The Best Washer Brands Compared According To 103,000 Reviewers

Best washer brands

Are you looking for the best washer brands out there?

Shopping for a new washing machine can feel a bit overwhelming. After all, washers aren’t cheap and are meant to last for more than ten years!

Americans spend over $6.6 billion on them every year, meaning that many companies are competing for your attention, and with so many brands available, making a decision can be even harder.

Don’t worry, though! I’ve got you covered. To help you choose the perfect washer brand for your needs, I’ve analyzed a huge public database of appliance reviews and data – including over 103,000 reviews on washers alone.

I’ve also consulted our appliance expert for his professional opinion on the best washer brands, so you can relax, knowing you’re making an informed decision.

Read on to learn more about the best washer brands!

In case you prefer to listen, here’s a clip from our podcast where we discuss expert advice on washing machine brand recommendations.

Why trust us? This article was written by Craig Anderson and James Blackford.

Craig has helped thousands of other homeowners repair their appliances since 2016.

James is one of our resident appliance experts with over 16 years of experience. He currently works as a Master Technician for SquareTrade, and runs his own appliance repair business.

The Best Washer Brands Compared Using 103,000 Reviews

In this washer brand comparison guide, I’ve analyzed more than 103,000 reviews to help you make the right choice.

The washer brands that people love the most are:

Best washer brands according to 103,000 reviewers
According to 103,000 reviewers, LG, Samsung, and Electrolux are the best washer brands.

The top 3 highest-rated washer brands are LG, Samsung, and Electrolux, with LG being the clear winner with an average rating of 4.61 stars.

In my opinion, it’s no surprise that LG is the best-rated washer brand, given its reputation for advanced technology and sleek designs.

And while Electrolux isn’t known for its technological advancements, it still offers high-quality performance and useful and innovative features, such as the Perfect Steam.

It’s important to note that the other five brands shown in the graph have also received high ratings, indicating they could be a good choice too.

Washers play a vital role in our daily lives, so keep in mind there are other things you should consider besides the brand, such as your budget, frequency of use, size of your family, etc.

Appliance Repair Expert On The Best Washer Brands

In this washer brand comparison guide, I teamed up with our appliance expert, James Blackford, who has more than 16 years of experience repairing all types of appliances.

He evaluated different washer brands based on their lifespan, quality of parts, aesthetics & features, and price to help you understand the main differences between the top-rated washer brands.

Read on to see what our expert had to say!

Overall Washer Brand Thoughts

When comparing the best washer brands, it’s important to consider that James recommends getting an LG machine.

“In my experience, LG makes the best laundry equipment when it comes to durability, quality of parts, and effectiveness”, he explained.

Although they’re a little more pricey, they don’t have a lot of issues, do a really good job at cleaning, and have a lot of customizable settings.

James says LG is so good that they manufacture Kenmore’s Elite series.

He also recommends Whirlpool washing machines because of their quality. “Their top and front load washers are good, aren’t over-engineered, and have durable quality components”.

However, when shopping for a new washing machine, you need to keep in mind other factors, such as its type.

“Front-load washers typically clean better and have larger capacities than top-load washers. But, top-load washers from brands like Hotpoint or Roper tend to be cheaper. The only downside is that they’re usually louder, and their components wear out faster”, James explained.

When I asked him about washers & dryers (all-in-one units) and laundry centers, he told us it’s best to avoid these models. “They typically do a really bad job at cleaning and are only suitable for small places like college dorms”, he said.

James also explained that many prefer top-load washers with an agitator, which can be hard to find. “If you’d like a washer with an agitator, Whirlpool, Kenmore, and GE have some models available. However, I wouldn’t recommend getting a GE washer due to its low-quality components”, he said.

He also mentioned that some people believe that top-load washers with wash plates don’t clean as effectively as those with agitators, but he assured us that this is false.

While you already know which washers our expert recommends the most, he also has some great insights on other popular brands.

I’ve organized James’s thoughts in order of cleaning performance, from the highest-rated brands and working down to the lowest, so you can easily read through them and make an informed decision.

Please note that in our rating system, a score of 1 represents low quality, short lifespan, cheap price, and not many features, styles, or colors. On the other hand, a score of 10 means good quality, long lifespan, expensive, and many features, styles, and colors.

LG

The first brand we’ll discuss in this washer brand comparison guide is LG, as it’s our expert’s top pick. Here’s how he rated it:

Rating (1/10)
Cleaning effectiveness9
Quality of parts9
Expected life span9
Price range8.5
Aesthetics & features9
Our expert says LG washers have high-quality features and are excellent at cleaning but are a bit pricey.

“In my opinion, LG washers are hands-down the best overall. They have superior quality, great features, and a long lifespan. They aren’t over-engineered and do a great job at cleaning”, James explained.

LG top-load washers are also more efficient than other brands, so they can be a great option to save money in the long run.

James also mentioned that some newer LGs have redesigned their drain pump to be more efficient, so it doesn’t really get worn out as much.

Bear in mind that LG can be a bit expensive. According to James, who rated the price on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the most affordable and ten the most expensive, LG washers earned an 8.5 rating.

