Best Washing Machine of 2023
1. BEST OVERALL FRONT-LOADING WASHING MACHINE
GE Appliances UltraFresh Front Load Washer with OdorBlock
PROS
- Option to dry machine and door to prevent musty smell
- Automatically adds the correct amount of detergent
- Can wash and dry a small load
- Door gasket, drawer, hose and other parts are treated to prevent mold growth
CONS
- Some reviewers say the washer is loud
- Full vented cycle is very long
Because of the unique design of this machine, the musty smell of a front-loading washer may just be a thing of the past. It has a venting option that automatically dries the door seal and the inside of the machine when your laundry is done to prevent water from puddling inside.
Here’s how it works: The machine pulls in outside air to dry the interior while the drum spins intermittently. The door gasket, dispenser drawer and other internal components are also treated with Microban, an additive to help keep mold at bay. When we tested it, we were impressed that the drum and door seal were bone dry after a full vent cycle. On the downside, the full cycle takes eight hours, so it’s best to run this feature after your last load of the day or overnight.
Besides this unique technology, the washer is packed with other enviable features, including SmartDispense bulk detergent dispensing. All you do is select the cycle and the washer automatically adds the correct amount of detergent. (We found liquid detergent is a cinch to fill without spilling and up to 50 ounces of liquid can go in at a time.) In addition, it has steam cycles, Wi-Fi connectivity and a one-step wash and dry option that washes and air dries a small load overnight.
In our tests, we found the wash cycles to be speedy and very effective, cleaning our cotton and polyester stain swatches in both warm and cold water. Even the quick-wash cycle removed a set-in stain in just 20 minutes. One thing to note, some reviewers say this washer is louder than they would like.
2. BEST OVERALL TOP-LOADING WASHING MACHINE
Maytag Top Load 5.2 cu. ft. Capacity Agitator Washer
PROS
- Energy-saving
- PowerWash cycle to clean extra dirty loads
CONS
- Some reviewers say they have a hard time reaching the bottom
While we did not formally test this particular washer, we did test a similar model in our Lab and can recommend this top-loading washing machine as a reliable and efficient option. Even though it has a center agitator, you’ll never notice a compromise in capacity. It holds over 5 cubic feet of laundry — plenty for the average family. In fact, it’s so deep that some reviewers say it can be difficult to pluck out those last few items.
From an operational standpoint, though, we liked the clear control panel. It was easy to decipher and extremely responsive to the touch. Not to mention, you can control your laundry from anywhere using the optional smart functionality.
The model is energy-saving and efficient, but you can add more water if you’d like to with the deep fill option — a feature that’s very helpful for extremely soiled clothes, like kids’ muddy sports gear. For extra dirty loads like these, there’s also a PowerWash cycle.Conversely, if you need an outfit quickly — say, a school uniform your kid forgot to launder — the RapidWash trims wash time to under 30 minutes.
3. BEST VALUE WASHING MACHINE
GE Profile Top Load Washing Machine
PROS
- Sanitize cycle
- Option to add more water for loads that need a deeper cleaning
- Dedicated section for detergent packs
CONS
- No steam cycle
In our GH Cleaning Lab tests, GE washers are always solid performers, and this machine has luxury features at a great price.
It has a sanitize cycle, which kills bacteria, and it has the ability to incorporate an oxi additive to help boost your detergent’s cleaning power. It also has all the key cycles we look for, including ones for washing workout wear and bulky items like comforters, down coats and sleeping bags. Unfortunately, there’s no steam cycle, but that’s expected at this price point.
We love that the dispenser has a dedicated section for detergent packs to help them dissolve better, and the handy stain guide option adjusts the cycle’s time and water temperature to better remove tough stains like tomato, wine, blood, grass and dirt. With the deep fill and deep rinse settings, you can also add more water to loads that need them for more thorough washing and rinsing.
4. MOST INNOVATIVE WASHING MACHINE
GE Profile UltraFast Combo Washer & Dryer
PROS
- Easy to use
- Performed well in cleaning and tangling tests
- Helpful app
CONS
- Expensive
We awarded GE’s innovative new washer and dryer combo a 2023 Cleaning & Organizing Award for its innovative 2-in-1 design that revolutionizes the way you do laundry. In about two hours, you can wash, transfer and dry a load of laundry. Our pros found the machine easy to use and it performed well in our Lab cleaning and tangling tests where we washed a large load and counted how many tangled items came out at the end of the cycle.
The washer and dryer combo is full of great features, including a helpful app that sends you cycle updates and even dispenses the right amount of detergent for a load. Similar to our other favorite washers, the machine is also equipped with Microban technology and has a sizable load capacity (although not the largest).
