1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: Samsung WA49B5105AV
3. Best for a removable agitator: Whirlpool WTW8127LC
4. Best for pet owners: Maytag MVW6500MBK
5. Best for large capacity: LG WT7900HBA
6. Best for pre-treating stains: Samsung WA55A7700AV
7. Best for smart features: LG WT7400CV
8. Best for larger households: Maytag MVW7232HW
9. Good to consider: Maytag MVW6200KW
10. How to choose
11. FAQs
The best top-load washer should make washing your clothes a breeze. Dumping garments into the top of the machine, rather than crouching down, removes any extra pressure on your back and knees. It’s also quicker to put on a wash, leaving you free to deal with other household chores.
Easily ranking among the best washing machines, top-load washers are also an excellent choice for larger households who regularly deal with big laundry loads. Because the washers can fit more clothes, you can also afford to run less loads, which equals lower energy bills, more free time and more fresh clothes.
The best top-load washer provides a variety of wash cycles and settings to deal with everything from very delicate garments to sports shirts with mud and grass stains. For very tough stains, a model with an agitator is helpful, although it can be too intense when dealing with delicate garments.
The quick list
In case you're in a rush, we've provided a summary of the best products and their specs so that you can compare and contrast your options. For a more detailed look at specific products in this guide, keep on scrolling to read our in-depth analysis of each product.
The best top load washer overall
With 4.9 cubic feet of space and time-saving features, the Samsung WA49B5105AV’s multiple wash settings can confidently handle large and challenging loads.
The best top load washer with a removable agitator
This Whirlpool washing machine comes with a number of impressive credentials, including smart features, a pre-treat station, and the world’s first removable agitator.
The best for families with pets
Pet hair is no problem for the Maytag MVW6500MBK top load washer, which has a built-in faucet, a slow-close lid, and impressive cleaning power.
The best for large capacity
The LG WT7900HBA easily handles dirty clothes with its deep cleaning mode and brings smart features and a capacity of 5.5 cubic feet to the table.
The best for pre-treating stains
The Samsung WA55A7700AV has 12 different cycles to choose from, plus smart features and an Active WaterJet to pre-treat stubborn stains.
The best for smart features
The LG WT7400CV lets you take control of your wash from a distance by adjusting settings and tracking the cycle progress from an app.
Load the next 6 products ↴
The best for larger households
The Maytag MVW7232HW can confidently handle the demands of a large household, as it has 5.3 cubic feet of space and smart features.
Great to consider
With 10 cycles and handy settings such as a Deep Fill Mode and Quick Wash Mode, the Maytag MVW6200KW is a great top load washer to consider.
The best top load washers we recommend in 2023
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Best top load washer overall
✅ You have a large family or large laundry loads: The top load washer’s deep fill tub has 4.9 cubic feet of space, meaning you can fit more in one wash.
✅ You want to save time: The Super Speed cycle can wash your clothes in just over 30 minutes, producing impressive results.
✅ You want an eco-friendly top load washer: The washer’s deep fill tub and Energy Star Certification help to save water, energy, and money.
✅ You want to try multiple wash cycles: The 10 pre-set wash settings attack dirt and grime using a variety of tactics.
❌ You are very short: Shorter people report having trouble reaching and rummaging around the bottom of the deep-fill tub.
❌ You want a washer with a dryer setting: This Samsung washer has no drying settings, meaning that you will need to invest in a separate dryer or air-dry your fabrics.
❌ You want a washer that can deal with delicate fabrics: The washer is equipped with an agitator that breaks apart dirt stains by rubbing the clothes together and potentially damaging delicate or handmade fabrics.
🔎 The Samsung WA49B5105AV wins the top spot as the best top load washer because of its generous 4.9 cubic feet capacity and wide range of helpful features. The deep fill tub and timesaving features help to save time and energy, while the 10 wash cycles effectively tackle grime. ★★★★★
If you have a big family and are looking for an energy-efficient washing machine, the Samsung WA49B5105AV is a great choice. Additionally, its spacious capacity allows you to wash larger loads and reduces the number of washes needed.
