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The 6 Best Top Load Washers of 2024

Convenient, easy laundry days up ahead

Person opening the lid of a Whirlpool Smart Top Load Washer

The Spruce / Jay Wilde

There's something wonderfully familiar about a top load washer. The design is straightforward, the drum is easy to maintain, and you can treat any stain on your favorite T-shirt right on top of it. When making a large appliance investment, we think these conveniences are key because they make your life, and your laundry day, easier.

"What features from your old appliances did you say, 'I wish this was here. It would’ve made my life easier?' Ultimately, you want to make sure your life is easier," says Tiffany Aliche, financial educator and author of Get Good with Money.

With Aliche's advice in mind, we researched the best and most convenient top load washers on the market, evaluating each on performance, drum capacity, cycle options, and special features, such as built-in faucets or specialized settings for activewear. Our favorites are a variety, costing between $500 and $1,500 and coming from reliable brands like Whirlpool, Amana, LG, and GE.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Whirlpool Smart Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator

Whirlpool WTW8127LW 5.2-5.3-cu ft Smart Top Load Washer with 2-in-1 Removable Agitator

Home Depot

What We Like
  • Bulk dispenser

  • Large selection of cycles

  • Can pre-soak clothes with stains

What We Don't Like
  • Hard to reach bottom of the drum

The Whirlpool WTW8127LW 5.3-cubic-foot Smart Top Load Washer is capable of pleasing fans of both agitator- and impeller-style washing machines. Open the lid to this washer, and you’ll find a snap-in center agitator that can easily be removed to meet various laundry needs, like making room for a bulky load of blankets or opting to gently wash delicate items using the impeller plate. No other top load washer on the market offers this 2-in-1 design, giving this model tremendous value. With the agitator in place, the washer provides 5.2 cubic feet of room inside the stainless steel wash basket. Once removed, the wash basket has 5.3 cubic feet of space.

What is an impeller plate?

Simply put, an impeller plate moves the water and detergent around while clothes are being washed. A traditional central agitator uses a pole-like device to spin and move clothes, but an impeller uses a small cone or disc at the bottom of the drum to rotate and move the clothes. An impeller plate is typically more gentle on fabrics and gives your washer more capacity, making it the better option for most. You can find impeller plates in most modern washers, and having one is definitely more convenient for washing any of your delicate fabrics.

Regardless of which washing mechanism you choose, the Whirlpool WTW8127LW is equipped to meet the care requirements of any laundry load. It has 11 pre-set cycle options along with selections for things like water temperature, spin speed, or a deep water fill. In total, there are 36 unique cycle combinations to properly care for your clothes. With built-in Wi-Fi, you can also use the Whirlpool app to schedule your next load of laundry to begin at a specified time or receive updates on the cycle status. A machine that has so many options like this can work wonders.

Another feature that is unique to top load washers, and this pick, is the built-in faucet to pre-treat stains. You’ll find this handy for giving stains extra attention before the wash cycle or for quickly cleaning items that require hand-washing only. Just take it from us: this one-of-a-kind top load washer is known to sell out quickly, so if you find one in stock, order it quickly. (In fact, we like it so much that we wish there were more widespread retailer availability.)

Capacity: 5.2 cubic feet (with agitator), 5.3 cubic feet (with impeller) | Washing Mechanism: Impeller plate or central agitator | Cycles: 11 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes

Best Budget

Amana Top Load Washing Machine

Amana NTW4516FW 3.5 cu. ft. White Top Load Washing Machine

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Auto-cleaning cycle

  • Deep fill setting

  • Load sensing technology

What We Don't Like
  • No stainless steel tub

  • No fabric softener dispenser

We know a major appliance like a washing machine costs a pretty penny. So, if you're looking for a wallet-friendly option, you'll want to check out the basic but efficient Amana NTW4516FW. We think it offers simple features, but delivers a deep clean for small to large loads. This washer relies on a dual-action agitator and auto-sensing fill technology, but you can opt for a deep fill setting to ensure that large or bulky loads are completely saturated. There are eight wash cycles, plus five settings for water temperature. All options are selected using control knobs on the back panel.

