Not everyone has a large laundry area in their home. If that describes your situation, the Bosch WAT28402UC 800 was designed for you.

It's made to fit into smaller spaces, such as apartments, condos, or tight laundry areas...but this washer is no slouch. Just the opposite, in fact. The Bosch WAT28402UC 800 washer is a lean, mean washing machine that boasts performance beyond its size.

The 2.2-cubic foot capacity is still large enough for smaller households, and it does quite the job thanks to 15 wash cycles—especially the sanitize cycle, which kills most household bacteria.

Time is always on your side with the Bosch WAT28402UC 800. Its SpeedPerfect technology cuts wash times by up to 40 percent so you can spend less time doing laundry and more time doing things you actually enjoy. Though, with this machine, that might actually include laundry. In that case, have a blast!

Other beneficial features include the EcoSilence motor for incredibly quiet operation, and AquaStop Plus, which offers an extra layer of protection against potential water damage. With all of these features, and a compact design, the Bosch WAT28402UC 800 washer is the perfect pick for smaller spaces.

Key Features
  • 15 wash cycles
  • SpeedPerfect Technology
  • EcoSilence motor
  • Sanitize cycle
  • AquaStop Plus protection
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 23.5" x 24.2" x 33.2"
  • Capacity: 2.2 cubic feet
  • Manufacturer: Bosch
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Brand: Bosch
Pros
  • Sanitize cycle kills most bacteria
  • Quiet operation
  • Compact size perfect for smaller spaces
  • 15 wash cycles offer plenty of options
  • SpeedPerfect technology cuts load times by up to 40%
Cons
  • 2.2-cubic foot capacity may not be enough for some

Now THIS is a washing machine! The LG WM8100HVA washer boasts a huge 5.2-cubic foot capacity tub that allows you to stuff in a king-sized comforter...and more! The capacity alone should cut down your laundry days each week...but fortunately it works in tandem with TurboWash Technology, which cuts was time by up to 30 minutes. Less time in the laundry room? Yes, please.

So, how does it clean? Thanks to Steam Technology, the answer is really, really effectively. The steam deep-cleans whatever garments need washing while helping prevent wrinkles. Sounds like a win-win to me.

Every washer needs a sidekick, right? In this case, it would be the LG Sidekick washer, which fits underneath the main washer. It's perfect for small loads that need to get done ASAP...and it saves you from having to use the large washer for just a few items. It's an additional expense, but it's pretty cool. Or you could put the WM8100HVA on top of a pedestal (also extra) for more storage.

With 6Motion Technology that provides six different ways to move your clothing around during each load, plus 11 different was cycles, the sleek, front-loading LG WM8100HVA washer is a top choice for your laundry area.

Key Features
  • 5.2-cubic foot mega capacity
  • TurboWash Technology
  • Steam Technology
  • TrueBalance Anti-Vibration System
  • 6Motion Technology
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 29"W x 41-1/4"H x 33-3/4"D
  • Capacity: 5.2 cubic feet
  • Manufacturer: LG
  • Warranty: 1 year
Pros
  • 5.2-cubic foot capacity large enough to wash king-size comforter and full bedding set
  • TurboWash Technology cuts wash time by up to 30 minutes
  • Steam Technology cleans and prevents wrinkles
  • TWINWash-, Sidekick-, and pedestal-compatible
Cons
  • Poorly lit settings panel

Equipped with a large, 4.5-cubic foot capacity drum, the GE GFW450SPMDG front-load washer gets the job done effectively and easily.

Pre-programmed stain removal settings--and steam washing--take the guesswork out of laundry, with settings that take care of stains like blood, wine, dirt, coffee, tomato sauce, grass, coffee, and more. Plus, the powerful sanitize feature removes up to 99.9% of bacteria thanks to the internal water heater.

The tub spins at 1300 RPMs, whisking away enough moisture that the drying cycle will be significantly shorter. Best yet, if you can't make it to transfer clothing to the dryer, this model will periodically tumble the clothing for up to 8 hours, minimizing mildew.

