1. hOmeLabs Portable Washing Machine
Key Features
6 pound load capacity
0.9 cubic foot interior
Top loading design
5 wash cycles
3 water level settings
Quiet operation
The Unclutterer best choice for the best washing machines is the hOmeLabs Portable Washing Machine, which is perfect for smaller spaces, including apartments, dorms, or even an RV for those cross-country adventures. While portable, it still offers a 6-pound load capacity with a 0.9 cubic foot capacity, suitable for a quick wash every other day rather than waiting until the end of the week to get your laundry done.
The top-loading design helps you gauge how much you put it, and the 5 wash cycles will provide excellent variety depending on your needs. These cycles include Heavy, Gently, Normal, Rapid, and Soak, so no matter how disorganized you usually are, this should change that. There are also 3 water levels that you can adjust depending on the size of each load.
Pros
Ideal for apartments, dorms, and RVs
Energy efficient
LED display
Cons
Short hose may not be able to attach to your sink
2. Panda Fully Automatic Washing Machine
Key Features
1.6 cubic feet capacity
11 pound load
Electronic touchpad controls
6 wash programs
3 water level settings
Stainless steel drum
For the best value pick of these washing machines, the Panda Fully Automatic Washing Machine is another lightweight and low-profile option that will also fit comfortably into small spaces. It’s slightly larger than our Best Choice, with a 1.6 cubic foot capacity, while the 11 pound maximum load provides plenty of space for singles or couples to keep a consistent laundry schedule.
The electronic touchpad controls are easy to use, and they allow you to cycle through 6 wash programs to enhance performance and find the ideal setting for you. Furthermore, with 3 water level settings, it backs up any claim of energy efficiency and prevents wasting water. The stainless steel drum is also rust and corrosion resistant to guarantee durability.
Pros
Ideal for small living spaces
See-through top lid
Easy to set up
Cons
You may need to purchase additional parts
3. Giantex Portable Washing Machine
Key Features
1.34 cubic feet capacity
9.92 pound load capacity
10 programs
8 water level settings
LED display
Automatic imbalance adjustment
The Giantex Portable Washing Machine is somewhere is a fantastic option for anyone on the move, whether traveling across the country or to their college dorm room. With 1.345 cubic feet of space and nearly 10-pound load capacity, it covers many basic laundry needs, while its 10 programs offer plenty of variety and versatility.
Furthermore, the 8 water level settings give you greater control over how much you use in each wash and also allows you to easily discern which setting is ideal for the size of each load. There’s also an LED display for easy-reading while it’s built-in drain pump prevents standing water. On the whole, it’s a highly intuitive machine that’s easy to set up for anyone.
Pros
Easy to load design
Built-in drain pump
Stainless steel liner tub
Cons
Provided hose has some leaking issues
4. Whirlpool Top Loading Washing Machine
Key Features
3.5 cubic feet capacity
11 wash cycles
5 temperatures
Dual action spiral agitator
Add-a-garment feature
Status indicator lights
Another great example of the convenience of top-loading washing machines, the Whirlpool White Top Load Washing Machine fits seamlessly in any laundry room or kitchen, and with a massive 3.5 cubic feet of space, it’s perfect for whole-family washes, especially when catching up following a vacation.
There are 11 wash cycles to choose from, while the 3 water levels help encourage sustainability and efficiency to prevent unnecessary waste. The dual action spiral agitator helps to ensure the whole load is washed evenly and sufficiently, and it also prevents certain items from sitting throughout the load rather than getting spun.
Pros
Cycle Feedback
White porcelain tub
27 inch opening
Cons
May seem a little too loud for some
5. GBBC Electrolux Front Loading Washing Machine
Key Features
Washer and dryer set
Variety of wash options
Reversible doors
Perfect Steam system
LuxCare wash system
4.4 cubic feet washer capacity
Our premium choice is the superb and versatile GBBC Electrolux Titanium Front Load Laundry Pair. That’s right, as a pair, you get both washer and dryer delivered to your door, ensuring you needn’t worry about laundry lines or damp clothes any longer.
