Skip to main content
A top-load washer in our laundry testing lab. Credit: Reviewed / Michael Elderbee

The Best Top-Load Washers of 2023

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

A top-load washer in our laundry testing lab. Credit: Reviewed / Michael Elderbee

Why trust Reviewed?

Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Learn more about our product testing
1
Editor's Choice Product image of GE Profile PTW900BPTRS
Best Overall

GE Profile PTW900BPTRS

The GE Profile PTW900BPTRS is designed to handle a lot of laundry with a huge 5.4-cubic-foot drum and built-in detergent reservoirs. Read More

Pros

  • Good cleaning power
  • Antimicrobial coating, steam, detergent reservoir
  • Large wash drum

Cons

  • Loud at times
  • Alexa integration seems buggy for some users
2
Editor's Choice Product image of Whirlpool WTW8127LC
Best Top-load with Agitator

Whirlpool WTW8127LC

The Whirlpool WTW8127LC is a one-shop stop for all your laundry needs. You can scrub stains, soak them, and even hand wash them all from this machine. Read More

Pros

  • Good cleaning
  • Built-in faucet
  • Removable agitator

Cons

  • Expensive
3
Editor's Choice Product image of LG WT7900HBA
Best Large Capacity

LG WT7900HBA

With a 5.5 cu. ft. capacity and an Allergiene cycle, the LG WT7900HBA is great for those with families and pets alike. Read More

Pros

  • Steam cycles
  • Allergiene cycle
  • 5.5 cu. ft. capacity

Cons

  • None that we could find
4
Editor's Choice Product image of Maytag Pet Pro MVW6500MBK
Best For Pet Owners

Maytag Pet Pro MVW6500MBK

The Maytag MVW6500MBK top-load washing machine is a solid pick. Its PetPro System filter is effective at removing the majority of pet hair. Read More

Pros

  • Catches a lot of pet hair
  • Decent cleaning power
  • Slow-close lid and built-in faucet

Cons

  • Delicates cycle is rough
  • Spin cycle doesn't get out much water
5
Product image of Maytag MVW7232HW

Maytag MVW7232HW

The Maytag MVW7232HW offers a massive 5.3-cu.-ft. drum and above-average cleaning. Read More

Pros

  • Massive drum
  • Deep fill option
  • Good cleaning

Cons

  • Slow cycles
  • A bit noisy

While front-load washers are the popular choice when it comes to laundry appliances—for good reason—many people prefer top-loading machines. Not only are the controls typically more straightforward, you don't need to stoop down in order to load it. Another consideration is cost: Top-loaders often cost less than front-loaders.

If you're interested in a top-load washing machine for your laundry room, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a list of the best top-load washers available today.

The GE Profile PTW900BPTRS (available at Best Buy for $899.99) earns our Best Overall for its plethora of features and great stain removal.

Editor's Note:
Due to supply chain challenges and soaring demand, there is widespread unavailability of home appliances and long wait times for delivery of back-ordered products. If you're a consumer in need of a washer or dryer, here are the best places to buy in-stock appliances right now.
Product shot of the detergent dispenser inside of the GE Profile PTW900BPTRS washing machine.
Credit: Reviewed / Michael Elderbee
Best Overall
GE Profile PTW900BPTRS
  • Size: 43.88” x 27.88” x 28” (H x W x D)
  • Drum capacity: 5.4 cubic feet
  • Smart app: Yes
  • Energy Star Certified: Yes

With a 5.4-cu.-ft. stainless steel drum, the GE Profile PTW900BPTRS has all the right features to please both traditionalists and new-school laundry doers.

If you like to micromanage how your clothes get washed, the PTW900BPTRS has eight cycles, five water temperatures, soil and spin settings, and three rinse levels. However, if you want to set it and forget it, this GE washer still has you covered. Its auto dispenser works for up to 32 washes, the smart wash soil sensor will adjust cycle times based on how dirty your laundry is, and built-in Alexa helps select which cycle to use.

We awarded the GE Profile PTW900BPTRS with the best top-loader title specifically because the Normal and Delicates cycle impressed us with how much of our testing stains were removed.

Read our review of the GE Profile PTW900BPTRS top-load washing machine.

