10 Best Top Load Washers in 2023: Reviews & Top Picks

It’s always challenging to buy items like appliances. Usually, they last a long time—up to 13 years for washers. Inevitably, technology has changed considerably. Perhaps two of the most significant updates have been the refinement of top-loading machines and smart devices. The latter gives you more control over your appliance than you ever thought possible.

Our guide will cover everything you need to know to make an informed choice. We’ll discuss the basics down to the special features. We’ve included reviews so that you can see what’s available and where the industry is headed.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Frigidaire Top Load Washer	Well-made Excellent cleaning Energy-efficient	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		BLACK+DECKER Washer	Child-safe feature Decent options Easy installation	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		LG Smart Top Load Washer	Sturdy Attractive design Child-safety lock	CHECK PRICE
		Kenmore Elite Top Load Washer	Quick wash cycle Steam treat feature Roomy capacity	CHECK PRICE
		Kenmore Top-Load Washer	Large capacity Glass lid Excellent energy efficiency	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Top Load Washers

1. Frigidaire Top Load Washer – Best Overall

The Frigidaire Top Load Washer is an agitator type with a decent capacity and full-water fills. It has 12 cycles to meet every cleaning need, including a quick wash option. The shorter cycle time makes it more energy efficient when you don’t need the extra time. It’s easy to use with an intuitive interface. It’s our pick as the best overall top load washer. Our only gripe is its relatively short warranty period.

2. BLACK+DECKER Washer – Best Value

The BLACK+DECKER Washer packs a lot of power and options into a small device, even at its smallest capacity. It has features you’d see in more expensive models, such as start delay and your choice of eight cleaning cycles. It has a child-safe lock that helps prevent injuries if it is opened mid-cycle. It’s easy to install, making it an even better value. It’s one of the best top load washers for the money, although hot water usage is limited.

3. LG Smart Top Load Washer – Premium Choice

The LG Smart Top Load Washer strives to make washing day easier with five temperatures, 12 cycles, and 14 options. It also has some proprietary features that boost its cleaning power. This pricey product is well made and built to last. It even looks attractive. It has a child-safety lock during its operation. While some don’t appreciate it, we think it adds value. It comes with a smartphone app, although it needs work.

4. Kenmore Elite Top Load Washer

The Kenmore Elite Top Load Washer is appropriately named for the extra features it offers. While spendy, you get added cycles for quick wash and allergens. We don’t see the latter too often, making it stand out from the pack. You can also steam treat your laundry, making it more efficient. It’s roomy and easy to use. It has an attractive, metallic silver color that doesn’t show fingerprints. We also liked the lifetime motor warranty.

5. Kenmore Top-Load Washer

The Kenmore Top-Load Washer is a bit smaller than our previous pick, but it still packs many desirable features. It has the larger capacity you’d expect with an impeller. It uses electricity efficiently to make up for the higher price tag. The USA-made appliance has a tempered glass lid. While it doesn’t add to its performance, it makes it more attractive. We also liked the built-in water faucet for pre-treating our laundry.

6. GE Appliances Top-Load Washer

The GE Appliances Top-Load Washer offers many options for dialing in on the power and temperature you need for optimal cleaning. You can adjust the water levels to match the load size. It also has a deep-clean cycle for heavily soiled items and one for bulkier laundry. It has an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use. It’s made out of mainly USA-sourced materials. We just wish the warranty was longer.

7. Magic Chef Compact Washer

The Magic Chef Compact Washer is an excellent choice if you want this appliance but have limited space. You can still get a lot done with this model. Although it has limited functionality, there are six cycles and three temperature settings, which can cover most laundry with this quiet device. Careful placement is necessary since filling it to capacity can cause some water loss.

8. COMFEE Portable Washing Machine

The COMFEE Portable Washing Machine is another compact model for small spaces. It’s also whisper-quiet, which apartment dwellers will appreciate. It is surprisingly energy efficient and does a decent job cleaning. It’s also easy to install and use. We liked the Auto Unbalance Detection to prevent damage caused by unbalanced loads. The only issue we had with it was an occasional failure to drain completely.

