At a Glance:
Best Top Load Washer with Agitator
Despite the many advantages of front load washers, don’t be surprised to know most manufacturers still produce a large amount of top load washers as part of their lineup. The reason? Unlike front loading models, top loading washing machines are designed for heavy-duty cleaning and use a deeper basket as part of their design.
As a result, top load washing machines are often superior to their counterparts when it comes to handling high-volume laundry needs and are ideal for users who depend on a tougher wash action to thoroughly clean heavy items such as jeans, bedding, towels, and uniforms. Not to mention, top load washers don’t require routine cleanup to prevent mold in the gaskets, and as an added perk, top loading washing machines typically run less expensive than front loading models. That’s why, for this article, we’re putting the spotlight back on these original laundry marvels with our picks for the best top load washer across five categories chosen by our pros.
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Maybe it’s our heritage that spans over 80 years and three generations, but at Albert Lee, we’re major fans of old-school integrity, which is why we are so passionate about this list of traditional top load washers. Rest assured: These five top load washing machines may carry the spirit of yesteryear, but their updated performance is made to satisfy the modern homeowner.
Best Overall
Shop This Maytag Top Load Washer
Let Maytag’s Extra Power boost button be the secret to your brilliantly clean clothes with best-in-class performance found exclusively on models like this Maytag top load washer. Stains stand no chance with this top loader’s Power Agitator that conquers loads from mini to mammoth by using concentrated agitation to lift messes from fibers better than regular agitators. Enjoy all this performance matched by the convenience of optional Wi-Fi controls, a 30-minute Quick Wash cycle, and a stylish, slow-close glass lid, all in a package priced under $1,200.
⭐Featured Maytag MVW6230RHW Review:
“Love the large capacity. Also like the glass see through top to view what’s going on inside. My clothes come out smelling clean and fresh.”
Best Value
Shop This Amana Top Load Washer
Consider Amana WT7900HBA top load washer your piggy bank’s superhero. This low-price washer is an affordable laundry appliance that won’t break the bank yet features all the essentials for an efficient wash. Don’t just our work for it—ask the over 5,019 product reviewers who gave this top loader 4.6 stars, noting exceptional cleaning results, thanks to a Dual Action agitator. Other functions that add bang for the buck include a Deep Water wash option and a large-capacity tub with 3.5 cubic feet of space to accommodate hefty loads.
Best Luxury
You’ll be pressed to find many other washers that come close to the capacity of this 5.5-cubic-foot LG top load washer — and that’s just the start of what makes this pick is our luxury recommendation. This top load model is redesigned for the modern home, showcasing a sleek look with touch controls and SmartThinQ Wi-Fi programming, including voice commands, plus Energy Star-rated performance that doesn’t compromise on fabric care. Push the limits of laundry day with TurboWash 3D that completes a load of laundry in 37 minutes, a deep steam option, and ColdWash Technology that skips the cost of warm water — not the results.
⭐Featured LG WT7900HBA Review:
“I brought this because of all the performances that it can do, and the price was an added bonus but seeing it do those different cycles OMGGG!!! and not to mention the whites!! great job isn’t even doing it justice. I give this ???? and without a doubt would buy it again.”
Best Top Load Washer with Agitator
Put the power of one of the leading appliance brands into your laundry routine with this GE top load washer. Unlike ordinary washer spindles, this best top load washer with agitator uses dual-action motion with forward and reverse rotation to release stains and messes from fabrics more effectively. Working with dirtier messes? Lighten your workload with a deep fill option that fully saturates clothes in soapy water or pre-treat stains before going into the wash with the handy built-in water station. A SmartDispense feature that holds up to 48 loads worth of detergent and wireless programming are two additional ways this washing machine makes your wash and dry process even smoother.
Best Warranty: Maytag® 3.8 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer-MVWC465HW
Washers are an investment, which is why Maytag provides peace of mind with its exceptional warranty appliance program. This Maytag top load washer boasts a minimum 1-year limited warranty on parts and can be upgraded to up to a 10-year limited warranty on the motor and wash basket. Enjoy protection for your favorite garments, too, with powerful technology like auto sensing that automatically adjusts water levels for better cleaning results and the Maytag PowerWash agitator that blasts through dirt on clothes. At under $800, this mid-end top load washer is easy on the budget and backed by one of the best warranties in the industry.
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Good designs need little improvement, as we’ve proven with this list of top loading washers. With no-fuss performance and usability, it’s no wonder the prototype has stuck around and keeps getting better with each new generation.
To discover more great appliances for the home, explore the entire Albert Lee catalog with food preservation , cooking appliances and dish care for the kitchen, and to laundry appliances to keep your favorite tees and jeans properly cared for. Shop online or at one of our appliance showrooms in the Puget Sound area.
Master the Market:
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- Important Tips on Shopping for Laundry Appliances Online
- Compact Laundry Appliances that Hack Small Spaces
What to Look for in a Top Load Washer
Regardless of the brand or make, if you're in the market to buy top load washer models, there a few key pointers to keep in mind to ensure whichever pick you decide on suits your needs, budget, and washing demands. Here's what our washer experts say to focus on when shopping top load washers.
Top Load Washer Capacity
When you compare front load to top load washers, in most cases, front loaders have more capacity. However, the tub design may have a bigger impact on capacity than the overall volume (more on that in a moment). That's because front loaders only fill half of the drum with water&;mdashthat's why they're so efficient at both washer water and energy consumption. On the contrary, top load washers have deep basins, and many models even offer a "deep fill" option, which uses the maximum amount of water, an ideal feature for large loads like comforters, towels, and jeans.
So, while front loaders come in capacities approximately between 3.2 to 6 cubic feet versus 3.2 to 5.5 cubic feet for top loaders, users get more bang for the buck when it comes to how much of that volume submerges items underwater. The trick is understanding how much capacity you need (after all, the more capacity, the more a model will cost, so sticking to what you need will help you stay within the budget while meeting your laundry needs. Here's a breakdown:
- Standard top load washers range between 3.2 and 3.9 cubic feet and are suitable for a household of 3.
- Large top load washers range between 4.5 and 5 cubic feet and are suitable of 4 to 5.
- Extra large top load washers range between 5.1 and 5.5 cubic feet and are suitable for households with 5+ members.
Top Load Washer Cost
The good news is top load washers are generally cheaper than front loaders. How much you spend depends on which washer class you decide on—value top load washers, mid-end top load washers, or high-end top load washers.
On the low end of the spectrum, buyers can find cheap top load washers for under $600 from brands like Amana and Danby. These models are basic with few wash options, but they're good for buyers with low washing needs (e.g., empty nesters, single-living households, etc.). Spend a few hundred dollars more and brands like GE, Whirlpool, and even LG are options with models under $1,000. As the largest consumer class, buyers will find plenty of upgrades within this range, including smart features, automatic detergent dispensing, and steam wash. Luxury brands like Speed Queen and select GE Profile top load washers will run you $1,200+, but that also includes top-of-the-line features and upgraded engineering for maximum durability.
Top Load Washer Features
The biggest mistake buyers makes when shopping top load washers is falling for gimmick features. There is a sea of eye-catching add-ons in today's market, but remember, what's important is that a washer does its job. With that in mind, the features our experts recommend focusing on include:
- Advanced agitators/specialty agitators.
- Upgraded tubs, both in material and design (a few brands offer independently moving tubs for better agitation).
- Plenty of wash options and water temperatures to accommodate all types of clothes.
- Lots of spin horsepower; good top loaders have rotate at about 1,000 RPMs.
- Intelligent fabric sensors that automatically adjust water temperature and wash times.
Top vs Front Load Washers
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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