It features a range of washing options for its 4.4 cubic foot capacity, and the reversible doors make it suitable for any kitchen, basement, or laundry room so you can open the door with ease. Furthermore, it’s Perfect Steam system removes creases, and the LuxCare system is another excellent feature to take advantage of if you’re looking to keep your clothes in the best condition, even after hundreds of wash loads.
Pros
Dissolves wash pods flawlessly
Removes stains well
LED control panel
Cons
No pedestal included
6. Speed Queen Top Loading Washing Machine
Key Features
Top load design
210 degree Agitation
Stainless steel drum
3.2 cubic feet capacity
Free 10 year warranty
Full tub wash and rinse feature
The Speed Queen Top Load Washer boasts a top-door design for easy loading and also brings reliable agitator to ensure top-quality performance with every wash cycle. The stainless steel drum is durable, and with a 3.2 cubic foot capacity, it’s ideal for families both large and small.
The durable construction gives you peace of mind that it will last you a long time, and this is complemented with the free 10 year warranty. With this, you can wash and wash and wash your heart’s content, ensuring excellent results every time. There are also 3 water cycle settings to help save water between large and small loads, while the full tub wash and rinse feature prevents standing water and sodden clothes after the cycle is finished.
Pros
Durable construction
3 water cycle settings
Spacious interior
Cons
Non-automatic operation
7. Splendide White Vented Washing Machine
Key Features
15 pound max wash capacity
11 pound max dry capacity
10 wash / 3 dry cycles
Super-silent technology
To-the-minute cycle status display
Soft touch electronic controls
If you’re looking for a single washer and dryer option for, the Splendide White Vented Combo Washer/Dryer is the ideal choice for you. It delivers excellent performance for both washing and drying settings, but it doesn’t take up the space that two independent machines would do. Instead, you can enjoy a 15-pound wash and 11-pound drying capacity, while the multiple cycles (10 wash, 3 dry) offer plenty of options regardless of your needs.
Despite being a two-in-one washer dryer, it’s extraordinarily quiet, so much so, that you’ll hardly notice it’s working, even if you put a wash on overnight. The to-the-minute cycle status display also keeps you up to date with progress, including how long is left, so you can plan your laundry bag around your day, and not the other way around. Still, it feels like it doesn’t wash as quickly as other options.
Pros
Ideal for RVs and boats
Temperature heat selection
Springs and shock absorbers for on-the-road use
Cons
There are faster washers available
8. GE Steam Washing Machine
Key Features
4.5 cubic feet capacity
Steam washing
LED display
Stain removal selection
Front load
Energy Star certified
The GE Steam Washing Machine is the largest singular machine we’ve selected, and so many families looking for a replacement washer should look no further than this one. It boasts a huge 4.5 cubic foot capacity, while its dial-operated settings and digital display give you everything you could need from a washing machine.
These features make it easy to use, even for your kids tasked with doing their washing for the first time, likewise, the steam washing system removes wrinkles so you don’t need to spend hours over the iron board getting rid of them yourself. There’s also stain removal to get rid of sauce stains, and the front load design means there’s no need for an agitator to wash everything, as the drum operates at 5200 RPM on the highest setting.
Pros
Easy to install
Not as noisy as other options
5200 RPM
Cons
Arguably not as durable as other washing machines
9. Bosch Front Loading Washer
Key Features
2.2 cubic feet capacity
15 wash cycles
9 options
Compatible with dryer
Front load
Fast spin cycle
Our final choice is the Bosch White Stackable Front Load Washer delivers a respectable 2.2 cubic foot capacity and offers 15 wash cycles for superb versatility and this will target a range of potential soiling issues on your jeans, shirts, socks, and more. There are also nine setting options, including temperature adjustment and a Pause option should you need it.
It’s compatible with the dryer and will fit perfectly on top of it if you need to save space, while the quiet operation makes it ideal for apartments where there is not enough space to get away from the noise. This quietness also contributes to energy efficiency to save on bills.
