At a Glance:
What is a Large Capacity Washer?
6 Top Rated Large Capacity Washers
Doing laundry is already a chore, but throwing in math? Very few people can be excited about that. However, it truly pays to know how much volume your washer has, or in other words, how many cubic feet of capacity it offers. The good news is that knowing how to read these capacity ratings is easier than it seems, especially when we lay it out for you in this large capacity washer guide.
If you’re unsure what size washer you need to upgrade to in order to cut down on how many times you do laundry, follow along. Inside, our appliance experts are revealing everything every homeowner should know about washer sizes, including which size is right for your home, plus a look at a few of our top-rated models we recommend.
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Both top-load and front-load washers have different capacity standards, ranging from small and medium, to large and extra large. Top load washers are generally measured in small, medium to large capacities, while front load washers start at a standard sizes around 4 cubic feet, and work up to large and extra large capacities. The sizes mainly depend on the brand and model of your washer, but let’s take a look at some capacity sizes for both front and top-load washers.
Top Load:
- Small Capacity: 2.5-3.5 Cu. Ft.
- Standard Capacity: 3.6 - 4.0 Cu. Ft.
- Large Capacity: 4.1 - 5.5+ Cu. Ft.
Front Load:
- Standard Capacity: 3.5-4 Cu. Ft.
- Large Capacity: 4.1-5.5 Cu. Ft.
- Extra Large Capacity: 5.6+ Cu. Ft.
Related: Top Load vs Front Load Washers Compared | Pros and Cons
What is a Large Capacity Washer?
Large capacity washers can accommodate a larger amount of laundry at one time than small or medium capacity washers, meaning you save time and energy efficiency when doing laundry in a large capacity washer. Large capacity washers are great in large or busy households, where you need to do more laundry at one time. Large capacity washers can hold up to 20 lbs. or more of laundry at a time, meaning you can tackle more laundry in one cycle!
The amount of laundry that you can fit in each capacity varies from model to model, but as a general rule, you can fit a full load of laundry, including multiple pairs of jeans, shirts, and bedding such as sheets and pillow shams, and even a queen size comforter in a large capacity washing machine between 4.6 and 5.5 cubic feet. You may have to do a separate load for a king-size comforter and sheets, and not add any additional clothing.
In an extra large capacity washer (5.6 cu. ft. and above), you can easily fit multiple sets of clothing, bedding, and towels in one load. Let’s give a quick breakdown of how much each capacity can hold.
- 4.6-4.9 Cu. Ft.: 19-14 lbs. of clothing or about 12-15 bath towels, sheets, and smaller blankets; queen comforters may need to be washed separately
- 5.0-5.2 Cu. Ft.: 20-24 lbs. of clothing, or about 12-15 bath towels, bedding, and comforter of queen bed set
- 5.3-5.4 Cu. Ft.: 20-26 lbs. of clothing, or about 12-16 bath towels, a queen-size comforter, and bulky bedding
- 5.5 Cu. Ft.: 22-28 lbs. of clothing, or about 14-18 bath towels, a queen-size comforter, and bulky bedding
- 5.6+ Cu. Ft.: 22-30 lbs. of clothing, or about 14-20 bath towels, large bedding, and queen-size comforters
Related: A Guide to Shopping for Laundry Appliances
6 Top Rated Large Capacity Washers
With the math done, it’s time see how the best brands add up. Take a look at these large-capacity washers, which offer great features alongside their ample wash tubs.
LG 5.5 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
Shop This LG Large Capacity Washer
This LG large capacity washer offers convenient laundry solutions for busy families. With Smart Pairing and ThinQ Technology, you can control every aspect of your washer right from the convenience of your smartphone, staying informed when your cycle is done, appliance maintenance, and other important information. This 5.5 cubic feet washer allows you to fit a king-size set of sheets and comforter in one load, making laundry day a breeze.
Additional Features
- 6Motion Technology
- NeverRust Stainless Steel Drum
- TurboWash3D Technology
- ColdWash Technology
- Water Plus - Deep Fill
Featured LG WT7400CV review: “Quiet. Ease of loading. Love the capacity size of the cloths it holds and the quality of the wash.”
GE Profile 5.3 Cu. Ft. Washer
Shop This GE Profile Large Capacity Washer
This GE large capacity washer comes in a sleek, black finish that elevates any laundry space. With Dynamic Balancing Technology, you can confidently load your washer with your bulkiest items, knowing that it will balance out any uneven loads during the wash cycle. Enjoy innovative features like SmartDispense, which dispenses the correct amount of detergent for each load, 1 Step Wash + Dry, which allows you to wash and dry a small load in the same unit, and Microban Antimicrobial Technology which gives protection from odors and bacteria.
Additional Features
- UltraFresh Vent System+
- Adaptive MySettings
- Reversible Door
- PowerSteam
- Smart Features Powered by SmartHQ
Featured GE Profile PFW950SPTDS review: “Love this product. Great quality. Products work well great build and quality would recommend this product all my friends and family.”
