Laundry may not be the worst chore on your to-do list, but if you can make it easier and get more done at once, why not? Front-load washers might be trending in homes all over the country, but some people prefer a top-load washing machine. These top-load clothes washers are reliable workhorses that can clean large loads with ease.
The best top-load washers have a range of features, but not every model is going to be right for you. When searching for a top-load washer, you’ll encounter a lot of options from a number of different brands. Which model is best? Check out our list of the best top-load washers for 2021, starting with the powerful Whirlpool Smart Capable WTW7120HW.
Also, check out our list of the best washers overall for information on the best front and top-load machines.
Whirlpool Smart Capable WTW7120HW
There’s a lot to love about this smart 5.3-cubic foot Whirlpool washer — including Whirlpool’s own app, which you can use to get laundry updates from afar and similar benefits. There’s also the useful Load and Go feature, which allows you to fill up a large washer compartment with detergent and use the machine’s sensors to automatically allocate the right amount of detergent for each load.
Whirlpool’s washing modes are intelligent and useful for everyday washing. The agitator washer can pick its own cycles with Adaptive Wash, or allow you to customize a cycle based on exactly what you want. Presoak modes allow for stain-cleansing prep, extra water options help with dedicated cleaning tasks, and a Delay Start mode lets you schedule washing around your day. The dual-temperature faucet and built-in pre-treat brush allow you to tackle dirt or stains right there before dropping clothes into the washer as well.
No other top load washer is so well designed for real-life washing challenges as the Whirlpool WTW7120HW, making it an easy recommendation.
LG TurboWash WT7800CW
LG has made a name for itself with high-tech appliances, and this 5.5-cubic foot LG washing machine certainly doesn’t disappoint if you are looking for smart features that will help you save as much time as possible. LG’s ThinQ app is useful for managing washer features from your phone and getting updates so you can continue on other projects. Sensors for managing water levels help customize each load, while you can also choose from 14 rinse cycles, 12 wash cycles, and several temperature settings. If you like saving energy, you’ll also enjoy using the Cold Wash mode, which is designed to provide the same cleaning as a hot water cycle without the need for hot water, saving a significant amount of energy.
Note that the LG WD200CV washer is an impeller model, and uses six different motions during the wash cycle to help provide a thorough clean — and often less noisy than agitator models, which may be another plus for your home.
Samsung WA54R7600AC
Samsung’s spacious 5.4-cubic foot washer comes with a feature we especially enjoy: Steam cleaning for more thorough and powerful stain removal that can sometimes serve as an alternative to going to a professional cleaner’s. But that’s just the beginning: The washer also has an active waterjet like our first Whirlpool pick, so you can rinse and pretreat stains right there at the washer, as well as 12 washing cycle presets and nine specific add-on modes to fully customize your cycle experience.
Other useful customization options include choosing to add extra water for a thorough clean, choosing a speed mode for an extra-quick cycle, and picking the right temperature from five different settings. The Samsung WA54R7200AW also is compatible with a monitoring app to help with troubleshooting.
Maytag MVW7232HW
Maytag has long held a reputation for solid, durable appliances, but lately the company has been embracing smart features, too. The result is an incredibly versatile 5.3-cubic foot Maytag washer that can do a little bit of everything, including managing your cycle from Maytag’s app wherever you are and pressing the “Extra Power” button to add a dual-temperature wash for dealing with tough stains.
In addition to typical cycle options, this Maytag model has a Quick Wash option that’s over in half an hour, an Oxi Cycle for making sure bacteria is gone, and a Deep Fill for customizing the water level. The Maytag MVW7232HW includes a built-in faucet for laundry prep! Plus, the 10-year limited parts warranty is a nice addition if you’re worried about long-term performance.
Amana NTW4516FW
Is staying under budget one of your priorities? This highly affordable model is a great choice for saving money. It uses a dual-action agitator and a nifty late-lock lid that leads you add forgotten clothes in before the spin cycle officially starts. Modes include five temperature settings, a delicates cycle, and a deep water wash for using extra water to combat stains.
The one thing to keep in mind about the Amana NTW4516FW is that it’s only a 3.5-cubic foot capacity, so you are limited in load size, making this pick a better option for smaller homes or when a front load washer just isn’t the right fit.
Speed Queen TC5003WN
Speed Queen focuses on classical reliability with a highly effective agitator design and 210-degree range of motion to make sure every load is thoroughly cleaned. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles on this 3.2-cubic foot model, but that also makes it incredibly easy to use immediately without learning about any new features or smart apps — just adjust the dials and away you go!
The Speed Queen TC5003WN offers six preset cycles to choose from, as well as options for a variable water level selector, extra rinse, and warm rinse. There’s also no lid lock, so you can add in additional laundry as you see fit throughout the cycle.