9. Magic Chef Stainless Steel Compact Top-Load Washer

The Magic Chef Stainless Steel Compact Top-Load Washer offers excellent value for the price and design. It has features you’d expect to find in more expensive models, such as an extra rinse. The appliance is easy to use with a highly visible LED display. Even though it’s a smaller model, it still delivers six wash cycles. It’s also stable during the spin cycle, although it is a bit louder than we’d like.

10. Hotpoint Top Load Washer

The Hotpoint Top Load Washer works as advertised with a reasonable capacity for most loads. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a delicate cycle, which could be a deal-breaker for some buyers. Nevertheless, it uses less water, although it doesn’t always drain completely. It has a child lock feature, which you either tend to love or hate. Otherwise, it’s easy to use and comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

Buyer’s Guide: What to look for in a Top Load Washer

It pays to do your research before making a major purchase like a washer. You’ll find a broad price range for them, depending on the quality of the build and the extra features. However, top-loading washers are often more affordable than front-loading models. This style is timeless, although it has some drawbacks, including water use. However, they are easier to fill with your laundry and less likely to end up on the floor.

We suggest considering how you use your washer. Do you frequently clean bulky items, like comforters? Also, think about space and other practical things. It can help you choose between comparable products to get the best one for you and your family. Other matters to consider include:

Type

The term top load only scratches the surface of the variations you’ll find with these products. That’s where one may stand out over another. One of the most popular types is the agitator model. An internal basket spins to help clean your laundry better by loosening dirt and other debris. They do a decent job in a shorter cycle. However, they use a lot of water. If you’re not on a well, it can end up costing higher in the long run.

You may also see washers that use an impeller instead of an agitator using a disc to perform a similar cleaning action. They can handle bulkier laundry than the former while using less water. They also do a better job of spinning your items dry to save on time in the dryer. You’ll likely find they’re also gentler on your belongings. On the downside, you may have more unbalanced load issues while doing laundry.

Washers that combine both technologies are also available with a removable agitator. These products offer the flexibility of both types, making them worth a look if a front-loading model won’t work in your space. The disadvantage of a top-loading washer is that you can’t stack it with a dryer.

Dimensions

We strongly urge you to measure your available space for a top load washer. These appliances take up a lot of real estate. Take into account the room you’ll need to switch loads or fold laundry. Remember that stacking with a dryer isn’t possible. However, you’ll likely want to have both items. If space is an issue, you’ll find portable or compact models that may offer more options. Don’t forget to measure the available vertical room, too.

Capacity

Capacity is usually expressed in cubic feet. Small models are about 2 cubic feet, which can accommodate a few pieces of clothing and a towel or two. Family-sized washers run around 5 cubic feet or more. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking you have to get the largest one. Think about the size of the loads you typically do and whether a larger capacity is worth the investment.

Weight

Even though a washer has a lot of empty space, they are still massive appliances with all the moving parts within them. You may find that ponying up for installation is worth the price, especially if you don’t have a two-wheeler. Weights will vary depending on the products’ materials. If you have an existing appliance, be sure to ask about removing the old one.

Special Features

The extra bells and whistles are often the difference between a deal-breaker and a dealmaker. You’ll see variations in the number of cycles, types of loads, and temperature settings. Some have timers or delay settings to make them even more convenient. Higher-end models are often smart devices, giving you incredible control over how to use them. Some will send alerts when your laundry is done. You can also operate them remotely.

Of course, the newer the technology, the higher the price. We suggest you set a budget before you start shopping.

Conclusion

After completing all our reviews, the Frigidaire Top Load Washer made it to the head of the class. The BLACK+DECKER Washer scored high marks for its brand’s reputation and affordable price. However, no matter which one you choose, you’ll likely be happy with the final product.

Featured Image Credit: RODNAE Productions. Pexels