The Best Washing Machines You Can Buy for Your Home


*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

With over 100 different washing machine models on the market, it can be hard to find the right machine for you. It can be difficult trying to sift through all of the different options, especially if you have no idea what you need.

We at Extensively Reviewed are here to take the pressure off of you. Read on to see our picks for the 8 top washing machines of 2018.

Comparison Table

How We Choose the Best Washing Machines

Purchasing a washing machine is a huge investment, so it’s important that you do research before making a decision. To make things easier, we at Extensively Reviewed put in the legwork to help you find the best washing machine for your household.

We tested as many of the models as we could get our hands in order to find the best machine. Here are the factors we used to help us test and rank our top 8 best washing machines of 2018:

  • Load Capacity. If you have a full house, you’re going to want a washing machine that can handle a heavy load. The best washing machines have washer drums with a capacity between 4 and 5 cubic feet. Anything less and you won’t be able to wash large loads.
  • Energy Usage. Washing machines can use a lot of energy, which can be harmful to the environment. The best washing machines are built to be highly efficient so that less energy is used per load. This reduces carbon footprint and saves you money on energy bills.
  • Wash Quality. A good washer will get your linens clean the first time, leaving colors looking brighter and eliminating any stains. Even if your clothes are heavily soiled, the best washing machines will be able to lift dirt away with ease.
  • Noise Level. Washing machines are known to be relatively noisy, but that doesn’t mean they have to be. The best washing machines are able to eliminate noise. Many have special casings that reduce machine vibration, so you don’t have to worry about the whole house shaking.
  • Special Features. Every year, manufacturers reveal the latest washing machine models with brand new innovations to help homeowners step up their laundry game. Features such as automatic dispensers, steam washing modes, and mobile app controls are included in many of today’s best washing machines.

Top 8 Best Washing Machines of 2018

After weeks of testing out washing machines, we were able to narrow it down to the top ten washing machines of 2018.

Let’s take a closer look at each of our picks:

1. Samsung WF45K6500AW Front Load Washer with 4.5 cu. ft. Capacity,…

Samsung is a company well known for their high-tech electronics and has recently taken a step into the smart-home market. The Samsung AddWash Front Load Washer is a heavy-duty, high-capacity washer that leaves your clothes looking brand new.

The Samsung AddWash Front Load Washer is packed with innovative features such as a super speed cycle, steam wash and Wi-Fi connectivity. The most notable feature on this washer is the AddWash door, which allows you to throw in additional articles of clothing during a wash cycle.

  • Washer Tub Size: 4.5 or 5.0 Cubic Feet
  • Wash Cycles: 14 Options
  • Cycle Time: Full Load in 36 Minutes
  • App Control: Samsung Smart Home Adapter
  • Energy Star Certified

2. Electrolux Bundle White Front Load Laundry Pair with EFLS627UIW 27″…

Electrolux is a leader in the home appliance market, with high-quality products for kitchens and laundry rooms. The Front Load Perfect Steam Washer with LuxCare Wash is a luxury washing machine that takes the difficulty out of laundry. The LuxCare washi system provides users with improved wash actions, adaptive temperature control, and Smart Load sensing to help improve your clean.

This washer has a variety of special features that aim to give you the best washing result, including SmartBoost technology. SmartBoost technology uses a special process that mixes water an detergent pre-cycle, maximizing the detergent’s cleaning power. It also has an adaptive dispenser that can use any type of detergent, including pods.

  • Washer Tub Size: 4.3 or 4.4 Cubic Feet
  • Wash Cycles: 9 Options
  • Cycle Time: Full Load in 50 Minutes
  • App Control: N/A
  • Energy Star Certified

3. LG WT7200CW/WT7200CW/WT7200CW 5.0 Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Top Load…

The LG Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Top Load Washer is a powerful machine with an ultra-large capacity for those with a lot of laundry. It uses 6Motion Technology that utilizes 6 different washing motions for a smarter clean that’s gentle on clothing.

The SlamProof glass lid allows you to look into the washer and helps keep the machine from making too much noise.

Along with the 8 wash cycles, the LG Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Top Load Washer has 14 cycle options to help you achieve the perfect clean. You can also create a customized wash program for those items that need a very particular wash.

  • Washer Tub Size: 5.0 Cubic Feet
  • Wash Cycles: 8 Options Including Speed Wash
  • Cycle Time: Full Load in 43 Minutes
  • App Control: LG SmartThinQ
  • Energy Star Certified

4. Maytag Stackable White Front Load Washing Machine with Steam 4.3 Cubic…

Maytag is best known for their highly-efficient washing machines, and their newest model does not disappoint.

The Maytag Front Load Washer with Optimal Dose Dispenser claims to have the best cleaning in the industry, thanks to the PowerWash System. The PowerWash system uses a combination of an extra wash with heated water to get the deepest clean for your clothes.

There are plenty of features on this model that make it well worth the expense. The Optimal Dose dispenser adds just the right amount of detergent and can hold enough for up to 12 loads of laundry. We also appreciated the overnight wash cycle, which can wash and dry a small load so you can wake up to clean, dry laundry.

  • Washer Tub Size: 4.5 Cubic Feet
  • Wash Cycles: 11 Options
  • Cycle Time: Full Load in 60-90 Minutes
  • App Control: N/A
  • Energy Star Certified

5. Electrolux EFMG617STT 27″ Energy Star Front Load Gas Dryer with 8 cu….

Despite being one of the least expensive models on our list, the GE DOE Energy Star Front Load Washer with Steam can take on even the toughest load with ease. This machine uses a variety of cleaning methods to get a deep clean, utilizing powerful gets and an internal water heater.

