Ranking 15 Popular Brands' Washing Machines According To Real Customer Reviews
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Many people turn to popular brands to supply their major appliances for several reasons. Big brands often have generous return policies, long-term warranties, and hundreds to thousands of customer reviews to back them up. When purchasing a washing machine, a purchase must meet all of the above criteria to ensure you're buying a reliable appliance.
Below are 15 washing machines from some of the most well-known companies. These machines are ranked based on customer ratings and reviews. To be included in this list, each product had to have at least four stars and a considerable number of reviewers. We also sought out products that had a large amount of five-star reviews specifically, which indicate that many customers were 100% happy with the purchase. You can learn more about our criteria for creating this list by checking out the methodology below. In the meantime, read on about these popular washing machines to learn more about their pros and cons, as well as what previous customers had to say.
The Black + Decker Washing Machine is ideal for one to two people
Black + Decker is a brand well known for its power tools, and it's also the manufacturer behind a handy portable washing machine. The Black + Decker White Portable Top Load 0.9 Cubic Foot Washing Machine has a limited capacity at 0.9 cubic feet, but it is a portable washer design. This model has five cycle selections and three water level choices. It doesn't have an agitator, but this missing feature makes it perfect for washing delicates that require a gentle cycle. The washer also has a drainage hose with a quick-connect sink adapter.
Over 500 customers have reviewed the Black + Decker portable washer as a great product. 73% of people have given it five stars, resulting in a 4.5-star average. One reviewer attests to how useful the small size is for small households, "Washer is a nice little convenience for our remote cabin. Doesn't wash much but saves us a trip to town. Everything got clean, and it has a very impressive spin-out cycle. Would recommend for 1 or 2 people with minimal use."
The Magic Chef Washer is portable and easy to use
Magic Chef's Compact Portable Top Load 2 Cubic Foot Washer holds only 2 cubic feet and is one of the company's most highly rated options. It has a slightly higher capacity than the Black + Decker portable washer, and one extra cycle option for a total of six wash programs. It also has a connector for water inlets. This washer ranks slightly higher due to its slightly increased size and available wash programs, as well as its "delay start" option.
If you're wondering if portable washing machines are worth the hype, you only have to look at the Magic Chef Washer's reviews. Over 600 people rated this device a 4.5-star average. Out of those ratings, 76% were perfect five-star ratings. One person described how ideal this mini washer is for smaller households that don't have much laundry: "This tiny machine was life-changing for me. Fit in my bathroom perfectly. Easy to attach to sink— The only thing I'm not able to wash is large blankets. I will say, this washer probably isn't for you if you have a large family. I live alone and can do one or two small loads a week just fine."
The Hamilton Beach Washing Machine is a great standstill mini washer
Hamilton Beach is one of the best kitchen appliance brands based on reviews, and this brand also produces one of the best mini washers. The Hamilton Beach Portable Top Load 2.1 Cubic Foot Washing Machine has six wash cycles, a delay start option, and a quick connector for drainage. The machine operates quietly below 72 decibels (dBAs). The only downside is that although it's designed to be portable, many testimonials claim it's not easily movable due to the size and lack of wheels.
There are over 400 reviews from past purchasers, and they gave it a 4.4-star average. Out of the 400 people, 70% gave it a perfect five stars, with one person citing how, "Hook up was easy – I'm using my laundry hookups, but attaching to the faucet would be just easy. Mine is stationary, but if you will be moving it to a sink regularly, I suggest purchasing a dolly. Controls are easy to figure out. All functions work as expected— For a household of two retirees, this machine is quite enough for us, and easy on the budget."
The Amana Washer is an in-between size for compact spaces
Amana's High Efficiency Top Load 3.8 Cubic Foot Washer embraces a simpler time, and fits in with our list of best washing machines for under $800. This washer is only 3.8 cubic feet, which is full-size but on the smaller side. It has all the features of a large washer, including a high-efficiency agitator, fabric softener dispenser, and several toggle-able controls. The look emulates traditional washing machines with dials, and there are no modern touchpads and LED digital screens.
More than 1,600 testimonials stand behind this washer, giving it a solid four-star rating overall. Over half of those reviewers also gave it a full five stars. Many people favor it for its traditional and "old-school" controls, such as this reviewer: "I wanted a good quality basic washer. Not interested in bells & whistles or smart features. Not easy to find. This Amana is similar to my previous machine in looks, but has nice upgrades to the function selections. Bigger tub too! So far, it works great, does an excellent cleaning job. Really happy that this type of machine is still being made!"
The Kenmore Washer features a triple action impeller to optimize laundry
The Kenmore Top Load 4.5 Cubic Foot Washer has several wash options and settings, including a Cold Clean Cycle that uses up to 90% less energy. It's extremely spacious, with a capacity of 4.5 cubic feet, making it a great option for large households with bulky laundry loads. This washer is also outfitted with a triple action impeller, which uses three functions to ensure laundry is washed thoroughly.
