The Frigidaire FFTW4120SW strikes a good balance between modern and innovative while still being relatively budget friendly. It is below the average price among the washers we compared, and it is specifically designed to be highly efficient and to be used with high efficiency detergents.
To see all the models we reviewed, read the best top-load washing machines guide or, check out the best front-load washing machines.
This washer isn’t Energy Star certified, but all of the other efficiency indicators are good. It has the lowest estimated annual energy cost of the units we compared and the lowest estimated annual energy use. At least some of that is due to its capacity, but it even beat out some of the smaller capacity machines we compared.
The 4.1-cubic-foot capacity is below average among those we compared, but it should still be enough to handle most loads. A king-size comforter might be a tight fit, since comforters generally need 4.5 cubic feet or more, but it should be able to handle most of your other laundry.
The FFTW4120SW provides many options for soil levels and temperatures, but there are machines that offer more choices. There is, however, a “Favorite Cycle” button, which saves your preferred settings so that you don't have to specifically select soil level, water temperature and other settings every time you wash that load.
The warranty offers just one year of coverage on everything, which isn’t great, considering some competing units offer a decade or more of coverage on motors and wash drums. If you prefer a stronger warranty, consider the LG WT7200CV.
