5 Best Top

Dec 15, 2023

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Whether or not you enjoy laundry day, investing in a high-efficiency laundry machine can make your life easier. While front-loading washers are popular for their designs that can be stacked with a dryer, if you have space in your laundry room, a top-loading washing machine is one of the easiest to use — no need to bend down to load it! In the past, top-loading machines were notorious for their high water consumption, but these washers are now just as energy-efficient as their front-loading counterparts. Top-loading washing machines are also at a reduced risk of developing mold and odors as compared to some front-loaders.

The experts and analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab have tested every kind of cleaning appliance for your home, from clothes dryers to irons and garment steamers. To test the best top-loading washing machines, we evaluate each machine's cleaning performance, ability to remove stains, gentleness on clothes and ease of use in the Lab. For each category test, we assess anywhere from 15 to 20 washing machines; combined with the testing we do for laundry detergents, stain removers, clothes dryers, other laundry products and more, this amounts to over 100 wash cycles per year. We also carefully review specs like energy claims and water usage. According to our most recent testing, these are the best top-loading washing machines in 2023 to make laundry days feel less like a chore.

After our top picks, continue reading to learn whether a top-loading or front-loading washing machine is best for you and what to consider when shopping.

This top-loader can handle every kind of load you throw its way thanks to a large capacity that, according to the brand, boasts enough space to wash 25 towels at once. Even though this machine uses an agitator, you don't have to sacrifice space to effectively clean your clothes. We love the variety of cycles the machine offers, including specialty ones for swimwear and activewear as well as ones that can be customized and saved for future use. We're also fond of the Extra Power button, which can help get rid of tough stains with dual-temperature washing. There's also a deep fill option for extra dirty loads that require more water than usual.

In a hurry? Just set the Quick Wash cycle for 30 minutes. On top of an intuitive, responsive display, this washer comes with smart features so you can start your laundry remotely through your smartphone — don't worry, you'll be notified when the load is finished. Though we haven't tested this exact machine in the Lab, similar washers from Maytag have performed well in previous tests.

GE washing machines have consistently performed well in our Cleaning Lab tests, and we like this model for its great value. For anyone who is constantly fighting stains, this washer comes to the rescue with presets for five of the most common, including wine stains, blood stains and grass stains. We also appreciate the sanitizing cycle to help kill off bacteria with an Oxi additive, as well as the dispenser that automatically releases the appropriate amount of detergent for optimal performance.

Like more premium washers, you can increase water levels to your liking and choose from 12 wash cycles as well as multiple rinse options. Though you won't have access to a steam cycle, the low price makes up for it. Just keep in mind that if you'd like smart features, you'll have to purchase a U+ Connect Module separately.

A Good Housekeeping Cleaning Awards winner, we love this top-loading washer for its performance and efficiency. The detergent dispenser holds enough detergent for up to 20 loads so you don't have to refill each time, and stain removal is easy with a dual-temperature faucet and access to tools like a pretreating brush. What's also unique to this washer is that the agitator is removable, making it easier to wash big, bulky items like sleeping bags and comforters. Smart features come included, and we found the app both useful and easy to use. Some reviewers do note, however, that the washer was louder than anticipated.

This smart top-loader impressed us so much that it earned a spot among our Best Cleaning & Organizing Awards winners. Just ask Alexa to start the load when you're ready, or have her adjust the washer settings without stepping a foot in the laundry room. To make things even easier, the detergent dispenser can hold up to 32 loads of detergent and dispense the right amount for you. (You just have to scan the detergent's barcode in the SmartHQ app.)

The washer performed well in Lab tests and proved to be easy to use. We appreciated the built-in tech that helps prevent sheets and clothing from getting tangled up or knotted, as well as the machine's large 5.4-cubic-foot capacity that makes it a great choice for larger families. But because it doesn't feature a self-cleaning setting, you'll have to select the cycle yourself and make a mental note to keep up with regular maintenance of your machine.

Replacing an older model can be challenging if you don't have much room to spare. Newer models with rounded and curved profiles can hog space. Look no further than this Speed Queen washer. Because of its more traditional boxy design, it should squeeze more easily into tighter spaces. It cleans gently but effectively with a traditional agitator, but with a smaller capacity of 3.2 cubic feet, it may not be the best pick if you frequently have super jumbo loads. In our tests though, we found it can handle large and extra-large loads easily. We were able to wash a bulky Queen-sized comforter with no issue or interference from the agitator, but you might not be able to squeeze in a King-sized comforter as easily.

Programming temperature, soil level and load size is easy, and we like that you can choose from eight special cycles as well as customize pre-set favorites. We found the machine to be super quiet and appreciated the delayed start setting so you can launch your cycle when it's convenient for you. Unfortunately, it lacks Energy Star certification, which means that your energy costs may be a bit higher than with certified machines that use less energy.

