The best washing machine makes laundry effortless. Everybody loves wearing freshly cleaned clothes or snuggling into soft, sparkling white bedsheets. So, what makes an excellent washing machine?
Just like the best dishwashers, it all comes down to efficiency, capacity and convenience. Appliance repair expert and president of Mr. Appliance, Glenn Lewis, emphasizes reliability too. Glenn says, 'Buy the best machine you can afford at the time. Consider the machine's brand reputation and customer reviews to ensure you're selecting a high-quality, long-lasting washer.'
Luckily, as the Kitchen Appliances Editor for H&G, I've done the hard work for you. I've spent hours researching the market, reading customer reviews and corroborating my findings with experts like Glenn.
I concluded that LG's Turbowash Front-Load Washer is the very best washing machine you can buy – and I've rounded up the runners-up, including the smallest, largest and most sustainable washers for your home.
The quick list
If you need a washing machine in a hurry, these are our top picks with the headline information. We go into more detail about each model further down the page.
The best overall
The most reliable washing machine brand, LG excels in efficiency. This model offers TurboWash technology for speedy, yet thorough cleans. Customers gave it sparkling reviews, despite the high price tag.
The best for families
This spacious, top-load washer is roomy enough for bedding, large loads, and even king-size comforters. Customers say the wide range of settings is perfect for family use.
The best small washing machine
A petite, but premium washer-dryer with fantastic performance, the Miele is a first-choice for small spaces.
The best stain removal
This Electrolux is sleek and superior for stain removal. Reviewers love the door prop mechanism, which helps prevent mildew – a common problem for front load machines.
The best for sustainability
This Beko washer is made from recycled plastic bottles and has an energy star rating. If you're making conscious choices or creating a sustainable home, this is ideal.
The best washing machine 2024
You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best washing machine overall
There’s a lot to love about this LG washer. It's super sleek, operates quietly, and offers a large 5 cubic feet capacity, making it a perfect fit for busy households.
The TurboWash combines speed and cleaning power for cycles that are both quick and effective. The steam drying and quick wash cycles, which get the job done in 10 and 15 minutes respectively, which is particularly impressive.
The AI smart features are a hit among users. With the LG ThinQ app, you can control your washes remotely, monitor cycles, and even receive maintenance alerts.
What stood out to me compared to other models I researched, is how user-friendly this machine is, despite the smart tech. One user noted: 'It's easy to operate for old age people, but at the same time it's loaded with all the technology and functionality a current generation might need.'
On the reliability side, LG excels in durability, with many customers saying they've have owned LG washing machines for over 10 years. Perhaps this is why they receive such sparkling reviews, despite the high price tag.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Large but not enormous | ★★★★ |
| Range | More than enough cycles | ★★★★★ |
| Usability | User-friendly | ★★★★★ |
| Reliability | The least serviced washing machine brand | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Expensive but worth it | ★★★★ |
The best smart washing machine
If you love a gadget, you'll love this Samsung washing machine. It uses AI sensors to weigh your laundry, assess the dirtiness, dispense the optimal amount of water and detergent, then set the rinse time and spin speed. This makes laundry super efficient and many reviewers say their energy bills have descreased since they bought the machine.
The Ecobubble™ technology is another cool feature – which mixes air, water and detergent to create bubbles that can wash your clothes at colder temperatures. I'd love to use the Hygiene Steam for my kitchen cleaning cloths and face towels, as Samsung say it can eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria.
One thing to note is that the sheer number of cycles and settings can be a bit overwhelming at first. However, customers report that after a few uses, the controls become more intuitive and easy to navigate.
On the reliability side, this Samsung has a self-clean drum and it sends you a notification when your machine is due for a clean, so can make sure your washer remains healthy in the long run.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5.3 cu. ft | ★★★★★ |
| Range | 24 wash programmes | ★★★★★ |
| Usability | Smart technology is confusing at first | ★★★★ |
| Value | Expensive | ★★★★ |
| Reliability | 5 year warranty | ★★★★ |
The best for families
This is my top pick for family homes. The deep, large capacity is the biggest I've come across during my research. Customers happily report that it can accommodate large loads of bedding, thick comforters, and clothes for a family of five.
One standout feature is the auto-dispensing detergent and softener system. This feature helps prevent overuse of detergent, which is especially useful when managing laundry. Reviews say the clothes come out exceptionally clean. The addition of a pet hair removal tool is a big plus for families with animals. It’s a thoughtful touch that feels very user-friendly.
It's also much more affordable than the front-loader models above. Ian Palmer Smith of Domestic & General says that top loader machines are generally more affordable and repairs cost less. They're also easier to use, requiring less bending or kneeling, and you can easily add clothes once the wash cycle has begun.
However, Ian says top-load machines tend to use more energy. Plus, when I saw this model at the showroom, I thought the height of the washer could make it challenging for smaller people like myself to reach clothes at the bottom.
The best small washing machine
A small, stackable machine for city apartments or small laundry rooms. Praised by users for its fabric care qualities, the Miele aims to extract moisture in the spin, making less work for the dryer (and your utility bills).
It has an automatic dispenser, so you can fill the liquid drawer and the machine will dose it for you. Couples and small families report that they don't need to fill their machine with laundry liquid for up to three months, which is nice and convenient. Reviewers also love the SoftSteam feature (better used with smaller cycles) as it gives a much lighter feel to finished clothes.
In terms of reliability, Miele is world-renowned for making high-quality appliances. Their appliances are tested for the equivalent of 20 years use, so you can trust that you’re getting a durable and reliable machine. Every product is put through its paces, making sure it can wash for 10,000 hours (that’s 5 washes per week for 20 years.) This washer also comes with a 2-year warranty on the parts.
