Finding the right washing machine for your home doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. From front-loaders to top-loaders, you are bound to find one that you’ll love. Keep reading to learn more about the types of washing machines and how to find the best option for you!

Types of Washing Machines
Washing Machine Capacity
Washing Machine Features

Types of Washing Machines

Washing machines can be grouped into three categories: front-load, top-load, washer/dryer combo, or portable. All four types have their own benefits that can make your laundry-doing experience seamless and efficient. Review each option below to determine which best meets your space layout and aesthetic preferences.

Front-Load Washer

Front-load washers have a door on the front, making them the perfect option for families with little ones that want to help. These washing machines are highly efficient, meaning they use less water during the washing cycle. Front-loaders do not have an agitator inside and instead wash your clothes by using a tumbling motion. The mild movement makes the wash cycle gentle on laundry and helps drain more water out of clothes, reducing drying time and energy used.

Tip!

Add wall shelves and storage baskets above your front-loaders to keep your detergent and accessories organized without having to worry about door interference.

Top-Load Washer

A top-load washer has a door that opens on the top, so you won’t have to bend down to grab garments and detergent frequently. Top-loaders wash clothes by using a twisting motion and an agitator in the center to help the laundry move. The cycle can be paused when opening the lid of a top-loader, making it the perfect option for someone who finds stray socks around the house or forgets to add detergent after starting a load of laundry. This is the go-to choice when buying a washer on a budget, since top-loaders are generally less expensive.

Tip!

Make buying a washing machine a breeze by checking out our guide: Front-Load Washer vs. Top-Loader Washer: How They Compare.

Washer & Dryer Sets

The best types of washing machines come with a compatible dryer! Opt for a washer-dryer set to instantly up your laundry game. Washer and dryer sets offer stacked machines as well as side-by-side options. Placing your washer and dryer next to each other gives off a uniform look and cuts down on the effort that it takes to move clothes from one machine to the other.

Portable Washer

Portable washers allow you to wash loads of laundry without the same space size or installation requirements that traditional washers need. When it comes to choosing the best portable washing machine for your home, you can choose between a singular washer model and a portable washer/dryer combo. Portable washing machines are perfect for homes that can’t accommodate a full-size washing machine or apartments with coin-operated machines. Portable washing machines are ideal for small laundry loads and households of one or two people. Adapters connect to the sink faucet, using it both as a water source to wash the clothes with detergent and an extraction site to drain out water. When not in use, portable washing machines can be wheeled to storage or kept out of sight.

Portable washing machines and dryer combos allow you to get laundry washed and dried ASAP. The included dryer makes it a great option for someone who doesn’t want to wait on their hanging clothes to dry. Like a portable washing machine, the combo set is great for small spaces and is light enough to be easily stored away when not in use.

Tip!

Portable washing machine and dryer sets aren’t just for staying at home. If you are planning an RV trip, a portable washing machine and dryer set is light enough to bring with you to ensure you have washed clothes the entire time. Just don't forget the detergent!

Washing Machine Capacity

Choosing the right capacity will ultimately allow you to select the best washing machine for your laundry needs. A cubic foot can be roughly compared to the size of an adult's full outfit. Review the below capacity options to determine the best option for your household.

2.5 cu. ft. or Less: This washer capacity works best in homes with one to three residents and can accommodate between 4-10 lbs. of laundry at a time. For reference, 2.5 cu. ft. capacity washer pairs well with dryers with up to 3.9 cu. ft. laundry capacity. It's important to have a larger dryer capacity compared to your washer because dryers need good airflow in order to dry clothes effectively. If your washer contents fill the entire dryer compartment, it will take longer to dry.

2.5–3.5 cu. ft. or More: Larger washer capacities are perfect for households with three to four or more people. They can accommodate up to 20 lbs. of laundry and pair well with dryers with around 6 cu. ft. laundry capacity.

Tip!

Still trying to decide which washing machine capacity fulfills your needs? Check out our guide on Washing Machine Sizes: How to Find the Right Size for Your Home.

Washing Machine Features

Now that you know your washing machine options, it's time to talk features! There are so many feature options available with washer models to help make your user experience better. Learn which features you can't live without, below.

High-Efficiency Washer (HE): High-efficiency washers increase the efficiency of the machine, ultimately cutting your water and energy costs. They offer more space, letting you wash more clothes in each load and do laundry less often. While they require more of an upfront investment, they can save you money later down the road. Due to the fact they use less water, HE detergent is necessary for washing your clothes.

Energy Star–Certified: Energy Star–certified appliances save on energy, detergent, and water costs and have been certified by the government to be at least 37% more efficient than a standard appliance.

Tip!

To save even more energy, detergent and water, opt for types of washing machines that are Energy Star–certified and high efficiency.

Cycle Time Remaining Display: You’ll never have to wonder how much time is left in the cycle. This washer's display shows how much time is remaining, letting you run errands or get things done without having to wonder.

Stackable: Stackable washers allow for smaller spaces to have both a washer and dryer without taking up too much space. Keep in mind that stackable washers tend to have a smaller laundry capacity, making them a great option for small households.

Steam Function: Appliances with a steam function put steam into the washer at different points throughout the cycle process. The steam helps to sterilize your clothes as well as remove any wrinkles.

Wi-Fi-Enabled: Your appliance will be able to connect to your home Wi-Fi system, letting you control your wash cycle through an application on your phone or tablet.

Tip!

Now that you know how to buy a washing machine, it’s time to think about laundry room storage. Read our guide 8 Essential Laundry Room Storage Ideas.

Get browsing for more laundry-worthy selections, now!