August 15th, 2024 | 11 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect laundry products with our Washer Buying Guide
My mom had a Maytag top-load washer when I was a kid.
She used it for over fifteen years until we moved. It's probably still working 30 years later. But that old Maytag washer doesn't exist anymore.
Maytag was acquired by the Whirlpool Corporation about 20 years ago.
Now, most top-load washers mimic front-load washers with larger capacities, new features, and smart functionality.
That’s not always a good thing, as you'll soon learn.
You can still buy more basic machines.
In this article, you'll discover the best washers to consider, along with their features and reliability ratings based on over 37,000 service calls completed last year.
You'll also learn about the differences between top-load and front-load washers.
As someone who transitioned from a front-load washer to a top-load washer and then back again after two decades, I can offer a solid perspective on the differences between the two.
Let's get started.
Looking for answers about Washers?
Short on time? Download our free Washer Buying Guide.
What to Look for in a Top-Load Washer
Agitator vs. Impeller
Top-load washers come in two types: agitator and impeller.
My mom's old Maytag had a 2.5 cubic-foot drum with an agitator, but now you can find washers with over five cubic feet without agitators.
The agitator has a central post that twists and turns, giving your clothes a good scrubbing.
In contrast, an impeller is a low-profile mechanism at the bottom that swirls the clothes around more gently.
Agitators clean better but can be rough on your clothes.
Impeller models? They offer more room and are gentler, but sometimes the cleaning isn’t as effective.
So, if you want the best of both worlds, consider models with smaller agitators, like those from GE, Maytag, and LG—designed to balance capacity and cleaning power.
Capacity
Gone are the days of tiny drums.
Modern top-loaders have capacities exceeding five cubic feet.
That means fewer loads and more time for you.
Cycle Options
Today’s top-loaders have more bells and whistles than a parade.
You have endless cycles like heavy-duty, delicate, quick wash, and eco-friendly.
Some even have steam cleaning and sanitizing cycles for those extra-tough stains or when you want to kill the various types of germs your kids bring home.
Customizable settings are also a plus, letting you tweak the wash to your needs.
Loading Convenience
Top-load washers win hands down when it comes to loading convenience.
No need to bend over—just drop your clothes in and go.
But if you’re shorter, reaching the bottom of a high-capacity drum might be a bit of a stretch.
Reliability
You don’t want a washer that breaks down after a few months.
Our team at Yale Appliance logged over 37,000 service calls in 2023, and here’s what we found for top-load washer reliability:
Top-Load Washer Reliability
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 washers sold and a total sample of over 600 products within 12 months
| Service Rates | |
| LG Electronics | 1.8% |
| GE | 6.3% |
| GE Profile | 6.7% |
| Grand Total | 4.3% |
These numbers show the percentage of units needing service within a year.
Top-load washers are reliable, averaging around 4.3%, similar to their front-load counterparts.
Comparing Top-Load and Front-Load Washers
Both top-load and front-load washers have their perks and quirks. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide which is best:
Top-Load Washers
Pros:
- Less expensive to buy: The GE GFW655 front load costs about $1,049, while the PTW605 top load is around $649.
- Less expensive to fix: The belt-driven GE models are easier and cheaper to repair than the direct-drive motors in front loaders.
- Mold prevention: Top-load washers don't collect standing water in the gasket, reducing the risk of mold. GE's front loaders combat this with Microban technology and built-in fans to dry out the water.
Cons:
- Higher water usage: Top-load washers can use more water, about 40 gallons per load depending on the model, compared to 11-17 gallons for front loaders.
- Potential for rougher wash: The agitator in top-load washers can be harder on clothes.
Front-Load Washers
Pros:
- Energy efficient: Front-load washers use less water and electricity. An average front-load washer uses 11-17 gallons of water per load, significantly less than top loaders.
- Better capacity: A 4.5 cubic foot front-load washer offers more usable space than a top loader of the same size because no agitator takes up space.
- Gentler on clothes: No agitator means less wear and tear on your fabrics.
- Stackable: Most front-load washers can be stacked with a dryer, saving space in your laundry room.
- Higher spin speeds: LG and GE models can spin at 1300 RPM, removing more water from clothes and reducing drying time.
Cons:
- Higher initial cost: Front-load washers generally cost more upfront.
- More complex repairs: When something goes wrong, repairs can be more complicated and expensive.
Reliability
Front-load washers also have a solid reliability record. Here are the service rates based on our 2023 data:
Front Load Washer Reliability
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 products sold and a total sample of over 2,000 products within 12 months
| Service Rates | |
| Whirlpool | 4.1% |
| LG | 4.9% |
| GE | 7.4% |
| Grand Total | 5.6% |
Like top-load washers, front loaders are reliable, with service rates around 5.6%.
So, despite what you may have heard, front-load and top-load washers are about the same in overall reliability.
Read More: Front Load vs. Top Load Washers
In Summary:
Top-load washers have come a long way, balancing capacity, convenience, and cleaning power.
Agitator models provide robust cleaning but can be tough on clothes, while impeller models are gentler and more spacious.