Features: The WA49B5105AV has 10 preset washing cycles and five temperature levels. It also comes with a child lock, deep fill tub, and Smart Care tech to troubleshoot any issues. The machine has audio assistance and braille next to key control panels, making it easier for anyone visually and/or hearing impaired. The EZ Access tub design is also easy to load, and the Swirl+ Tub interior extracts more water, so clothes dry quicker after a wash. Vibration Reduction technology helps to keep noise levels low.
In terms of design, the top load washing machine has a simple yet effective design, with a deep fill tub and a large 4.9 cubic feet capacity, making it ideal for those who want to get more laundry done in less time. The machine is easy to load, making it a good option for people with mobility issues. There are two colors to choose from, including white and brushed black.
Performance: With multiple wash options and time-saving features, the Samsung WA49B5105AV quickly removes dirt and grime from clothes. The large tub capacity allows for thorough cleaning. The agitator helps clothes rub together, blasting away grime and dirt, although this method can be a little tough on fabrics. Unlike the Whirlpool WTW8127LC, it doesn’t have the option to remove the agitator. The machine has received high user praise for its performance, energy efficiency, and user-friendly controls.
Value: Overall, the Samsung WA49B5105AV offers great value for money with many wash options. The Samsung WA49B5105AV is Energy Star certified, which means it uses less energy and water, reducing its impact on the environment, and it comes with an impressive 20-year warranty on the digital inverter motor.
Read more: Samsung WA49B5105AV review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Quick and easy to use, with smart features and troubleshooting. | ★★★★★ |
| Features | Packs a powerful motor, multi wash cycles, and a deep fill tub. | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Great value for such a well-rounded, powerful washer. | ★★★★★ |
The best top load washer with a removable agitator
✅ Sometimes you want to free up extra space: This washer lets you remove the agitator to free up space or protect very delicate garments from the back-and-forth rubbing process.
✅ You regularly deal with large laundry loads: This Whirlpool washer already has 5.2 cubic feet of space to begin with, which increases to 5.3 cubic feet when you remove the optional agitator.
✅ You want an easy-to-use washer: The washing machine has a Load and Go system, which retains enough detergent for 20 washes.
✅ You want a washer with smart features: Smart features in this model include WiFi and app connectivity.
❌ You don’t care about bells and whistles: The Whirlpool washer has a number of high-end features, including an EasyView glass lid and an impressive 37 wash cycles to choose from. If you want a minimal washer, this isn’t the model for you.
❌ You need a budget-friendly washer: The Whirlpool WTW8127LC is a premium model with a tall order of $1,399.
❌ You live alone: If you live alone and only handle small washing loads, you may find the Whirlpool WTW8127LC’s 5.3 cubic feet of space overkill.
🔎 The Whirlpool WTW8127LC is a spacious and premium top load washer that ticks just about every box you’d expect and then more. Its smart features and optional agitator are impressive, but only pick this washer if you’re willing to pay for the best features. ★★★★★
The Whirlpool WTW8127LC top-loading washing machine has a high price tag but offers numerous desirable and useful features, including smart app functionality and the world's first removable agitator.
Features: This Whirlpool washing machine lets you choose whether you want to use an agitator or impeller (it's worth noting that the capacity slightly reduces to 5.2 cu. ft. if you use the agitator). Other useful features include the Whirlpool Load & Go Dispenser, which means you add detergent once and are good to go for up to 20 loads of laundry.
There's also the Pretreat Station Plus, a built-in faucet that enables you to soak, scrub, and wash your clothes in one spot – saving you from transporting sopping wet laundry from your sink to your washer.
This Whirlpool washer also comes with Wi-Fi connectivity and smart features, meaning you can control your washer through the mobile app when it's set to remote enable. You can also create customized cycles with Intuitive Controls. Plus, the EasyView Full-Width Slow-Close Glass Lid allows you to check on your laundry load at every part of the wash cycle.
