Washing Machine Review

Comparing reviewers of washing machines

We found the most thorough, credible and up-to-date washing machine reviews at Consumer Reports. Its website also has a moderated discussion board that allows subscribers to ask questions and exchange information about washing machines. Its methodical testing in several categories helps buyers to choose the best washers currently on the market. Although we also found excellent hands-on evaluations and extensive testing of washers at Australia's Choice and Britain's Which? magazines, most of the models in these two publications are not available in the U.S., so these articles are of less help to American consumers.

Good Housekeeping magazine has evaluated steam washers and dryers. Although the testing was clearly thorough, the results are presented as a brief slideshow highlighting the best models, so there's no information about which models didn't make the cut. We were also disappointed to see that some matching washers and dryers are rated as a set, rather than independently.

We also found an increasingly large number of owner-written reviews for washing machines, which are extremely helpful when it comes to gauging noise level and reliability. Sears.com, BestBuy.com and HomeDepot.com are all great places to check for user reviews on a given washing machine.

In January 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy phased in tougher efficiency requirements for washing machines. New washers are required to use 21 percent less energy. While that seems great in concept, the end result has been laundry that may not be washed as thoroughly. Consumer Reports has the most balanced information on the ongoing effects of these requirements. For many conventional top-loading washing machines, models must now use less water and lower wash temperatures, which can affect performance. Although we found some heated debate on this topic, Consumer Reports is the only publication that backs up its opinions with product testing.

In Consumer Reports' testing, the least expensive type of washing machine -- traditional top-loaders with agitators -- had a hard time cleaning clothes as well under the new efficiency mandates. Front-loading washers and some alternative top-loaders use a different technology than a traditional agitator, and are not as impacted by the new laws. To get the same level of cleanliness, users may need to do more pre-treating of stains.

We found many websites that rate washing machines based purely on efficiency, but with no performance testing. These include the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), EnergyStar.gov and the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE). All of these websites have good explanations of technology and related articles despite the lack of performance testing.

Front-loading washers are at the center of a controversy surrounding mold growth inside the machines. According to an editorial report by ConsumerReports.org, class-action lawsuits against LG, Whirlpool and Sears (whose Kenmore front-loading washers are made by Whirlpool) claim that front-loaders from these manufacturers -- and clothes washed in them -- become moldy and malodorous, even when properly cared for. At least one class-action lawsuit is pending against LG over this issue as of February 2009. A similar suit was filed against Whirlpool in 2008, citing mold and mildew growth in the popular Whirlpool Duet line of washing machines. A Maytag Neptune front-loader had been part of a similar lawsuit, but a settlement was reached in 2004. Consumer Reports recommends wiping the door gasket dry when you're done washing, and cleaning the detergent dispenser once or twice a month. They also suggest contacting the manufacturer if you notice mold in your washer.