Saving big on a top load washer means giving up a few extras, like a stainless steel wash basket or a dispenser for fabric softener—both of which add convenience to your laundry routine by giving your fabrics a durable and fine-tuned environment to tumble in. But the porcelain-enamel finish on the 3.5-cubic-foot wash basket will offer years of reliable service as long it remains chip-free.

Keep in mind that the maximum spin speed of this top load washer is 680 RPM, which is less than many other models. You'll want to avoid overloading it to ensure that it can efficiently extract water from your laundry load. Still, we think given the price tag, it's worth considering.

Capacity: 3.5 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Central agitator | Cycles: 8 | Drum Material: Porcelain | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No

Best High-Efficiency

Whirlpool High-Efficiency Top Load Washer

Whirlpool 3.8 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Top Load Washer

Homedepot

What We Like
  • Speed wash cycle

  • Dual-action agitator

  • Available with impeller plate

What We Don't Like
  • Small capacity

  • Not Energy Star certified

High-efficiency (or HE) washers are designed to conserve water and energy usage without sacrificing cleaning ability. They typically are equipped with auto-load sensing technology, which uses the weight of your laundry to fill the wash basket with the right amount of water for the cycle. All of this is true when it comes to this pick: the Whirlpool WTW4955HW, a top-loading washer with 3.8 cubic feet of space for your clothes, bedding, and towels. 

Why should you consider a high-efficiency washer?

High-efficiency (or HE) machines have been offered in the United States for more than two decades. They have become even more popular as consumers are looking to save on water and energy expenses. If you're looking to buy a new washer, HE washers are particularly intriguing because they use 20 to 66 percent less water than traditional agitator washers. We fully break down the difference between traditional washers and high-efficiency washers, but the water savings are particularly exciting for your wallet and the environment. Though, you will need to make sure your laundry detergent is HE-compatible.

Open the hamper-style door on this top-loading washer and you’ll find a dual-action agitator. The rotating action of the agitator is designed to effectively clean clothes and adjusts its intensity of action based on the cycle you choose. It’s worth noting that this high-efficiency, top-loading washer is also available with an impeller plate for shoppers who want to gain slightly more room in the wash basket. While high-efficiency washers generally do take longer to complete a cycle than conventional washing machines, a 30-minute speed wash cycle adds to the convenience of using the Whirlpool WTW4955HW, as well. 

Capacity: 3.8 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Central agitator | Cycles: 12 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: No

Best With Steam

LG Electronics Mega Capacity Top Load Washer

LG Electronics WT7900HBA 5.5 cu. ft. HE Mega Capacity Smart Top Load Washer

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Stainless steel drum

  • Impeller plate

  • Powerful water jet

What We Don't Like
  • Not ideal for small households

  • Hard to reach items at bottom of drum

A washing machine equipped with a steam feature can provide extra stain-fighting power and can sanitize everything from smelly gym clothes to messy kitchen towels. While the majority of the steam-equipped machines are front load washers, the LG WT7900HBA Smart Top Load Washer is loaded with features and the latest in laundry care technology, including steam settings. It also happens to be one of the largest top load washers on the market, boasting a 5.5-cubic-foot wash basket with an impeller plate. The capacity of this washer is a big bonus, but keep in mind that it can be a challenge to retrieve socks or other small items from the bottom of the washer after the cycle is over.

Depending on the cycle chosen, this top-loading washer releases steam into the stainless steel drum, removing odors, allergens, and more. Like other LG washer models, the WT7900HBA is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, making it a particularly good choice for households with allergy sufferers.

It also features a sanitizing cycle to remove bacteria. Including these specialty cycles, this top-loading washer offers 13 preset cycles. But, tech lovers rejoice! Because this washer is equipped with Wi-Fi, you can also use the LG ThinQ app to download additional specialty cycles.

