The 3 Best Top-Load Washers The Spruce Has Tested

How We Tested the Top-Load Washers

Every home has unique laundry needs, so when selecting and testing the top-load washers for this list, we considered a variety of designs, price points, and features from top-rated brands like LG, GE, Whirlpool, and Amana. Our selections have varying capacities, features (smart and not), and washing mechanisms (an agitator, impeller plate, or both). All three of our picks are high-efficiency machines, and were tested right in our own homes so we could see how they'd hold up to regular, day-to-day use.

When testing washers and dryers, we consider and rate them on a series of attributes.

• Cleaning Performance: We use as many cycle options and settings as possible, noting how well our laundry is cleaned, what it's like to select and adjust cycle settings, and how well the machine drains and spins the excess water. We consider the capacity and what we can comfortably add to one load. In the case of our best for bulky items pick—the GE Profile PTW600BSRWS—the washer held way more than we expected.
• Design: We consider all of the features and settings the washer comes with, and whether they're actually useful and effective. We take a close look at the dispensers (or lack thereof), and note if the cycles take longer than we'd like. We note any quirks or random things we love about each of the machines: the way their lid opens, their control dial, or their app interface. We get to know all the parts of the machine here.
• Noise Level: Washing machines can be noisy, and we describe how noisy (or quiet!) a machine is. In the case of two of our three picks, the washer was definitely noisier than we had expected and closing doors was necessary to help reduce the noise.
• Efficiency: We take note of whether the machine uses more or less water and energy than other machines we've used, and what our water and energy bills look like after consistent use. All of the picks on our list are high-efficiency machines, and two have Energy Star ratings.
• Value: After using the machines for months, we rate their value, taking our entire experience into account—and thinking about our past experiences with washing machines. Our picks range from $650 to $1,500, and each feels like a good value, especially given that you can typically find them on sale.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Top-Load Washer

Think About Capacity

Capacity is typically measured in cubic feet. An average washer has around 5.0 cubic feet of space, and top-loading models are typically more spacious than front-loading options—so, they're a great option for larger households or those who do more than three loads of laundry per week. (A smaller, portable washing machine may have around 1.0 to 3.0 cubic feet of space, which can comfortably fit one person's three-day laundry pile. This capacity is suitable for a small apartment or RV.)

A high-capacity model may have up to 6.0 cubic feet or more. To decide which size fits your needs, consider this: a queen-size comforter can fit into a 3.5-cubic-foot washer, and a king-size comforter can fit into a 3.8-cubic-foot washer. Additionally, picks with a central agitator are less spacious than ones with an impeller plate.

The largest pick on our list is the Whirlpool WTW8127LW (our runner-up) with up to 5.3 cubic feet of space, but the GE Profile PTW600BSRWS is the best option for washing bulky items since it just has an impeller plate and deep drum.

Research the Cleaning Method: Agitator or Impeller Plate

Central agitators and impellers plates are both effective, but they don't work the same way. Again, an agitator is best for rigorous cleaning, while an impeller plate is better for cleaning bulkier items and a more gentle routine. I have used machines with both—and my current top-load washer, the Whirlpool WTW5057LW (our top pick)—has a removable agitator so I can have the best of both worlds.

• Agitators: A central agitator is a column in the washer's drum that may be smooth or adorned with fins to help move your clothes around in the drum. The agitator will typically spin in different directions throughout the wash cycle, forcing the clothes to move around and rub against each other, as well as the drum, to facilitate cleaning. Agitators are very common and effective, but they can be rough on clothes and take up space in the washer drum.
• Impeller Plates: Impeller plates are flat, sit at the bottom of the washer drum, and don't extend upward like an agitator. They spin during the wash cycle, creating a water current that moves the clothes around. Since the impeller is flat and has little contact with the laundry, it's less rough on your clothes and often gives you more space for washing bulky items like comforters.

