Washing Machines: Reviews

While some basic top-load washers have plummeted in performance testing when it comes to cleaning ability, the GE WJRE5500GWW gets good scores for washing performance and costs less than a high-efficiency front-loading… washer. The GE WJRE5500GWW has a 3.5-cubic-foot capacity with a stainless-steel tub and the usual wash cycles. It uses rotary dial controls. Also included is an automatic load balancer -- a feature that's starting to disappear on less expensive washing machines. The most common owner complaints are about reliability -- a common problem with all washers.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

expand

collapse

There are now many high-efficiency top-loaders on the market -- these replace an agitator with some other technology that uses less water and energy. Unfortunately, we read very mixed owner reviews for most of these,… including the Maytag Bravos and Whirlpool Cabrio. Owners seem happier with the Fisher & Paykel Intuitive Eco IWL16, which uses less energy than a conventional top loader, yet gets clothes as clean or cleaner with less noise. Three spin speeds let you customize how much water is wrung out -- the 1,000 rpm speed is great for towels and jeans, meaning they'll need less drying time. Unlike other high-efficiency washers, you can use regular detergent with the Intuitive Eco; you don't have to buy special HE detergents.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

expand

collapse

Front-loading washing machines clean better, are more energy efficient and use less water than conventional top-loading machines. The trouble is that reliability is often iffy. The 3.5-cubic-foot Amana NFW7200TW is one of… the cheapest front-loading washers available, yet its scores for efficiency and cleaning ability are as good as some washers that cost twice as much. This Amana washer receives excellent owner reviews, with only a few complaints about vibration and noise. Although odor and mold growth are very common problems in front-loading washers, we didn't see a single complaint about "smelly washer syndrome" for this model, which includes a Microban-treated seal to inhibit bacteria and mold growth.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

expand

collapse

Most high-end front loaders don't perform much better than relatively inexpensive models, but the Samsung WF448AAW receives excellent scores in two professional tests. Owner reviews are also very positive for this washer,… and we saw far fewer complaints about odor and mold for Samsung washers than we did for most other brands. According to experts, the SilverCare technology, which releases silver ions into the water to remove odor-causing bacteria, really works (although the Environmental Protection Agency is still investigating its impact on the environment). This washer boasts an extra-large 4.5-cubic-foot capacity -- enough room to wash 28 towels in one load, according to the manufacturer. Other extras include a steam-wash feature and Samsung's proprietary vibration reduction technology. One downside is that the normal wash cycle takes about 90 minutes to complete.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

expand

collapse