Couple these features with the fact that it can do a full load of wash in as little as 37 minutes, and the GE GFW450SPMDG is a top performer that can handle anything you throw at–or in–it.

Key Features
  • Can clean a load of laundry in 37 minutes
  • Preprogrammed stain removal guide
  • Internal water heater gets water temperature hotter
  • Sanitize cycle removes 99.9 percent of bacteria
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 33.5" x 27" x 39.8"
  • Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet
  • Manufacturer: GE
  • Warranty: 1 year
Pros
  • Steam cleaning
  • Large 4.5-cubic foot capacity
  • Pre-programmed stain removal settings
  • Will periodically tumble clothes until you can transfer to dryer to prevent mildew
Cons
  • Can be noisy at times

If you're looking to lighten your laundry load, look no further than the Maytag MVWB865GW top-load washer to make life a bit easier.

Its 5.2-cubic foot capacity is enormous, able to handle huge loads like comforters, sheets, towels, and more. And it gets the job done quite well thanks to the PowerWash cycle and agitator. Plus, the sanitize cycle with Oxi rids your garments of practically all household bacteria for peace of mind.

If you're all about options, the Maytag MVWB865GW offers plenty. There's auto water level sensing that removes any guesswork, but there's also a Deep Fill option which adds more water to those extra-dirty clothes. Finally, a rapid wash cycle shortens the length of time to get your clothes clean, without sacrificing performance, thanks to a boost in temperature.

There's not a lot fancy about the Maytag MVWB865GW high-efficiency washer, but if you want a machine that can handle heavy loads and get them exceptionally clean, this is a great choice for you.

Key Features
  • PowerWash cycle
  • Deep Fill option
  • Auto-sensing water level
  • Sanitize cycle with Oxi
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 28" x 28" x 43"
  • Capacity: 5.2 cubic feet
  • Manufacturer: Maytag
  • Warranty: 10 years
Pros
  • Impressive load capacity can handle comforters and large loads of clothes
  • Agitator helps get clothes cleaner
  • Quiet operation
Cons
  • Tall design makes it difficult for shorter people to reach bottom of tub

Some washers are simple, no-frills. The LG WT7300CV is not one of those washers. No, this machine has bells and it has whistles—but they're not just fancy window dressing. These awesome features make the LG WT7300CV a very desirable washer.

This top-loader boasts a rather large 5.0-cubic foot capacity, plenty to cut a day or two out of your laundry week. So, it can handle large loads—but it handles them exceptionally well thanks to technologies like TurboWash 3D, which creates powerful water flow, and ColdWash Technology, which saves on hot water by giving your garments a cold-water wash with warm-water results. As with other LG machines, the motion of the tub agitates in six different ways, which means an effective cleaning process that's gentle on your clothes.

The LG WT7300CV is a beautiful machine...but it has brains, too. As in LG SmartThinq technology. This enables the washer to connect remotely via Wi-Fi to your Apple and Android devices and access the washer's key features. It's even voice control-compatible (Hello, Alexa! OK, Google...) to make laundry day even easier...and maybe even fun! This means you can program wash settings or get a notification when the cycle is done, even if you're not at home.

Key Features
  • TurboWash 3D
  • LG SmartThinq Technology
  • ColdWash Technology
  • 6Motion Technology
  • LG TrueBalance anti-vibration system
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 27"W x 28.38"D x 44.5"H
  • Capacity: 5.0 cubic feet
  • Manufacturer: LG
  • Warranty: 1 year
Pros
  • TurboWash 3D creates a powerful water flow
  • ColdWash™ Technology cold-water washing with warm-water results
  • 5.0-cubic foot capacity is large for top-load washer
  • LG SmartThinq technology compatible with Alexa, Wi-Fi, Google Assistant, Apple, Android devices
Cons
  • Many settings that may never be used

A beautiful-looking machine, the front-loading Samsung WF45R6100AC washer performs beautifully as well. With a 4.5-cubic foot capacity, this Samsung handles big loads with ease.