Stick with reliable brands that offer good customer service and strong warranties to ensure a hassle-free laundry experience.
Now that you know what to look for in a top-load washer, let's examine the best top-load washers for 2024.
We'll highlight models that excel in performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction to help you make an informed decision.
The Best Top Load Washers for 2024
Most Reliable: LG WT7155CW
Overview
LG's top-load washer features advanced technologies, offering mega capacity and innovative washing methods for efficient and gentle cleaning.
Reliability
LG has become the most reliable appliance brand over the last few years.
According to our service statistics, their top-load washers have a service rate of 1.8%, far lower than any other brand.
Their reliability has been the best overall for the last five years.
Then again, LG manufactures more appliances than most other brands, making them less reliant on outside suppliers and allowing for better quality control.
LG has invested in inverter technology for their motors. This technology has fewer working parts, so it runs quieter and is more reliable.
Size and Capacity
.jpg?width=799&height=450&name=LG-WT7155CW-Size-and-Capacity-(1).jpg)
The size is large, at 5.0 cubic feet. LG's ThinQ app offers smart functionality. Except for Speed Queen, most of the machines on this list are Wi-Fi-enabled.
Smart Technology
Smart technology lets you turn the machine on or off, check the remaining time, and receive push notifications when the cycle is complete.
You’ll appreciate the smart laundry functionality because you’ll never have to trudge back to your basement only to find the machine still running with 3 minutes and 52 seconds left.
Washing Cycles
LG also offers a variety of cycles. Our parents' washers had three; this washer has eight cycles and 15 options.
The TurboDrum cycle employs a gentle yet powerful jet spray, reducing any cycle to just 37 minutes.
Key Features
- Mega Capacity: 4.8 cubic feet.
- TurboWash Technology: Utilizes high-pressure nozzles to spray water and detergent directly on clothes, ensuring even distribution in a 30-minute cycle.
- 4-Way Agitation: Creates a gentle but thorough clean.
- Turbo Drum Technology: Limits friction in the machine for a gentler wash.
- Pricing: $949, promo price $749.99
- Warranty: One year
- Best For: Larger households needing quick, efficient washing.
Pros & Cons of the LG WT7155CW
Pros:
- High capacity with efficient washing thanks to TurboWash.
- Energy Star-rated with a gentle wash, a great alternative to a front-load washer.
- A smooth interior surface creates a gentle wash and helps eliminate snags.
Cons
- Higher initial cost of $949
- A deep tub can make it difficult for shorter people to remove laundry.
Best Dispensing: GE Profile PTW905BPTRS
Overview
Profile has some interesting features, especially in customization.
Reliability
GE Profile has a service rate of 6.7%. While it's not as good as LG, it's still well below the appliance average of 9.5%.
Microban
GE features Microban antimicrobial surfaces in the dispenser, tub, and hoses to resist mold and mildew.
Top-load washers typically do not have the mold problem that front-load washers do, but this offers additional protection, especially in the post-pandemic era.
Unlike front-load washers, water doesn’t stagnate in the gasket.
Capacity and Dispensing
The size is large at 4.9 cubic feet. GE Profile has the best detergent dispenser for any kind of liquid, detergent, and pods.
You can even customize your own settings.
The SmartDispense technology can handle up to 32 loads, preventing you from using too much detergent, which is harmful to both the fabric and the machine.
Smart Technology
GE Profile's top-load washer is Wi-Fi enabled with SmartHQ, allowing you to customize cycles and dispense detergent remotely.
The machine features Smart Wash & Smart Rinse, with sensors that measure soil levels and adjust the wash and rinse time for optimum performance.
Washing Cycles
The washer offers advanced features and adaptive smart wash technology, ensuring great performance for both regular and delicate fabrics.
The GE Profile PTW905BPTRS is a 12-cycle, seven-option machine with downloadable cycles.
One of my favorites is the Tangle setting, which helps prevent bed sheets and other larger items from getting tied up.
Oxi is another custom cycle that allows you to sterilize your clothes.
Key Features
- SmartDispense Technology: Handles up to 32 loads and prevents excessive detergent use.
- Capacity: 5.3 cubic feet.
- Smart Wash & Smart Rinse: Sensors measure soil levels for optimal wash and rinse time.
- Microban Protection: Prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the tub, dispenser drawer, and drain hose.
- Wi-Fi Enabled: Customizable cycles and remote detergent dispensing via the SmartHQ app.
- Voice Assistant Compatibility: Works with Alexa.
- Pricing: $1,169.99, promotional price $899.99
- Warranty: One year
Pros & Cons of the GE Profile PTW905BPTRS
Pros:
- Advanced features with automatic detergent dispensing.
- Good performance on both regular and delicate fabrics due to adaptive smart wash technology.
- Microban protection prevents mold and mildew.
- Convenient voice assistant with Alexa.
Cons:
- Higher price
- Not as reliable as LG
Best Cycles: Maytag MVW6230HW
Smart Top Load Washer with Extra Power Button - 4.7 CU. FT.
