High-Efficiency Top Loaders

High-efficiency (HE) top-loading washing machines

High efficiency (HE) top-loading washers are gradually replacing conventional models that use an agitator. They combine a top-loading design with the energy and water efficiency of front-loaders. Performance-wise, HE top-loaders fall somewhere between conventional washers and front-loaders. Some reviewers say they get clothes cleaner than conventional washers, although others say they leave clothes wrinkled because of their high-speed spin cycles. Many of the complaints we read involved circuit board failures -- probably because these washers nearly always include digital displays or electronic controls. One major advantage that HE top-loaders have over front-loading washers is that they aren't prone to mold and mildew buildup in the door gasket.

The Maytag Bravos line of high-efficiency top-loading washers performs well in professional tests, but the tested models have since been discontinued. Unfortunately, we were unable to find professional reviews for the newer models, and owner feedback is limited so far. One promising new model is the Maytag Bravos MVWB800VQ (*Est. $1,000), which receives perfect scores so far in about 10 reviews at HomeDepot.com and BestBuy.com. Owners say it cleans well and is quiet, although it's expensive. The Maytag Bravos washer has a 4.7-cubic-foot stainless-steel drum, making it one of the largest top-loading washers on the market. It replaces the vertical agitator found in most conventional top-loading machines with an impeller that somersaults clothing around the washtub. This model is Energy Star-rated and features 14 automatic wash cycles, five temperature settings and automatic temperature control. Controls are on an electronic touchpad. There is also an adjustable end-of-cycle signal, delayed start, built-in water heater and a transparent lid. It comes in white and is also available in black or silver metallic, for about $100 more each. As with all high-efficiency washing machines, you need to use a low-sudsing HE detergent.

The Whirlpool Cabrio WTW6700TU (*Est. $1,000) has features that are almost identical to those of the Maytag Bravos MVWB800VQ, although it does include delay start. Both machines are manufactured by Whirlpool and are similar in appearance, but the 4.6-cubic-foot Whirlpool version has a pewter-like color. It performs well in tests for vibration and load capacity, but owner reviews for this model are mixed. At BestBuy.com, the Cabrio washer receives an average of 2.6 stars (out of five) in only about five reviews. Owners either love it or hate it. Some say it is an easy-to-use, quiet washer, while others complain about frequent repairs or tangled clothing.

Whirlpool also makes Kenmore Oasis washers, which are similar to the Whirlpool Cabrio. The Kenmore Elite Oasis 28081 (*est. $1,050) has 4.7 cubic feet of drum space with a wash plate that moves clothing around the washtub. Although the manufacturer calls the wash plate "Gentlewash" technology, we saw numerous complaints that this washer damages and tangles clothing, and in one professional test, the Oasis receives a poor score for gentleness. We also saw quite a few reports of circuit-board failures and other breakdowns at Sears.com. Owners do like the large capacity, user-friendly controls and see-through lid, but many say that the washer is not a good value.

The GE Profile Harmony WPGT9360E King Size Washer (*Est. $1,000) has a 4-cubic-foot capacity. Like the Kenmore Elite Oasis, the Whirlpool Cabrio washers and the Maytag Bravos, this machine ditches a traditional agitator. Instead, the GE Profile Harmony uses a washing disk that pushes clothing through the water. It has a time-release detergent system. The HydroWash system uses as little as 17 gallons of water for a small load and an average of 24 gallons for a medium-sized load. In professional tests, the GE Profile Harmony does well in cleaning clothes and has low noise.

One interesting feature worth mentioning is that the GE Profile Harmony communicates electronically with the matching Harmony dryer, which then presets dry cycles. While unique, reviews say this feature isn't particularly useful. Like other high-efficiency washers, it requires a high-efficiency detergent. If you've been reading this section, you're probably sensing a theme by now; as with the other HE top-loaders, we found many complaints about breakdowns.

Fisher & Paykel's Intuitive Eco IWL16 (*Est. $775) is one of the most energy-efficient washers on the market. Tests also reveal it is gentler on clothing than pricier models. Along with a 1,000-rpm spin cycle and a 3.7-cubic-foot capacity, the Intuitive Eco has a water-saving mode and 13 specialty cycles. Unlike many high-efficiency washers, the Fisher & Paykel uses regular detergent instead of special low-sudsing HE detergent. Along with the high-speed spin, there are two other spin settings. Some owners say the high-speed spin can result in too many wrinkles, so you might want to save the high-speed spin for heavy items like towels and jeans. Fisher & Paykel used to stand out for its two-year warranties. However, the company now only offers a one-year warranty, just like every other manufacturer.

The newer Fisher & Paykel Aquasmart WL37T26CW2 (*Est. $950) also has 3.7-cubic-foot capacity, a stainless-steel tub, 19 wash cycles and three spin cycles. What sets this model apart is its low profile agitator that moves clothes in a circular motion over each other. Another unique feature is that the WL37T26CW2 can perform a high efficiency wash or a traditional wash, which makes it the only top loader that provides these options. There is also a water-saver option, automatic water levels and touchpad controls.

Fisher & Paykel top-loading washers come in at the bottom of one reliability survey. However, J.D. Power and Associates ranks them as better than most in its most recent overall customer satisfaction survey, and the Fisher & Paykel Intuitive Eco IWL16 costs a good $200 less than other high-efficiency top loaders. That's why we've chosen to include the Intuitive Eco in the ConsumerSearch Best Reviewed section. This model cleans as well as others, is gentler on clothes than most, and is especially efficient when it comes to water.