Washing Machines: Reviews

Not only does the 4.0-cubic-foot Samsung WF218ANW front loader perform well in a recent independent test, but it also enjoys excellent user reviews. This Energy Star-certified washer scores points for low energy usage,… and Samsung currently holds the top spot in J.D. Power & Associates' annual washer-reliability survey. The Samsung WF218ANW has 10 wash cycles, four spin speeds and four preset temperature settings. It's stackable with the matching gas or electric dryer, and the washer is covered by a one-year warranty (some components are covered for longer periods). Experts and users also say the Samsung WF218ANW, which comes in white or blue (WF218ANB), has excellent washing performance and a fast 1,100-rpm spin speed that cuts down on drying time. Its large capacity is also a plus, since it can easily accommodate bulky items like king-size comforters. However, like most front-loading washers, we saw complaints that a musty odor can develop due to water trapped in the door's seal. In addition, several owners complain that repairs can be costly and time-consuming.

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Budget front loaders are often plagued by reliability complaints, particularly for door seals that break or leak. However, the Energy Star-certified Frigidaire Gallery GLTF2940FS performs better than most, including in… one recent independent test. This 3.5-cubic-foot washer has five wash cycles and three temperature settings; it's backed by a one-year warranty. The Frigidaire GLTF2940FS is stackable with a matching gas or electric dryer, and it's available in white or black (as the GLTF2940FE). Reviewers say the Frigidaire washer is highly efficient, with quiet operation and an easy-to-use control panel. Washing performance is also very good, and even though the capacity is on the small side, owners say it still washes bulky items well. However, we saw many reports of mold and mildew on its interior -- a problem that often plagues front-loading washing machines. While it performs better than most budget front loaders, the Frigidaire GLTF2940FS also has its fair share of reliability complaints, mainly involving breakdowns and error codes during the spin cycle.

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Washing machines with steam cycles are expensive, but independent tests show that steam does in fact remove tough stains better than water alone. The front-loading Samsung WF448AAW is a top pick in this category; it… performs well in two professional tests and gets very high ratings from owners. The Energy Star-certified washer has a 4.5-cubic-foot capacity and includes 14 wash cycles in all, including the deep-cleaning steam cycle and Samsung's SilverCare cycle, which releases silver ions to sanitize laundry and reduce bacteria. According to user reviews, this SilverCare setting works and makes laundry seem very fresh, but the Environmental Protection Agency is still investigating its effect on the environment. (Some experts believe its silver ions may hinder the growth of some microorganisms in wastewater systems.) One downside is that wash cycles can be lengthy, with some lasting up to 90 minutes. In addition, we saw reports that it can take weeks to schedule a repair if something goes wrong. On a positive note, we saw very few complaints about mold or mildew. The Samsung WF448AAW has a one-year warranty, although several components are covered for longer periods.

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Top-loading washing machines get lower marks in expert and user reviews because they are less energy efficient and have lower washing performance than today's front loaders, but the Maytag Bravos MVWB750WQ scores good… ratings in one independent test. It also enjoys better owner feedback than most top loaders. The extra-large 5.0-cubic-foot washer is Energy Star certified and it has 13 wash cycles and a see-through lid. It comes in white, red (MVWB750WR) or black (MVWB750WB). The washer has a one-year warranty, but the motor and basket are covered for 10 years. Owners rave about its large capacity, and the washer is also quiet and efficient. Some owners complain that the Bravos washer, which uses an impeller (a fan-shaped device at the bottom of the washer that somersaults laundry through the water) instead of a traditional agitator, is rough on clothing. Apparently, clothes can get tangled easily in the impeller. Even so, we saw far fewer reliability complaints for the Maytag Bravos MVWB750WQ than other top-loading washing machines.

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The Whirlpool Cabrio Top Load Washer WTW6200VW costs much less than the top-rated Maytag washer, but it also posts good scores in an independent test. The 4.5-cubic-foot Cabrio washer uses a traditional agitator, but it's… still Energy Star-certified and has nine separate wash cycles. It comes in white only. The large capacity gets high marks, and owners are impressed with the fast washing times and the fact that the washer doesn't require low-sudsing high-efficiency (HE) detergent. Owners also praise the quiet operation and intuitive control panel. However, we saw more reliability complaints for the Whirlpool Cabrio washer than the Maytag top-loading washing machine. Multiple owners say the Cabrio washer, which has a one-year warranty, breaks down after the one-year mark. We also saw a few reports of leaks.

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