Washing machines are one of the most important appliances in any home. They save you time, energy, and money by keeping your clothes clean and fresh. But how do you find the best washing machine for your needs?
There are many factors to consider, such as the design, the size, the features, and the wash cycles of the washing machine. You also need to think about your budget, your space, and your laundry habits.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best washing machine in 2024. We will also review some of the top models in the market, based on their performance, capacity, features, and customer reviews. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of what to look for and what to avoid when buying a new washing machine.
Front-Load vs. Top-Load: Which One Is Better?
The first thing you need to decide is whether you want a front-load or a top-load washing machine. This refers to how you load and unload your clothes from the washer.
Front-load washers have a door on the front that opens outwards, while top-load washers have a lid on the top that opens upwards. There are pros and cons to each style, depending on your preferences, space, and budget.
Pros of Front-Load Washers
- They are more energy-efficient, as they use less water and electricity than top-load washers.
- They are gentle on fabrics, as they do not have an agitator or an impeller that can damage or tangle your clothes.
- They have more wash cycles and features, such as steam, sanitize, and allergen cycles, that can remove stains, odors, and bacteria from your clothes.
- They are stackable, which means you can place a dryer on top of them to save space.
Cons of Front-Load Washers
- They are more expensive than top-load washers, as they have more advanced technology and design.
- They take longer to wash, as they have longer wash cycles and spin speeds than top-load washers.
- They require more maintenance, as they can develop mold, mildew, and odors in the door seal and the dispenser if not cleaned regularly.
- They are not ergonomic, as you have to bend down to load and unload your clothes, which can be uncomfortable for some people.
Pros of Top-Load Washers
- They are cheaper than front-load washers, as they have simpler technology and design.
- They are faster than front-load washers, as they have shorter wash cycles and spin speeds than front-load washers.
- They are easier to use, as you do not have to bend down to load and unload your clothes, which can be convenient for some people.
- They have a deep fill option, which allows you to add more water to the drum if you have a large or heavily soiled load.
Cons of Top-Load Washers
- They are less energy-efficient, as they use more water and electricity than front-load washers.
- They are harsher on fabrics, as they have an agitator or an impeller that can cause wear and tear or tangling of your clothes.
- They have fewer wash cycles and features, such as steam, sanitize, and allergen cycles, that can remove stains, odors, and bacteria from your clothes.
- They are not stackable, which means you need more space to place a dryer next to them.
How to Choose the Right Capacity for Your Washing Machine
The next thing you need to consider is the capacity of the washing machine. This refers to the size of the drum, and how much laundry you can fit in one load.
The capacity of washing machines is measured in cubic feet and ranges from 2.5 to 6.0. The larger the capacity, the more you can wash at once, which can save you time and money. However, larger-capacity washers also tend to be more expensive and take up more space, so you need to balance your laundry needs with your budget and space constraints.
To choose the right capacity for your washing machine, you need to think about how often you do laundry, how many people live in your household, and what types of clothes you wash. Here are some general guidelines:
- If you live alone or with one other person, and you do laundry once or twice a week, you can opt for a small-capacity washer, between 2.5 and 3.5 cubic feet.
- If you live with two or three other people, and you do laundry two or three times a week, you can opt for a medium-capacity washer, between 3.5 and 4.5 cubic feet.
- If you live with four or more people, and you do laundry three or more times a week, you can opt for a large-capacity washer, between 4.5 and 6.0 cubic feet.
You also need to consider the size and weight of your clothes. For example, if you wash bulky items, such as comforters, blankets, or towels, you may need a larger-capacity washer, even if you do laundry less frequently. On the other hand, if you wash delicate items, such as lingerie, silk, or wool, you may need a smaller-capacity washer, even if you do laundry more frequently.
What Features and Wash Cycles Do You Need in Your Washing Machine?
Modern washing machines come with a variety of features and wash cycles that can make your laundry experience easier and more convenient. Some of the common features include:
- Automatic detergent dispenser, which dispenses the right amount of detergent for each load, saving you time and money.
- Smart connectivity, which allows you to control and monitor your washer from your smartphone or voice assistant, giving you more flexibility and convenience.
- Steam cycle, which uses hot steam to remove stains and odors from your clothes, making them cleaner and fresher.
- Sanitize cycle, which kills 99.9% of bacteria and allergens from your clothes, making them safer and healthier.
- Quick wash, which cleans a small load in less than 30 minutes, saving you time and energy.
Some of the common wash cycles include:
- Normal, which is suitable for most types and colors of clothes, and uses warm water and medium spin speed.
- Whites, which is suitable for white or light-colored clothes, and uses hot water and high spin speed to remove stains and brighten colors.
- Permanent press, which is suitable for synthetic or wrinkle-resistant clothes, and uses cold water and low spin speed to prevent creases and shrinkage.
- Bulky bedding, which is suitable for large or heavy items, such as comforters, blankets, or pillows, and uses extra water and low spin speed to wash them gently and thoroughly.