If you aren't sure which one you want, or you'd like the benefits of both, our top and runner-up picks both have a removable agitator, so you don't necessarily have to compromise. While testing our top pick, I've actually found myself using the agitator more than the impeller plate, though. It still offers plenty of drum space, and helps me load my clothes, towels, and sheets in a balanced and even way, so my washer doesn't easily go off-balance. There's definitely perks to both styles.

Consider Cycle Options and Efficiency

Cycle options in top-load washers include traditional settings for whites, delicates, and a normal load of clothes. They can also include specialty settings for activewear, bedding, towels, and items that need to be washed in 20 minutes flat.

The activewear setting, in particular, ensures that items like leggings and sports bras—which can include delicate fabrics made of spandex or mesh—are treated very lightly. It can mimic the process of hand-washing while more thoroughly removing sweat and grime. Other notable cycle options are allergen and cold wash settings, as well as steam functions.

Beyond cycle options, there are also high-efficiency and non-high-efficiency washing machines. In general, high-efficiency models use less water and energy per cycle. But, they may have a deep-fill setting that forgoes any water usage constraints and fills the drum up with more water to really soak your clothes. If you opt for a high-efficiency machine, you'll need a HE detergent, too; though, most laundry detergents are HE-friendly.

Don't Forget About Dispensers

It's certainly nice to have dispensers for your favorite laundry detergent, fabric softener, or bleach. It is pretty standard to find top-load washers with a full suite of dispensers, or just one or two for your detergent and bleach. With dispensers, you don't have to worry about manually adding a detergent and fabric softener of your choosing—which may require waiting around for the rinse cycle.

Our favorite top-load washers offer a mix when it comes to dispensers. Our runner-up pick has the most handy and innovate option: a bulk dispenser. It holds a liter of liquid detergent, so you can skip this step for many cycles to come. After a cycle is selected and started, it dispenses the correct amount of liquid based on the size of your load, also saving you from using too much or too little.

This feature is particularly handy for households that need to run many cycles per week. If your top-load washer doesn't have dispensers, you have a few options—though, follow what's in your manual first. As I noted above, my favorite hack is using a laundry detergent pod versus a liquid detergent. It can be added to the bottom of the drum. However, you can also add your favorite liquid detergent or powder detergent to the bottom of the drum, too.

For fabric softener, you can add it manually during the rinse cycle, or opt for dryer sheets or dryer balls during your dryer's cycle instead. You can also purchase a Downy Ball. Detergent sheets are also an option that we love. Several of our editors have given them a try and had sparkling results.

One More Thing

There's a constant debate of what is better: top-load washers or front-load washers. The best type of washer is the one that works best for you, and I'm pretty partial to top-load washers because they are a lot easier to maintain. Each design has its perks and its downfalls, though.

Top-load washers are better than front-load washers when it comes to upfront cost, maintenance, and lifespan. The familiar design of a top-load washer is typically more budget-friendly and doesn't collect mildew and odors as quickly as a front-loading machine. You can usually do basic repairs, like balancing the drum, on your own by watching an instructional video or following the troubleshooting tips in your manual.

On the downside, top-load washers can create a good amount of wear and tear on your clothes. It can also be hard to reach in the inside of the drum. For more, check out our handy comparison guide on top-load versus front-load washers.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Marisa Viglione is a senior editor at The Spruce, who specializes in appliances, cleaning, organization, and home technology. She's been researching, vetting, and testing washers and dryers consistently for four years now, and has used both top-loading and front-loading machines. For this roundup, she dove into our firsthand testing insights, considering each machine's capacity, performance, design, features, overall value, and more.

She currently owns and uses our top pick, the Whirlpool WTW5057LW, and loves how it's both basic and modern. She lives with her husband and (almost!) 2-year-old daughter, and does about five to six loads of laundry per week. Her mom also owns a Whirlpool top-load washer that's held up (so far) for eight years.

Our Experts:

• Dena Ogden, associate editor at The Spruce