Wish you could find a stackable washer and dryer but prefer top-loaders to front-loaders? This unit from GE combines the best of both worlds so you don't have to bend down to load or empty your machine as you would with a front loader, and the dryer is conveniently stacked right on top. Featuring 11 wash cycles, 6 rinse temperatures and a standard-sized capacity, this combo unit is ideal for anyone who wants to say goodbye to trips to the laundromat or has limited space.

While we haven't tested this exact model, we have tested many washers and dryers from GE, so we stand behind this recommendation. Plus, we like the easy-to-reach center controls, high-end cycle options and lights to tell you the part of the cycle your load is in. While it lacks some of the fancy features of other top-loaders, it's a reliable pick for families seeking a compact combo unit at a great price.

Since 1907, the pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab have been testing the best washing machines, basing our tests off industry standards by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). In our most recent evaluation of 12 washers, we tested cleaning performance by gauging how effectively six pre-stained fabric squares were whitened after a cycle. We placed the fabric strips into each load and once the strips air-dried, we measured each stain's reflectance to calculate a cleaning score. This amounted to over 850 measurements after three cycles on each machine.

Specialty cycles like heavy-duty, delicate and quick wash were also tested in addition to sanitizing cycles. To determine gentleness, our experts washed cotton swatches with five pre-cut holes and assessed any fraying once the cycle was complete. We then scored each washer's ease of use by assessing the control panel and general intuitiveness, ease of loading and ease of opening and closing the door. Finally, our analysts verified water and energy usage claims and reviewed each owner's manual to confirm the presence of clear, thorough user instructions.

Whether you want a top-loading washing machine or front-loading washing machine is a matter of personal preference. According to Carolyn Forté, top-loading washing machines have come a long way since the days when the entire machine would fill up completely with water and use nearly 40 gallons per cycle. These days, top-loading washing machines with or without agitators require closer to 12 or 13 gallons per load. She points out that one main difference between these two models is that front loaders typically require more maintenance, but do have a slight edge when it comes to consuming less water.

Another consideration when choosing between top-loading or front-loading washing machines is ease of use and convenience. Top-loading washers have a traditional design that's extremely easy to access and doesn't require any bending down, though they can be so deep that petite folks may struggle to grab any lingering socks left inside. Also, keep in mind that only front-loading washing machines are suited for stacking with a dryer, making them a popular choice for rentals and small spaces.

There are two main types of top-loading washing machines, ones that use agitators and ones that use impeller plates. Agitators twist back and forth via a central post, removing soil as clothes are pulled through the water. Impeller plates feature a disc at the bottom of the machine that spins or bounces to clean clothing. The main difference is that agitators swish clothing in a water bath and require a bit more water to get everything clean while impeller plates cause clothing to rub against itself under a shower of water to remove stains and grime. In our experience, you can't go wrong with either option. Remember that agitators take up more space inside the tub, potentially making it more difficult to fit large blankets and duvets in a smaller capacity washer, though some models feature removable agitators for just such a purpose.

✔️ Capacity: If your average laundry loads tend to be on the smaller side, opt for a standard-capacity washer. However, if you have a big family or several messy teenagers, you might benefit from a large-capacity washer that can handle bulkier items like bedding and other large loads. On average, a standard capacity top loader is around 3 to 4 cubic feet, while an extra-large capacity is about 5 cubic feet or more.

✔️ Cycles: Before purchasing a top-loading washing machine, make sure that it has a variety of cycle styles programmed. This is useful when laundering different items, such as delicates, lightly soiled clothing and towels, which can all benefit from unique cycles. You may even want to choose a washer that allows you to customize the preset temperature and spin options.

✔️ Ease of use: Reach inside the drum of your laundry machine to make sure it's easily accessible to you and that you can easily reach the bottom.

✔️ Smart features: Look out for smart features if you want to be able to schedule laundry loads from your phone, receive notifications when a cycle is complete, order detergent and more. Some laundry machines even leverage AI technology to help choose cycle selections and care for fabrics.

✔️ Detergent dispensing: If you’re never sure how much detergent to use, opt for a machine with built-in dispensers that you fill once to serve multiple loads. Machines with this feature dispense the correct amount of detergent into each load automatically based on the cycle and size of the load.

Carolyn Forté has been testing washers, dryers and other laundry room essentials, like laundry detergents and stain removers, for more than 40 years in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Products Lab. She often consults with the appliance industry, especially washing machine manufacturers, about appliance testing protocols and consumer laundry habits, researches and writes our laundry how-tos and personally tests or oversees all of the testing done for all of the Cleaning Lab's product guides.

GH Institute analyst Olivia Lipski closely collaborated with Forté to write this guide based on our Cleaning Lab's extensive testing data.

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master's degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.

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