Capacity: 5.5 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Impeller plate | Cycles: 14 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes

Best Starter

GE GTW335ASNWW Top Load Washer with Agitator

GE GTW335ASNWW Top Load Washer with Agitator

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Auto-sensing fill technology

  • Stainless steel drum

  • Reliable, well-known brand

What We Don't Like
  • Not Energy Star certified

  • No smart features

We're also big fans of this washing machine that is rather basic and a good value. If you’re looking for a top loader with a central agitator, that comes from a well-known and reliable brand, the GE GTW335ASNWW is an excellent option. 

This frills-free washer has the familiar center agitator that was the mainstay of washing machine technology for decades. The plastic fins are designed to provide washing motion for loads ranging from delicate to bulky. With a capacity of 4.2 cubic feet, there’s room for sheets, blankets, towels, and more—but you’ll want to make sure you properly balance the load. The stainless steel wash basket offers a smooth, snag-free finish, and peace of mind against rust or chipping. 

There are 11 wash cycles on this machine along with a PreciseFill water setting to fill the washer based on load size. You can also choose a manual fill level along with options like a deep rinse. While this washer forgoes any smart features, it comes with a status indicator light bar along the back panel of the machine—letting you know where the machine is at in the cycle.

Capacity: 4.2 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Central agitator | Cycles: 11 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No

We Also Recommend

Maytag MVW6200KW 4.8 cu. ft. White Top Load Washing Machine with Deep Fill

Maytag MVW6200KW 4.8 cu. ft. White Top Load Washing Machine with Deep Fill

Homedepot

What We Like
  • Good, average capacity

  • Deep fill option

  • Stainless steel drum

What We Don't Like
  • No smart features

  • Not Energy Star certified

The Maytag MVW6200KW is another pick worth considering. The impeller utilizes a reverse wash motion and three sources of water spray to thoroughly saturate and clean clothes. Without a central agitator taking up space, this model has 4.8 cubic feet of capacity, enough for 19 towels. This isn't the most spacious pick, but this washer does sit comfortably around the average for capacity.

Cycle options include standard selections, along with quick-wash and wrinkle-reducing cycles. Just know this model doesn't offer any smart features and isn't Energy Star certified. However, it does have a deep fill setting for submerging your clothes in more water than what the auto-sensing may allow for. Like some of our other favorites, this washer from Maytag also has a stainless steel drum, which will stand the test of time.

Capacity: 4.8 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Impeller | Cycles: 10 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No

Final Verdict

The Whirlpool WTW8127LW 5.3-cubic-foot Smart Top Load Washer is our best overall pick for a top load washer because it has a bulk dispenser and large selection of cycles. Plus, it can pre-soak any clothes with stains, and features a central agitator and an impeller plate. Our best budget option is the Amana NTW4516FW 3.5-cubic-foot Agitator Top Load Washer. With 3.5 cubic feet of capacity, it's sufficient for average-sized loads. This model may lack smart features, but it has load-sensing capabilities and an auto-cleaning cycle.

Other Options We Tested

Samsung WA51A5505AV 5.1-cubic-foot Smart Top Load Washer with ActiveWave Agitator: We use this washing machine regularly in the lab, and used to recommend it as our best overall top load washer. However, it was a part of Samsung's December 2022 washer recall, which noted that it can be a fire hazard, so we no longer feel comfortable recommending it within our list. The recall advises that there is a software update you can complete to resolve the issue, which we completed. Notably, we have had zero issues with the washer—which has also been easy to operate and features a built-in faucet for pre-treating stains. If you do opt for a Samsung washer, know that models included in the recall are a part of the following series: WA49B, WA50B, WA51A, WA52A, WA54A, and WA55A. They also include the super speed wash setting.

Hand pouring laundry detergent into the detergent tray of the Samsung 5.4 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer with Active Water Jet
The Spruce / Katie Begley

What to Look for in a Top Load Washer

Drum Size

Drum size is typically measured in cubic feet. An average washer has around 5.0 cubic feet of space, and top-loading models are typically more spacious than front-loading options, so they're a great option for larger households as a result.