- Delicates, which is suitable for fragile or sensitive items, such as lingerie, silk, or wool, and uses cold water and low spin speed to wash them gently and carefully.
Depending on your preferences and needs, you may want to look for a washer that has the features and wash cycles that matter to you the most. However, you also need to keep in mind that more features and wash cycles may mean higher price and complexity, so you need to weigh the benefits and the costs of each option.
The Best Washing Machines of 2024: Our Top Picks
Now that you know what to look for in a washing machine, let’s take a look at some of the best models that are available in 2024, based on our research and testing. We have selected the best washing machines in different categories, such as best overall, best budget, best top-load, best front-load, and more. Here are our top picks:
| Category | Model | Price | Capacity | Features | Wash Cycles | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | LG TurboWash 360 WM4000HBA | $1,100 | 4.5 cu. ft. | Front-load, automatic detergent dispenser, smart connectivity, steam cycle, allergen cycle, quick wash | 14 | ||||||
| Best Budget | GE High-Efficiency Agitator Top-Load Washer GTW465ASNWW | $726 | 4.5 cu. ft. | Top-load, agitator, deep fill option, dual-action spray, stain removal guide | 14 | ||||||
| Best Top-Load | Maytag Smart Top-Load Washer MVW7230HC | $1,099 | 5.2 cu. ft. | Top-load, impeller, smart connectivity, extra power button, deep fill option, sanitize cycle | 13 | ||||||
| Best Front-Load | Electrolux Stackable Front-Load Washer EFLS627UTT | $899 | 4.4 cu. ft. | Front-load, automatic detergent dispenser, steam cycle, sanitize cycle, stain soak option, reversible door | 9 | ||||||
| Best for Pets | Maytag Pet Pro Top-Load Washer MVW6500MW | $1,199 | 5.5 cu. ft. | Top-load, impeller, extra power button, deep fill option, pet hair removal cycle, odor removal cycle | 14 | ||||||
| Best Compact | Miele WXR860WCS | $1,999 | 2.26 cu. ft. | Front-load, automatic detergent dispenser, steam cycle, quick wash, honeycomb drum, WiFiConn@ct | 12 | ||||||
| Best Washer-Dryer Combo | GE Washer Dryer Combo GUD27ESSMWW | $1,399 | 3.8 cu. ft. (washer), 5.9 cu. ft. (dryer) | Top-load, agitator, auto load sensing, bleach and fabric softener dispenser, rotary controls | 11 (washer), 4 (dryer) | ||||||
| Best Laundry Tower | LG WashTower WKEX200HB | $1,982 | 4.5 cu. ft. (washer), 7.4 cu. ft. (dryer) | Front-load, automatic detergent dispenser, smart connectivity, steam cycle, allergen cycle, sensor dry, reversible door | 14 (washer), 12 (dryer) | ||||||
| Best Portable | Black+Decker Small Portable Washer BPWM09W | $244 | 0.9 cu. ft. | Top-load, LED display, transparent lid, auto unbalance detection, adjustable legs | 5 | ||||||
| Best Tower | LG Front Load WashTower WKGX201HBA | $2,500 | 4.5 cu. ft. (washer), 7.4 cu. ft. (dryer) | Front-load, automatic detergent dispenser, smart connectivity, steam cycle, allergen cycle, sensor dry, reversible door | 14 (washer), 12 (dryer) | ||||||
How to Compare and Buy the Best Washing Machine for Your Home
Now that you have seen some of the best washing machines of 2024, you may wonder how to compare and buy the best one for your home. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:
- Compare the features and the prices of different models, and see which ones offer the best value for your money. You can use online tools, such as Consumer Reports, to see the ratings and reviews of different washers, and compare their performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
- Check the dimensions and the weight of the washer, and see if it fits your space and your installation requirements. You may need to measure your laundry room, your doorways, and your stairs, and see if you have enough clearance and ventilation for the washer. You may also need to check the electrical and plumbing connections, and see if you need any adapters or extensions.
- Read the warranty and the return policy of the washer, and see what kind of coverage and service you can get from the manufacturer or the retailer. You may want to look for a washer that has a long and comprehensive warranty, and a flexible and hassle-free return policy, in case you encounter any problems or defects with the washer.
- Look for discounts and deals on the washer, and see if you can save some money by buying it at the right time or from the right place. You may want to look for seasonal sales, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday, or promotional offers, such as rebates or coupons, that can lower the price of the washer. You may also want to look for free delivery and installation, or free haul-away of your old washer, which can save you some extra costs.
Conclusion
Washing machines are a great investment for any home, as they can make your laundry routine easier, faster, and more efficient. However, finding the best washing machine for your needs can be challenging, as there are many models and features to choose from.
In this article, we have reviewed some of the best washing machines of 2024, based on their performance, capacity, features, and customer reviews. We have also given you some tips on what to look for in a washing machine, how to compare and buy the best one for your home, and how to make the most of your purchase.
We hope this article has helped you find the best washing machine for your home, and that you enjoy using it for years to come. Happy washing!
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