Menu
Top load washing machines have been a household staple for over half a century. As technology has advanced over the years, so have these wonderful machines that make our lives so much easier. Sorry washboards, but your home is now in the music realm.
It’s no surprise that the popularity of top load washers is on the rise, especially given their simplistic design and reasonable cost. If you’re hunting for a new top load washer, there are a few factors to consider. You should gauge the machine’s overall performance, capacity, energy efficiency, noise level, and more advanced features like steam cleaning, built-in faucets, or even Wi-Fi connectivity.
Here are our top five picks for the best top load washers of 2023. Each washer has pros and cons; we’ll note those for you as well, so you can make the best choice that suits your needs and budget.
Our overall favorite: Whirlpool® 5.2 – 5.3 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer available at Atherton Appliance & Kitchens
Best washer with an agitator: Samsung 4.9 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer available at Atherton Appliance & Kitchens
Best washer for capacity (and energy efficiency): LG 5.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer available at Atherton Appliance & Kitchens
Best budget-friendly washer: Amana® 3.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer available at Atherton Appliance & Kitchens
Best compact washer: Whirlpool® 1.6 Cu. Ft. White Compact Top Load Washer available at Atherton Appliance & Kitchens
The best top load washing machine for you and your family depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Let’s dive into each of our top picks to determine which top load washer best suits your family.
Pros:
Cons:
Review: This top load washer is the cream of the crop! The industry-first 2-in-1 Removable Agitator lets you customize your loads however you want. The Whirlpool Load & Go Dispenser means you can skip adding detergent to every load for up to 20 loads, which is excellent for those in a hurry who want to save time whenever possible.
The built-in, dual-temperature faucet and brush let you pretreat clothes easily. The Deep Water Wash Option gives you more water to help break down loose soils. And the smart features allow you to delegate laundry chores and run the machine remotely through the app.
Price: $1,299
Specs: Product Weight (lbs.) 146, Height (in.) 58.5, Width (in.) 27.25, Appliance Fit Width (in.) 27, Depth (in.) 27.88, Wattage 709, 1-year limited warranty, White Finish, Smart Compatible, Total Capacity (cu. ft.) 5.2, Depth w/Door Open 90 Degrees (in.) 27.88, 36 Cycles, Stainless Steel
Pros:
Con:
Review: Many people rave about how quiet this washer is compared to anything they’ve used in the past. Samsung’s ActiveWave Agitator delivers powerful cleaning with less noise and vibration, decreasing the chance of tangling.
The large capacity lets you clean a king-size comforter with no issues, and the washer automatically adjusts the weight and water setting for the type of cycle that is underway without much input or thought from the user. The Active WaterJet has a built-in faucet for easy, mess-free pre-treatment of clothes with stubborn stains. As a nice finishing touch, it has a pleasant chime to alert you when your clothes are ready, instead of a harsh beep.
Price: $899
Specs: Product Weight (lbs.) 132.3, Appliance Fit Width (in.) 28, Depth (in.) 29.44, Height (in.) 44.56, Width (in.) 27.56, Height W Door Open 58.31, Manufacturer Warranty 1-Year Parts and Labor, White Finish, Smart Compatible, Total Capacity (cu. ft.) 4.9, Voltage 120, Frequency 60, Amp 15, 10 Cycles
Pros:
Cons:
Review: This technology-infused top load washer handles large loads with ease, but also performs well for the smaller ones, with a powerful impeller. Some of the tech that’s included sets it apart from the sea of washers on the market, such as TurboWash3D™ Technology, NeveRust™ Stainless Steel Tub, and ColdWash™ Technology.
You can throw in a load before leaving for work and remote start it before coming home so it’s ready by the time you arrive. It has the steam option and antibacterial setting for those loads that need a little extra cleaning power. And the Allergiene™ Cycle reduces over 95% of allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, based on certification by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
Price: $1,249
Specs: Product Weight (lbs.) 132.3, Appliance Fit Width (in.) 27, Height (in.) 44.5, Width (in.) 27, Height W Door Open 55.75, Manufacturer Warranty 1-Year Parts and Labor, Total Capacity (cu. ft.) 5.5, Voltage 120, Frequency 60, White Finish, Depth (in.), 28.38, Stainless Steel Drum, 14 Cycles
Pros:
Cons:
Review: This smaller top load washer may be basic, but it still packs a punch. The dual-action agitator ensures that clothes are rolled through the bottom of the wash basket, while the durable porcelain tub protects against snags. The deep water wash option adds the maximum water for your laundry load.
Overall, it’s efficient, has a simplistic design, is relatively quiet, reasonably priced, gets everything really clean, and has all the features you need without all the bells and whistles.
Price: $629
Specs: Product Weight (lbs.) 117, Appliance Fit Width (in.) 27, Depth (in.) 26.75, Height (in.) 42.75, Width (in.) 27, Height W Door Open 51.5, Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year Parts & Labor, Capacity (cu ft), 3.5, Total Capacity (cu. ft.) 3.5, Voltage 120, Frequency 60, Amp 15/20, White Finish, 8 Cycles
Pros:
Cons:
Review: While this compact washer is on the smaller side capacity-wise, it still does the job well. It has a powerful spin cycle and has flexible installation options since it can be portable or permanent, depending on your preference. The impeller gives clothes a thorough and gentle clean, and the EasyView (™) Glass Lid lets you check in on the progress.
Although there are only five cycles and temperature settings, it covers the basics, so you’re covered. You can also run the Clean Washer cycle every 30 washes with an affresh® washer cleaner tablet or liquid chlorine bleach to thoroughly clean the inside of your washer.
Price: $1,049
Specs: Product Weight (lbs.) 80.6, Appliance Fit Width (in.) 21, Total Capacity (cu. ft.) 1.6, Frequency 60, White Finish, Depth (in.) 23, Height (in.) 37, Width (in.), 21, Height W Door Open 46, 6 Cycles
Overall, the winner in our book is the Whirlpool® 5.2 – 5.3 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer because of its versatility and overall features. The combination of smart capabilities and thoughtful design makes you actually want to do laundry. It’s a solid top load washer, and the intuitive controls take the guesswork out of the process.
Are top load washers better than front load washers?
Ultimately, the choice between a top-loading and front-loading washing machine depends on your household’s specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize energy efficiency, a front-loading machine may be a better choice. If you prioritize affordability, capacity, and ease of use, a top-loading machine may be the way to go.
Top load washers tend to be easier to load and unload since you don’t have to bend down as far to load and unload laundry, which can be especially beneficial for those with back problems or mobility issues. Plus, because of their design, top-loading washing machines are better suited for washing bulky items like comforters or sleeping bags, which can be difficult to fit in a front-loading machine.
Are top load or front load washers more water efficient and energy efficient?
This is where top load washers take a hit. For the most part, front load washers tend to have better energy efficiency and use a lot less water. However, front load washers are typically more difficult to clean and maintain, and there are a handful of top load washers that score high in energy efficiency and can compete with a front load washer’s 13-gallon load.
Is it easy to clean a top load washer?
Since top load washers are less prone to mold and mildew than their front load counterparts, they are easy to maintain. A hot cycle with white vinegar can do the trick, or there are tablets you can get that also do a great job of keeping your machine nice and clean. A lot of models have a self-cleaning cycle, so keep an eye out for that feature when shopping around.
At Atherton Appliance and Kitchens, we live and breathe appliances, so we can help you find the best washer for your needs. It’s worth keeping these five models in mind when comparing, but we have loads of other options to choose from. See what we did there?