Best Washing Machines

Samsung WF520ABP steam washer Courtesy of Samsung

It's not easy being clean: The average American family does about eight loads of laundry a week (400-plus per year). That's a lot of wear and tear on the washer, your clothes, and your energy bill, especially if you have an older machine. GHRI took the latest front- and top-loading models for a spin (and a wash and rinse), examining how well and gently they clean, how easy they are to use, how much they cost to run, and how thoroughly they remove water (so clothes dry quickly--stay tuned for dryer reviews next month).

We tested 20 washers, including front loaders (great energy-efficient cleaners, but often pricey, high-efficiency (HE) top loaders (easy to load, with good cleaning and energy use; and regular top loaders (least expensive, but can be water-guzzling).

Simple Front-Loading Machine

The feature-packed Samsung WF520ABP steam washer ($1,600) stands out for its intuitive controls and minimal vibration. Its Stain Away cycle powers out spots, and a sanitizing cycle is NSF-certified to eliminate 99.9 percent of bacteria.

More from GoodHousekeeping.com:  The Best Toilet Paper Out There Bedroom Makeover Ideas

Haier HWF5300AW Courtesy of Haier

Budget Buy

For superb stain removal without totally cleaning out your wallet, look to the Haier HWF5300AW ($800) — the only front loader that totally zapped ink. Note: It has a Sanitary cycle that uses extra-hot water, but it isn't NSF-certified.

Whirlpool Duet WFW97HEX Courtesy of Whirlpool

Gentle Giant

If you launder lots of fine washables, the Whirlpool Duet WFW97HEX steam washer ($1,600; NSF-certified) is a good choice — its delicate cycle busted stains best. A FanFresh option tumbles and airs out a load for up to 16 hours to curb mustiness.

Frigidaire's Affinity FAFS4474LR Courtesy of Fridigaire

Family-Friendly

Frigidaire's Affinity FAFS4474LR steam washer ($1,149; NSF-certified) has consistently good cleaning across regular, delicate, and bulky cycles. What's special: options for stuffed toys and pet beds, to make cleaning up after kids and pets easier.

LG WT5101HV Courtesy of LG

Choice Hybrids

The ColdWash option of the high-efficiency top-loading LG WT5101HV ($1,159; NSF-certified) lifts out stains as well as a warm wash does. Less pricey: the Haier GWT950AW ($700; not shown). Both can fit comforters (neither has an agitator).

Whirlpool WTW57ESVW Courtesy of Whirlpool

Classic Pick

For a traditionalist on a budget, consider the Whirlpool WTW57ESVW ($500). This regular top loader senses load size to waste less water. Even though it has an agitator, it can clean comforters, and it's gentler on clothes than some front loaders.

 

 

More from GoodHousekeeping.com:

Haircuts That Take Off 10 Years

Best Travel Coffee (and Tea) Mugs

The Winners of Good Housekeeping's 1st Annual Anti-Aging Awards

Best HDTVs at Every Price