At a Glance:
Why Are Top Load Washers Good?
Top Load Washing Machine Buying Guide
Despite their attractive looks and high-efficiency performances, front load washers are not the market’s most popular type of washing machine. That title belongs to top load washers, accounting for over half of the overall sales, according to recent buyer trends. This data suggests buyers are more concerned with how a washer works — even if it’s at higher energy and water consumption costs and builds that can look outdated. But shoppers will be happy to know that sticking to tradition could come with some pleasant perks, as long as you have one of our best top load washer picks in the laundry room.
There are still some drawbacks when it comes to front loaders vs. top loaders. We’ll fill you in on those, as well as how much you can expect to spend on one of these machines as our appliance experts test the best top load washing machines, narrowing our results to five models from some of the biggest names in the industry. The details are inside.
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Albert Lee helps you tackle laundry days with the best top load washer models on the market.
Shop Top Load WashersWhy Are Top Load Washers Good?
Let’s start off on a positive note —why are top load washers better? Compared to front load washer tumbling, agitator washing machines offer robust advantages. Click the ✅ to learn the major benefits of a top load washing machine as we discuss front load vs top load washer pros and cons.
✅ Top Load Washers are Affordable
While you can find a top load washer price under $600, you’ll be pressed to find a front load washing machine priced below $950.
✅ Deep Fill Saturates Big Loads Better
A top load washers with deep fill option works differently from a front loader drum that rotates on its side. While front loaders use half the water as agitator washers, the special tub also limits how much of the tub is actually usable. Many top load washers have a deep fill option, which uses the maximum amount of water to fully soak the largest loads for a more thorough wash. For some users with height challenges, this may be a drawback, but considering the extra depth cuts down on load count (i.e., a deeper tub washes larger loads, which means fewer cycles), it’s a minor inconvenience.
✅ Top Loaders Provide Heavy-Duty Cleaning
A washer spindle is the best way to remove stains from clothes—plain and simple. Let us be clear. We’re not saying front load washers aren’t effective at removing messes from clothes, but they do lack the mechanical action top loaders do, which is key in lifting fabric stains.
✅ You Can Add Items Later in the Wash
Few things are more annoying than forgetting to add that one specific article of clothing to a wash and not being able to add it until the next load. This is the reality with most front load washers, and while some newer models do allow users to stop a load mid-cycle to add a garment, it requires full tub drainage. That’s wasteful and inconvenient. On the other hand, last-minute items can be added to top load washers as long as the lid locking mechanism is off (it usually locks during the spin cycle).
✅ Skip the Mold Drama
By far, one of the biggest front load washer problems is mold and mildew. The problem occurs around the door gasket and inside the detergent dispenser, and once it happens, it’s an ongoing battle to keep it at bay. On top of being smelly, dealing with mold and mildew that grows on a front load washer can add a few steps to your laundry routine.
Good to Know | Before You Buy Top Load Washer Machines
Even with all the incentives we’ve mentioned above, there are a few top load washer problems to keep in mind. Consider the following.
❗ Top Load Washers Can’t be Stacked
Bad news if you’re working with limited laundry space. While they’re more affordable, top load washers don’t save space since they cannot be stacked. Not even with a special stacking kit, in case you were wondering.
❗Top Load Washers Are Harsher on Fabrics
On the flip side of the coin, a washer agitator might not be the best option for more delicate fabrics. Materials such as denim and canvas are okay, and top loaders with a delicate wash cycle do reduce damage, but overall, top loaders show significantly more wear than front loaders.
❗Top Load Washer Water Consumption
In tests on front load vs top load washer water usage, on average, front load washers save five gallons of water compared to top load washing machines. In the long run, that equates to lower utility bills, especially if your household is used to running loads with warm or hot water, which requires more energy to heat a larger amount of water.
5 Best Top Load Washer Models
When all is said and done, a top load washing machine is still a powerful tool to have in the laundry room. These appliances are best suited for users who can spare laundry room space, want a simpler user experience, and value capacity and performance over aesthetics. We’ve reviewed our catalog to find the best top load washer, ultimately choosing these picks, ranked from least to most expensive. Shop top load washers that get two thumbs up from our experts.
Best Top Load Washer Under $1,000
With nearly as much capacity as the more expensive models on our list, this GE Profile top load washer that’s priced under $1,000 is an extreme value. What we love about this pick is that it includes smart sensors that detect soil and detergent levels during the cycle, adjusting the wash time for optimum results. Users will also appreciate its ENERGY STAR certified rating, plus hygienic upgrades like Microban Antimicrobial Technology that prevents bacteria development and a sanitize mode to keep the interior squeaky-clean.
⭐Featured GE Profile PTW700BSTWS Review:
“I love this washer the clothes come out clean it handles rugs and large king size comforters.”
Best Top Load Washer Made in the U.S.A.
Built with proud American heritage, this Maytag top load washer skips the frills and gets straight to a powerful performance. It may not be the largest model in our ranking, but wash options such as the Heavy Duty cycle and the Extra Power button provide the “Most Powerful Cleaning in its class,” which means stains come out the first time. It’s also nice having a water sensor that knows the precise amount to fill the tub per load, no matter whether you use the Deep Fill option or wash a load with the Quick Wash cycle. Overall, this is a good pick if you want a washer that does the job without making it complicated, and with 3,600 5-star ratings, it's a top choice from buyers too.
