Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall washing machine is the LG WM4200HBA.
- Washing machines are convenient as they save time and reduce the hassle of doing laundry.
- Having a washing machine at home helps reduce direct exposure to detergents that can cause skin irritation and damage.
- The top question people think of when looking for a washing machine is whether to get a top-load or a front-load appliance. They also consider capacity, electricity use, and noise production.
A washing machine is one of the few household appliances people consider a must-have. They help people avoid hand-washing their clothes, which takes time, requires substantial energy, and can harm one’s hands.
However, buying a washing machine that suits your needs has become increasingly challenging. These appliances are no longer generic. Today, all brands offer a variety of options with functions like internet connectivity, auto-dosing, and cycles dedicated to removing allergens.
On the one hand, advanced features benefit users. However, they often put consumers in a dilemma regarding which model to buy. But not to worry; we’ve reviewed various models and compiled a list of the best options you can get today.
History Computer’s Top Picks for the Best Washing Machines
Buy Now on Amazon- TurboWash 360 Technology
- AI fabric sensor
- 5.0 cu. ft. capacity
- Lets you power clean big loads in under 30 minutes
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$749.00Buy Now on Amazon- 3.5 cu. ft. capacity
- 700 RPM max. spin speed
- 44 dB
- 120 Volts
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11/26/2023 12:20 am GMT
$999.99Buy Now on Amazon- 5.0 cu. ft. capacity
- 5 Spin Speeds
- Comes with a child lock
- 800 RPM max. rotational speed
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11/26/2023 12:40 am GMT
Buy Now on Amazon- 4.5 cu. ft. capacity
- 8 wash cycles
- ColdWash Technology
- 5 temperature settings
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$1,239.95Buy Now on Amazon- 5.2 cu. ft. capacity
- 1300 RPM max. rotational speed
- 14 standard cycles
- Weighs 239 pounds
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11/26/2023 12:50 am GMT
Buy Now on Amazon- 4.5 cu. ft. capacity
- 2900 RPM max. rotational speed
- Tempered glass doors
- AI fabric sensors
- 120 Volts
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#1 Best Overall Washing Machine: LG WM4200HBA
- TurboWash 360 Technology
- AI fabric sensor
- 5.0 cu. ft. capacity
- Lets you power clean big loads in under 30 minutes
The LG WM4200HBA tops our list of the best washing machines you can buy today. It is a front-loading washing machine with a capacity of five cubic feet, making it large for families that generate a lot of laundry.
It also makes laundry easier thanks to its fourteen wash programs, including wash options for delicate fabrics, beddings, bright whites, sportswear, and common household allergens like pet dander, pollen, dust, and dust mites.
The WM4200HBA has a max speed of 1,300 rpm, guaranteeing thorough cleaning. It also comes with five spin speeds, including Extra-High, High, Low, Medium, and No Spin. Surprisingly, the LG WM4200HBA is one of the quietest washing machines available today, even with its high RPM.
However, where this washing machine shines the most is in its TurboWash 360 feature. It allows users to wash large laundry loads in about 30 minutes, unlike most washing machines that struggle with fast-washing large loads. This feature is handy for homeowners with large families or users with tight schedules.
Lastly, the ThinQ Technology smart feature lets users start and observe cycles remotely, monitor energy consumption, and conduct self-diagnostic tests. This washing machine’s only downside is how challenging it can be to empty the washer; it sometimes bundles the laundry into a ball.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has 14 wash options. | Emptying the washer after a load can be challenging. |
| The washer has a 5.0 cu. ft. capacity. | |
| It has Wi-Fi functionality. | |
| The TurboWash 360 feature is handy for people with a lot of laundry. |
Best Budget Washing Machine: Amana NTW4516FW
The Amana NTW4516W is one of the best budget washing machines. The appliance keeps things simple by avoiding innovative technology and digital displays that can sometimes prolong the pre-laundry process.
It has a top-loading design and a drum with a 3.5 cubic feet capacity, which is adequate for mid-sized households. The knobs on the NTW4516FW’s back panel also make operating it straightforward. The machine has eight wash cycles, which is decent for the price.