Dimensions: 27 1/4" W x 57 1/4" H x 27 7/8" D | Capacity: 4.7 Cubic Feet | Number of Cycles: 11 Cycles, 6 Options | Spin Speed: 750 RPM | Wi-Fi: Yes
Overview
The Maytag MVW6230HW is a top-load washer built for heavy-duty washing.
With a 4.7 cubic-foot interior and a PowerWash agitator, it ensures even the largest loads get a thorough clean.
I'll admit it—I sometimes wash my clothes without separating the whites and colors.
It’s probably not the best practice, but Maytag solves this problem with its Extra Power button, letting you wash both without worry.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 4.7 cubic feet
- PowerWash Agitator: Delivers a powerful wash, even for large loads
- Extra Power Button: Boosts stain-fighting performance by using a combination of hot and cold water
- Deep Fill Option: Adds extra water to ensure large loads get fully saturated
- Quick Wash Cycle: Cleans small loads in just 30 minutes
Pros & Cons of the Maytag MVW6230HW
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Strong performance
- Commercial-style machine with a 5-year parts and labor warranty
Cons:
- Can be tough on delicate fabrics
- Not Energy Star-rated
While it might be harsh on delicate fabrics and lacks an Energy Star rating, its performance and warranty make it a standout option.
Quietest and Most Gentle: Speed Queen TC7003WN
TR7 Ultra-Quiet Top Load Washer with Speed Queen® Perfect Wash
Dimensions: 25 5/8" W x 42 3/4" H x 28 D | Capacity: 3.2 Cubic Feet | Number of Cycles: 8 Cycles | Spin Speed: 820 RPM | Wi-Fi: No
Overview
Made in Wisconsin for over 100 years, the Speed Queen TR7003WN is an American-made, commercial-style washer designed for residential use.
Most local dealers love Speed Queen because they aren’t sold at big box stores. I don't understand spending more money for less capacity, but this unit is gentle on clothes.
The Speed Queen TR7003WN operates at a quiet noise level of 43 decibels, making it quieter than most dishwashers designed to be silent in your kitchen.
The agitator moves in sync with the water, independent of the motor, floating with the water flow.
This makes it not only quiet but also gentle on your clothes. However, it doesn't clean as well.
Key Features:
- Design: Classic agitator design with a heavy-duty build
- Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet
- Quiet Operation: Operates at 43 decibels, even during agitation
- Out of Balance Management: Completes the cycle even if the machine is out of balance
Pros & Cons of the Speed Queen TC7003WN
Pros:
- Easy-to-use electronic controls
- Commercial design with a 7-year parts and labor warranty
- Extremely quiet during operation
Cons:
- Smaller capacity
- More expensive
- Less reliable as a percentage than LG and GE
Most Aggressive Wash Action System: Speed Queen TC5003WN
TC5 Top Load Washer with Speed Queen® Classic Clean™
Dimensions: 25 5/8" W x 42 3/4" H x 28 D | Capacity: 3.2 Cubic Feet | Number of Cycles: 6 Cycles | Spin Speed: 710 RPM | Wi-Fi: No
Overview
The Speed Queen top load washer TC5003WN is a residential washer with a commercial-style build, offering a blend of traditional design and updated features.
I understand the appeal of the TC5003WN
It offers aggressive 270-degree agitation and a deep fill option to thoroughly saturate your clothes.
If you frequently have dirty clothes, this machine could be a good option for you.
Key Features:
- Design: Classic agitator design with a heavy-duty build
- Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet
- Out of Balance Management: Completes the cycle even if the machine is out of balance
Pros & Cons of the Speed Queen TC5003WN
Pros:
- Easy-to-use controls
- Commercial design with a 7-year parts and labor warranty
Cons:
- Smaller capacity
- Limited agitation can affect how clean the clothes come out
- Can be tough on delicate fabrics
Key Takeaways
Unlike in years past, you now have many options in top-load washers.
GE, LG, and Maytag offer different cycles and larger sizes.
Or maybe you prefer to stick with a more traditional machine like Speed Queen.
Top-load washers, like laundry in general, have unique features, with no single brand or model offering every possible option.
Pick the brand and type that best fits your lifestyle.
What do you think? Share your questions and comments below.
Additional Resources
Download our Yale Washer Buying Guide with all the features, terms, and brands of laundry. Over 1 million people have already found answers in a Yale guide.
Related Articles
- Most Reliable Top Load Washers
- Front Load vs. Top Load Washers
- Best Front Load Washers
- The Largest Front Load Washers
Looking for answers about Washers?
Choosing a new washer and dryer can be a confusing and time-consuming experience. We've taken the pain out of the decision process with our Washer Buying Guide.
Why Should You Trust Us?
It seems that every appliance review has nothing but glowing comments about almost every product, yet you read customer reviews and they are almost universally bad.
We are here to fill in the disconnect. We'll give you the best features, and the drawbacks as well, including reliability based on over 37,000 calls performed by our service team just last year. Our goal is to give you ALL the information so you know what's right for you.
Please consider subscribing or adding to the conversation in the comments below. We appreciate you stopping by.
A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
