has about 3 cubic feet of space or less. You may have to send out your large comforters and winter coats, but you'll still be able to do average loads of laundry comfortably.
I looked for intuitive controls and settings when evaluating washing machines.
Tyler Lizenby/CNETWashing machine styles
Washing machines typically come as top-loading or front-loading models. Top-loading models tend to have larger capacities and utilize an agitator -- a central column that moves your clothes around -- to scrub your laundry. Front-loading models may have slightly less capacity and generally work with an impeller, which helps rotate your clothing around the basin so that the clothes rub up against each other for stain removal.
One Whirlpool model has a removable agitator for versatility and the potential of even extra capacity. Top-loading models can be a little easier on the back, as they require less bending to load and unload, but are not as readily available as stackable options with a dryer if you don't have space to accommodate a washer and dryer side-by-side. Most washing machines come in white, black or stainless steel finishes, with white usually the least expensive option.
This Samsung washer uses artificial intelligence and data to choose a cycle for each load.
SamsungWashing machine cycles
Even basic model washing machines tend to have at least normal, delicate, and heavy-duty cycles, which automatically adjust the heat, water level, and length of cycle settings. Some machines may have pre-set cycles for color loads versus white loads, and then there's a reliable permanent press, which is typically a cycle setting for synthetic materials that are minimally wrinkly. More expensive and digital models tend to have a larger variety of cycle settings, including ones that are specific for bedding or towels, ones that use steam to manage allergens such as pet dander and dust or a sanitized cycle that can help manage mildewed items. You'll typically be using the same couple of settings regularly, so keep that in mind when deciding how much money you want to spend on a washing machine.
Show more
How much do washing machines cost?
On average, washing machines run between $600 and $900. There are units on either side of that average if you're looking for either a very basic model to get the job done or a tricked-out washer with every available feature. (Remember that the self-loading washing machine does not as of yet exist.)
Show more
How long should a washing machine last?
Washing machines, similar to many major appliances, are built to last about 10 years. If you have a small household or only use your washing machine minimally, that may extend its utility for a few more years. Taking care of it and cleaning it will also help extend a washing machine's life. Read CNET's tips for how and how often to clean your washing machine.
Show more
What is the difference between a front-loading and a top-loading washing machine?
The difference between front-loading and top-loading washing machines is capacity, with top-loading washing machines typically having more space for your loads of laundry. Beyond that, top-loaders are typically easier on the back and require less bending than front-loading models, but are more difficult for children to access.
Show more
What does High Efficiency mean in a washing machine?
High Efficiency is separate from Energy Star certification, but both should give you peace of mind concerning your washing machine's energy and water usage. High Efficiency specifically governs water usage, with models that typically require less detergent and use less water than older models that are not indicated as High Efficiency.
Check out CNET's tips for laundry habits that can help save on your energy bill.
Show more
Should I get a washing machine warranty and how important is it?
A washing machine should last about 10 years without the need for any major repairs. Most manufacturer warranties cover replacement parts and labor for one year from the date of purchase, designed to protect you if you've unassumingly purchased a damaged or defective unit, plus 10 years for your washer's direct drive motor, where applicable. Extended warranty or third-party options are also available for an additional cost.
Show more