Whirlpool

When comparing washer brands, James also recommends Whirlpool due to its quality. Here’s how he rated the brand:

Rating (1/10)
Cleaning effectiveness8.5
Quality of parts9
Expected life span9.5
Price range5
Aesthetics & features8
According to James, Whirlpool washers are a great choice for those on a budget.

“I find that Whirlpool has a wide range of prices to fit your needs. You can choose from models with a standard belt drive and motor, which are cheaper, or a stator and rotor motor drive that’s a bit more expensive but more efficient and longer lasting”, he said.

James also explained that Whirlpool washers have not only good engineering but also some awesome features.

Speed Queen

Speed Queen is also one of our expert’s favorite washer brands. Let’s see how he rated it:

Rating (1/10)
Cleaning effectiveness8.5
Quality of parts10
Expected life span10
Price range10
Aesthetics & features6
James recommends Speed Queen washers for their high-quality components and long-lasting durability.

“Speed Queen is like the Viking or Sub-Zero of washers, but not as stylish. It’s the only brand that makes washers of such high quality that offer warranties on some components that go beyond a year just because they’re built really well”, he explained.

However, keep in mind that Speed Queen washers have fewer cycles and less availability of front-load units compared to other brands.

“But, if you’re willing to pay for a premium brand for the best quality and durability, I recommend getting a Speed Queen”, James mentioned.

Maytag

Maytag is also one of the best washer brands, according to James. Here’s how he rated it:

Rating (1/10)
Cleaning effectiveness8
Quality of parts8
Expected life span8.5
Price range4-7
Aesthetics & features7.5
James considers Maytag washers a safe choice.

“I find that Maytag, Kenmore, and Whirlpool are quite similar in most aspects, but Maytag stands out in some of their models by providing washers that are sturdier and tougher than the others”, he explained.

James also mentioned that Maytag does a good job with little fuss and has a reasonable price and nice aesthetics. Just like other similar brands, it also offers water level control.

Electrolux

The next washer brand we’re going to talk about is Electrolux. Here’s how James rated it:

Rating (1/10)
Cleaning effectiveness7.5
Quality of parts6.5
Expected life span7
Price range7
Aesthetics & features7.5
According to James, Electrolux is a reliable option with a decent lifespan.

“Electrolux is a decent mid-range option that sits between Whirlpool and GE regarding quality. While not as solid as Whirlpool, I find that Electrolux is better than GE in every way”, he explained.

James also mentioned that Electrolux washers are a great choice if you want something that looks nice and will last.

Frigidaire

When comparing the best washer brands, it’s also important to consider how James rated Frigidaire:

Rating (1/10)
Cleaning effectiveness7
Quality of parts6.5
Expected life span7
Price range5
Aesthetics & features5.5
James says Frigidaire washers do a good job at cleaning but have a basic appearance.

“Frigidaire and Electrolux washers are quite similar, with the only difference being that Frigidaire has a more basic appearance and doesn’t offer front-load washers, he said.

If you’re looking for a washer that does a decent job at cleaning and is affordable, James recommends considering Frigidaire.

Hotpoint

If you’re looking for a more affordable washer brand, you have probably considered Hotpoint.

Let’s see how James rated the brand:

Rating (1/10)
Cleaning effectiveness6.5
Quality of parts4
Expected life span5
Price range4
Aesthetics & features4
James says Hotpoint washers are the way to go if you’re on a budget.

“Hotpoint is a step up from second-hand models and is a great choice if you’re on a budget and need something that will get the job done”, James explained.

Bear in mind that Hotpoint washers have a basic appearance and that there are better options with higher quality and a longer lifespan.

GE

Now, let’s see which washer brands didn’t quite make it to James’ top picks. Here’s how he rated GE:

Rating (1/10)
Cleaning effectiveness7
Quality of parts4
Expected life span4
Price range4.5
Aesthetics & features5
James doesn’t recommend GE washers because they have a higher chance of breaking down.

“Like with other appliance types, GE tries to copy the features and looks of their competitors but doesn’t prioritize good engineering or quality parts”, he explained.

James even compared GE washers to a guy selling fake Rolex watches: “They look nice, but they can break down after only a short period of time”.

So, if you’re looking for a new washer, you should save your time and money and avoid buying a GE.

Samsung

Although Samsung is one of the most famous washer brands, James doesn’t recommend it. Here’s why:

Rating (1/10)
Cleaning effectiveness5.5
Quality of parts4-6
Expected life span4
Price range4-9
Aesthetics & features10
James says that Samsung has a lot of sensors and components, which can result in bugs or issues. However, they have some of the best-looking models.

Samsung washers are over-engineered and complex. The amount of issues these washers have is significant, and finding a technician willing to repair them can be difficult”, he explained.

James says that if you must get a Samsung washer, choose the cheapest top-load model. “These models are more affordable and have fewer bells and whistles, which means fewer opportunities for things to go wrong”.

He also mentioned that despite its disadvantages, Samsung offers the prettiest models with many features and buttons.

Samsung also offers a wide variety of price ranges to choose from. Keep in mind that the more features a washer has, the more expensive it will be.

