Best Washing Machines of 2022

Washing machines, like other appliances, have gone high-tech. For example, many new models have Wi-Fi connectivity, letting you to stop, start, and track cycles with a mobile app. Or they may simply have “smart” features for cleaning, like steam cycles, or for saving water and energy, like load sensors.

All that new technology, plus the plethora of wash cycles and program options available, may make your head spin faster than a washer basket. That’s where we can help. U.S. News looked at the top-rated washers available to recommend the best for your family and lifestyle in our Best Washing Machines of 2022 rating.

The prices used in our ratings were collected in October of 2021. At the time of publication, all information is up to date. However, prices may vary.

Our Best Washing Machines of 2022

#1 Electrolux-EFLS627U Front-Load Washer
#2 GE-GFW850S Appliance Front-Load Washer
#3 LG-WM3900H Front-Load Washer
#4 LG-WT7800C Top-Load Washer
#5 LG-WT7300C Top-Load Washer
#5 Samsung-WF45R6100A Front-Load Washer
#5 Samsung-WF45R6300A Front-Load Washer
#8 LG-WM9000HVA Front-Load Washer
#8 Samsung-WF45K6500AV Front-Load Washer
#10 Samsung-WV60M9900A Front-Load Washer

Compare the Best Washing Machines of 2022

Best Washing Machines in Detail

Electrolux 4.4-Cubic-Foot EFLS627U Front-Load Washer

This Electrolux washer uses only 85 kWh annually and is the most energy-efficient model in our rating. It also has several options for customizing certain settings according to your needs. For example, you canadjust water levels depending on how much laundry you have, or change your wash settings to treat various types of stains. Moreover, according to professional reviewers, this Electrolux is great at cleaning and removing stains. It also will automatically pre-mix detergent and includes a dedicated pod dispenser. This front-loading washer retails for about $1,500 and can be stacked or placed next to our No.1 Best Dryer of 2022, the matching Electrolux 8-Cubic-Foot EFME627U Electric Dryer. Both the washer and drier are also first in our rating of the Best Matching Washers and Dryers of 2022.

Read more in our Electrolux washer review.

GE Appliance 5.0-Cubic-Foot GFW850S Front-Load Washer

Experts agree that the “wow” factor on this $1,149 GE washing machine is its proprietary technology that aims to tackle the bane of front-loaders, which is their tendency to become smelly over time. GE has incorporated an antimicrobial material into the door gasket and other exterior components, along with a vent system that dries the seal, drum, and dispenser after a load runs to prevent the moisture and detergent buildup that causes odors. It doesn’t skimp on other features either, with 12 different wash cycles, smart features, and the ability to wash and dry a small load. Need to dry a bigger load? The GE Appliances 7.8-Cubic-Foot Smart GFD85ES Electric Dryer ties for No. 3 in our rating of the Best Dryers of 2022. You can stack them or place them side-by-side. The washer and dryer set are Energy Star-rated. The GE 5.0-cubic-foot front-load washer retails for about $1,200.

Read more in our GE washer review.

LG 4.5-Cubic-Foot WM3900H Front-Load Washer

One of four LG washing machines that made our rating of the Best Washing Machines of 2022, this model also ranked No. 3 in both Best Front-Loading Washing Machines and Best Stackable Washers and Dryers. The WM3900H is also the second least expensive LG washer at just $1,199.

This model is equipped with Wi-Fi that connects with the ThinQ app which allows you to both control and monitor your laundry remotely. It also comes with features such as a TurboWash cycle which cleans even large loads in 30 minutes or less and an Allergiene Cycle which removes 95% of allergens and is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). This washer is closet-depth and will fit into most closets and laundry nooks but still has a large enough capacity to handle bigger items like a king-sized comforter.

Read more in our LG washer review.

LG 5.5-Cubic-Foot WT7800C Top-Load Washer

The second LG model on our list is No. 1 in our rating of the Best Top-Load Washing Machines of 2022. Along with its companion dryer, the LG 7.3-Cubic-Foot Smart DLEX7800 Electric Dryer, it ties for fifth on our list of the Best Matching Washers and Dryers of 2022. At 5.5 cubic feet, this is a mega-capacity washer that could be a great option for a large family. However, at 44.5 inches tall, this extra-large appliance might not be the best fit for your laundry room, so be sure to measure before you buy, especially if it’s going to be tucked under a cabinet. This LG top-load washer retails for about $1,300. There’s no steam function, but, like the LG WM3900H front-loader, it offers a TurboWash setting that promises a 29-minute cycle. It’s also Wi-Fi enabled, so you can monitor cycles and control it from your smartphone.

Read more in our LG washer review.