There are 100 reviews standing behind the Kenmore washer, and just under half of them gave it a five-star rating. It has a 4.2 rating overall, and one customer summed up its streamlined operation: "Great washer, excellent quality. Gets clothes very clean. The agitator design is excellent and has unique jets to improve agitation. It also moves totally independently of the spin basket— Capacity is great. Spin basket is smooth quality stainless. Spin cycle gets clothes almost completely dry, so dryer time is short. Stays balanced even on larger, bulky loads. Simple to set up and get going."
The Maytag Washer has many luxury additions
Maytag is one of the washing machine brands experts recommend, and Maytag's High Efficiency Stackable Front Load 4.8 Cubic Foot Washer was an obvious choice for our ranking of popular washer brands. This washer has a large range of features, including a convenient "fresh hold" option that preserves laundry after washing. It enables users to set favorite cycles, use a late add button to add last-minute garments, and toggle the Advanced Vibration Control Plus to balance unsteady loads. The only downside is that there's no interior light. When stacked beneath a dryer, it may be hard to see in dimly lit laundry rooms.
With over 2,600 reviews standing behind this Maytag washer, it's hard to argue its popularity and reliability. It has a 4.4-star average, with almost 70% of them leaving a full five stars. One loyal Maytag customer compares this washer to an older model: "This washer replaced a Maytag washer that we purchased 7 years ago. Things we like: It gets our clothes clean, it is quiet, it has a power switch, it has multiple wash settings, it has a fresh hold feature, and lastly, it has a delay start. Something we miss from our previous washer: a light."
The Hotpoint Washer has a traditional look but works like a modern washer
The Hotpoint Top Load 4 Cubic Foot Washer doesn't look like anything special at first glance. It has the look of a 20th-century washing machine with accessible dial buttons that are easy to adjust. It may have a dated look, but this washer is outfitted with energy-efficient cycle options, a heavy-duty agitator, and bleach and fabric softener dispensers. There's also a status indicator light on top, which announces what stage of the cycle it's on.
More than 2,100 reviews attest to the Hotpoint washer's quality. Over 60% of reviewers gave it five stars, resulting in a 4.3-star average. Many people applaud this washer for its old-fashioned and straightforward controls. "I really like my new washer! Great capacity, simple button and dial system that is easy to understand, actual buttons that push easily, gets the clothes nice and clean."
The Whirlpool Washer auto-senses laundry and washes thoroughly
Whirlpool ranks among the most trustworthy and reliable appliance brands according to experts. The Whirlpool Top Load 3.8 Cubic Foot Washer ranks mid-tier on our list due to its modern but modest features. There are multiple cycles to choose from, including a soaking cycle that washes whites and colors. It has all the necessary features most households demand of a washer without being too fancy or gimmicky. It's a full-size washer with a lot of options, yet the price point is below $500. Overall, it's very budget-friendly compared to many popular washing machines.
The result of this design is a four-star rating based on nearly 3,700 individuals' feedback. Over half of the reviewers give it a perfect five-star rating, and one summarized the appliance as, "Large capacity. Deep cold water wash. The extra spin and rinse. Just makes it a great buy. Can't beat this deal."
The Frigidaire Washer features many presets and a handy dispenser
The Frigidaire Top Load 4.1 Cubic Foot Washer puts other washers to shame with its 12 wash cycle options. In addition to these options, you can customize soil levels and mark your favorite settings. All of which is doable via an electronic control panel. There's also a bleach, detergent, and fabric softener dispenser, and a quick wash mode that many reviewers praise.
Frigidaire is well-known in the laundry appliance industry, and this model has a 4.3-star average from over 2,300 people. Over 60% of reviewers gave it a perfect score. One thing to keep in mind is that taller people are more likely to favor this washer than shorter individuals. One person claims, "Cleans clothes well. Although the top loader is difficult for short people to reach down into to remove clothes." Another person made similar comments but from the opposite point of view: "Since I am tall, it actually makes loading/unloading easier on me."
The Samsung Washer has a handy phone app for troubleshooting
Samsung dominates the home electronics industry, but it also has a high reputation among laundry appliance manufacturers. The Samsung High Efficiency Stackable Smart Front 4.5 Cubic Foot Washer has several specific features that improve its overall convenience for everyday laundry. It has Vibration Reduction Technology, Self Clean, and Smart Care components. This keeps it quiet, extra sanitizing, and easy to troubleshoot when things go wrong. Additionally, this appliance is UL certified, ENERGY STAR certified, and meets several accessibility ratings. It has additional assistive features for people who are visually and hearing impaired. Aside from these extra features and ratings, this washer has a design that reduces the risk of snags on delicate clothing. There's also a quick wash setting, which finishes laundry in as little as 22 minutes.
There are 3,300 reviews and counting that stand behind this Samsung washer. Out of the thousands of testimonials, 70% gave five stars out of five, resulting in a 4.3-star average. One person summed up why they speak so highly of this product, "It is very quiet when in operation and spins the clothes out really well. It has some great features for light to heavy loads and is simple to use."