Steam technology thoroughly cleans everything, from clothing to bedding, while 10 preset cycles offer a setting for just about any type of garment. Not only does the Samsung WF45R6100AC thoroughly clean clothes, it also cleans itself! Self Clean+ technology keeps your washer drum nice and clean, so you're always tossing your laundry into a fresh drum. Speaking of the drum, its Swirl+ Drum interior pattern extracts more water more quickly so your clothes spend less time in the dryer.

One other cool feature is Smart Care, which allows you to easily troubleshoot any issues right from your phone. Plus, its closet-sized depth lets you to enclose this washer if you so choose.

Finally, this Samsung machine is not lacking in some of the tried-and-true features that you might expect, such as a child lock, anti-vibration technology, and EnergyStar certification.

Key Features
  • Steam cleaning
  • VRT Plus vibration-reduction technology
  • Smart Care app troubleshooting
  • Closet-depth fit
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 27"W x 31.375"D x 38.375"H
  • Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet
  • Manufacturer: Samsung
  • Warranty: 1 year
Pros
  • Steam technology provides thorough cleaning
  • Self Clean+ Technology keeps drum clean
  • 4.5-cubic foot capacity handles large loads
Cons
  • Spin cycle doesn't dry clothes as well as other models

Much like the Maytag brand itself, the MVWB765FW top-loading washer isn't fancy...it just works and gets the job done. If you're not searching for high-end bells and whistles, and you just want a machine that efficiently gets your clothes clean, the Maytag MVWB765FW washer is a solid choice.

It's designed more traditionally with a PowerWash agitator, which teams with the PowerWash cycle to get your laundry super-clean. Plus, the sanitize cycle with Oxi eliminates most household bacteria, which is great for bedding, households with babies, and extra-dirty clothing.

If water level is a concern for you, the Maytag MVWB765FW offers both auto level sensing as well as a Deep Fill setting that adds more water to the load.

If you're shopping for a top-loading washer that provides plenty of wash options, an agitator, and reliable performance, this is the model for you. And a 10-year limited warranty on parts assures you that this washing machine will be performing well for years to come.

Key Features
  • PowerWash cycle
  • PowerWash agitator
  • Deep Fill option
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 27" x 28" x 42"
  • Capacity: 4.7 cubic feet
  • Manufacturer: Maytag
  • Warranty: 10 years
Pros
  • Sanitize cycle with Oxi eliminates most bacteria
  • Auto sensing option adjusts water level for each load
  • PowerWash cycle and agitator
Cons
  • Items sometimes get caught under agitator

A no-frills workhorse of a machine, the top-loading Whirlpool WTW4855HW washer does just what it's designed to do—get your clothes clean, quickly and effectively.

Its 3.8-cubic foot capacity isn't the largest out there, but it's enough room to get some larger loads done. The Whirlpool WTW4855HW offers 12 wash cycles, including a colors cycle that treats colored fabrics with cold water, and a whites cycle that cleans thoroughly yet gently. There's also a quick wash cycle that cleans a load in about 30 minutes and also spin dries more water out so the clothes spend less time in the dryer.

The Whirlpool WTW4855HW also lets you set your desired water level, while the two-way wash agitator gives your clothes a deeper clean. And isn't that what you really want out of a washer? Solid features and a great clean. That's what the Whirlpool WTW4855HW delivers.