LG 5.0-Cubic-Foot WT7300C Top-Load Washer

Though not quite as large as the WT7800C at 5 cubic feet, this top-loader has plenty of capacity for knocking out hampers full of laundry. It's very similar to the WT7800C, but with eight wash cycles to the 7800’s 12. Experts laud the WT7300C for its effectiveness in getting even large loads of clothes clean. Its matching dryer, the LG 7.3-Cubic-Foot Smart DLE7300 Electric Dryer, has a unique feature: the door can open from either the side or the top. The two laundry appliances can also communicate, so the washer can tell the dryer which cycle to select. The dryer is fifth in our rating of the Best Dryers of 2022. Both appliances make our list of the Best Matching Washer and Dryer Sets of 2022 at No. 4. At $1,049, this is the least expensive LG in our ratings.

Read more in our LG washer review.

Samsung 4.5-Cubic-Foot WF45R6100A Front-Load Washer

The Samsung 4.5-Cubic-Foot WF45R6100A Front-Load Washer ties for fifth in our best washer rating. With its matching dryer, the Samsung 7.5-Cubic-Foot DVE45R6100 Electric Dryer, it’s also fifth in our rating of the Best Matching Washer and Dryer Sets of 2022. As a stackable pair with closet-depth dimensions, they should fit many laundry spaces. Experts say the Samsung WF45R6100A is one of the best washers around for removing heavy stains, thanks in part to the fact that the steam function is available to use across five of its 10 cycles. While it’s not a “smart” washer, it does feature Smart Care, which allows you to troubleshoot issues from your smartphone. Retailing for around $950, it’s the least expensive front-loader in our ratings.

Read more in our Samsung washer review.

Samsung 4.5-Cubic-Foot WF45R6300A Front-Load Washer

The Samsung WF45R6300A front-load washer is also popular with the experts for its exceptional cleaning power. It’s the same price as the WF45R6100A but adds two additional cycles. One is a “Super Speed” cycle that promises to wash a full load of clothes in 30 minutes, and the other is an ActiveWear cycle to thoroughly clean those breathable workout clothes without damaging the delicate fabrics. The 4.5-Cubic-Foot WF45R6300A also adds smart technology via Samsung’s SmartThings app. Compatible with a wide range of virtual assistants, the app allows you to control your washing machine from your smartphone as well as monitor your laundry’s progress. In addition to tying for fifth in our rating of the best washers, it ties for No. 4 in the Best Front-Load Washing Machines of 2022 rating and retails for about $950.

Read more in our Samsung washer review.

LG 5.2-Cubic-Foot WM9000HVA Front-Load Washer

Though the LG WM9000HVA, which costs $1,799, is one of the priciest washers in our ratings, it is also one of the largest. It has 14 wash cycle options, including an Allergiene wash cycle that uses steam to remove dust mites and pet dander. You can even control your washer from your smartphone with the LG ThinQ app, which allows you to start, stop, and monitor the machine.

This washer’s matching dryer, the LG DLEX9000V Electric Dryer, earns the No. 2 spot in our Best Dryers of 2022 rating. The set is not stackable but places No. 6 in our Best Matching Washer and Dryer rating.

Read more in our LG washer review.

Samsung 4.5-Cubic-Foot WF45K6500AV Front-Load Washer

AddWash is the signature feature on the Samsung 4.5-Cubic-Foot WF45K6500AV Front-Load Washer. It’s a small door in the main door that you can use to add a forgotten piece of laundry. However, the actual operation isn’t much different than the traditional manner of adding clothes – you push a button, wait until the machine stops, open the small door, and toss the item in. All of the other machines in our ratings can be paused as well, but you add the wash in through the main door. Pairing this washer with the Samsung app allows you to set notifications for specific functions, like when the rinse cycle starts if you want to toss in a pre-washed item and have it just put through a rinse. Samsung says the product is not available, but it may still be available at select retailers. In addition to tying for No. 8 on our list of the best washers, this Samsung model ties for No. 6 in our ratings of the Best Front-Load Washers of 2022.

Read more in our Samsung washer review.

Samsung 6.0-Cubic-Foot WV60M9900A Front-Load Washer

Samsung’s 6-cubic-foot WV60M9900A Front-Load Washer not only allows you to wash large loads, but it also combines two washing machines into one. With its FlexWash technology, this unit can run two separate loads simultaneously – one in the lower, 5-cubic-foot-capacity front-load portion of the unit and the other in the upper, 1-cubic-foot-capacity top-load section – for quicker laundry turnaround. Plus, the Super Speed setting reduces wash time to about 30 minutes without sacrificing cleaning power. The unit features include a Steam Wash option, PowerFoam technology, and Wi-Fi connectivity with several home-assistant apps. This washer’s price of $1,999 makes it the most expensive unit in our rating. It can be paired side-by-side with the Samsung 7.5-Cubic-Foot DVE60M9900 Smart Electric Dryer, which is No. 8 in our Best Dryers of 2022 rating.