Performance: The Whirlpool WTW8127LC’s powerful agitator helps to break apart deep-set dirt and stains on clothes. It’s also handy to have the option to remove this for more delicate cycles. The machine is Energy Star certified, which helps keep electric and water bills low. Plus, the direct drive motor is more durable than the standard drive belt system with more basic washers.
Value: The machine costs $1,399, which matches its durable stainless steel drum and impressive 36-cycle options. If you’re keen to try a washing machine with a removable agitator and a range of smart and helpful features, the clever design will be worth your money.
Read more: Whirlpool WTW8127LC review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 36 cycle options and a pre-treat station impress. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | An all-rounded performer with a removable agitator. | ★★★★★ |
| Value | A high price for a premium washer but not budget-friendly. | ★★★★ |
Best top load washer for families with pets
✅ You want to clean up garments with pet hair: The Maytag MVW6500MBK has a ‘Pet Pro’ washing setting and filter specifically designed to wash out pet hair without damaging your washing machine’s filter.
✅ You’re looking for a washer that’s easy to use: The Maytag washer has a slow-close lid, an integrated faucet, and a large and intuitive digital panel that lets you select your washing mode.
✅ You want a washer that can deal with deep stains: The washer’s Deep Fill mode soaks items to give you the best chance at getting rid of stubborn stains.
❌ You don’t have pets: While the washer has a range of helpful features, if you don’t have a pet, you may want to keep scrolling to find a model with features that are more suited to your lifestyle.
❌ You want a delicate wash: While there is a delicate wash setting, this washer is designed to handle tough jobs such as pet hair and can, therefore, damage very delicate clothes on normal settings.
❌ You like your clothes to come out of a wash slightly dry: Clothes come out of the Maytag MVW6500MBK fairly wet and require a good run in a dryer or a long air-drying session.
🔎The Maytag MVW6500MBK is a pro at cleaning and removing pet hair without blocking your washing machine filter. Its filter is designed to clean up 5x more pet hair than your typical washer, making it a wise choice for pet owners. ★★★★
The Maytag MVW6500MBK handles pet hair with ease. This is an excellent top-load washer if you have pets and want to keep your washing machine protected while cleaning your clothes. While it may not be as gentle and efficient in spinning out water as some other machines, it still offers ample cleaning power. It even has a built-in faucet for rinsing and a slow-close lid for convenience.
Features: This washer helps tackle pet hair in two ways. Firstly, a "Pet Pro" washing setting uses additional water and a deep rinse to dislodge and remove pet hair from your clothes. Then, pet hair is caught in a built-in Pet Pro filter, which removes up to 5x more fur.
Other helpful washing features include the Deep Fill option, designed to saturate your laundry to dilute stains, and a built-in faucet to manually fill and drain the drum while spot-treating specific tough stains. The washer drains automatically after three hours, so you can fill a drum, treat stains, and then run a full wash cycle.
Performance: The Maytag washer will automatically redistribute your laundry so that the washer always spins as efficiently as possible. The Advanced Vibration Control Plus feature is designed for this very purpose. This hardware, paired with the software that allows you to adjust for each load, means you can wash anything and everything.
Value: The going price for the Maytag MVW6500MBK is $1,299. While this may seem pricey, the washing machine comes with a number of targeted features for pet owners. If you’re looking for a washer that can handle pet hair without getting blocked and delivers yet more features, this is it. These washers are also American-made and assembled in Ohio. They also come with a 10-year warranty on the drive motor and the stainless steel wash basket.
Read more: Maytag MVW6500MBK review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Tackles pet hair with a special wash cycle and filter. | ★★★★ |
| Performs | Deals effectively with pet hair without any blockages. | ★★★★ |
| Value | Good price considering its range of targeted features. | ★★★★ |
Best large capacity top load washer
✅ You run several loads per week or have a large family: The LG WT7900HBA can fit a large amount of clothes in one cycle, as it has a huge capacity of 5.5 cubic feet.
✅ You are often in a hurry: Features such as smart connectivity and a quick 30-minute cleaning cycle let you get on with more important tasks than doing laundry.