It also has two spin speeds, with the highest speed being about 700 RPM. The Amana’s most significant letdown is the lack of an Energy Star certification. It means you may incur higher water and energy bills than you would with an Energy Star-certified washer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Amana NTW 4516W is very affordable. | Do not expect any smart technology. |
| It is simple to operate. | The manufacturer-reported max spin speed is underwhelming. |
| It has a decent load capacity. | It is not Energy Star-certified. |
Best Top-Load Washing Machine: Samsung WA50T5300AC
- 5.0 cu. ft. capacity
- 5 Spin Speeds
- Comes with a child lock
- 800 RPM max. rotational speed
The Samsung WA50T5300AC tops the list of the best top-load washing machines in the top-load category. For example, the Active WaterJet feature allows users to pretreat stained and soiled fabrics before washing them. It also has 12 wash cycles and seven wash options for handling different fabrics and clothing items.
In addition, the WA50T5300AC has a maximum spin speed of 750 RPM and five spin speeds. Users can also choose between cold, warm, and hot temperature settings.
One standout feature is this machine’s drum, which is shallower than a conventional washer drum; this is attributed to its EZ Access design. However, removing clothes from the washer can still be challenging because it has a 5.0 cu. ft. capacity.
More exciting features include the Self Clean technology that clears dirt and prevents bacterial growth in the drum. There’s also the VRT Plus technology for reducing noise and vibration levels, especially when cleaning heavy loads.
Lastly, consumers can operate the washer remotely and run diagnostic tests through Samsung’s SmartThings App to guarantee optimal performance. This washer’s main drawback is its auto-fill feature, which consumers have criticized for not drawing enough water to cover the load.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has 12 wash cycles and allows users to pretreat clothes before a wash cycle. | Removing clothes from the drum can be more challenging than expected. |
| It has noise reduction technology. | |
| The washer pairs with smartphone apps, including the SmartThings App. |
Best Front-Load Washing Machine: LG WM3400CW
The LG WM3400CW is one of LG’s best-selling front-loading washing machines; it is affordable and reliable. The WM3400CW has a reasonably sized 4.5 cu. ft. capacity. It also has eight wash programs, including SpeedWash, which allows fast laundry sessions that last only fifteen minutes.
The washer has LG’s SenseClean technology that automatically determines wash duration and water level based on each load’s size. In addition, it uses LG’s 6Motion Technology, which moves the drum in six different motions resulting in thorough washing.
This technology also lowers noise levels during washes and minimizes fabric damage. However, the WM3400CW may not be for everyone. For instance, it does not have smart technology, which might be a deal breaker for people who want to time their wash schedules remotely.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The LG WM3400CW is budget-friendly. | It lacks smart technology. |
| It has 6Motion Technology that reduces damage to delicate fabrics. | |
| It is durable and dependable. |
Best Large-Capacity Washing Machine: LG WM8100HVA
- 5.2 cu. ft. capacity
- 1300 RPM max. rotational speed
- 14 standard cycles
- Weighs 239 pounds
With a 5.2 cu. ft. capacity, the LG WM8100HVA has adequate space to handle extra heavy wash loads. It can be of help to large families that do not want to do multiple wash cycles on laundry day. Thanks to its Energy Star certification, this model guarantees significant water and energy efficiency.
The WM8100HVA has several features that protect fabrics, including SenseClean, Allergiene Cycle, and Steam technology. Other settings include 14 wash cycles that cover everything from delicates and bright whites to heavy and light loads. It also has five spin speeds with a peak speed of 1,300 rpm.
Despite being dependable, some people might consider the WM8100HVA quite pricey, mainly because it does not have the smart technology that is present in similarly priced washing machines.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a large washer capacity. | This washing machine is quite pricey given its limited smart features. |
| It is energy efficient. |
Best Premium Washing Machine: LG WKGX201HBA
- 4.5 cu. ft. capacity
- 2900 RPM max. rotational speed
- Tempered glass doors
- AI fabric sensors
- 120 Volts
The LG WKGX201HBA WashTower is one of the best premium washing machines for consumers who do not mind splurging on household appliances. LG fitted this washing machine with a 4.5 cu. ft. washer and a 7.4 cu. ft. dryer on top.