Read more in our Samsung washer review.

Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washing Machines

With manufacturers increasingly narrowing the gap in water and energy efficiency across the washing machine spectrum, the main difference in washing machines in general is whether you load the laundry from a door on the front of the appliance or the top.

With a front-loader, unless you purchase an optional riser or pedestal, you’ll have to bend over, squat, or kneel to load and unload it.

A top-loader is very easy to load, but you have to reach down into the drum to unload it. If you have a high-capacity machine and you’re not a tall person, you may need a stool to reach the bottom.

There are a few other considerations that may make one a better fit for your laundry room than the other.

Front-Load Washing Machines

For the eco-conscious, front-loaders are a better choice than a top-load machine. They use less water, and the gentler action of front-loading machines results in fewer microfibers and synthetic yarns making their way into our water supplies. They’re also not as hard on clothing as top-loaders, even those without agitators. Front-load washing machines tumble your clothing, which results in less wear and tear than the spinning action of top-loaders. They also remove more water during the spin cycle, so clothes spend less time in the dryer.

One downside that manufacturers have largely addressed was the issue of very long cycle times. Now, almost all front-loaders include very fast wash cycles – sometimes as quick as 29 minutes. The biggest issue is that mold and mildew can grow in the door gaskets and cause your washer to smell. This can be mitigated through regular cleaning of the gaskets and airing out of the drum. Visit How to Clean a Washing Machine for more details. Most of the front-load washers in our ratings also have dedicated cycles for cleaning the washer that should be run once a month or so to help prevent that buildup.

If you’re tight on space in your laundry room, a stackable front-load washer paired with a matching dryer means you have a laundry tower, instead of two side-by-side appliances. You’ll need an optional bracket kit to secure the dryer to the top of the washer. That also means you can’t add a riser or pedestal, so you’ll have to stoop, bend, or kneel to unload your laundry. For more information, see our rating of the Best Stackable Washing Machines of 2022.

To learn more about front-loaders, visit our Best Front-Load Washing Machines of 2022 rating.

Top-Load Washing Machines

When front-load washing machines were first becoming popular, there were a lot of differences between front-loaders and top-loaders. Front-loaders were more expensive but used a lot less water and energy. Wash cycle times were much longer. Clothes were cleaned more gently, so there was less wear and tear. Because of the lack of an agitator, larger, bulkier items could be washed.

Those differences are beginning to disappear as agitator-style washers become increasingly rare. For example, none of the washing machines in our ratings have an agitator. Instead, manufacturers have sought to narrow the gap in efficiency between top-loaders and front-loaders by replacing agitators with impellers. That means that today’s modern top-load machines are nearly as efficient as front-loaders and are gentler on clothes than the agitator-style top-load washer. However, that also means longer cycle times for both types of washers.

Still, even with impellers, top-load washing machines are not as energy efficient as front-loaders. EnergyStar.gov says front-load washers are about 25% more energy- and water-efficient than top-loaders with an impeller. They also still clean better and more gently, so your clothes will last longer. Both of the top-load machines in our rating are Energy Star certified.

The price differential has narrowed as well. For example, the least expensive washer in our ratings is the $1,049 Samsung 4.5-Cubic-Foot WF45R6100A Front-Load Washer. The least expensive top-loader is the LG 5.0-Cubic-Foot WT7300C Top-Load Washer at $1,049.

Ergonomics is another consideration. If you have bad knees or a bad back, then a top-loader may be the best choice because you won’t need to crouch down to load it. If you prefer a front-load washer, you can add a riser or pedestal to adjust the height, which may help with loading the machine. However, that will add to the price of the washer.

To learn more about top-loaders, visit our Best Top-Load Washing Machines of 2022 rating and see which type of washing machine is best for you in our comparison of Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washers.

What To Look For in a Washing Machine

There are myriad things to consider when researching a washing machine, but the best starting point is probably your budget. Remember to include any required installation accessories like hoses and stacking kits, as well as other add-ons like pedestals or risers. If you choose to have the machine professionally installed, consider the price of installation.

The next step is to measure the space where your machine, or set of machines, will be placed. Some washers are mega-capacity behemoths that need plenty of room, while others are the more traditional closet depth that should fit in any standard laundry nook. Include room behind the washer for hoses in your measurements.

Here are some other factors to consider when shopping for a washing machine.