✅ You want a washer that will last: The LG WT7900HBA has a lengthy 10-year warranty, so you can feel safe that your investment is for the long term.
❌ You’re sticking to a strict budget: Due to its premium features, the LG WT7900HBA will set you back by $1,349.99 unless you can bag a discount.
❌ You don’t have a lot of clothes to deal with: The LG WT7900HBA isn’t suited to someone who lives alone and washes a small amount of clothes at once because the washer has a whopping 5.5 cubic feet of washing capacity.
❌ You’re sensitive to sudden noises: Some users have reported that this LG top load washer occasionally makes sudden knocking or grinding noises.
🔎 The LG WT7900HBA is worth the premium price tag, as it comes with a helpful range of smart features, cycles, and a good warranty. It has one of the largest capacities, with 5.5 cubic feet of space for bulkier items or family laundry loads. ★★★★
The LG WT7900HBA washing machine has a high capacity for washing large loads quickly, thanks to its smart features and connectivity. However, it may not be the most budget-friendly option, and the deep drum may challenge shorter users when unloading.
Features: This smart washer boasts several smart features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and the ability to start, monitor, and stop your washer remotely. The LG ThinQ technology allows you to access multiple other LG washer features remotely. ThinQ Care will also send you frequent notifications about the usage, maintenance, and diagnosis of your washer directly to your phone to let you know when your washer needs to be maintained or repaired - great for helping you get the most out of it and keep it running smoothly.
Performance: This WT7900HBA is also ENERGY STAR certified and contains several energy-saving and efficiency-boosting features, such as ColdWash technology, using cold water to clean your clothes while washing as efficiently as warm water. This can save you a lot of money in the long run while ensuring you get a clean, fresh load of laundry every time.
In addition to its energy-saving features, this washer has also been certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) due to its reduction in household fabric allergens.
Many users comment positively on the large capacity of the washer. However, a few users report issues with the washer breaking within a year.
Value: Priced at $1,349.99, the LG WT7900HBA isn’t the cheapest washer around. This is expected due to its wide range of premium features and smart technology. The one-year parts and labor warranty is a little disappointing, considering the high price tag.
Read more: LG WT7900HBA review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | High-end smart features let you monitor washes remotely. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Energy-saving and efficiency-boosting features come in handy. | ★★★★ |
| Value | Premium price but the warranty is underwhelming. | ★★★ |
The best top load washer for pre-treating stains
✅ You see smart features as an essential asset: If you like to keep track of your wash from your smartphone, the Samsung WA49B5105AV has an app and WiFi connectivity.
✅ You want a washing machine that keeps quiet: With one review claiming the machine is ‘silent,’ the Samsung WA49B5105AV’s Vibration Reduction Technology+ seems highly effective.
✅ You’re never sure when to clean your washing machine: The Samsung WA49B5105AV comes with a handy self-cleaning function that will notify you when it’s time to clean your washer.
❌ You’re dealing with excessive dirt and grime: The Samsung WA49B5105AV has no agitator, so it isn’t the most powerful washing machine for cleaning up stubborn dirt and grime.
❌ You’re shopping on a budget: This Samsung washer has an RRP of $1,299, so unless you find a discount, it costs a few hundred dollars more than our top-rated top load washer, which is also from Samsung.
❌ You’re easily overwhelmed by too many features: While the Samsung WA49B5105AV’s huge range of features, including 12 cycles and an Active WaterJet, are one of its best assets, those who prefer a minimal washer may feel overwhelmed.
🔎 The Samsung WA49B5105AV, while expensive, is a well-rounded washing machine with many features, including smart capabilities, a self-cleaning function, and 12 wash cycles. Just don’t expect it to tackle extremely stubborn dirt and grime; for that, you’ll need to invest in a machine with an agitator. ★★★★
With an extra-large capacity of 5.5 cu. ft., a Super Speed laundry cycle, and an AutoDispense system, the Samsung WA55A7700AV top load washer has plenty of features in its remit, so much so that they are a CES Innovation Award Honoree.