Pros

  • Good cleaning power

  • Antimicrobial coating, steam, detergent reservoir

  • Large wash drum

Cons

  • Loud at times

  • Alexa integration seems buggy for some users

Two views of the Whirlpool WTW8127LC top-load washing machine floating in a white void. The first is a straight-on view, while the second is a top-down view looking into its wash drum, which is filled with colorful laundry.
Credit: Whirlpool
Best Top-load with Agitator
Whirlpool WTW8127LC
  • Size: 43.5” x 27.88” x 27.25" (H x W X D)
  • Drum capacity: 5.2 cubic feet (with agitator) or 5.3 cubic feet (without agitator)
  • Smart app: Yes
  • Energy Star Certified: Yes

The Whirlpool WTW8127LC features an industry first: a removable agitator pole, so owners of this washer have two options for washing their clothes. It's interesting that our best top-Load washer with agitator is the one where said agitator is removable, but this flexibility is precisely what allows the WTW8127LC to offer such incredible wash quality.

Not only did the WTW8127LC do a great job scrubbing out our test stains, removing the agitator and using the built-in impeller also did a good job—and it was more gentle overall.

We also love Whirlpool’s “What to Wash / How to Wash” system, which replaces the traditional cycle selection dial and can help take the guesswork out of what a wash cycle does.

Read our review of the Whirlpool WTW8127LC.

Pros

  • Good cleaning

  • Built-in faucet

  • Removable agitator

Cons

  • Expensive

An LG WT7900HBA washer sits on a peach background.
Credit: Reviewed / LG

A perfect choice for large families, this LG washer has huge capacity.

Best Large Capacity
LG WT7900HBA
  • Size: 44.5” x 27” x 28.38” (H x W x D)
  • Drum capacity: 5.5 cubic feet
  • Smart app: Yes
  • Energy Star Certified: Yes

If you want a workhouse that can deal with big loads and different laundry situations, you’ll want to take a look at the LG WT7900HBA top-loading washer.

It has a lot of appealing features, including a large 5.5-cubic-foot capacity that’s great for bulky items like a king size comforter. There’s also an Allergiene cycle (which claims to remove pet dander and dust mites), and seven steam cycles (including Normal, Allergiene, and Sanitary).

Additionally, the cycle times are nice and short. The Normal and Speed Wash cycles both clock in at 30 minutes long. If you have some serious stains to remove, though, we recommend the Heavy Duty cycle, which performed the best in our stain removal tests, and takes less than two hours to run.

While this washer isn’t as efficient as some LG front-load washers we’ve tested, it's a great option. If you like top-load washers and want a larger tub capacity, fast cycle times, and steam cycles, the LG WT7900HBA might be a good fit for you.

Read our review of the LG WT7900HBA.

Pros

  • Steam cycles

  • Allergiene cycle

  • 5.5 cu. ft. capacity

Cons

  • None that we could find

A small fluffy dog sits in front of a washing machine; both are superimposed on a light green background.
Credit: Reviewed / Maytag

Pet owners might want a washing machine with a little something more, and the Maytag Pet Pro MVW6500MBK is made just for them.

Best For Pet Owners
Maytag Pet Pro MVW6500MBK
  • Size: 57.5” x 27.5” x 27.5” (H x W x D)
  • Drum capacity: 4.7 cubic feet
  • Smart app: No
  • Energy Star Certified: No

If you're a pet owner looking for a top-load washer, the Maytag MVW6500MBK is a good pick.

In addition to solid stain-fighting power, the real draw is its trademark Pet Pro system, which excels at removing pet hair from laundry. A filter inside the machine's pole agitator collects pet hair during a wash, which can be easily emptied after the cycle.

In our testing, we found this washer was able to remove the majority of shedding from a blanket used exclusively by a Bernese Mountain Dog (and brightened it up quite a bit as well).

This washer also has some nice extras to round out its offerings, including a built-in faucet and a slow-close lid to prevent slams.

Read our review of the Maytag MVW6500MBK.