Although this has some of the best features for a compact washer, those come at a price. This washing machine can cost over $2,000, so make sure to shop around. It's not the quietest machine on the market and there's no anti-vibration system, which could be an issue for small living spaces
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Limited capacity | ★★★ |
| Range | 11 useful settings | ★★★★★ |
| Usability | Apps are tricky to use | ★★★★ |
| Value | Expensive | ★★★★ |
| Reliability | World-class brand with 2 year warranty | ★★★★★ |
The best washer for stain removal
This front-load washer uses Smartboost technology, which pre-mixes detergent and water for a deeper, more effective clean. This ensures superior stain removal, making it a great choice for people with tough laundry stains.
Customers report that clothes with mud, dirt and plant stains come out clean and smelling good. They love the steaming and hand-wash settings too. The pod compartment in the detergent tray is efficient – it makes sure your pod melts and mixes with water before getting to the clothes – so there's no sticky mess under the glass door.
One standout feature is its door prop mechanism, which allows for better air circulation and prevents mildew – a common issue with front-load washers. There are no bells and whistles on this machine (like Wifi, AI or smart tech) but the features are thoughtful and user-friendly.
However, there are a few criticisms to note. Some users have reported difficulty with the lock, which could be frustrating. Plus, lint can gather around the door – and you need to clean with toothbrush or vacuum out. Repair expert Ian says that front-load washing machines generally require more maintenance.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Medium capacity | ★★★ |
| Range | 11 useful cycles | ★★★★ |
| Usability | Straightforward, no bells or whistles | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Expensive for lack of smart tech | ★★★ |
| Reliability | Customers say it's sturdy, but requires frequent cleaning | ★★★★ |
The best washer for energy efficiency
Caring about the planet can also mean caring about your wallet. The Beko washer does both. My favorite fact about this washer is that it is made from 60 recycled plastic bottles, helping to reduce plastic consumption at the same time that your clothes are being washed.
The Beko has been awarded an energy star rating, making it efficient at cleaning without taking its toll on your utilities, for gas and water. Users liked using higher spin speeds, especially the 1400 rpm max, which makes clothes easier and quicker to dry. The only issue with high spin speeds was that it can get a little noisy.
Aside from the allergy and sanitizing settings, the steam setting was one of the most popular among customers. Even though the app is useful, there were a number of people who found it a little overcomplicated and preferred using the manual controls. The capacity is much smaller than others on our list, but I didn't find many customers who felt that it was limiting. It's good to keep in mind if you're a big household.
When it comes to reliability, Beko have started to talk about their methods for 'stress-testing' their products. When testing washing machines, they open the doors 20,000 times for proven durability.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | On the small side | ★★★ |
| Range | 15 different, equally good cycles | ★★★★★ |
| Usability | A little noisy | ★★★ |
| Value | Reasonable price | ★★★★ |
| Reliability | Stress-tested and customer approved | ★★★★★ |
How to choose the best washing machine for you:
This is like the best washing machine question: it depends on your needs. Before you buy, it’s good to think about the drum capacity. If you have a big household, or regularly clean sheets, you’ll want a bigger capacity. You might also want to think about spin speed: the faster your washer spins, the less you’ll need a clothes dryer, or the quicker you can air dry your clothes.
There will always be extra features, so think about those relevant to you: do you want an automatic detergent dispenser, specific clothes cycle, special visual or audio assistance? There will be specific settings for varieties of clothing, efficiency, and remote controls too.
How we researched these washing machines
We have a page dedicated to the details of how we test our appliances. We like to have in-person, ongoing experience with the products, so that we can personally vouch for them. However, in the case of washing machines, this is tricky.
We spend all our time testing out small appliances and homewares like bedding. However, we don’t yet have the capacity to test large appliances. I therefore dedicated my time to thorough research, so that we can offer you the very best washing machines on the market, saving you the hassle of looking for yourself. I looked at the brand websites, customer reviews, reviews from US professionals, visited showrooms and spoke to appliance experts to get to know these products.
Washing machine FAQs
Should I choose a front load or a top load washing machine?
It really depends on the model, but top-loading washing machines are generally more affordable and they have lower repair costs. They can handle large laundry loads efficiently. They are also slightly easier to use as they require less bending or kneeling and you can add clothes during the wash cycle. However, they tend to use more energy and detergent, can be harsher on clothes and are noisier.
Front-loading washing machines are usually more energy-efficient, using less water and detergent. They tend to be stackable, making them ideal for small spaces. They often come with more smart features and special wash options. However, they require more bending or kneeling, which can be challenging for those with health issues, and they typically take longer to wash loads compared to top-loaders. Front-loaders also tend to be more expensive to purchase and repair, and some models do not allow adding clothes once the wash cycle has started. Mold and lint can build up in door, so you'll need to clean regularly.
How do I keep my washing machine in good condition?
Luckily, making a washing machine last longer is simple and requires minimal effort. Our experts have put together this guide to maintaining your washing machine.
Should I buy a separate clothes drying machine?
Many appliances are integrated, but you should consider buying a separate machine if you have the budget and space. Combination washer-dryers aren’t as effective or efficient as dedicated clothes dryers. The trade off is that buying two separate machines is more expensive.
How do I choose a sustainable washing machine?
Being environmentally conscious doesn't have to break the bank. The first thing to check is the Energy Start Rating of your washing machine, the better it performs, the less energy it will need to run. We like Beko's washer, because it's also made from recycled plastic bottles. You can also choose more eco-conscious laundry detergent, such as Ecover, which is great for allergens too.
What is the most reliable washing machine brand?
When you're buying a washing machine, you want to know that you can rely on it. Popular brands for washing machines are LG, Samsung, and Miele, but there are a range of washer specialists on the market too. If you buy a washer with good guarantees and warranty, which is highly recommended, you should be fine.
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