Features: The AutoDispense feature allows you to fill your washer with up to 12 loads of detergent and softener at once - the washer will then dispense the right amount of each solution automatically each time you start a new cleaning cycle.
With the Samsung SmartThings app, you can receive a notification at the end of wash cycles or start and stop your washer remotely. You can also schedule cycles and many other things from your smartphone.
It also has an Active WaterJet - a built-in faucet so you can easily pre-treat heavy stains inside your washer, eliminating the need for a sink in your laundry room. There's a Deep Fill option, too, so the washer will automatically add extra water throughout your wash cycle to help thoroughly soak and clean any heavily soiled laundry.
The touch control panel sits behind the soft-closed lid and allows users to take their pick from 12 wash cycles. The Super Speed Wash feature will effectively and efficiently clean your laundry in only 28 minutes. Plus, the Vibration Reduction Technology+ helps to keep the machine quiet throughout its cycle.
Performance: The washing machine does not have an agitator, which might be a dealbreaker for some users. The Active Water-Jet does help to deal with heavy stains by pre-treating them instead. Overall, the washer performs well but may struggle with very tricky stains.
Value: The Samsung WA55A7700 has been awarded a high RRP of $1,299. It’s quite reasonable considering the number of cycles, settings, and smart features compared to some of the other top load washers. Handily, the washer is also Energy Star certified, which means it meets strict performance requirements for energy and water consumption, making it a good model to go for if you are conscious of saving on utility bills.
Read more: Samsung WA55A7700AV review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 12 cycles and handy features like an Active WaterJet. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | An all-rounder but may struggle with tricky stains. | ★★★ |
| Value | A decent price to pay for smart features and so many settings. | ★★★★ |
The best top load washer for smart features
✅ You need plenty of space for heavy laundry loads or blankets: With a capacity of 5.5 cubic feet, you don’t need to worry about being unable to fit bulky blankets or comforters into the washing machine.
✅ Your washer should have a steam setting: The LG WT7400CV's steam setting is a convenient way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles while also working out deeper-set stains.
✅ You’re a fan of smart technology: This LG washer’s ThinQ technology sends pointers such as maintenance alerts to your smartphone, and users can start and stop the washing cycle from an app.
❌ You’re searching for a very quiet model: While the LG washer is quiet on the whole due to its TrueBalance® Anti-Vibration System, some users have reported that the washer seemed unnecessarily noisy at times.
❌ You only run small or irregular washing loads: The LG WT7400CV is the type of washer you want if you have a large family with lots of regular washing, as the spacious bin is wasted on light washes.
❌ You do not need excess features: If you’re going to be using just one or two cycles, you might want to give the LG WT7400CV’s wide range of cycles a miss.
🔎 The LG WT7400CV is a safe choice for smart features lovers. With an additional steam setting and a very generous capacity of 5.5 cubic feet, it’s also well-suited to families who want to tackle dirt and stains using a variety of clever tactics. ★★★★
The LG WT7400CV may be pricey, but it offers plenty of features to compensate for its high cost. These include a spacious capacity, a quick wash cycle that only takes 29 minutes, a pretreat station, and a steam function, all adding value for money.
Features: With a huge capacity of 5.5 cu. ft. this washer also boasts many specialized technologies that help you get the cleanest, freshest laundry possible. The TurboWash3D Technology and 6Motion Technology will give you a deep, powerful clean in only 29 minutes - perfect for when you are short on time and need crisp, spotless laundry. The 6Motion Technology also has up to six different wash motions to help clean your clothes more cleverly.
We're also fans of the Smart Pairing feature, which means that your LG smart washer will tell your LG dryer to select the correct drying cycle for the laundry that you are doing.
LG's built-in ThinQ technology allows you to access your smart appliances in real time - it's also designed to give smart notifications on absolutely everything from usage statistics to maintenance alerts and even early diagnosis of potential problems, helping you prevent any faults before they happen.