The Speed Queen Washer prioritizes reliability over fancy features
The Speed Queen Top Load 3.2 Cubic Foot Washer combines traditional washing machine designs with modern features with its digital and knob-operated controls. It's relatively low-tech compared to other modern washing machines but highly reviewed. This washer includes four preset cycles and has an automatic balancing system. The small capacity of 3.2 cubic feet makes it a great fit for full households living in apartments, manufactured homes, and tiny homes with limited closet space.
There are nearly 1,100 reviews of this Speed Queen washing machine. The verdict given by reviewers has resulted in a 4.6-star average overall. One reviewer complimented this brand and appliance for being more reliable than others on the market: "This Speed Queen is a simple no frills machine. It's rugged and will last a long time, and support is available long after others stop supporting their products."
The GE Washer has a fully customizable wash cycle
GE actually appears twice in this ranking, since it owns the Hotpoint brand. However, GE also has a washer under its own name that made this ranking, the GE Top Load 4.5 Cubic Foot Washer. This washer is decked out with extensive customization settings, including personalized cycles and an "eco cold" mode that saves energy. There's a Double Action Agitator designed to be gentle on laundry loads, and an auto soak option that assists with stain removal.
Overall, the 700 people who reviewed this product were overwhelmingly happy with it. Out of the total reviewers, 71% gave it a solid five stars, resulting in a 4.4-star average. One person explains the versatile customization options provided in this washer design. "It is capable of modern amenities, but you can also customize it to what you need it to do. You can pick your own water level, soil level, water temp, and spin on this."
The Insignia Top Load Washer condenses many features in a budget-friendly appliance
The Insignia Top Load 4.1 Cubic Foot Washer is very similar to another Insignia appliance, ranking among the best washing machines under $500 according to reviews. This Best Buy-branded appliance includes 11 washing cycles, soil and temperature options, and a delayed start toggle. It also sports a child lock, keeping the controls safe from curious children. Overall, this washer is surprisingly large and customizable for the low price point.
86% of the nearly 300 reviewers of the Insignia washer gave it an exemplary star rating. The result is an average of 4.7 stars, with most of the reviews leaving glowing testimonials. "I have had this machine for a month now and it is truly the laundry machine I didn't know I needed! I was looking for a machine that was affordable and quite basic. The sale price was attractive, and I honestly didn't even pay attention to the features that were included. When the machine was delivered and set up, I immediately used it, and I am so impressed with the simple controls that have a variety of load type settings."
The LG Washer uses modern tech to optimize washing and save energy
The LG High-Efficiency Stackable Front Load 5 Cubic Foot Washer ranks among the top on this list based on its sheer size alone. It has a five-cubic-foot capacity that fits king-size comforters. Despite the enormous load, it utilizes innovative technology, LG's 6Motion and ColdWash, to clean these items just as effectively as normal laundry loads. An added bonus is that this appliance is ENERGY STAR certified, which optimizes the amount of water and electricity used with every cycle.
About 83% of nearly 900 people gave this LG washer a 5-star rating. It has a 4.7 overall, with people applauding how quietly it runs despite the massive capacity. "It cleans so quietly and efficiently. I love all of the washing options, including the ability to change the speed of the spin cycle. I also like the size of the tub; it easily accommodates king-size bedding."
The Electrolux Washer has several modernized features that make it a top-tier washer
Electrolux has been around since the 20th century, and this parent company has acquired appliance brands that have been long gone and forgotten. Over the decades, this brand has released several top-rated appliances, including the aforementioned Frigidaire washer and the Electrolux Stackable Front Load 4.5 Cubic Foot Washer. The latter luxury washer puts others to shame with its SmartBoost tech that premixes water and detergent before beginning a cycle. It cleans more efficiently than most appliances on the market, and is certified to kill and remove 99% of bacteria and remove 95% of allergens, depending on the cycle used. Energy-conscious households will also be happy to know it's ENERGY STAR-certified, and can quick-wash laundry loads in 15 minutes. Even more impressive is that it has the world's first adaptive dispenser for PODS.
There are over 10,000 reviews for this washing machine. The average rating from all these reviews combined is a 4.8, with 84% of people leaving the highest rating: five stars. Many testimonials applaud the product with comments like, "The washing quality is excellent — clothes come out fresh, clean, and well-rinsed every time. It's also surprisingly quiet in operation, even during high-speed spins, which makes a big difference in a household setting. The thoughtful features like steam options, SmartBoost, and multiple specialty cycles give plenty of flexibility without overcomplicating things."
Methodology
We began our ranking of popular brands by compiling a list of all the most recognizable brands. Some of these brands are known for their washers and dryers, while others are more recognizable for other household products, such as power tools or kitchen appliances. Once these brands were identified, we selected their highest-rated products. We set a standard: each item must have a 4-star rating, at least 100 reviewers, and multiple customer testimonials guaranteeing the product is as good as advertised.