Pros
Energy efficient
Quiet operation
Straightforward controls
Cons
Door lock can be frustrating
Features To Consider With Washing Machines
Before you decide which of the best washing machines is the right one for you, check out these essential key features to look for to help you narrow down your options.
Capacity
The capacity you select often depends on the size of your household. Typically, 1 cubic foot is sufficient for singles or couples, whereas anything over 2.5 cubic feet will be suitable for families, regardless of how large.
A higher capacity requires more water and more energy, however, but there should still be a trade-off with the number of washes you need to do each week. It will also take up more space in the room or basement, so keep this in mind when looking for the ideal washing machine.
Child Lock
Child locks are an essential component when considering your washing machine, at least if you have kids, anyway. The locks will prevent your children from opening the unit when it is still running and also canceling the cycle before it is finished.
Luckily, most washing machines, especially front loaders, come with a locking system. Not only is it excellent for keeping the kids out, however, it is also useful for preventing leaks and household damage.
Control Panel
Control panels are a common feature of modern washing machines. These digital displays are soft-touch or touch screen features that allow you to select the appropriate settings for your needs. The display is easy to read, and will often tell you how much time it will take for the cycle to finish.
Other options operate with dials, while you might also find a hybrid of both dial and control panel. With these, you select the wash cycle and then use the control panel to start or pause the cycle, as well as adjust water temperature and more.
Dimensions
No matter what appliance you purchase, you should always measure out the dimensions to ensure it fits in the room. With washing machines, you'll need to give a few extra investments at the back for the pipe to feed into without being bent too far and blocking, while it's also useful to keep some space on the side to remove it more easily should you need to.
With the dimensions properly measured, you can select the right-sized washing machine for your space. If it doesn't fit in one place, consider other areas where you could install it.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a big thing for appliances. You want to make sure your washing machine is sufficient to wash clothes, but you've also got to think about how much water and electricity is needed. To give you a clear idea of its efficiency level, look for an Energy Star certification. Furthermore, multiple water levels are a great indicator of how energy efficient you can make each laundry load.
Max Spin
The maximum spin will give you an idea of how fast the machine operates, and this allows you to understand the performance and quality of the wash. More RPM will provide a more thorough wash. However, it could also make the machine too loud when operating.
For a sensible balance between speed and efficiency, look for agitators in top load washing machines, as this will encourage more movement for the clothes when in the machine and should deliver expected results.
Wash Cycles
A variety of wash cycles are always necessary regardless of the size or type of washing machine. Larger machines have the capacity to provide more in-depth cycles, but you can still find compact and portable machines that offer enough features to keep you satisfied.
With larger washing machines, there is more versatility, and these different settings target different issues on the clothes, including stands or the type of material. Conversely, small machines will focus on speeds and wash styles, such as rapid, gentle, or soaks. While there are not as in-depth as larger machines, they are still useful.
For more useful reviews for products in the laundry department, check out our guides of the best clothes steamers, steam irons, dehumidifiers and laundry detergents.
Types of Washing Machines
Portable
As the name suggests, portable washing machines are units you can take with you anywhere, or at least anywhere with a power source and an outlet for water. These machines are compact and ideal for small spaces, including college dorms. However, as they are portable, they are arguably ideal for RV travel, and even camping if you're staying at a dedicated campsite with a water source. Even without a water source, you can typically pour water into the drum, and as long as you have sufficient power, it will work perfectly.
Top Loader
A top loader washing machine is a washer where you feed clothes and garments in from the top. These styles come in both compact and full-sized options, and usually have dial operation to select the different setting, water temperature, and more. Inside, they come with an agitator to shift the clothes around and ensure a consistent wash. Because of the size, they usually have a larger capacity compared to other options.
Front Loader
For front loading machines, you insert the clothes through a front door, close it, and then use the control panel to select the different settings. These machines don't require an agitator, as the drum rotates inside and gravity does the rest. As they are not as large as top loaders, they use less water, but this also means you can't fit as many clothes in them at once. Still, they are usually suitable for small to large families, especially if you don't mind doing a load per person.