⭐Featured Maytag MVW6230HW Review:
“This is the second time I have purchased the Smart Top Load Maytag Washer and matching dryer. I have them in my primary residence and have been very satisfied so it made sense to buy them for our vacation home. They are very efficient appliances also quiet when running which is important to me as they are installed on the second floor of our homes in the hallway close to bedrooms.”
Best Smart Top Load Washer
Like many of the over 130 5-star reviews point out, this LG top load washer is a massive hit when it comes to how much laundry it can wash in a single go. You can thank the impeller disc, which also provides a gentler cleaning method to traditional agitators (in other words, you get to wear your favorite T longer). And there’s so much more to love, from the TurboWash3D technology that completes a load in less than 30 minutes to Smart Pairing that uses Wi-Fi to sync a washer and dryer and program ideal cycles based on a wash.
It’s a slight upgrade for the previous two models, but any household that is keen on smart appliances and the latest feature needs to check this LG smart top load washer out.
Best Impeller Washer
If you’re less about the tech and more about commodity, this Samsung top load washer is a worthy alternative to our LG pick. It features the same capacity (5.5 cubic feet), uses an impeller disc, and can be programmed remotely, just like our recommended LG model. You won’t be able to pair this washer to a compatible dryer via Wi-Fi, but that’s a plus if you want something simpler. What it does feature are the essentials:
- A deep fill option
- A Super Speed cycle that cleans in 28 minutes
- ENERGY STAR-rated performance
⭐Featured Samsung WA55A7300AE Review:
“This Samsung washer is efficient, reliable, and easy to use. It delivers excellent cleaning results and has a sleek design. Highly recommended!”
Best High End Top Load Washer
We’re capping off our list of the best top load washer models with something simple: a Speed Queen top load washer. Don’t let the nostalgic look of this washing machine fool you. For over 100 years, Speed Queen has been a top dog in the world of laundry appliances, bringing commercial-grade performance to the everyday home with its high-end washers and dryers.
While this isn’t the largest top load washer, clocking in at a modest 3.2 cubic feet, what you pay for is quality. Each washer (and dryer) is tested for at least 25 years’ of use, and they are made of the best materials that outperform mass-produced washers. For Speen Queen, all a household needs are the basics, like the Perfect Wash system with advanced agitation that is kinder to clothes and a deep tub option for maximum tub usability to wash large loads.
⭐Featured Speed Queen TR5003WN Review:
“Have purchased several different major brands and they only seem to last 5-7 years. This machine is quiet, gets my clothes clean and is built to last! I will never buy another brand of washer or dryer from anyone else.”
Top Load Washing Machine Buying Guide
Wondering what to look for in a washer? Here are a few tips to keep in mind when buying top load washing machines.
Top Load Washer Capacity
Top load washers typically have a capacity range between 3.5 and 5.5 cubic feet of tub space. Naturally, the smaller the capacity, the smaller the loads. Generally:
- Top load washers with 3.5 to 4 cubic feet of capacity are ideal for standard households of 1-3 individuals.
- Top load washers with 4.1 to 4.9 cubic feet of capacity are idea for full-size households of 3-5
- Top load washers with 5 to 5.5 cubic feet of capacity are ideal for households that frequently wash clothes—at least eight loads of clothes per week or more.
Impeller Washer vs Agitator Washer
The latest variation on the classic washer design is the impeller washer. Rather than using a spindle, impeller washers use a disc that creates a vortex in the water, replicating the agitation of an agitator. The pluses are gentler fabric care and larger wash capacity—but these perks cost a few hundred dollars more compared to classic top load washer setups.
About Energy Efficient Top Load Washing Machines
Today's homeowners are all about sustainability, and fortunately, appliance manufacturers are matching their energy with eco-friendly products, including ENERGY STAR top load washing machines. With that in mind, be aware that these models use less water, which means features like deep fill or extra rinse might not be part of a standard wash regimen. On average, ENERGY STAR top loader owners save about 6 gallons of water per wash (14 gallons per wash vs 20 gallons for non-efficient top load washing machines.
As budgets get tighter, trends show that households are turning to appliances that deliver the best value versus ones that provide flashy features and designs — not that there’s anything wrong with those buying factors. But the evidence suggests buyers will most likely continue to pick a top load washer over a front load washing machine, which is why researching your options is crucial. Our independent reviews give you a preview of what the experts recommend, but in the end, the decision comes down to your specific needs, budget, and lifestyle.
To make the best purchase, buy top load washing machine brands at Albert Lee. We have the most experience in the state of Washington, with a large stock of top load washers for every type of home. Browse online today or visit one of our six Puget Sound appliance stores to explore even more washers from the brands you know and trust.
Why Trust Albert Lee?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the greater Seattle area with quality you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We are the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop Top Load Washers at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop washers online or visit us today at one of our six locations in Puget Sound, WA. In the meantime, browse our website to shop Albert Lee appliance sales and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you take home the best top load washer, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
Learn More: Albert Lee’s Best Front Load Washers