LG 5.8 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer
Shop This LG Large Capacity Washer
This LG Signature 5.8 cu ft washer makes laundry day a breeze with TurboWash Technology, which gives even the biggest of loads the same great clean you would expect with smaller loads, while also cutting the washing time up to 30 minutes with 10-lb loads. Never worry about your clothes getting snagged while washing, thanks to LG’s innovative NeverRust Stainless Steel Tub, which offers a smooth, undisturbed surface that clothing won’t get caught on. With a black stainless steel finish, this large capacity front load washer not only performs great but looks great while doing so.
Additional Features
- Integrated Control Panel
- Inverter Direct Drive Motor
- ThinQ Technology
- LG 6Motion Technology
- Ergonomic, Angled Door
Featured LG WM9500HKA review: “I love my new washing machine. I am able to wash very heavy blankets with no problems. 5.5 ft capacity is the largest i was able to find and this machine is quiet.”
Samsung 6.0 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer
Shop This Samsung Large Capacity Washer
Looking for the best large capacity front load washer? In the running is this Samsung 6.0 Cu. Ft. front load washer—and for good reason. With Samsung’s FlexWash feature, you can wash two separate loads of laundry at one time or independently with two individual washing bins in one unit. This means the ultimate flexibility for busy families and overwhelming laundry days. This Samsung large capacity washer also comes with an AI Powered Smart Dial feature, which learns and recommends your favorite cycles according to the way you do laundry, and then automatically sets the correct cycle for you. This washer truly takes the guesswork out of busy laundry days.
Additional Features
- Swirl Drum Interior
- Self Clean+
- PowerFoam
- Vibration Reduction Technology+
- Interior Drum Light
Featured Samsung WV60A9900AV review: “So glad I bought this washer. To do delicates on top and still be able to wash a full load on the bottom, wow. Bye bye to my old one.”
Maytag 5.3 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
Shop This Maytag Large Capacity Washer
If you’re looking for a top-rated front-load washer to help with bulky laundry items, then look no further than this Maytag large capacity washer. With powerful cleaning features such as the Extra Power button and Heavy Duty Cycle, enjoy ultra-clean clothes after every cycle. When you need to wash bulky items, simply press the Deep Fill cycle, and let this washer go to work, penetrating deep into the fabric of any piece of laundry, scrubbing unwanted debris and dirt right off. When you’re in a pinch, toss in a load for a quick wash cycle, which is great for cleaning lightly soiled clothes in around 30 minutes.
Additional Features
- Sanitize with Oxi Cycle
- Slow-Close Glass Lid
- Built-In Water Faucet
- Smart Capable Appliance
- ENERGY STAR® certified
Featured Maytag MVW7232HW review: “This washing machine is absolutely the best. Easy to operate, appropriate settings, especially for bulky items like pillows and blankets. No shiifting or off balance issues.”
Samsung 5.5 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
Shop This Samsung Large Capacity Washer
This Samsung 5.5 Cu. Ft. top load washer offers an extra large capacity to fit more into each load. With the roomy interior, you can spend less time in the laundry room doing laundry, and more time doing the things you love. When you need a quick, powerful performance, select Samsung’s Super Speed Wash, which can give you a complete clean in just 28 minutes. Stay in the know with Samsung’s SmartThings App, getting cycle updates, and maintenance notifications, and even start or stop your washer, right from your iPhone or tablet.
Additional Features
- Vibration Reduction Technology+
- Swirl+ Tub Interior
- Deep Fill
- Energy Star® Certified
- Self Clean
Featured Samsung WA55A7300AE review: “The washer is very quiet. It holds a bunch and I really like the water jet inside that let's you hand wash a bit right there at the washer. No need to go to the sink to wet your item.”
Related: Albert Lee's Washer and Dryer Pairs Under $2100
How to Choose a Large Washer
Large or busy households can benefit from large washers simply because large capacity washers can hold more laundry at one time. If you find yourself constantly doing load after load, then consider upgrading to a larger washer to be able to wash larger loads at a time, and cut down on the time you spend in the laundry room. If you are considering investing in a larger washing machine, but aren’t sure where to start, follow these simple tips to finding the perfect large capacity washer for you and your family's needs:
- Family Size: Assess the size of your family, how often, and what type of laundry you do most frequently.
- Measure: Before you buy a larger washer, be sure to measure the space in your laundry room and ensure you have enough space to fit the new washer.
- Top Load vs. Front Load: Determine whether you will want a front load or a top load washer. This generally depends on preference, as top-load washers can be easier to load, and front-load washers can offer more powerful cleaning performance.
- Capacity: Next, if you’re looking at large capacity washers, remember to consider anything with a 4.6 Cu. Ft. capacity or larger. Each capacity can hold different amounts of laundry, so choose a capacity that best suits your laundry needs.
Other things to consider when buying a new large washer are what features you would like, what budget you need to stick to, and if you want a washer that offers energy-efficient savings.
Large capacity washers offer practical laundry solutions to the everyday, busy household. If you want to spend less time in the laundry room, and more time focusing on tackling the busy aspects of your life, then consider investing in a large capacity washer. With today’s innovation and features, you are sure to find a washer that suits both your laundry needs and design aesthetics, meaning you can make the most out of every laundry situation that arises. If you are local to Puget Sound, Albert Lee offers every large capacity washer you could need for the largest of laundry needs.
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 products 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 have been the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop Large Capacity Washers at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop laundry appliances 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 explore our entire large capacity washer selection, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
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