Key Features
  • Two-way wash action agitator
  • Water level selection
  • Spiral stainless steel wash basket
  • Wide variety of wash cycles
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 27.5"W x 27"D x 44"W
  • Capacity: 3.8 cubic feet
  • Manufacturer: Whirlpool
  • Warranty: 1 year
Pros
  • Water level selection lets you choose how much water to add to load
  • Agitator helps clothes get cleaner
  • Smooth spiral stainless steel wash basket helps protect fabrics from snagging
  • Quick wash, colors, whites cycles
Cons
  • Somewhat noisy operation
  • Water levels seem low

This is one large top-loading washer! The LG WT7600HKA boasts an impressive 5.2-cubic foot capacity, large enough to fit king-sized bedding and plenty more. Whatever the load size, the machine is designed to use six different motions to get the garments inside maximum clean, while still being gentle to minimize wear and tear.

This washer uses 14 wash cycles to get just about any type of garment clean, including Steam Technology, which cleans while preventing annoying wrinkles. Allergy sufferers will appreciate the Allergiene setting, which steams out pet dander, dust mites, and other household allergens. 

If your laundry area is on the same floor as your living space, you'll love LG's LoDecibel quiet operation as well as the TrueBalance Plus anti-vibration system, which muffles noise even further.

If you're a fan of top-load washers, you won't find one much better than the LG WT7600HKA high-efficiency machine.

Key Features
  • 5.2-cubic foot super capacity
  • Steam technology
  • 14 wash cycles
  • LG LoDecibel operation
  • Top-loading design
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 27" x 28.4" x 44.5"
  • Capacity: 5.2 cubic feet
  • Manufacturer: LG
  • Warranty: 1 year
Pros
  • Top-loading style for easy loading
  • 5.2-cubic foot capacity large enough for king-size comforter and full bedding set
  • Steam technology cleans while preventing wrinkles
  • Quiet operation
Cons
  • Water level too low on some cycles

Front-load. Top-load. Agitator. High-efficiency. Cycles and water levels and capacity...AAAAAHHH! If you've become all-too-familiar with these terms, that means you're probably in the market for a washing machine. If not, you'll learn about them here as we share what we think are the best washers.

How do you prefer to load? Some like top-loading washing machines because it's easy to just dump and run. Others like front-loading washers because they tend to be sleeker-looking than their top-door counterparts. There's no right or wrong way here—it all comes down to preference and the space you have. If a door swinging open is going to make things tighter, a top-load washer is the way to go. Then again, if your laundry area is compact, a front-loading washing machine is a great idea because most can be stacked on top of a dryer (or vice versa)...which the top-loading models obviously can't do, for pretty practical reasons.

Most washing machines out there today are considered high-efficiency (HE) machines. HE washers use less water, less energy, and less detergent than older machines. It's important to follow washing instructions if you get a high-efficiency washer—for example, make sure you're using detergent made especially for HE washers. But high-efficiency washers tend to clean clothes more effectively (though wash cycles tend to be longer) and dry clothes more on spin cycle, meaning less drying time.

To agitate or not to agitate? That's a valid question. Many believe agitators in the middle of the washer beat the clothes into a cleaner state, and there's some truth to that. But there's also some truth to the fact that agitators beat the clothes into a more worn state. Washing machines with agitators also generally require more energy to move the blades, though there are several models of high-efficiency washers with agitators. Models without agitators are usually roomier, able to fit a larger load or larger items (think comforters, bedspreads, etc.) in the tub. High-efficiency washing machines without agitators toss and tumble clothes to clean them and use less water and energy than agitator washers. But you need to make sure clothes are loaded in a specific way to get them as clean as possible.

How much laundry do you do in a week? If you find yourself in the laundry room every...single...day, then it might make sense to go for a large-capacity washer. Picking a washing machine with 4.5 cubic feet or greater capacity means—you guessed it—fewer loads every week! If you live in an apartment, a condo, or a home with minimal space for laundry, a more compact model is obviously a smarter choice--and there are some great washers out there with smaller load capacities, and even portable versions that can be hooked up to the kitchen sink!

Yes, we've given you a load (get it? load?) of information, but it's all important when it comes to making an investment in a washing machine. Do some research—starting right here!—and you'll find the washer that's right for you.

Resources— Good HousekeepingDigital TrendsCNET

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