Other Washing Machine Features

Here are some other features you want to consider when choosing a new washer:

FAQ

How Much Does a Washing Machine Cost?

The washing machines in our ratings range from $1,049 to $1,999 and include both front-load and top-load washers. The least expensive front-load washer is the Samsung 4.5-Cubic-Foot WF45R6100A priced at $1,049. The least expensive top-load washer is the LG 5.0-Cubic-Foot WT7300C at $1,049. By comparison, our No. 1 rated washer, the Electrolux 4.4-Cubic-Foot EFLS627U Front-Load Washer, is priced at $1,449.

Prices usually vary between models based on capacity and the number of cycles and features. It also varies between machines based on more superficial elements, such as color or material.

What Size Washer Do I Need?

One of the smallest capacity washers on our list, the Electrolux-EFLS627 with 4.4 cubic feet, is large enough to clean a king-sized comforter, according to the manufacturer. For a family of four that may be all the capacity you need. But, if you need to wash really large loads of laundry there are numerous other washers with larger capacities in our ratings.

How Do I Clean My Washer?

To clean the wash basket of your washing machine, check the specific washer’s owner’s manual; most recommend you run the washer with a washing machine cleaner once a month. You can help prevent the growth of mold by leaving the door open after completing a wash to allow any residual moisture to dry. This is especially important for front-load washers because they are prone to mold and mildew build-up on the door seal and gasket. For front-load washers, you should occasionally run a towel along the gaskets around the door to prevent mildew and associated odors. For more information, visit our How to Clean a Washing Machine page.

Do I Need to Hire a Professional to Install My New Washing Machine?

You do not need a professional to install your new washer. Most manufacturers include instructions for self-installation. But, many retailers and manufacturers either offer free installation or installation for a minimal price.

Learn More

For more information on washers visit our guides:

For more information on other appliances visit these pages:

Our 360 Methodology for Evaluating Washers

Why You Can Trust Us: 32 Washing Machines Researched

At U.S. News & World Report, we rank the Best Hospitals, Best Colleges, and Best Cars to guide readers through some of life’s most complicated decisions. Our 360 Reviews team draws on this same unbiased approach to rate the products that you use every day. To build our ratings, we researched more than 32 washing machines and analyzed 11 reviews. Our 360 Reviews team does not take samples, gifts, or loans of products or services we review. All sample products provided for review are donated after review.

The following describes our 360 approach to researching and analyzing washers to provide guidance to prospective consumers.

1. We researched the companies and products people care most about.

U.S. News analyzed and compared a variety of publicly available data, including internet search data, to determine which washers Americans are most interested in. We found 41 washer series that stand out across different ratings sources and as well as in terms of volume of searches. Once we identified these models, we reviewed the different product features available by each model at the time of publication. We then narrowed our list to the best models in this category.

With the final list of best washers determined, we compared available product features and specifications offered by each series across several criteria to assist the consumer in making the best decision based on their needs. We reviewed price, warranty, capacity, energy efficiency, dimension, and other unique features that consumers consider when purchasing a washer. All data was collected on or before July 16, 2021.

2. We created an objective 360 Overall Ratings based on an analysis of third-party reviews.

Our scoring methodology is based on a composite analysis of the ratings and reviews published by credible third-party professional and consumer review sources. The ratings are not based on the personal opinions, tests or experiences of U.S. News. To calculate the ratings:

(a) We compiled two types of third-party ratings and reviews:

Please note that not all professional and consumer rating sources met our criteria for objectivity. Therefore, some sources were excluded from our model.

(b) We standardized the inputs to create a common scale.

The third-party review source data were collected in a variety of forms, including ratings, recommendations and accolades. Before including each third-party data point into our scoring equation, we had to standardize it so that it could be compared accurately with data points from other review sources. We used the scoring methodology described below to convert these systems to a comparable scale.

The 360 scoring process first converted each third-party rating into a common 0 to 5 scale. To balance the distribution of scores within each source’s scale, we used a standard deviation (or Z-Score) calculation to determine how each company that a source rated was scored in comparison to the source’s mean score. We then used the Z-Score to create a standardized U.S. News score using the method outlined below:

(c) We calculated the 360 Overall Score based on a weighted-average model.
We assigned “source weights” to each source used in the consensus scoring model based on our assessment of how much the source is trusted and recognized by consumers and how much its published review process indicates that it is both comprehensive and editorially independent. The source weights are assigned on a 1-5 scale. Any source with an assigned weight less than 2 was excluded from the consensus scoring model.

Finally, we combined the converted third-party data points using a weighted average formula based on source weight. This formula calculated the consensus score for each product, which we call the 360 Overall Rating.