Pros

  • Catches a lot of pet hair

  • Decent cleaning power

  • Slow-close lid and built-in faucet

Cons

  • Delicates cycle is rough

  • Spin cycle doesn't get out much water


Other Top-Load Washers We Tested

Product image of Maytag MVW7232HW
Maytag MVW7232HW
  • Size: 42.88” x 27.25” x 27.88” (H x W x D)
  • Drum capacity: 5.3 cubic feet
  • Smart app: Yes
  • Energy Star Certified: Yes

The Maytag MVW7232HW top-load washer is a great mix of new features, like WiFi connectivity, and old-school functionality. With a 5.3 cu. ft. capacity and Extra Power stain removal booster, this washer can handle large loads without losing cleaning efficiency. If you like to control the water level of your wash, the Deep Fill option allows you to add varying amounts of extra water to your wash cycle.

In terms of stain removal, this washer has some of the best-performing Normal and Heavy Duty cycles that have ever come through our labs. Even better, we found that this washer is gentle on your clothes. While the cycle times are longer than some other washers we’ve seen (the Normal cycle clocks in at ~40 minutes), the cleaning power you get with the Maytag MVW7232HW is worth the trade-off.

Read our review of the Maytag MVW7232HW.

Pros

  • Massive drum

  • Deep fill option

  • Good cleaning

Cons

  • Slow cycles

  • A bit noisy

Product image of Whirlpool WTW7120HC
Whirlpool WTW7120HC
  • Size: 43.5” x 27.25” x 27.88” (H x W x D)
  • Drum capacity: 5.3 cubic feet
  • Smart app: Yes, but requires a subscription after 6 months
  • Energy Star Certified: Yes

The Whirlpool WTW7120HC is a solid washer with decent cleaning power. Its built-in faucet and pretreating brush are excellent features that make it easier to take care of your clothes. The spin cycle also wrings out a lot of water, saving your dryer a lot of extra work and increasing its energy efficiency.

Its “How to wash/What to wash” selection dial yields a total of 36 wash settings for various laundry needs. On the downside, the WTW7120HC is currently very expensive to purchase, and its smart features require a paid subscription to access beyond the first six months. Also the Delicates cycle didn’t perform well in testing, showing it to be 10% rougher on clothes than the Normal cycle.

Read our review of the Whirlpool WTW7120HC.

Pros

  • Decent cleaning

  • Good spin cycle

  • Integrated faucet, pretreating brush

Cons

  • Delicates cycle isn't very gentle

Product image of Maytag MVW7230HW
Maytag MVW7230HW
  • Size: 43.88” x 27.25” x 27.88” (H x W x D)
  • Drum capacity: 5.2 cubic feet
  • Smart app: Yes
  • Energy Star Certified: Yes

The Maytag MVW7230HW offers some decent performance for a traditional top-loader. In our tests, we found it performed about as well as the average washer. It also includes some nice extras like a built-in faucet, and an impressive, decade-long warranty. We liked the slow-close glass lid, and the pull out detergent dispenser which is easy to use and access, however the Quick and Heavy Duty cycles left in about 7-12% more water than average.

Read our review of the Maytag MVW7230HW.

Pros

  • Built-in faucet

  • 10-year warranty

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Low cleaning power for its price

  • Tough on clothes

How We Tested Top-Load Washers

The Testers

Hi there! We're Reviewed's former and present appliance testing team.

We have plenty of experience testing washing machines in the lab, but we've also used them like normal people would in the course of daily life. This means that we have a great sense for what appliances are bargains at their price points. We also know which appliances have genuinely useful extra features (as opposed to the kitchen-sink approach).

With all this in mind, you can feel confident that when we recommend a product, we're giving it our Reviewed stamp of approval. That means two things: firstly, this appliance performs well. Secondly, this appliance is easy to use. We're always reviewing new products, so stay tuned for our reviews and roundups of the latest products in laundry, refrigerators, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners.

The Tests

A person pulls a piece of white material in their hands
Credit: Reviewed / Timothy Renzi

Using special material strips, we test both a washing machine's stain-fighting power and how tough it will be on fabric during a given cycle.

Every washing machine that comes into Reviewed’s labs gets put through the same testing regime (read about how we test washing machines in the Reviewed lab), which addresses both performance and user-friendliness. When we test a washing machine's performance, we look at stain removal, wear and tear, water retention, and cycle time.