We absolutely love the Stain Removal Guide, which has preprogrammed settings that can take on some of the most common stains such as blood, grass, coffee, dirt, and more. There is also an Add Garment feature, which allows you to add forgotten laundry without having to start the cycle over.

  • Washer Tub Size: 4.5 or 4.9 Cubic Feet
  • Wash Cycles: 10 Options
  • Cycle Time: Full Load in 37 Minutes
  • App Control: N/A
  • Energy Star Certified

6. Samsung 5.5 Cu. Ft. Black Stainless Steel FlexWash Washer

Samsung continues to dominate our top washing machine list with their FlexWash Washer, which features two different washtubs that can be used at the same time.

The bottom tub is 5.0 cubic feet and front-loading, while the top-loading tub can hold an addition 1.0 cubic feet. Both tubs are controlled separately and can be operated at the same time.

There are plenty of options to choose from, all laid out on the full-touch LED display. You can use one of the 12 smart cycles, or customize your own cycle by mixing and matching over 20 different options for temperature, rinse, spin, and soil amount.

  • Washer Tub Size: 6.0 Combined Cubic Feet
  • Wash Cycles: 12 Options
  • Cycle Time: Full Load in 30 Minutes
  • App Control: Samsung Smart Home Adapter
  • Energy Star Certified

7. Blomberg WM98400SX2 2.5 cu. ft. 24 Inch Front Load Washer in White

The Kenmore Elite brand has been around for a while, so they definitely know what they’re doing when it comes to luxury home appliances.

The Kenmore Elite Front Load Washer with Steam Treat uses Smart Motion Technology that blends 6 different washing motions using the ultra-quite Direct Drive motor. There are also 9 custom cycles, each with 5 soil levels, 5 temperature levels, and 5 speed options.

The Kenmore Elite Front Load Washer has a variety of specialty settings that you won’t find on other models. This includes a Kids Wear cycle that works to scrub out tough stains like grass and food waste. It also includes the SteamTreat setting, which eliminates the need to pre-treat deep stains.

  • Washer Tub Size: 4.5 or 5.2 Cubic Feet
  • Wash Cycles: 14 Options
  • Cycle Time: Full Load in 60-90 Minutes
  • App Control: N/A
  • Energy Star Certified

8. LG WM9500HKA SIGNATURE 5.8 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Washer in Black…

The LG Ultra Large Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer is similar to the top-loading washer from earlier in the list, with some minor changing. It utilizes the same 6Motion technology to provide smart cleaning with 6 different wash movements. It also has the same amount of customizable washing settings to help you achieve the right clean.

Despite the seminaries, there are a few minor differences between the front loading and top loading models. This most notable difference is that front load model can also be fitted with the LG SideKick Pedestal Washer, which adds a second tub so you can wash two loads at the same time.

  • Washer Tub Size: 4.5 or 5.2 Cubic Feet
  • Wash Cycles: 12 Options
  • Cycle Time: Full Load in 45 Minutes
  • App Control: LG SmartThinQ
  • Energy Star Certified

Our Washing Machine Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to washing machines, there’s a great debate on which type is better: front loaders or top loaders.

Besides the obvious difference in door placement, both types of washers have their own set of pros and cons. Deciding between a front-loading machine and a top-loading one depends on the specific needs of your household.

Let’s take a quick look at the two different kinds of washers we talked about in our list, along with their advantages and drawbacks.

Front Load Washer

Image Source: Pixabay

As the name implies, a front-loading washing machine opens from the front. This style of washing machine is perfect for tight spaces, as many of them can be stacked with a matching front-load dryer.

Along with stacking, front loaders are known to be more efficient with energy and water consumption. Wash times tend to take a bit longer but often result in a superior clean.

PROS 

  • Great for small laundry areas, especially when stacked with a matching dryer.
  • Thorough clean that’s gentle on all types of fabric.
  • Uses less water, saving on energy and lowering water bills.
  • Extracts more dirt and water from the clothes, making them easier to dry.

 CONS

  • Wash times are longer, likely due to the minimal water use.
  • More expensive than many top loaders of the same quality.

Top Loaders

Top-loading washing machines open up from the top, making them much easier to load. There are two main types of top-loading washing machines: agitator and high-efficiency (HE).

Agitator top-loaders are typically cheaper and use more water than any other type of washing machine. Wash times are typically shorter, though they can have difficulty with heavily soiled loads.

These machines also have a tendency to be noisy and can cause some vibration throughout the room.

High-efficiency top loaders use less water than the agitator models and tend to have a higher load capacity. Using less water allows the machine to extract more dirt, so they’re easily able to handle heavily soiled loads. Using less water also reduces drying time.

These models are particularly quiet and don’t vibrate quite as much as the agitator models.

PROS 

  • Less expensive than the front-loading models.
  • Cycle times are typically shorter.
  • Larger capacity than most front-loading machines.

 CONS

  • Not as gentle on clothing; laundry can tangle together.
  • Can be difficult to reach the bottom of the washer tub.
  • Makes a lot of noise, especially when washing small loads.
  • Use a lot more water and energy, even with the high-efficiency models.

Our Final Thoughts on 2019’s Best Washing Machines

Washing machines are a big purchase. This is why it’s important to do the right amount of research, so you know exactly what you need.

Take some time to evaluate all your needs, and always make sure to do the extensive research before making the final decision.

Last update on 2021-03-06 at 12:05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Recent Posts