GE Profile

The washer brand that James dislikes the most is GE Profile. Here’s why:

Rating (1/10)
Cleaning effectiveness6
Quality of parts5
Expected life span4
Price range5.5
Aesthetics & features5
According to James, GE Profile washers are prone to failure.

“Since GE Profile is a sub-brand of GE Appliances, I don’t recommend it either. These washers usually break down within a month”, he explained.

You can find other brands that are priced similarly and offer better cleaning performance. Plus, they can last longer.

Insignia

Unfortunately, James hasn’t worked with Insignia washers yet. This is why he didn’t rate them.

However, I found that Insignia is Best Buy’s exclusive brand, and most customers seem to have positive things to say about it.

Insignia washers typically come with a lower price point and do a great job leaving your clothes fresh and clean.

Keep in mind that when buying a new washing machine, you need to consider other factors, such as its type, capacity, price, and more.

Fisher & Paykel

Unfortunately, James couldn’t rate Fisher & Paykel washers because he hasn’t worked with them yet.

However, I find that industry experts and customers have mixed reviews. While some say the high price is worth it, others claim that other washer brands can deliver the same performance at a more reasonable price.

Remember, don’t rely solely on these comments. If you’re interested in Fisher & Paykel washers, consider your needs and preferences before making a purchase.

Are More Expensive Washers Better?

When comparing the best washer brands, it’s common to think that the most expensive models are better, especially if you don’t have enough information about them.

You see, studies show that when we are uncertain about a product, we can easily assume that the expensive option is of better quality.

I also talked to marketing experts, who told me that we can feel more enjoyment and pleasure when we buy an expensive product, even if it’s not better than a cheaper one, because they often create a sense of exclusivity and luxury.

Now that you know how our minds can sometimes trick us into thinking that an expensive product is better, try not to focus on the price alone when looking for a new washer.

To disprove the price myth with our data, I compared 103,000 customer ratings with the average price of washers:

Washer model vs customer ratings
A higher price doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better experience.

Try to focus on the blue line on the graph – it’s mostly straight, which means that people rated the cheaper washers (less than $1,000) just as highly as the most expensive ones.

In other words, you don’t always need to spend a hefty sum to enjoy a washer.

And remember, you need to keep in mind other factors when buying a washer. Price is not necessarily an indicator of quality.

The Brands With The Most Washer Models

When comparing washer brands, my usual advice is to consider that everyone has different needs and preferences.

For example, big families need a washer with a larger capacity and more features. This is why brands offer different models. In fact, LG and Samsung are the brands that offer the most washer models.

Washer Brands by number of Models on BestBuy
LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool are the brands that offer the most washer models.

But is the number of models an indicator of quality?

Not necessarily.

Although LG and Samsung are the best-rated brands according to customers and have the most models, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have better quality than those with fewer models.

It could simply be that since they offer a wider selection than other brands, people are more likely to find a washer that suits their specific needs.

Actually, if you notice, Electrolux is also one of the top-rated brands, and it only offers six models at Best Buy (36 models less than LG)!

LG and Samsung probably have more budget to invest in developing and marketing new models, which is why they offer more products.

So, while higher ratings and more models can be a good sign, they aren’t necessarily an indicator of quality.

In fact, marketing experts agree that sometimes offering too many models can be counterproductive for brands.

You see, it can be a great source of profit, but brands can overlook design flaws more easily, which makes it harder to maintain consistent quality across all models.

How To Find Your Perfect Washer

Now that you’ve read this washer brand comparison guide, you must consider that there are still other factors you need to keep in mind when shopping for a new washing machine.

I suggest measuring your laundry room to choose the right size and capacity. Efficiency, features, materials, wash programs, and price are also important factors to consider when deciding.

I know it can be overwhelming or challenging to think about all these factors. Luckily, our washer buyer’s guide can help you understand each of them in-depth.

So, make sure to check it out by clicking here to choose the perfect washer that meets your needs!

Washer Brand Comparison Summary

Now, let’s summarize everything we’ve discussed in this washer brand comparison guide!

Our expert and customer reviews agree that LG is the best washer brand. They like their long lifespan and high-quality components that ensure the best washing performance. They also seem to enjoy their features and design.

But, it’s important to note that although Samsung and GE are high-rated brands according to customer reviews, James doesn’t recommend them based on his experience. He explained that these washer brands have a lot of components that can easily break down.

So, it’s important to consider both perspectives before making a decision.

Don’t forget that you need to consider other things when shopping for a new washer, such as the size of your laundry room, features, capacity, and more.

Check out our washer buyer’s guide to learn more about these factors and make the right choice!

And remember, the brand with the highest price tag or the most models doesn’t always guarantee the best quality. Sometimes our mind can trick us into thinking otherwise.

The ultimate decision will depend on your lifestyle, needs, and preferences.

 

I've been helping homeowners with appliance repair since 2016. Starting out as an enthusiastic amateur, I've since worked with many Appliance, HVAC, and DIY experts over the last 7+ years. My mission is to help fix your appliances and prevent future issues - saving you stress, time, and money. Visit my author page to learn more! Read more
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