Having the dryer stacked on top of the washer is a life-saver for homeowners with limited floor space for side-by-side appliance arrangement. This WashTower also has a control panel positioned conveniently between the washer and dryer.
The LG WKGX201HBA WashTower has fewer wash cycles than most machines on this list. However, it more than makes up for it with the convenience of a six-cycle dryer.
Lastly, the WashTower has AI technology that determines the wash cycles, motions, and drying temperatures, depending on load weight and cloth textures. In addition, the technology can synchronize wash and drying cycles to improve time and energy efficiency.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This WashTower comes with a washer and dryer. | Most consumers find this machine’s limited wash cycles to be underwhelming. |
| It has a decent drum capacity. | |
| It has AI technology that simplifies how you schedule your washes. |
How to Pick the Best Washing Machine You Can Buy Today: Step by Step
The variety of washing machines available today can make buying a new one challenging. Luckily, you can rely on a set of factors to find the near-ideal washing machine for you and your household. Below are the most important factors to keep in mind:
- Top load or front load
- Volume
- Size
- Electricity use
- Price
Let’s look at each one in more detail.
Top Load or Front Load
When buying a washing machine, you must ask yourself whether you want a top-loading or front-loading one. Each option has its set of advantages and disadvantages. For example, top-loaders are easier to load, as you do not have to bend.
A significant advantage of most top-load machines is that you can pre-soak clothes before a wash cycle. You can also pause the cycle to add clothes you might have left out. Lastly, top-loading washing machines often have faster cleaning cycles.
On the downside, top-loading washing machines are tougher on clothes, which can damage clothes with delicate fabrics over time. In addition, they tend to consume more water and energy, which can lead to higher utility bills. They are also not stackable.
On the other hand, front-load washing machines are more gentle to cloth fabrics because of each cycle’s tumble movements. They also use less water and energy. Lastly, most top-load machines are stackable, which makes them convenient for people with limited laundry spaces.
As for the cons, front-loading washing machines tend to be costlier to maintain and have longer cleaning cycles. It is also often difficult to add clothes mid-cycle.
Volume
Volume refers to a washing machine’s capacity. Some portable washers have a capacity of 1 cu. ft., while compact washers have a capacity of around 2.4 cubic feet. Medium-sized washing machines range from 3 to 4.4 cu. ft. in capacity, while large washers can have a capacity of up to 6 cubic feet.
When considering a washing machine’s volume, think about how much laundry you generate and how many occupants are in your home. Buying a small washer could mean running multiple wash cycles, which is not resource-efficient.
Size
Though washing machines have the same cuboid shape, they often have different dimensions. Therefore, it is important to consider the size of a washing machine to ensure it will fit within its dedicated space in your home.
In addition, the washing machine should have enough room around it to avoid contact with walls and other appliances, like dryers.
Electricity Use
When buying a washing machine, you must be conscious of its energy ratings to avoid paying costly energy bills. The ideal washing machine should have an Energy Star certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The certification is proof that a washing machine is energy-efficient.
Price
How much you are willing to spend on a washing machine significantly influences the type of appliance you buy. This is because washing machines are available in a wide price range.
Prepare a budget before buying a washing machine to avoid splurging unnecessarily. Moreover, your budget will dictate the specifications to expect from washing machines within a price range.
What to Know Before Buying a Washing Machine
A washing machine’s spin speed is important. For example, high spin speeds damage fabrics over time, meaning lower speeds are better suited for delicate fabrics. Moreover, most washing machines have multiple spin speeds, with some having maximum speeds of up to 1300 RPM.
Washing machine settings offer convenience and efficiency. For example, some models have dedicated wash cycle settings for different fabrics.
There are wash cycles for delicate fabrics, bright white fabrics, heavy fabrics, and towels, among others. Other settings like auto-dispensing reduce detergent and fabric softener wastage.
Using a Washing Machine: What It’s Like
Washing machines are some of the most convenient appliances you can have at home. All you need to do is sort out your clothes based on the washing instructions on their tags, color, fabric texture, and weight. Next, set up the washing machine, load the clothes, start the wash process, and wait.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©myboys.me/Shutterstock.com.
