Key Takeaway: Top-load washers are one of the most reliable appliances you can buy. You will read about the top three most reliable. However, the larger, more efficient front-load washers have about the same average service rate.
Why It's Important: You can choose the right type of washer with the features most important to you.
If your stove is broken, you can always order out.
My daughter and I average one load a day. I can only imagine a family of five.
Going to a laundromat is a less-than-desirable solution.
You spend three hours between washing and drying and fending for your stuff in a crowded laundromat.
Buying a reliable washer is the solution to this problem.
In this article, you will learn about the most reliable top-load washers. We will also compare top-load washer reliability to front-load washer reliability.
Lastly, you will ascertain whether you should that warranty being pushed on you by your appliance store or internet retailer is worth it.
Spoiler alert: It is not.
The following service rates are based on at least 100 top-load washers sold and a total sample of over 600 pieces.
| Service Rate | |
| LG | 2.5% |
| GE Profile | 5.1% |
| Speed Queen | 5.9% |
| Grand Total | 4.3% |
LG has historically been amongst the best.
A 2.5% service rate for any appliance is incredible, but that is an increase from last year's 1.7%.
But hybrid washers like the WT7405CW or other brands lack the agitator to remove tougher stains even with all the cycles. Then again, people do not seem to be returning them either.
Like every other company, getting service can be a problem.
Their most popular washer sold last year was the WT7305CW. It is not a basic top-load washing machine, with a 4.8 cubic foot capacity,
This year's version is even bigger, with 5.3 cubic feet of usable capacity, and still has their TurboWash360 to shorten cycles as well as smart functionality.
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The GE Profile washer is 4.9 cubic feet, but unlike LG's top-load washer, it has an agitator. The agitator stirs the clothes for a better cleaning than the agitator-less models. However, agitators are rougher on your clothes.
Like LG, the GE Profile top-load washer has smart functionality, even allowing you to customize your own detergent combination.
The knot cycle washes in a combination, so your bed sheets do not end up in a knot like my old machine.
GE Profile also is one of the only manufacturers offering their own service and technical support.
If you buy from a store without service, GE Profile is a good consideration.
Speed Queen is a throwback. I mean that in the best way. The machine is solid and made in the United States.
Speed Queen is simple and built solid like the old machines and is the heaviest washer on the market.
Their newer "TR" series is quieter because the agitator moves with the water.
Some people like it, others do not. Their aggressive 270-degree agitator of the TC series cleans better.
Speed Queen's best top load washer, the TC5003WN, has a stainless-steel tub and a variable speed agitator making it gentle on your clothes.
It also has a seven-year warranty, but the capacity is much smaller than the other two brands. It also lacks features and smart functionality.
We calculate appliance reliability by dividing the products we serviced by the products we sold from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022.
In 2022, we logged over 33,000 service calls.
We offer free warranty service in the first year, so the data is more accurate. In theory, more people will be calling us for free service.
Finding you a reliable top-load washer is important for us. Repair is now the biggest single department at Yale by far.
We now have 35 service technicians performing 8-10 service calls five days a week.
Most appliance stores do not have a service department or even use a single technician. You must call a 1-800 number to find service in your area.
Front-Load Washer Reliability
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 front-load washers sold and a total sample of over 3,000 over a 12-month period.
| Service Rates | |
| LG | 2.1% |
| GE Appliances | 3.7% |
| Grand Total | 3.7% |
Front-load and top-load washers have nearly the same statistical reliability at 3.7% and 4.3%.
You would think top loads are drastically more reliable. Top-load washers are less expensive and cheaper to fix than front-load washers.
Front-load washers are larger and use less water, electricity, and detergent than a top-load washers. The spin speed is also three times faster, so the clothes need less drying time.
Although front-load washers are more expensive, the payback is 2-3 years.
The only downside to the front load is the cost of repair. It is expensive and time-consuming.
When people buy a Yale extended warranty and need any motor part, we replace the machine with a new one.
Read more: Front Load vs. Top Load Washers
You should not buy an extended warranty for a top-load washer.
Most extended warranties are backed by nothing more than call centers. They receive your call and then try to find an available service technician.
Top loads have some of the best appliance service rates, so do not feel compelled.
However, finding service is always an issue, and when you do need service, it is often expensive.
Only buy an extended warranty from a dealer or service agent with a service department if you want peace of mind.
Google reviews and find the best service agent in your area.
Speed Queen has an extended warranty as part of the machine's price.
Depending on the machine, you also have a three to seven-year full warranty, so you will be covered and not pay for service.
Top-load washers are easier to repair than front-load washers. However, you may have problems finding service in certain areas.
Most independent service agencies make warranty calls the last priority because of the low warranty reimbursement rates.
They do not tell you when you are buying at your local, regional, box store, or internet dealer.
It is also the reason most stores do not service what they sell. They do not want losses and liabilities of a service department. Other people call it good marketing.
Read More: Are Appliance Extended Warranties Worth the Cost?
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Top-load washers are known for their ease of use. They are the same as the first automatic models from 70 years ago.
These machines run on a motor. The motor is attached to the agitator through a transmission component. The agitator sits vertically in the center of the tub.
However, it can be argued that a top-load washer's agitator can be rougher on clothing.
On a normal cycle, top-load washers use 30-45 gallons of water per load. This is compared to the average 15 gallons in a front-load washer.
There are two types of top-load washers - the traditional top load with an agitator and the hybrid top-load washer without an agitator.
Most of the washers on this list are the older, less expensive agitator models.
However, hybrid washers have a larger capacity, use less water, and are more expensive.
Initially, the early hybrids had issues, especially with cleanability. The agitator rotated and cleaned the clothes. How do you remove it?
We tested it in our training center. However, that was years ago.
You could be reading this because of an unpleasant experience with another machine.
Statistically, the LG hybrid top load is the most reliable washer you can buy.
Yet, front-load washers are surprisingly good overall and a good consideration. They offer larger sizes and better efficiency, saving you more money.
If you're looking for the most reliable brands, look at LG, GE Profile, and Speed Queen for top-load washers.
Also, look for the best service in your area so any problems will be rectified quickly.
Additional Resources
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