How We Test Washing Machines
To test how good a washing machine is at cleaning clothes, CR’s testers use fabric swatches stained with red wine, cocoa, carbon (which is similar to soot), and other hard-to-remove stains. They analyze each swatch with a spectrocolorimeter before and after washing. The lighter the stain after laundering, the higher the machine scores in washing performance.
We also evaluate how gentle a washer is on fabrics, and record the amount of water and energy each machine uses. We also record the energy needed to dry the laundry we just washed: Washers that extract more water shorten dryer time and score higher in our energy-efficiency tests. Water- and energy-efficiency scores are among the factors we use to determine the Green Choice designation for washers.
Our testers also measure how much vibration the washer transmits to a wood floor, and our panelists judge the washer’s noise levels during the fill, agitate/tumble, drain, and spin cycles.
In addition to the lab test results, we incorporate each washer brand’s reliability and owner satisfaction scores from CR’s member survey into the Overall Score for each washer.
Washing Machine Types
Do you prefer loading laundry from the top of a washing machine rather than bending to load a front-loader? Or do you prefer a large-capacity front-loader for laundering large blankets or comforters at home? Every type of washing machine has its advantages and drawbacks.
The pros and cons below refer to the washer types as a group, based on our testing. There are exceptions, which you’ll see in our washing machine ratings.
Agitator Top-Loaders
Pros
• They’re usually the least expensive option, starting around $425.
• Cycle times are typically shorter than other types, often 35 to 65 minutes using the normal wash/heavy soil setting, and faster using the normal soil setting.
• These machines often earn midlevel and above ratings for washing performance. (They have a tougher time with heavy stains or soil, though, so you may have to pretreat your laundry.)
Cons
• Many are tough on fabrics.
• They typically use a lot more water than other types.
• Dryer times are often longer. (The washer’s tub can’t spin as fast as other washer types, so less water is extracted.)
• Most are noisy.
To learn more, see “5 Things to Know About Top-Load Agitator Washing Machines.”
High-Efficiency (HE) Top-Loaders
Pros
• These machines often earn a very good or excellent rating for cleaning performance in our tests.
• Capacities are bigger than those of most agitator top-loaders.
• They use less water than many agitator washers and extract more of it, shortening dryer time.
Cons
• Wash times are long, often 70 to 105 minutes using the normal wash/heavy soil setting. (You can save time by using the normal soil setting.)
• Most aren’t gentle on fabrics.
• Laundry can tangle because of the low water level, longer wash time, and higher spin speed.
• Higher-capacity models may have deep tubs, which can make it difficult to reach the bottom.
Find out more by reading “5 Things to Know About High-Efficiency Top-Loaders.”
Front-Loaders
Pros
• These machines typically earn an excellent or very good score for cleaning performance in our tests.
• Many are gentler on fabrics.
• Front-loaders use less water and extract more of it, thereby saving energy and shortening dryer time.
• Most can be stacked with their matching dryer to save space.
• They’re available in a wide range of capacity, features, and prices, from $530 to $2,200
Cons
• Wash times are long, often 65 to 120 minutes using the normal wash/heavy soil setting.
• Some transmit vibrations to the floor. (That can be a concern with wood floors but not concrete ones.)
• Mold can be a problem with any type of washer, but in CR’s member survey, 14 percent of front-loader owners said theirs had mold or mildew, compared with 3 percent of HE top-loader owners and 1 percent of top-load agitator owners.
• Front-loaders are generally more difficult to load than top-loaders. A pedestal boosts a front-loader’s height—making loading easier—but you’ll pay $250 or more for the convenience.
For more information on front-loaders, see “5 Things to Know About Front-Load Washers.”
Compact Front-Loaders
Pros
• Their 24-inch width makes them an option when space is tight. Height and depth vary, as you’ll see in our compact washing machine ratings.
• Most can be stacked with their matching electric dryer to save floor space.
Cons
• Most compacts sold are front-loaders, not top-loaders, limiting your options.
• Matching compact dryers are electric (vented or ventless). Gas models are not available at this time.
• They’re small but expensive; prices typically range from $600 to $2,100.
• Cycle times are long for washer and dryer, especially if the dryer is a ventless model.
• They tend to vibrate, some more than others.
For more information, see “Best Matching Compact Washers and Dryers.”
Choosing the Best Washer for Your Space
Measure the space you have to work with, allowing at least 6 inches behind the washer for water hookups, and about an inch between the washer and dryer. Measure the doors to your home to make sure a new washer can fit through them. Full-size washing machines are generally 27 inches wide; compact washers are typically 24 inches wide.
An extra-large washer-dryer combo machine may be harder to squeeze through door frames, but these ventless machines can be set up anywhere near a water hookup. That might be ideal if you live in an apartment or condo, or if you lack space for two appliances. Check dimensions in our washing machine ratings, and note which front-loaders can be stacked with a matching dryer. If space is tight, also consider the compact washers we’ve tested.
If your machine will be located near a living area, consider a washer that earns a very good or excellent score in our noise tests. And while most manufacturers have reduced the vibrations that full-sized front-loaders transmit to the floor, take a close look at vibration scores in our washing machine ratings to avoid that nuisance.
All About Washing Machines
For more information on washing machine capacity, types, and dimensions, watch our video below.
Picking the Right Washer Capacity
You’ll want to make sure the washing machine you buy is large enough to handle a typical-sized load for your household. For reference, a large washing machine with a 6.2-cubic-foot-capacity can hold 17 thick, full-sized bath towels, while compact washers, which typically have a claimed capacity of around 2.3 cubic feet, can fit about six of these towels. Washers with a capacity of more than 4.5 cubic feet fit a king-size comforter in our tests. In our ratings, you’ll find you’ll find washers with capacities ranging from 1.9 to 5.8 cubic feet.
Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports
Helpful Washing Machine Features
The more features, the higher the price. So, narrow your options to high-performing washers that fit your budget, then consider features that add convenience or save time. Here are five to look for.
Automatic Dispensers
This feature is designed to dispense detergent, bleach, and fabric softener at the right time. Some washing machines can hold several months’ worth of detergent.
PHOTO: LG
Automatic Temperature Control
Rather than simply mixing hot and cold water in preset proportions, auto temperature control adjusts the water to the optimal temperature for the selected setting.
PHOTO: SAMSUNG
Extra Rinse Cycle
Most new washers that CR tests have an extra rinse cycle. It can help if your skin is sensitive to detergent residue, and can help wash away pet hair and other stubborn messes—that said, we recommend removing as much pet hair as possible from fabrics before throwing them into the washer.
PHOTO: SAMSUNG
Stainless Steel Tub
Most washers that CR tests now have a stainless tub. It can withstand higher spin speeds than plastic, extracting more water and cutting dryer time.
PHOTO: MAYTAG
End-of-Cycle Signal
A snappy tune or string of beeps alerts you that it’s time to move your clean laundry from the washing machine to the dryer.
PHOTO: KENMORE
Automatic Dispensers
This feature is designed to dispense detergent, bleach, and fabric softener at the right time. Some washing machines can hold several months’ worth of detergent.
PHOTO: LG
Brands in CR's Ratings
Here’s a look at the brands currently in our ratings. We test year-round and continue to add brands to our washing machine ratings.
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