Performance: Due to its 5.5 cu. ft. capacity, this LG washer is the largest capacity top loader in its class. According to LG, you can easily fit a comforter and a full set of king-sized bedding in a single load, making this an ideal choice for families with large laundry loads. It performs mostly well, although some users report balancing issues and excessive noise.
Value: The LG WT7400CV comes with some attractive features such as Wi-Fi and app compatibility and TurboWash3D tech, as well as having a huge capacity, so it’s well worth its premium price point of $1,149 for Graphite Steel or $1,049 for White. The Energy Star certification will help to bring running costs down. Just note that the capacity and features may feel overkill for someone who lives alone or as a couple.
Read more: LG WT7400CV review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Buy it for high-tech features and a huge capacity. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Easily handles large loads but sometimes has balancing issues. | ★★★ |
| Value | Good price with an Energy Star to bring down running costs. | ★★★★ |
The best top load washer for larger households
✅ You run regular washes: The Maytag washer has a generous 5.3 cubic feet capacity, which suits users who run regular and/or large washes, such as families.
✅ Your washing machine should be cheap to run: According to manufacturers, the machine doesn’t use an agitator, uses less water than your typical washer, and typically costs $30 per year to run.
✅ You like to keep tabs on your washing: The washing machine has smart features and a see-through lid that lets users check whether they included their pink socks or not.
❌ You’re prone to overloading your washes: When this washer is overloaded, the machine can become unbalanced and struggle to clean clothes as effectively.
❌ You want a washer with a steam setting: The Maytag washer does not have a steam setting to reduce wrinkles.
❌ You prefer to invest in goods with a longer warranty: The washer comes with a 10-year warranty, which, considering the price, could be longer.
❌ You are very short in height: Due to the depth of the washer, users who are very short in height may struggle to remove items from the bottom of the bin.
🔎 The Maytag MVW7232HW is a good washer to remember, especially if you run large or regular washes, as it has a generous capacity and 13 helpful wash cycles. It’s fairly cheap to run long-term, which makes up for the price tag of just under $1000. ★★★★
The Maytag MVW7232HW is a great choice for large families with equally large loads of washing to keep up with. We're also a big fan of its great smart features, including using the Maytag app to start and stop the wash, get end-of-cycle notifications, and troubleshoot potential issues.
Features: The Maytag washing machine has an extra power button and a water faucet to deal with stains. The faucet can even be used to fill the tub for a three-hour soak before the cycle begins, which is perfect for deeply embedded stains that need extra care and attention.
The Quick Wash Cycle would work better if your clothes are only lightly soiled and you want them cleaned quickly. This cycle can clean small loads in 30 minutes, utilizing extra high spin speeds.
Other great features include Advanced Vibration Control, designed to reduce vibration and keep noise to a minimum. We're a fan of the Wrinkle Control Cycle (designed to help prevent wrinkles by using warm water and low spin speeds) and the Auto Sensing function, which automatically adjusts the water level for each load to improve efficiency. While it is smart-enabled, it does lack a steam setting.
Performance: This Maytag washer can tackle heavy-duty stains with its Extra Power button and the built-in water faucet. Plus, as well as being time-efficient, it's also energy-efficient, boasting an Energy Star certification. This means the model has exceeded government standards to help conserve natural resources.
Value: The Maytag MVW7232HW is fairly expensive at just under $1,000, and to add to that, it’s missing a steam setting. Still, the washer does have an impressive capacity and only costs around $30 per year to run. The Energy Star certification isn't just good for the environment and helps you save money on your utility bills. The machine might be a great fit if it ticks many of your boxes.
Read more: Maytag MVW7232HW review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | A good choice of cycles and app compatibility. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Can handle tricky stains and lightly soiled clothes. | ★★★★ |
| Value | More affordable than many washers, plus low running costs. | ★★★★ |
A great top load washer to consider
✅ You prefer a minimal washing machine without frills: The Maytag MVW6200KW gets the job done but has a minimal design available only in white.
✅ You want a capable washer with multiple cycles and features: The washer has 10 different wash cycles and a good number of features, including a Deep Fill mode and Quick Wash mode.
✅ You have large laundry loads to han