Beyond these performance tests, we also assess the usability of each washing machine. This is based on our experience, both during testing and during more casual use. (One perk of working at Reviewed is that there are plenty of laundry machines on the premises!).

Our main goal is to answer one question: How easy is it to actually use this washing machine? This involves cumulatively assessing the control panel, the door, the detergent dispenser, and any smart features that are included.

By combining the performance data with our own observations, we can make solid recommendations for any type of washing machine, at any price point.

What You Should Know About Top-Load Washers

You've probably heard people bragging about their beautiful front-load washing machines (and rightfully so). So, why would you want to buy a top-loader? As it turns out, there are plenty of reasons to buy a top-loader, but the three most important reasons are ease of use, extra water options, and ergonomics.

While the distinction between top-load and front-load washers might seem minor, they differ significantly in terms of their design and user experience. With front-load washers, the wash drum is oriented horizontally: you put your dirty laundry in through a door on the front of the machine. Front-loaders can leverage gravity as they run, allowing them to keep your laundry tumbling to agitate it.

With top-loader washing machines, the wash drum is oriented vertically. You lift up a door on the top of the machine to drop your laundry in from above. Top-loaders use their rotation to rub your laundry items against each other to scrub out stains.

How Easy Is A Top-Load Washer To Use?

Front-load washers have overtaken top-loading washing machines in the laundry popularity contest, although some shoppers prefer to stick with what they know—top-loading washing machines with pole agitators (the big spiral column in the middle).

The sentiment isn't misplaced. Most top-load agitator washing machines have gotten a tech-induced face-lift, and will look different than the one in your mom's basement. But even so, if you're already familiar with the layout and logic of these machines, it can make your laundry life easier.

On top of that, you can easily throw laundry into a top-load washer after a cycle has started. This is a much more difficult task for a front-load washer, which has to pause the cycle so that water doesn't spill out when you open the door.

Top-loaders may be easier for some people to use, because they let you drop your laundry into the washer from a standing position. Front-loading washing machines make you crouch down to get your clothes in and out. (Or, they require you to stack your front-loader for easier access while standing.)

In general, most top-load washing machines are less complicated than front-loaders, which often come with control pads that look like they belong on a spaceship. If you just want to hit a few buttons and get your laundry going, you're probably better off with a top-loader.

What Are The Extra Water Options For A Top-Load Washer?

Top-loaders don't generally score as well in the efficiency department as their front-loading counterparts when it comes to water and energy usage. But some people like having the option to increase the water level for really dirty loads of laundry.

It's worth noting this doesn't necessarily mean your clothes get any cleaner. But it's a popular enough feature that a number of brands have added options like Deep Fill so that users can easily add more water to a wash cycle.

You'll Need To Know How To Clean Top-loading Washing Machines

Just because a washing machine cleans clothes, doesn't mean it can clean itself. Stuff builds up inside the washer drum, from bacteria and mildew to scummy detergent and softener residue. No one wants to wash stinky clothes in a machine that stinks worse.

Cleaning a top-load washer is different than cleaning a front-load washer, because of its drum orientation. Front-loaders have a problem area around the gasket, where mold, bacteria, and odors can build up, and they also have a filter that needs to be cleaned every few months. Top-loaders on the other hand, don't have these problems, because of the orientation of the top door and vertical drum.

Use vinegar or bleach (don't mix them) to clean your top-loading washing machine—both work well, and vinegar also does a killer job at killing smells. Run the washer through its hottest wash cycle using one of those ingredients; then do it again with baking soda. In addition, you'll want to unclog and clean the washer's drain, and, if your top-loader has an agitator pole, remove any hair or strings that may have gotten twisted around it.

Meet the testers

Mark Brezinski

Mark Brezinski

Senior Writer

@markbrezinski

Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.

See all of Mark Brezinski's reviews
Jonathan Chan

Jonathan Chan

Senior Manager of Lab Operations

@Jonfromthelab1

Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.

See all of Jonathan Chan's reviews
David Ellerby

David Ellerby

Chief Scientist

Dave Ellerby is Reviewed's Chief Scientist and has a Ph.D. from the University of Leeds and a B.Sc. from the University of Manchester. He has over 25 years of experience designing tests and analyzing data.

See all of David Ellerby's reviews

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

Shoot us an email