A smaller, portable washing machine may have around 1.0 to 3.0 cubic feet of space, which can comfortably fit one person's three-day laundry pile. This capacity is most suitable for an apartment or RV setting. A high-capacity model may have up to 6.0 cubic feet or more. To decide which size fits your needs, consider this: a queen-size comforter can fit into a 3.5-cubic-foot washer, and a king-size comforter can fit into a 3.8-cubic-foot washer. Additionally, picks with a central agitator are less spacious than ones with an impeller plate. The largest pick on our list is the LG WT7900HBA Smart Top Load Washer (our best with steam pick) that has 5.5 cubic feet of space.

Agitator vs. Impeller Plate

Top load washers can either have a central agitator or impeller plate. Both work to move your clothes in the drum of the washer, as well as mix them with soap and water. A central agitator is a column in the washer's drum, which may have attached fans for shifting clothes. This type of agitator is more traditional; however, it is known to be rougher on clothes. In comparison, an impeller plate is built into the bottom of the drum and is better for delicate cycles and sensitive fabrics. It's typically found in more modern and high-end models.

For those who can't decide whether an agitator or impeller would be better for their loads, our best overall, the Whirlpool WTW8127LW 5.3-cubic-foot Smart Top Load Washer, has a 2-in-1 agitator and impeller that can be switched out depending on the type of items you'll be washing.

Cycle Options

Cycle options in top load washers include traditional settings for whites, delicates, and a normal load of clothes. They can also include specialty settings for activewear, bedding, towels, and items that need to be washed in 20 minutes flat. The activewear setting, in particular, ensures that items like leggings and sports bras—which can include delicate fabrics made of spandex or mesh—are treated very lightly. It can mimic the process of hand-washing while more thoroughly removing sweat and grime. Other notable options are allergen and cold wash settings, as well as steam functions.

Standout Features

Built-in Faucet

If you’re frequently pretreating stained clothing, a faucet that’s built into the drum of your washer will make your laundry routine more efficient and clean. This feature, seen in top-loading models, eliminates the need to apply stain remover in your bathroom sink or carry a wet item across your laundry room. It’s also handy for those living in a small space where a washer may be installed in a closet or mudroom.

Bulk Dispenser

A bulk dispenser holds enough detergent and/or fabric softener for 20 to 40 loads. After a cycle is selected and started, it automatically dispenses the correct amount of liquid based on the size of your load. This feature is particularly handy in households that need to run many loads each week, with infants, multiple children, or athletes. Our best overall pick, the Whirlpool WTW8127LW 5.3-cubic-foot Smart Top Load Washer, has a bulk dispenser (as well as the built-in faucet we mentioned above).

Control panel on the LG WT7300C Top Load Washer

The Spruce / Shannon Wells

FAQ
  • Are top load washers better than front load washers?

    Top load washers are better than front load washers when it comes to upfront cost, maintenance, and lifespan. The familiar design of a top load washer is typically more budget-friendly and doesn't collect mildew and odors as quickly as a front-loading machine. You can usually do basic repairs, like balancing the drum, on your own by watching an instructional video or following the troubleshooting tips in your manual. On the downside, top load washers can create a good amount of wear and tear on your clothes, particularly if they feature a central agitator. For more, check out our handy comparison guide on top load versus front load washers.

  • Do top load washers use more water and energy?

    Top load washers can use significantly more water and energy compared to other types of machines. On average, they use 40 gallons of water per load. If you're hoping to save money, you'll want to shop for a high-efficiency washer that uses about 12 to 17 gallons of water per load. This is competitive with front load washers, which use an average of 13 gallons per load.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Erica Puisis, a freelance writer and product researcher for The Spruce, has been writing about home appliances for years. She has hands-on experience with top-loading and front-loading washers. For this article, she researched the latest models available and rated them using information available from manufacturers, retailers, and verified customer reviews. All products were compared based on factors like capacity, washing mechanism, cycle options, and available features.

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