While it is one of the pricier machines on this list, keep in mind that you are in a way paying for two machines — and it’s space-saving design may just be worth it if you are tight on space in your home.
5. BEST WASHING MACHINE FOR PET OWNERS
Maytag Pet Pro Top Load Washing Machine
PROS
- Safely removes pet hair from textiles
- Can accommodate very big loads
CONS
- Cycle is a bit slow
These days, it seems like there really is the perfect laundry machine to suit every need. Now pet owners can look forward to hair-free clothes, thanks to this new top-loader from Maytag.
Generally speaking, we normally don’t recommend laundering items covered in pet hair, because it can present a clog risk. Maytag’s new washer — a machine we liked so much it earned a 2023 Best Cleaning & Organizing Award — eliminates this concern. It’s equipped with a special Pet Pro cycle, which uses a combination of water and agitation to loosen hair and then capture it in a filter located in the center agitator. Simply remove and clean the filter once the load is complete.
In our tests, this washer effectively tackled the tough mess of stuck-on pet hair but was gentle on clothes — a tall order. We were also impressed by the 4.7-cubic-foot tub’s ability to handle big loads, even if the cycle was a bit slow. Ideal for hair-covered bedding! Perhaps most importantly, the Pet Pro lived up to manufacturer claims and removed all remnants of hair we spread onto test sweaters.
6. WASHING MACHINE WITH LONGEST WARRANTY
Speed Queen Top Load TR7 Washing Machine
PROS
- Compact profile
- Comes with a seven year warranty
- Easily handles large loads
CONS
- Smaller capacity than some others at 3.2 cu. ft
If you’re trying to squeeze a reliable and efficient laundry machine into a tight space, take note of this pick’s compact profile that can easily slide into cramped quarters.
Yes, it’s a top loader, but we found it easy to program with your choice of temperature, soil level and load size selections. It’s also equipped with eight special cycles, and you can customize your own pre-set favorites that you can repeat with just the press of one button. At 3.2 cubic feet, this washer does have a smaller capacity than some other washers, so it won’t handle extra-large loads. But in our tests, it was able to wash a bulky queen-sized comforter. The comforter came out clean and well-rinsed without the center agitator interfering.
This machine is super quiet, and the delay start setting lets you wash when it suits you — even overnight. Overall, we think this top-loader is a solid pick, and the seven-year warranty reinforces that.
7. BEST FRONT-LOADING WASHING MACHINE FOR LARGE FAMILIES
LG 5.8 cu.ft. Mega Capacity Washer
PROS
- Extra large capacity with pedestal washer
- 14 wash programs
CONS
- Have to buy pedestal separately
- Expensive
While we have not tested this particular LG washer in our Labs, we have tested enough similar models to confidently recommend this front loader. And combined with LG’s 1 cu. ft. top load pedestal washer — which we have tested in our Labs — the machine totals a jumbo 6.8 cubic feet of washing capacity. It’s a size that’s hard to top and one that will reduce the amount of loads large families have to do each week — a convenience, but also an energy-saver.
The Mega Capacity Washer has a whopping 14 wash programs too. Choose from pre-sets like normal, perm press, delicates, speed wash, heavy-duty, towels and more. It also has 13 additional features, including a child lock, remote start and Wi-Fi connectivity, plus four spin speeds ranging from no spin to extra high, as well as five soil levels. According to the manufacturer, the machine has sensors that detect the size and weight of your load to adjust the wash time and water level for optimal results.
Although purchasing both the washer and pedestal amounts to a rather steep price tag, the additional space makes it worth the splurge for a large family.
8. BEST SMART WASHING MACHINE
Samsung Smart Dial Front Load Washer with Opti-Wash
PROS
- Automatically detects soil level and adjusts the wash
- Easy-to-use app
- Quiet
- Can control the dryer from the washer when stacked
CONS
- Only comes in brushed black color
This Samsung washer makes doing laundry easier with loads of smart features. For instance, the Opti-Wash feature automatically detects the soil levels and adjusts to add more time or detergent if needed so your laundry always comes out clean.
The smart front-loader can also be paired with an app that we found easy to use with features like remotely starting and stopping the wash, scheduling wash cycles, receiving alerts when the cycle is done and more. In our tests, we were impressed that after using the washer a few times, it learned our favorite wash cycle settings — no programming required. Not only did this washing machine do a great job cleaning, but it was quiet as well. Not to mention, the drum is treated with an antimicrobial to help keep the washing machine smelling fresher longer. The Self Clean+ feature will also alert you when it’s time for a cleaning.
Also worth noting, the matching dryer can be installed stacked or side by side. If you do stack them, you can set the dryer right from the washer’s control panel, so you don’t have to take out a stool.
