You have hundreds of top-load washers of all different types to choose from.
From those hundreds, you will see the six best to consider based on features (or lack of), capacity, and reliability based on over 33,000 service calls.
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.
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LG's top-load washer features advanced technologies, offering mega capacity and innovative washing methods for efficient and gentle cleaning.
Reliability
LG is one of our most reliable appliance brands.
According to our service statistics, their top-load washers have a service rate of 3.2%, far lower than any other brand.
Their reliability has been the best overall for the last five years.
Then again, LG manufactures more appliance components than most other brands, making them less reliant on outside suppliers and allowing for better quality control.
LG has invested in motor inverter technology. This technology has fewer working parts, so it runs quieter and is more reliable.
Size and Capacity
The size is among the largest for a top-load washer, offering 5.3 cubic feet of capacity. It measures 27 inches wide, 43 inches tall, and 28 3/8 inches deep.
LG's ThinQ app offers smart functionality. Except for Speed Queen, most machines on this list are Wi-Fi enabled.
Smart Technology
With smart features, you can start the washer, check how much time is left, and get notifications when the cycle is finished.
No more guessing—you’ll know exactly when your laundry is ready.
The LG WT8405CB also uses AI to take the guesswork out of washing.
Sensors can tell what type of fabric you’re washing and how big the load is, then automatically adjust the settings to suit your clothes.
If you use a compatible dryer, Smart Pairing even helps the washer suggest the right drying cycle. It’s all designed to save you time and help take better care of your clothes.
Washing Cycles
LG also offers a variety of cycles. Our parents' washers had three cycles, while this washer had eight cycles and 15 options.
The TurboDrum cycle employs a gentle yet powerful jet spray, reducing any cycle to 37 minutes.
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GE Profile has some interesting features, especially in customization.
Reliability
GE Profile has a service rate of 8.5%. While it's not as good as LG, it's still well below the appliance average of 9%.
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 and 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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If you like Speed Queen, which has a commercial heritage, you might like the GE commercial top-load washer for $500 less.
It's a similar story to Speed Queen as this machine is in laundromats throughout the country.
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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 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.
Gone are the days of tiny drums. Modern top-loaders have capacities exceeding five cubic feet.
That means fewer laundry loads and more time for you.
Today's top-loaders have tons of wash cycles, far more than our parents could ever have dreamed.
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 germs your kids bring home.
Customizable settings are also a plus, letting you tweak the wash to your needs.
Many throwback-type machines, like Speed Queen and GE Commercial, allow you to add much more water to deeply saturate your clothes.
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 the new larger capacity drums might be a bit of a stretch.
LG will have higher tub models available in the next six months.
You don’t want a washer that breaks down after a few months.
Our team at Yale Appliance logged over 33,000 service calls in the last 12 months, 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 50 products sold and a total sample of over 700 products within 12 months.
| Service Rates | |
| LG Electronics | 3.2% |
| Speed Queen | 3.6% |
| GE | 7.0% |
| GE Profile | 8.5% |
| Grand Total | 5.5% |
These numbers show the percentage of units needing service within a year.
Top-load washers are reliable, averaging around 5.5%, similar to their front-load counterparts.
Both top-load and front-load washers have their perks and quirks. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide which is best:
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Front-load washers also have a solid reliability record. Here are the service rates based on our 2024 data:
Front-Load Washer Reliability for 2025
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 products sold and a total sample of over 3,000 products within 12 months.
| Service Rates | |
| GE Profile | 3.2% |
| Samsung | 3.4% |
| LG | 3.6% |
| GE Appliances | 6.9% |
| Grand Total | 4.5% |
Like top-load washers, front-load washers are reliable, with an average service rate of 4.5%.
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
Top-load washers have evolved, offering a good mix of capacity, convenience, and cleaning power.
The agitator models provide more cleaning than impellers and now have better capacity in most models.
Stick with reliable brands that offer good customer service and strong warranties to ensure a hassle-free laundry experience.
I have changed my position on extended warranties over my 38-year career at Yale.
For the first 20 years, we didn't sell extended warranties because most of the Maytag machines didn't need one. The product was so reliable that warranties weren't necessary.
However, I would recommend warranties for professional ranges or refrigerators. Washers are still fairly reliable.
It's your choice, though every store will likely try to push you toward a warranty.
Whether you buy one or not, remember this:
Do not buy a warranty from any store that doesn’t provide service.
Buy a warranty from a store that offers service or from a service agency.
If you're considering long warranties from Speed Queen, LG, GE Commercial, or Samsung, make sure to ask who will fix your new washer.
Given the low warranty reimbursement rates, I don't think any companies will send someone out for free under a longer warranty.
It's worth verifying before you buy.
Unlike in years past, you now have many options when it comes to top-load washers. GE, LG, and Maytag offer different cycles and larger sizes.
Alternatively, you might prefer a more traditional machine, like Speed Queen or a GE Commercial top-load washer.
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. Then, look to see which store offers the best service in your area.
What do you think? Share your questions and comments below.
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